https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/755 2026-06-17T09:11:17Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146551 Title: Smartphones and social media are harming youth health : a comprehensive public health response is overdue Authors: Gannon, John; Kosola, Silja; Boode, Karin; Calleja-Agius, Jean; Elias, Cecilia; Saxena, Sonia Abstract: The impact of smartphones and social media on child and adolescent health is profound, with evidence increasingly highlighting negative outcomes such as impaired cognitive and social development, mental health issues, and addiction. Excessive screen time and problematic social media use are linked to poor academic performance, disrupted sleep, depression, anxiety, and exposure to harmful content such as misinformation and cyberbullying. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to the developmental imbalance between heightened reward-seeking and still-maturing impulse control in their brains. Addressing these risks requires a comprehensive public health approach involving four key domains: education, support services, user-focused legislation, and corporate regulation. Educational initiatives should promote digital literacy and online safety while campaigns can encourage behaviour change among children, parents, and educators. Support services for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues are crucial. User-focused legislation is needed to reduce screen time and restrict social media access for minors, including the use of age verification tools. Regulatory measures targeting tech companies, such as the EU Digital Services Act, are necessary to hold corporations accountable for their role in public health harms. To protect children’s well-being, a multifaceted strategy that combines education, supports, legal action, and corporate regulation is essential in mitigating the negative effects of technology use. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146548 Title: Fertility preservation in rare and uncommon gynaecological cancers Authors: Khattak, Hajra; Hussey, Thomas; Wattar, Bassel; Calleja-Agius, Jean Abstract: Fertility preservation has become an essential component of comprehensive cancer care for young women, reflecting a growing recognition that survival must be accompanied by quality of life and the possibility of future parenthood. While fertility-sparing strategies are well established for certain common gynaecological cancers, their application in rare and uncommon malignancies remains complex. These tumours include rare histological subtypes of ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal and vulval cancers. They are often characterised by aggressive biology, diagnostic uncertainty and a limited evidence base, which creates unique challenges in balancing oncological safety with reproductive potential. This chapter provides an in-depth review of current fertility preservation approaches in this context, including conservative surgical techniques, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, ovarian transposition, embryo and oocyte cryopreservation, in vitro maturation, and selected medical strategies. Tumour-specific considerations for germ cell tumours, sex-cord stromal tumours, uterine sarcomas, neuroendocrine carcinomas, and paediatric and adolescent presentations are discussed. Emerging and experimental avenues such as artificial ovaries, uterus transplantation, and in vitro gametogenesis are examined for their potential to expand reproductive options in the future. Central to effective care is a multidisciplinary, individualised approach that incorporates gynaecologic oncology, reproductive medicine, pathology, radiology, nursing, and psychological support, underpinned by clear communication and informed consent. Embedding fertility considerations early in the cancer care pathway enables clinicians to align oncological management with patients’ reproductive goals, ensuring a more holistic approach to treatment. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146522 Title: Rare gynaecological cancers matter Authors: Calleja-Agius, Jean; Reed, Nicholas Abstract: The second edition of the textbook ‘Rare and Uncommon Gynaecological Cancers’ is a result of the COST Action GYNOCARE (CA18117), which was a 4-year project (2019–2023) funded by the European Cooperation in Science & Technology program (EU COST). GYNOCARE is the European network for Gynaecological Rare Cancer research: From Concept to Cure. The aim of this book is to review most of the relatively uncommon and rare gynaecological cancers and provide guidance on how best to manage these patients by multidisciplinary teams. The introductory chapters cover broad topics such as epidemiology, histopathology, molecular profiling, and imaging. Subsequently, there are specific sections for tumours of the ovary, of the uterus, and of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, followed by chapters on paediatric gynaecological tumours and fertility preservation, as well as trophoblastic tumours. This book is a handy reference for trainers and trainees. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146521 Title: Rare and uncommon gynaecological cancers : a clinical guide Authors: Reed, Nicholas; Green, John Alan; Gershenson, David M.; Siddiqui, Nadeem; Calleja-Agius, Jean; Herrington, C. Simon Abstract: This book in its second edition is intended as a comprehensive yet easy-to-use guide that will provide the busy clinician with up-to-date information on the diagnosis and treatment of uncommon and rare gynecological cancers. After opening chapters on epidemiology, pathology, and diagnostic imaging, the full range of infrequently encountered gynecological cancers (ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal, and vulval) is presented and discussed with the aid of high-quality illustrations. In each case, detailed attention is paid to both differential diagnosis and current treatment options. The closing chapter is devoted to biobanking as well as patient engagement. The book has been written and updated by an international panel of experts and it will benefit all healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating uncommon and rare gynecological cancers. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z