One of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the United States, colorectal cancer is projected to affect 154,270 people this year, with an estimated 52,900 deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 25% of Americans are not currently with recommended screenings, which increases the risk of advanced disease and mortality.

Knowing the warning signs and screening methods for colorectal cancer is crucial, especially as cases among younger adults are on the rise.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

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Major risk factors include older age, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, chronic inflammatory bowel conditions, and lifestyle factors such as smoking or a poor diet. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through screening tests like colonoscopy, while treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other targeted therapies depending on the cancer stage.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

• Changes in bowel habits: This could manifest as constipation, diarrhoea, or a sensation of incomplete bowel emptying.
• Blood in the stool: Blood may appear bright red from rectal bleeding or dark and tar-like.
• Abdominal discomfort: Persistent cramps, bloating, or a feeling of fullness can indicate an issue.
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying warrants medical evaluation.
• Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired, even with adequate rest, could result from chronic blood loss leading to iron-deficiency anaemia.

Aspirin and Colorectal Cancer: Is It Enough To Treat The Cancer?

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The study, conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden, included 626 participants with stage 1 to 3 colon or rectal cancer who had specific genetic mutations in their tumours. Previous research indicated that cancers with mutations in the PIK3 signalling pathway could respond to aspirin, but this trial is the first randomised study to confirm the effect, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Hospitals in Delhi and neighbouring areas like Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad are reporting a sharp rise in H3N2 flu cases. This particular strain of Influenza A tends to be more severe than a regular cold, often lasting longer and posing a higher risk of complications, especially for vulnerable groups. Health experts are stressing the importance of recognising symptoms early, taking proper precautions, and seeking timely medical care.

While seasonal influenza has affected humans for centuries, some strains are more aggressive than others. The H3N2 subtype is one of these, known to trigger frequent outbreaks and more complicated cases. Doctors are also advising the public to be aware of symptoms that may differ from typical flu signs.

What is H3N2 Flu?H3N2 is a strain of Influenza A that affects the respiratory system. It is one of four main influenza types—A, B, C, and D, that can infect humans. This virus spreads quickly and has caused numerous seasonal flu outbreaks around the world, including a recent spike in cases across India.

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In India, H3N2 has affected both children and adults, particularly those under 15 and over 50. While symptoms usually last about 5 to 7 days, complications like persistent cough can linger for up to three weeks. Early detection is crucial to prevent serious health problems.

H3N2 Influenza: How Does H3N2 Spread?

Symptoms of H3N2 Virus

• High fever
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Fatigue

H3N2 Influenza: Who Are at More Risk?Certain groups are more vulnerable to H3N2 and should be especially careful. Taking precautions can help reduce the risk. High-risk individuals include:

1. Pregnant women
2. Children under five
3. Older adults (65 and above)
4. People with chronic conditions like respiratory, heart, kidney, metabolic, liver, blood, or neurodevelopmental disorders
5. Individuals on steroids, undergoing chemotherapy, or living with immunosuppressive conditions such as AIDS or HIV
6. Healthcare workers who frequently interact with patients, as they may transmit the virus to vulnerable people.

Health authorities have confirmed a sharp rise in measles cases across the US this year, with more than 11,300 infections and 23 deaths reported in ten countries by mid-September. According to the Pan American Health Organisation (Paho), this marks a staggering 31-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024, when only 358 cases were recorded. With numbers climbing, it is important to stay aware of the outbreak, understand how it spreads, and follow key safety measures recommended by experts.

Measles Outbreak Growing in Parts of Utah and Arizona

An NBC News and Stanford University review found that large sections of the U.S. lack adequate vaccine coverage to prevent the spread of diseases like measles. In Washington County, Utah, about 79% of kindergarten children are vaccinated, which is only slightly higher than Gaines County, Texas, the center of the earlier 2025 outbreak and far below the 95% vaccination rate needed to maintain herd immunity.

Measles Symptoms

• Early Symptoms (First 3–4 Days)
• Fever: High fever, sometimes reaching 105°F (40.6°C)
• Cough: Persistent, dry cough
• Runny Nose: Often with sneezing
• Red, Watery Eyes: Also known as conjunctivitis, with light sensitivity
• Sore Throat: Discomfort or irritation
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and irritability
• Body Aches: Mild pains in muscles and joints
• Koplik’s Spots: Tiny white spots with bluish centers that appear inside the mouth, cheeks, and throat a day or two before the rash. Though not always visible, they are considered a hallmark sign of measles.

The Rash (3–5 Days After Symptoms Begin)

• Appearance: Red-brown, flat spots with some raised bumps
• Spread: Begins on the face or neck, near the hairline, and spreads downward to the chest, arms, and legs
• Duration: Lasts for about 4 to 7 days

What Does Measles Look Like?

Is Measles Contagious?

Measles Precaution TipsThe best defense against measles is vaccination. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccines are recommended. Other preventive steps include washing hands frequently, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, wearing masks in high-risk areas, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. While most people receive the vaccines in childhood, adults who are unvaccinated can also get immunised to protect themselves.

A few years ago, we were being warned how air pollution may affect our lungs and make us weak. Now, we are facing this reality and much worse! High levels of air pollution may worsen Alzheimer's disease by speeding up the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain.

According to a new study, people with Alzheimer's disease who lived in areas with more air pollution had a greater buildup of these proteins and a faster decline in their thinking and memory skills.

The study, published in the JAMA Neurology from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, showed that small toxins from pollution can damage our brain. The researchers explained that not only does this increase the risk of dementia, but it also makes Alzheimer’s worse. Could this mean pollution ages and damages our brain faster than our biological age? The researchers explored these question as well as how the small particles from pollution cause our brain health to deteriorate.

How Does Air Pollution Raise Risk Of Dementia?

For the first time, researchers studied brain tissue from people who had Alzheimer's. They found that those who lived in areas with higher levels of tiny air particles, even for just one year, had more severe buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These are two key signs of Alzheimer's in the brain. These individuals also experienced a quicker decline in their mental abilities, including memory loss, poor judgment, and difficulty with daily tasks.

"This study shows that air pollution doesn’t just increase the risk of dementia—it actually makes Alzheimer’s disease worse," said Dr. Edward Lee, a co-director of Penn's Institute on Aging.

What Are Harmful Pollution Particles Called?

Air pollution contains very small particles, often called fine particulate matter or PM2.5. These particles are less than 2.5 micrometers wide—about half the width of a single spider web strand. They come from things like car exhaust, factory smoke, and wildfires. Because they are so small, they can be inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream, causing health problems. Past studies have already linked PM2.5 to memory loss and cognitive decline.

How Small Pollution Particles Affect Brain

Researchers looked at over 600 brain samples from a brain bank. By using satellite data and local air monitors, they were able to estimate the level of PM2.5 where each person lived. They found that for every small increase in PM2.5, the risk of more severe amyloid and tau buildup increased by 19 percent.

In addition, the study showed that those who lived in highly polluted areas and had more advanced brain damage also had more severe memory loss, speech difficulties, and poor judgment.

While this study focused on air pollution based on where people lived, researchers noted they couldn't account for other personal exposures, like secondhand smoke or exposure to chemicals at work.

According to Dr. Lee, "even just a year living in an area with high levels of pollution can have a big impact on a person’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. It underscores the value of environmental justice efforts that focus on reducing air pollution to improve public health."