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As a new school year begins, parents can help to slow the spread of seasonal illnesses and avoid unnecessary absences. This article covers the role of healthy hygiene habits, vaccination, spotting the symptoms of common illnesses, and how to make informed decisions on whether a sick student is well enough to attend school or college.

When one thinks of the most wide-reaching, deadly health issues facing the world today, cancer has to be right up there at the top of the list.

The wide range of diseases encompassed by the disease affect people of all walks of life in all corners of the globe.

In the United States alone, recent figures show there were an estimated 1.9 million new diagnosed cases of cancer in 2022 along with 609,360 cancer deaths.

Zooming out for a more global perspective, cancer stands as the second most common cause of death worldwide, accounting for almost 10 million deaths in 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. That was nearly one in every six deaths.

The World Cancer Research Fund International states that there were 18 million cancer cases globally in 2020. About 9.5 million were reported in men while 8.5 million were seen in women.

Given these statistics, where are we today in the push to develop new treatments?

The research now out there is offering us a more comprehensive understanding of how cancers are affecting millions of people around the world.

Healthline spoke with some experts to contextualize the big breakthroughs in oncology research and treatment over the past year as well as predictions of what we should be looking in the year ahead.

How mRNA technology is helping reduce cancer deaths

Experts say that mRNA technology has yielded exciting results

Throughout this year, news was made regarding various clinical trials for potential cancer therapies that were developed by way of mRNA technology, which was used to develop the COVID-19 vaccines.

MRNA refers to a kind of nucleic acid, which essentially communicates ways the body can produce needed proteins. When mRNA is injected into the body via a vaccine, for instance, it communicates with the body’s cells to trigger an immune response to the kinds of abnormal proteins created by a cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.

A range of trials are testing whether the success seen with COVID-19 can work with cancers.

A team from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been developing an mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer.

In this small study, customized vaccines were engineered successfully for 18 of the 19 participants.

Throughout the study, 16 remained at a healthy threshold to receive some of the vaccine doses and half of them saw the vaccine trigger T cells needed to target their pancreatic cancer.

The results were encouraging, but a mixed bag — after a year-and-a-half post-treatment period, those who had a strong T cell response did not show signs of the cancer returning. The other half who didn’t respond to the vaccines with T cell activation saw their cancer return within an average of one year, reports NIH Research Matters.

Dr. Janice Mehnert, a melanoma expert and medical director of NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center’s Clinical Trials Office in New York, told Healthline that the Moderna mRNA vaccine program is currently “a super exciting space to watch.”

The drug manufacturer has been engaging in promising mRNA vaccine clinical trials in non-small cell lung cancer, for which it’s partnering with Merck on a phase III trial, as well as two vaccine trials for melanoma.

In July, the companies announced a phase III trial of a combination therapy that consists of mRNA-4157 plus pembrolizumab, brand name Keytruda, for people who are at high risk and who’ve received surgery. The goal is to enroll 1,089 people at melanoma stages IIb to IV, with final trial results expected in 2029.

Earlier in the year, the two companies reported results from a phase 2b trial of mRNA-4157 and pembrolizumab in a 157-participant trial. It revealed a 44% decrease in risk of post-surgical melanoma recurrence or death, compared to the risk with pembrolizumab used on its own. This combination therapy has earned breakthrough designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Mehnert said that these developments combine “two of the most exciting breakthroughs in medicine — mRNA vaccine technology and immunotherapy in a personalized tumor informed approach.”

Advancements in antibody drug conjugates to treat cancer

There was also news about antibody drug conjugates (ADCs)

“Antibody drug conjugates are a major space to watch with huge breakthroughs in breast and bladder cancer as well as lung and stomach cancer,” Mehnert said.

What are they?

Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are basically a way to directly target cancer cells without causing the toxic damage of chemotherapy. They consist of monoclonal antibodies attached to the drug itself by way of a linking chemical that can directly hit the cancer cells in question.

The journal Frontiers in Immunology reports that ADCs have proven successful in preclinical and clinical trials, and some have even been approved by the FDA to treat some types of cancer. It’s a growing field and 2023 saw it continue to be high on everyone’s radars.

A better understanding of how cancer evolves

Given how the disease presents itself so differently between individuals and the many forms it takes, cancer is one of the more complex health issues that frustrates clinicians and patients alike.

Samuel Godfrey, PhD, a research information lead at Cancer Research UK, said that is changing partially due to the work of TRACERx, a project that aims to deliver “the most detailed understanding of cancer evolution ever.”

“We learned how cancer’s capacity for rapid change is inexhaustible, which helps explain why this disease is such a challenge to beat. TRACERx has showed that it is actually possible to spot patterns and predict cancer’s behavior, even among such high levels of complexity. Realistically we could one day predict how a cancer progresses and perhaps even intervene before it becomes a problem,” Godfrey told Healthline.

The rise of bispecific T cell engagers

Mehnert added that the advent of novel bispecific T cell engagers marks another big 2023 cancer development.

These are artificial antibodies that essentially aim a person’s T cells to their intended cancer cell target.

“They can redirect the entire repertoire of T cells against tumor, independent of T-cell receptor specificity,” according to the BMJ Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer.

Strides in cancer survival

Godfrey also pointed to clinical trials such FOxTROT from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom and INTERLACE out of University College London as showing great promise in “markedly improved cancer survival.”

“What I find exciting about these trials is that the breakthroughs weren’t about new, expensive medicines but rather using well-established, cheaper drugs,” he said. “In short, with treatment, it might be all about timing.”

Looking ahead in cancer research

Many of the advancements and breakthroughs these experts cited are currently in trials, some of them might be years away from making a direct, concrete impact in cancer care.

Some of them are already changing the game.

It’s a wide range, just in the same way cancers themselves affect people around the globe in such broad and varied ways.

When asked what he sees on the horizon, Godfrey said that now is a time of “much optimism and excitement in the science community.”

“As we look forward to 2024, I am particularly excited about seeing many small but vital steps toward better prevention, diagnosis and treatment,” he added. “I think there will be further innovation in the use of our own immune systems to tackle cancer. We’ll see more improvements to technology that can detect the earliest signs of cancer. And AI [artificial intelligence] will continue to allow our scientists to do more, taking on some of the toughest cancer challenges such as predicting who is most at risk of the disease.”

“There is still a long way to go, but it is very inspiring to see how we are steadily moving toward a future where cancer won’t be a major problem,” Godfrey said.

If you don’t pop a pimple, the pus inside the pimple does…

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• Standard testing at your primary care doctor can evaluate your heart health.
• With screening and lifestyle changes, it’s possible to improve your heart health.
• Experts share top preventive heart screenings to prioritize in 2024.

As 2024 approaches and you think about goals related to wellness, it’s a good time to prioritize your heart health.

Screenings are the best way to evaluate your heart, said Dr. Christopher Tanayan, sports cardiologist at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital.

“Particularly for those who are [over] 35 years old and have strong family history of heart disease,” he told Healthline.

However, heart screening may be different for different subgroups of the population.

“For instance, heart screening of competitive athletes may involve tests like an ECG and echo with a different set of criteria whereas someone who is generally healthy getting into their midlife years may just need bloodwork,” said Tanayan.

7 preventative heart screenings to get in 2024

Not sure which screenings make the most sense for you? Experts break down the top seven.

Medical history

Your primary care doctor, internist or general practitioner will gather a medical history, which includes your family history of medical conditions and your lifestyle practices, such as diet, exercise, and substance use.

“This is probably the most basic but most cost-effective screening tool we have because it’s (a) cheap (b) easy to perform (c) non-invasive, no blood draws and (d) provides so much insight to clinicians on what’s the next best step,” said Tanayan.

For instance, if you smoke, Dr. Roger Blumenthal, spokesperson for the AHA and director of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, said your doctor will prioritize guidance on helping you quit.

“We try to use nicotine replacement therapy like patches or gum or medications like bupropion and varenicline. Also, behavior modification plays a key role,” he said.

Body weight and BMI

By measuring your waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), your doctor can gauge if you have overweight or obesity, which increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and more.

“BMI [is a] non-invasive measurement during an office visit,” said Tanayan. “Losing weight significantly impacts blood pressure control, sleep apnea, insulin resistance, ability to exercise.”

Blood pressure reading

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Because high blood pressure often doesn’t have any symptoms, many people don’t know they have it until they are monitored for it.

The American Heart Association (AHA) states that people whose blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg, should get it checked at least once every two years, starting at age 20. Those who have blood pressure higher than that should talk to their doctor about having it checked more often. Your doctor can check your blood pressure or you can check it at home.

Lifestyle changes and medication can help control blood pressure.

Fasting lipoprotein profile

This blood test is taken to measure total cholesterol, which includes LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol.

“Everybody should have their cholesterols checked at least once a year after a certain age. Normal LDL or bad cholesterol would be less than 100 and the same with triglycerides, which are the blood fats,” said Blumenthal.

The test is also important for detecting genetic abnormalities in cholesterol metabolism and the results provide target threshold numbers for treatment, said Tanayan. Lifestyle changes and medication are used to treat high cholesterol.

This test is taken every four to six years, starting at age 20 or more often for people at an increased risk for heart disease or stroke.

Blood glucose test

High blood sugar levels increase your risk of developing insulin resistance, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, which can all lead to heart disease and stroke, if they are not treated. Specifically, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the functioning of your heart.

One way to screen for type 2 diabetes is by measuring hemoglobin A1c levels (A1c %) in your blood. Diabetes is determined with an A1c level of 6.5% or higher.

Risk scores

Blumenthal said the AHA just released a new risk calculator called PREVENT that estimates the 10- and 30-year risk of total cardiovascular disease for people aged 30 years and older. The calculator estimates the risk of heart attack, stroke and, for the first time, heart failure. In the past, physicians would calculate risk for heart attack and stroke only.

“Congestive heart failure is many times more common than the risk of a heart attack or stroke,” said Blumenthal.

The AHA states that the calculator was created based on health information from more than 6 million adults, including people from diverse racial and ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds.

Coronary artery calcium scan

For some people who are at least 35 years old and have at least two risk factors for heart disease, their doctor might recommend a coronary artery calcium (CAC) test, which determines how much plaque is in your heart arteries. This involves a CT scan of the heart that takes images of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. The test helps a doctor determine a person’s risk of heart disease.

“[It’s] really for people who are on the fence about whether or not to add a medication, generally for cholesterol but sometimes for blood pressure control,” said Blumenthal.

The test is appropriate for the following people, according to the AHA.

• Those who are hesitant to go on statin therapy and want to have a clearer understanding of their risk and potential benefit from medication.
• People who stopped statin therapy due to side effects but are considering taking them again.
• Men ages 55 to 80 or women 60 to 80 who don’t have many risks and want to know if statin therapy will be beneficial.
• People ages 40 to 55 with an estimated 10-year risk for developing heart disease between 5% and 7.5%, and risk factors that increase their chances of heart disease.

Improve your heart health with the AHA’s Life’s Essential 8

To keep your heart healthy, the AHA recommends the following eight health behaviors and factors, which are the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health.

Having good cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems, said Blumenthal.

1. Eat better by adding in whole foods, fruits and vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and cooking with olive oil.
2. Move more by getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
3. Quit nicotine in all forms.
4. Get more quality sleep, which can help improve your eating habits, mood, memory, internal organs and more.
5. Manage weight by eating better and exercising more.
6. Maintain healthy cholesterol levels, to lower your chance of getting heart disease or having a stroke.
7. Manage blood sugar to keep from developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
8. Manage blood pressure with lifestyle changes or medications prescribed by your doctor.

• Experts share top preventative cancer screenings to prioritize in 2024.
• Cancer screenings can help detect cancer earlier.
• Your primary care doctor can help determine which screening is best for you based on your age and risk level.

The new year often brings about new health goals, and one goal everyone should consider adding to their list is scheduling screenings for cancer.

“The advantage of regular cancer screening is that cancers that are small and without any symptoms can be found early, when treatment is more successful,” Robert Smith, PhD, senior vice president of cancer screening for the American Cancer Society, told Healthline. “Cancer screening works best when it is done regularly according to the guidelines.”

He said to think of cancer screening as part of your preventive health plan, meaning you should always be current for the cancer screening that is recommended for your gender and age group.

As the medical field continues to understand the importance of screening in regards to improving health, impacting survival, and reducing the number of people who develop late-stage cancer, it will be able to help more people obtain screening earlier, which may impact curative potential of many diseases, said Dr. Ajaz M. Khan chair in the department of medical oncology at City of Hope Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix.

As certain cancers like breast, colon and lung continue to increase, screening becomes more and more critical, he added.

“More importantly, they establish criteria and guidelines that can help determine patients that are at higher risk based upon their age, gender, family, and social history. Early detection of cancers may also help improve survival and offer curative options for treatment,” Khan told Healthline.

The top five cancer screenings to consider in 2024

Health experts say that the top five cancer screenings that should be on your radar in the new year include the following:

Mammogram

A mammogram takes an X-ray picture of the breast, so doctors can analyze the breast for early signs of breast cancer. Getting regular mammograms allows doctors to compare changes in breasts over time, and allows them to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before the cancer can be felt.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends the following guidelines for women at average risk for breast cancer, meaning they don’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene), and have not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30.

• Women 40 to 44 can start getting annual mammograms.
• Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
• Women 55 and older can get annual mammograms or choose to get them every other year if they are in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.

“[In] patients with higher risk, which is dependent upon familial or individual risk, screening may also include [ultrasound and] MRI evaluations,” said Khan.

Cervical cancer screening

The following two tests can help detect cervical cancer early or prevent it. Your doctor can do both tests in the office by collecting cells and mucus from the cervix and the area around it. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing.

• HPV test, which detects the human papillomavirus that can cause cell changes on the cervix. If HPV does not clear on its own, it can cause genital warts and cancer.
• Pap smear looks for cell changes on the cervix that could turn into cervical cancer if left untreated.

“Cervical cancer screening usually begins after the age of 18 and women can obtain a Pap smear evaluation along with testing for HPV DNA in order to assess for higher risk of development of cervical cancer,” said Khan.

Depending on your age, your doctor will determine how often you need these tests.

Colorectal screenings

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that both men and women age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Those older than 75 and those at increased risk for colorectal cancer should talk to their doctor regarding screening.

While there are several screening tests that can detect polyps or colorectal cancer, such as flexible sigmoidoscopy and stool tests, colonoscopy is often used for preventive screening.

During a colonoscopy, a doctor checks the rectum and colon for polyps or cancer by using a flexible, lighted tube. If polyps and cancer are found, the doctor can sometimes remove them during the procedure.

If everything looks normal, your doctor will recommend getting another colonoscopy in 10 years, “but the interval of screening will be dependent upon both individual and familial risk,” said Khan.

Prostate cancer screening

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test detects PSA, which is a protein made by cells in the prostate gland (both normal cells and cancer cells).

The higher the PSA levels, the higher the chance of having prostate cancer. Doctors vary on when they believe a man needs further testing with some using a PSA cutoff point of 4 ng/mL or higher and others recommending more testing when levels are 2.5 or 3, according to the ACS.

Doctors should talk to men about prostate screening at the following ages, according to guidelines from the ACS:

• 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.
• 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer, such as African American men and men who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65.
• 40 for men with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age.

Lung cancer screening

The USPSTF recommends that people who match the below criteria get lung cancer screening once a year:

• Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history (for example, one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years), and
• Currently smoke or are a former smoker who quit within the past 15 years, and
• Are between 50 and 80 years old

A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan is the only recommended screening test for lung cancer. The scan is done quickly and involves an X-ray machine taking images of your lungs.

How can I find screening options?

Typically, your primary care or family doctor will refer you for screening.

“Mammography for breast cancer screening, and low-dose CT for lung cancer screening are performed in an imaging center; colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting, or stool testing is performed at home, and PSA testing can be done in the clinic,” said Smith.

If you’re interested in learning more about screening, reach out to the ACS to understand options for cancer screening and timing of screening, and to find providers who may be offering screening in your area.

In this blog post, we will address some of the most common questions we’ve had from the public about the UKHSA data dashboard and how we will continue to develop it.

In this blog post, we take a look at the current status of vector-borne diseases in the UK, as well as the vital work being carried out by our specialist entomology team to assess, understand and address the health threats that mosquitoes and ticks pose.