Health

Each year, colorectal cancer claims the lives of approximately 53,000 Americans. Medical professionals recommend that screening begin at age 45, but a significant number of eligible individuals defer or avoid the procedure altogether, often due to the invasive nature of colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are widely known for their effectiveness, detecting cancer in 95% of cases. However, they can be quite cumbersome and inconvenient, dissuading many from completing this essential health check. Fortunately, less invasive screening methods that involve the analysis of fecal samples are available. While these alternatives may not match the accuracy of colonoscopies, they provide a viable option for…

Rwanda is currently battling an epidemic of Marburg virus disease, a rare but serious hemorrhagic fever. Since the end of September, 36 cases and 11 deaths have been reported. Although caused by different viruses, Marburg shares similarities with Ebola in transmission, symptoms and progression. The virus is initially transmitted from fruit bats to humans. Previous outbreaks have occurred in Africa, but not in Rwanda. A medical student in Germany who had contact with an infected patient in Rwanda has shown symptoms. Tests confirmed negative for Marburg, reassuring the public that there is no current risk. First identified in 1967, Marburg…

In a distressing turn of events, Dr. Anna Nusslock, a 36-year-old chiropractor from Eureka, California, was faced with a critical medical situation that brought unexpected legal and ethical challenges to the forefront. In February, Dr Nusslock, who was pregnant with twins, suffered a premature rupture of membranes at 15 weeks' gestation. Medical assessments indicated that the survival of her twins was highly unlikely and that continuing the pregnancy posed serious risks to her health, including potential infections and significant blood loss. Despite the urgent medical recommendation for an abortion given the non-viability of the fetuses and the health risks involved,…

Despite previous assurances, former President Donald J. Trump continues to hide his medical records from the public. This continued secrecy raises concerns especially as he runs for office again, potentially becoming the oldest president in history by the end of his term. His refusal to share even the most basic health information remains a point of contention. During his 2015 presidential campaign, Trump was reluctant to share his medical history, opting instead to release a brief statement from his doctor saying he would be "the healthiest individual ever elected president." His health again became the subject of intense speculation in…

Recent research highlights a worrying trend: breast cancer is being diagnosed more frequently in women under 50. A detailed study by the American Cancer Society, released last Tuesday, showed a steady 1% annual increase in breast cancer rates from 2012 to 2021, with a notably steeper increase among younger women, particularly those twenty-year-olds. The study, part of a two-year analysis of the state of breast cancer across the nation, also highlighted significant increases among Asian American and Pacific Islander women. Although the overall risk remains relatively low, the rate of breast cancer in women in their twenties has increased by…

A pharmaceutical company's attempt to win approval for a new Alzheimer's treatment, simufilam, continues amid a flurry of controversy and regulatory challenges. Recent investigations have cast doubt on the basic studies supporting simufilam. These concerns increased when scientific journals retracted several studies and key figures at Cassava Sciences, the drug's sponsor, resigned. Despite these setbacks, in September the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accused Cassava Sciences of disseminating misleading data about their clinical trials. However, the company settled these charges by paying $40 million, without admitting any guilt. Interestingly, simufilam is still undergoing Phase 3 trials, involving more than 1,900…

In the unexpected event of the owner's death, the fate of his beloved pets often becomes uncertain. This concern prompted Tracy Jennings, a landscaper in Buffalo, Minnesota, to take proactive steps to ensure her pets were well cared for in her absence. After witnessing the distressing outcome of her friend's animals who were hastily rehomed and subsequently euthanized, Jennings decided to set up a legally binding animal trust. A pet trust fund is not simply a thoughtful gesture; This is a solid agreement that designates a caretaker for pets and allocates funds to manage their expenses, such as veterinary care,…

Health systems are increasingly uploading therapists' progress reports to online patient portals, prompting unexpected reactions from some patients. This step towards digital transparency is intended to foster better patient engagement in their mental health care by providing them with direct access to session notes. However, the initiative has also raised concerns about privacy and the emotional impact on patients who may not be prepared to see detailed and sometimes critical assessments of their psychological profiles. For example, Jeffrey, a 76-year-old patient, shared his disturbing experience of finding his treatment notes online, which included deeply personal details and assessments of his…

In an effort to mitigate potential backlash in the upcoming presidential election, the Biden administration announced a significant reduction in Medicare drug premiums for 2025, achieved by allocating billions in subsidies to insurers. This strategic decision aims to prevent increased costs for older Americans, who represent a crucial voter base. The administration used funds from the Medicare fund to subsidize insurance companies, preventing what could have been a sharp increase in premiums due to the $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses introduced by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. Without this government intervention, older individuals could have faced an annual increase…

Recent concerns have prompted an official call for an investigation into potential conflicts of interest involving a top FDA medical device official, Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, and his wife's legal activities. Dr. Shuren, who will retire from the Food and Drug Administration later this year, has faced scrutiny over his professional actions, which may have coincided with his wife Allison's legal representation of medical device companies Shuren. Christina Jewett reports that Representatives Anna Eshoo of California and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut have officially called on the inspector general to look into these potential ethical conflicts. Both lawmakers, influential members of the…