BBC Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury, who was diagnosed with breast cancer during the lockdown, in 2021, underwent a single mastectomy back to remove her tumor. Now, 55, she has recently opened up about a big lifestyle change that she has made to ensure that her cancer does not come back.

She said that she has given up alcohol completely, which some people also find "infuriating". In an interview with The Times, she said that doctors had warned her that every drink she consumes which is above a certain limit could increase the chance of her cancer returning. She said "death looked me in the eyes".

Speaking to The Times, she said, "I get a lot of pushback on social media about this. People go, ‘I was healthy, I go to the gym, I got cancer, and now it’s metastasized, and I’ve got secondary cancer. So, are you blaming me for my illness? No. All I’m saying is, this is what I went through. It was a wake-up call, and it made me look at life differently. It made me prioritize my sleep, emotional health, and gave me more time for my loved ones. If I drink more than four units of alcohol a week, my risk of recurrence goes up by 28 per cent. But people find me giving up drinking infuriating.”

What Does Data Say About Alcohol And Cancer?

The National Cancer Institute, US, notes that there s strong scientific evidence that alcohol drinking can cause cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) in 1987 due to sufficient evidence that it causes cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and liver in people. The National Toxicology Program has listed consumption of alcoholic beverages as a known human carcinogen in its Report on Carcinogens since the ninth edition, in 2000.

Epidemiologic studies have shown that people who drink alcohol are at higher risk of certain cancers than those who do not drink alcohol and that the more someone drinks, the higher the risk of these cancers. Even light drinkers can be at increased risk of some cancers.

In the US in 2019, alcohol consumption was responsible for about 5% or nearly 100,000—of the 1.8 million cancer cases. It also led to 4% or nearly 25,000 of the 600,000 US cancer deaths that year.

Read: Can Drinking Beer Cause Cancer? A New Study Says There Is No Safe Limits

Julia also notes that her poor health took a hit on her confidence as well as her bank balance. This is why she has taken a new approach to life, as reported by the Express. She said, "I am very, very fortunate, and overall, I am having a wonderful life."

“But I’ve had a cancer diagnosis, both my parents have had cancer, I’ve lost people along the way, I’ve had financial worries, I’ve had to reinvent myself, and I’m not 100 per cent happy all of the time - of course not. But you can get through things, you can overcome hardships, and I like to think that’s what I do," she said.

While she is now healthy, she continues to go on her routine check-ups every year. "I wasn’t close to death, but death looked me in the eyes. So I am more focused on my health than I ever have been. I don’t drink, I eat a healthy diet, and exercise every day. When I came home from my mastectomy, I promised I would spend time outside every day, and that is my mantra, however poor it might be in this winter.”

Melanie Watson, Diff'rent Strokes actress and disability advocate dies at 57 on Friday, December 26. The news was confirmed by her brother Robert, and told that she was hospitalized prior to her death. While her cause of death has not been revealed yet, her brother said that she was in hospital due to some bleeding issue.

What Is Osteogenesis Imperfecta?

Melanie was born with osteogenesis imperfecta or OI, which the Johns Hopkins Medicine notes is an inherited (genetic) bone disorder that is present at birth. It is also known as brittle bone disease. A child born with OI may have soft bones that break or fracture easily, bones that are not formed normally and other problems Signs and symptoms may range from mild to severe.

OI also have eight different forms and the types vary greatly both within and between types. As per the Johns Hopkins Medicine, here are the eight types of OI:

Type I. Mildest and most common type. About 50% of all affected children have this type. There are few fractures and deformities

Type II. Most severe type. A baby has very short arms and legs, a small chest, and soft skull. He or she may be born with fractured bones. He or she may also have a low birth weight and lungs that are not well developed. A baby with type II OI usually dies within weeks of birth

Type III. Most severe type in babies who don’t die as newborns. At birth, a baby may have slightly shorter arms and legs than normal and arm, leg, and rib fractures. A baby may also have a larger than normal head, a triangle-shaped face, a deformed chest and spine, and breathing and swallowing problems. These symptoms are different in each baby.

Type IV. Symptoms are between mild and severe. A baby with type IV may be diagnosed at birth. He or she may not have any fractures until crawling or walking. The bones of the arms and legs may not be straight. He or she may not grow normally.

Type V. Similar to type IV. Symptoms may be medium to severe. It is common to have enlarged thickened areas (hypertrophic calluses) in the areas where large bones are fractured

Type VI. Very rare. Symptoms are medium. Similar to type IV.

Type VII. May be like type IV or type II. It is common to have shorter than normal height. Also common to have shorter than normal upper arm and thighbones.

Type VIII. Similar to types II and III. Very soft bones and severe growth problems.

What Causes OI?

This is a disease that could be passed on through genes and there are different types that could be passed on in different ways. These genes could be inherited from one or both parents, or could be passed on from an unexplained change or a mutation of the gene.

Most babies who have OI have a defect of one of two genes. These genes help in collagen forming, which is a main part of connective tissue that connects and supports the whole body, including bones. Because of a certain defect, there is no enough collages, or the collagen is abnormal, which causes this disease.

The main aim of treatment for this disease lies in prevention of deformities and fractures.

New Jersey health authorities have issued an alert for travelers who passed through Newark Liberty International Airport on December 19, warning of a possible measles exposure.

According to the state Department of Health, an infected passenger who does not live in New Jersey traveled through at least two airport terminals that day. Officials said anyone who was in Terminal B around 7 a.m. or Terminal C around 7 p.m. may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. Authorities do not know where the individual was during the hours between those times.

As per NBC News, health officials have issued warnings about possible measles exposure for travelers passing through Boston and Denver.

Measles Alert Issued After Exposure At Two Major US Airports

People who were exposed could begin showing symptoms as late as January 2, as per NBC News. Health officials are urging anyone who believes they may have been exposed or who develops symptoms to contact their local health department or healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital.

Officials noted that special arrangements can be made for medical evaluation to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other patients and healthcare workers.

Measles Symptoms and Health Risks

Measles typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash usually appears three to five days after symptoms start. It often begins as flat red spots along the hairline and face, then spreads downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet.

In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Pregnant individuals face added risks, such as miscarriage, premature delivery, or having a baby with low birth weight.

What Is Measles?

Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious viral infection causing fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic full-body rash, spread through air and surfaces, which can lead to severe, even deadly, complications like pneumonia or brain swelling, though it's preventable with the measles vaccine, as per Mayo Clinic.

The virus is extremely infectious, with one infected person potentially infecting up to 90% of unvaccinated close contacts, and remains contagious for hours in the air or on surfaces

How Measles Spreads

Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after the person has left the area. Infection can also occur through direct contact with mucus or saliva from someone who is infected.

Rising Measles Cases and Protection

New Jersey has reported 11 confirmed measles cases in 2025, compared with seven cases in 2024. Across the United States, cases have climbed sharply, reaching 2,012 across 44 jurisdictions as of December 23, the highest number reported since 1992.

State health officials are working with local agencies on contact tracing and outreach to alert those who may have been exposed. Individuals most at risk include those who are not fully vaccinated or who have never had measles.

The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, remains the most effective protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.

A government-owned Indian vaccine manufacturer has questioned a December 22 health advisory issued by Australian authorities that warned of “counterfeit batches” of an anti-rabies vaccine circulating in India since November 2023, and has formally requested that the notice be reviewed.

Abhayrab Rabies Vaccine Makers Say It Reported Single Counterfeit Case

Indian Immunologicals Limited said it had already reported a counterfeiting incident involving one batch of its anti-rabies vaccine, Abhayrab, in January, and cautioned that the Australian advisory risked creating “anxiety and mistrust” among both the public and medical professionals.

However, India’s central drug regulator has not made public whether it carried out an investigation, how widely the fake vaccine may have spread, or how many people might have received it. As a result, the scale of the incident and its possible consequences remain uncertain.

Australian Warning Highlights Risk to Travellers

The Australian advisory stated that although Abhayrab is not sold in Australia, individuals who were vaccinated while travelling in India might not be fully protected against rabies, a viral infection of the central nervous system that is almost always fatal if treatment is delayed or missed.

Abhayrab Rabies Vaccine: Details of the Australian Advisory

“Counterfeit (fake) batches of rabies vaccine Abhayrab have been circulating in India since November 1, 2023,” the advisory directed at travellers and healthcare workers said. “People who have received Abhayrab, or an unknown rabies vaccine brand in India from November 1, 2023, onwards are advised to consult their healthcare provider to assess whether replacement doses are required.”

Abhayrab Rabies Vaccine: Similar Alerts Issued by Other Countries

The Australian notice followed similar warnings elsewhere. On November 25, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a rabies case in a traveller returning from India and referred to the circulation of counterfeit Abhayrab vaccines. A UK travel health authority had also released an alert about the falsified vaccine on October 29.

Abhayrab Rabies Vaccine: Indian Firm Warns of Public Confusion

In a communication dated December 25 to Australian health officials, Indian Immunologicals Limited said the advisory could be misunderstood and weaken confidence in vaccines, and asked that it be reconsidered to prevent confusion among healthcare providers.

The manufacturer said it has supplied more than 210 million doses of Abhayrab in India and overseas, describing it as “the most trusted brand” in the country and stating that it accounts for around 40 per cent of India’s anti-rabies vaccine market.

Abhayrab Rabies Vaccine: Details of the Counterfeit Batch

The company said the counterfeiting involved a single batch, KA-24014, which was manufactured in March 2024 and is due to expire in February 2027. This was reported to India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation on January 13, 2025.

According to Indian Immunologicals Limited, the counterfeit vaccine carried the same batch number but listed a manufacturing date of November 2023 and an expiry date of October 2026. The counterfeit packaging also omitted the ₹ symbol before the printed price of 397.62.

The firm said it had urged the CDSCO in January to investigate the counterfeiting, seize the fake vaccines, and work with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for manufacturing and distributing them.

Abhayrab Rabies Vaccine: No Response From CDSCO

Questions sent by this newspaper to the CDSCO on Saturday seeking updates on the status or findings of any investigation did not receive a response. Without official information from the regulator, experts say it is difficult to determine how widely the falsified vaccine may have circulated or how many people could have been affected.

Concerns Over Wording of Advisory

A scientist specialising in rabies research in India said the Australian advisory’s reference to “counterfeit batches” and circulation “since November 2023” could alarm many people who have received anti-rabies vaccines, as per The Telegraph.

“Abhayrab is a reliable vaccine and is used extensively across the country,” said Reeta Mani, professor and head of neurovirology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bengaluru. “Public advisories need precise language. People should not lose faith in vaccines.”

Rabies Burden in India

A 2022 report by the National Centre for Disease Control estimated that nearly 2.3 million people in India receive post-exposure rabies vaccines each year after animal bites, most commonly from dogs.

Research published earlier this year by the Indian Council of Medical Research estimated that rabies causes about 5,700 deaths annually in India, a reduction from earlier estimates of nearly 20,000 deaths per year.

Peer-reviewed studies have shown that thousands of people worldwide have received counterfeit rabies vaccines. This includes more than 1,600 recipients in a single Chinese province in 2010, and over 1,13,000 falsified rabies vaccine doses reported by Chinese regulators in 2018.