Chemotherapy is a widely used cancer treatment involving powerful medications that target and destroy cancer cells. However, these drugs can also affect healthy cells, leading to various side effects. According to the American Cancer Society, common side effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, hair loss, infection, easy bruising or bleeding, anaemia, mood changes, and cognitive difficulties often referred to as 'chemo brain.'

The relationship between chemotherapy and dementia remains a subject of debate among researchers. Conflicting studies present differing perspectives on the potential link. For instance, a 2017 study examined the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in female breast cancer survivors. The researchers noted that those who underwent chemotherapy might be at an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, particularly if they experienced changes in specific brain structures. However, they also observed that women who did not receive chemotherapy also had a higher risk, suggesting that structural changes in the brain might contribute to Alzheimer’s rather than the cancer treatment itself.

Conversely, a 2021 study involving 135,834 individuals aged 65 and older with colorectal cancer indicated that chemotherapy might actually reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Further complicating the narrative, a 2022 longitudinal study found no definitive evidence linking chemotherapy to an increased risk of dementia. These varying outcomes underscore the need for more comprehensive research to better understand the connection between chemotherapy and cognitive decline.

While there is no cure for dementia, several treatment strategies can help manage its symptoms. Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists are commonly prescribed to slow cognitive decline. Additionally, drugs to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and depression can also be beneficial. Non-pharmaceutical approaches, such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and staying socially active, may also help mitigate symptoms and improve overall brain health.

Cheotherapy Also Causes Other Neurological Conditions

Beyond the potential link to dementia, chemotherapy can cause other neurological effects. 'Chemo brain,' characterised by memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and trouble multitasking, is one of the most reported cognitive side effects. While these symptoms are typically temporary, they can persist in some individuals. Furthermore, chemotherapy can lead to neurotoxicity, which may result in limb weakness, numbness, headaches, and cognitive or behavioural issues.

Given the conflicting evidence on chemotherapy’s long-term effects on the brain, further studies are essential to establish a clearer understanding of the risks. In the meantime, patients undergoing chemotherapy should discuss any cognitive concerns with their healthcare providers and explore ways to manage potential side effects effectively.

The United Kingdom is witnessing an alarming surge in norovirus infections that has led the National Health Service (NHS) to take extreme action. With multiple wards at Bedford Hospital in the Highlands shutting their doors to new admissions and restricting visitors, the outbreak has rapidly grown into a public health issue that has echoed far beyond British shores. Health officials and epidemiologists are cautioning that this could be just the start of a second wave of infections—fueled by changing viral strains and a lack of population immunity.

As health systems around the world continue to struggle with pandemic fatigue and systemic strain, the norovirus comeback provides a timely reminder: hygiene, surveillance, and public awareness are still pillars of infectious disease prevention.

The Bedford Hospital outbreak is not unique. As reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), norovirus cases have increased dramatically since February, hitting record levels since the agency started collecting comparative data in 2014. NHS England said hospitalizations for the virus have jumped to an average of 1,134 patients per day—nearly twice as many as the same time last year.

The GII.17 strain, which was the predominant genotype for the first half of the winter, comprised 59% of cases reported. Its prevalence fell from 76% in November, however, and was replaced by the GII.4 strain, which increased from 10% to 29% over the past three months. The shift in strains may imply that people who were infected with one strain remain susceptible to another, making containment and immunity difficult.

What Is Norovirus?

Traditionally referred to as the "winter vomiting bug," norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It infects others quickly through food, water, surfaces, and contact with other people. Typical symptoms include sudden nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cramping of the abdomen, and sometimes low-grade fever, aches, and headaches.

Unlike influenza, norovirus does not yield to antiviral drugs. It typically lasts for 1–3 days, but the illness can be particularly severe in young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems because of the danger of dehydration.

Why Are Hospital Wards Being Shut?

Bedford Hospital's action in closing off affected wards and restricting visiting is in line with the high transmissibility of norovirus, especially in closed settings such as hospitals and care homes. Amy Douglas, UKHSA Lead Epidemiologist, emphasized that the presence of several genotypes simultaneously raises the risk of reinfection, placing a further burden on already overcrowded hospitals running with 95.3% adult beds in use.

Saffron Cordery, NHS Providers' acting chief executive, shared the concern, pointing to high pressure on emergency services, loss of paramedic hours due to ambulance handover delays, and delays in discharging clinically ready patients—a perfect storm that could overwhelm the system.

While the outbreak at present is focal in the UK, the potential for international spread is considerable. The characteristics of international travel, climate fluctuations, and high-density urban living allow norovirus to spread freely across borders. Based on estimates, for each laboratory-confirmed case in the UK, there are around 288 unreported community cases, suggesting a possible national burden of more than 3 million cases per year.

This is a cause for concern for health authorities across the globe. Outbreaks in closed and semi-closed settings such as schools, cruise ships, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities can lead to rapid spread and high absenteeism.

How to Protect Yourself and Stay Safe?

Although there is no vaccine available for norovirus at the moment, there are definite measures that one can take to reduce risk:

1. Prioritize Proper Handwashing

Hand sanitizers work very poorly on norovirus. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, particularly after going to the toilet, after handling dirty diapers, and before preparing food or eating.

2. Do Not Prepare Food if You Are Sick

In case you are vomiting or experiencing diarrhoea, avoid handling food for others for a period of at least 48 hours after your symptoms have ceased. This is when you're most contagious still.

3. Sanitize Surfaces Properly

Use bleach-based cleaners to clean kitchen counters, bathroom faucets, and high-touch surfaces. Norovirus lasts for days on surfaces if not sanitized.

4. Stay Home If You're Sick

As a student, employee, or caregiver, it's imperative you quarantine yourself for a minimum of 48 hours after the symptoms have disappeared to avoid infecting others.

5. Stay Hydrated

Vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to rapid dehydration. Increase fluid intake with water, oral rehydration salts, or electrolyte drinks. Watch for signs of severe dehydration—dry mouth, dizziness, and low urine output—and seek medical attention if they occur.

What Are Authorities Doing About It?

The UK government is taking preventative measures, such as introducing RSV vaccination campaigns and new hospital guidelines. Experts, however, say that in the absence of public compliance and hygiene awareness, such outbreaks can become the norm.

NHS England's National Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, appealed to the public to use NHS 111 and its website for non-emergency questions to take the strain off emergency departments.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting recognized the continued pressure and reconfirmed the government's promise to reform the system: "These figures indicate that we are not yet out of the winter woods yet."

The surge of norovirus infections in the UK is a stark reminder of how rapidly an infection that's seasonal can quickly become a national health issue. It demands increased vigilance about hygiene, infection control, and healthcare system strength—not only in the UK but everywhere.

For the first time in state history, a bill to legalize recreational marijuana has passed one chamber of the Pennsylvania legislature. The state House approved the proposal on Wednesday. It marked a major milestone in years-long push to reform cannabis laws. If the law is passed by the Senate, the bill would then allow residents aged 21 and older to legally purchase and use marijuana.

The bill is led by Democratic Representative Rick Krajewski of Philadelphia aims to create a controlled cannabis market while promoting public safety, social equity, and economic opportunity.

What Is In The Bill?

The proposal includes several key provisions:

Legal access for adults 21+ to purchase and use marijuana

Sales controlled by the state: The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) would oversee pricing, production, testing, and distribution, though cannabis would be sold at separate outlets—not in liquor stores.

Home cultivation: Residents could grow a limited number of marijuana plants if they obtain a home-grow permit.

Expungement of prior offenses: Past low-level marijuana convictions would be erased, with funds set aside to handle these legal processes.

Tax revenue use: The expected $500+ million in yearly revenue would support Medicaid, public transit, struggling schools, substance abuse programs, minority-owned businesses, and disadvantaged communities.

Why It’s Controversial

Despite the bill's passage in the House with unanimous Democratic support, Republicans strongly opposed it. Critics argue the bill could:

• Increase marijuana use among minors
• Cause workplace safety and health issues
• Conflict with federal laws where marijuana remains illegal

Rep. Marc Anderson (R-York County) warned that the idea of only adults accessing marijuana is “to deny reason and logic,” claiming that youth access will increase.

Additionally, some legal experts and Republicans like Rep. Tim Bonner (R-Mercer County) have raised concerns about the bill's expungement process, arguing it could interfere with state court authority.

What’s Next? The Senate Hurdle

The bill now heads to the state Senate, where its future is uncertain. Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro included marijuana legalization in his budget proposal, relying on new tax revenue, but Senate Republicans remain unconvinced.

One sticking point is the model of distribution. Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie County), a key figure on the issue, has said there’s “no path forward” for a system that relies on state-controlled stores. Instead, some senators prefer a model that licenses private dispensaries, similar to other states.

How Pennsylvania Compares

If passed, Pennsylvania would join 24 other states that have legalized recreational marijuana. The state already allows medical marijuana, legalized in 2016, but this bill would expand access to the general adult population.

Still, cannabis activists like Chris Goldstein from NORML believe the bill’s centralized model doesn’t support local entrepreneurs and differs too much from more decentralized, consumer-friendly approaches seen elsewhere.

Observed each year on May 8, since 2013 is the World Ovarian Cancer Day which is an initiative of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. The day unites global efforts to raise awareness about this 'silent' and deadly disease. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the subtle symptoms and advocates for early diagnosis.

History of World Cancer Day

The first World Ovarian Cancer Day was launched by Target Ovarian Cancer- a charity organization in the year 2013. It is the world's largest cancer charity organization that finds life-saving research and provides assistance to women who are undergoing treatment. Target Ovarian currently collaborates with over a hundred ovarian cancer charities in 32 countries.

Theme of World Cancer Day 2025

"No Woman Left Behind". This year's theme for World Ovarian Cancer day is "No Woman Left Behind" which will focus on advocating and drawing the attention of policymakers regarding the dissimilarity existing in ovarian cancer care from around the world.

As per the International Society of Gynecologic Cancer, ovarian cancer, based on Globocan's 2020 data, is the 7th most common cancer among women and 8th most common cause of death occur globally.

Every year, around 314,000 women are diagnosed, while 207,000 die from the disease. It is more prevalent and is predicted to be on 40% rise by 2040 in low resource countries bearing the greatest burden 70% of women diagnosed each year.

As per the 2018 Every Woman Study, it was found that many women are being left behind as they wait for diagnosis, this is why this year's theme is called "No Woman Left Behind."

The goal also helps to educate about ovarian cancer globally, especially in underdeveloped or low-income countries. It can also work as a call to bring all global leaders to a single platform to invest in ovarian cancer research and development.

Furthermore, it helps in promoting and enabling the reach of effective screening and treatment for ovarian cancer to prevent any further complications.

Lastly, it helps in educating and empowering every woman about their own ovarian health and, in case of any warning symptoms, seeking medical attention.

What Are The Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

While early stage ovarian cancer could be asymptomatic, women are more prone to experience these symptoms, if the illness has progressed:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Sudden urge to urinate

What Exactly Is Ovarian Cancer?

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ovarian cancer is a group of diseases that originates in the ovaries, or in the related areas of the fallopian tubes and the peritoneum.

Women have two ovaries, located on either side of the uterus in the pelvic region. These ovaries produce female hormones and release eggs needed for reproduction. Connected to the uterus are two fallopian tubes—thin, elongated structures that extend from each ovary. The eggs travel from the ovaries through these tubes to reach the uterus.

Ovarian cancer includes several types of tumors and subtypes. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, with serous adenocarcinoma being the most frequent subtype. Most serous adenocarcinomas are high-grade, meaning they grow and spread quickly.