After several years, multiple diagnosis and cancer treatments, Steve Drayton continues to give back to his community and those who stood by him even during tough times. Not only was he diagnosed with HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus which attacks the body's immune system, but he also survived cancer three times. Going through all of these harrowing processes did not make him disheartened, instead this only fueled his drive to support and advocate for the well-being and health gap experienced by LGBTQIA+ community through education and advocacy.

Promise Made Amidst the HIV Epidemic

In the 1990s, when the HIV epidemic was devastating the gay community, Steve personally experienced its harsh reality. In 1994, he was diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma. KS is a type of cancer that is often seen in people with weakened immune systems. Being diagnosed with HIV, his immune system was already compromised and this diagnosis confirmed that his HIV had progressed to AIDS.

What is Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)?

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer that usually shows up as purple spots or bumps on your skin, in your mouth, or in your digestive system. These growths can also spread to other parts inside your body. It's caused by a specific virus called human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). However, most people who have this virus do not get KS. This cancer usually develops in people whose immune system is weak, like those with HIV, individuals who have received an organ transplant, or older adults.

Steve and his best friend both received HIV and AIDS diagnoses. Sadly, his friend did not survive. Before his friend passed away, Steve made a heartfelt promise: he would do everything he could to prevent others from enduring the same suffering.

Honoring this promise, Steve immediately took action. He began raising money for HIV resources, joined support groups, and taught safe sex classes in prisons to educate people on how to reduce their risk of HIV. He credits his best friend as the inspiration for his lifelong journey of advocacy.

Bike Ride Leads to a Life-Saving Discovery

Years later, in 1999, Steve met his husband, Stephen. Together, "the Steves" expanded their advocacy efforts. Witnessing many friends and family affected by cancer, they found a shared passion for cycling and began participating in bike rides to raise money for cancer research.

In 2016, one particular bike ride dramatically changed Steve's life. While participating in the American Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon, riding from Philadelphia to Ocean City, New Jersey, Steve felt an unusual discomfort. It was the morning after the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting, and despite the emotional weight and physical exertion of the ride, he knew something was wrong with his body.

Steve reported his symptoms to his doctor, leading to a quick colonoscopy. In September 2016, at age 56, he was diagnosed with Stage III rectal cancer. The National Institute of Cancer explains that this kind of cancer forms in the rectal tissue of the rectum. He believes the discomfort he felt while cycling, which prompted him to see a doctor, was crucial in catching the cancer early.

He underwent two months of chemotherapy and radiation. While his doctors warned of side effects, Steve was unprepared for the intense and persistent rectal pain. To find relief, he opted for an ostomy procedure, which created a new way for waste to leave his body. The pain subsided, but Steve had to adjust to permanently wearing an ostomy pouch. In July 2018, Steve received his third cancer diagnosis: squamous cell skin cancer. He was treated with surgery and has had no recurrence, continuing annual skin checks.

Understanding Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

Skin cancers typically begin in the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. This layer has two main types of cells where cancer can start. Squamous cells are the flat cells on the surface that are always shedding. When these grow abnormally, they can become squamous cell skin cancer. Below them are basal cells, which constantly divide to create new skin cells. As these new cells move upward, they flatten out and become squamous cells. When cancer begins in these basal cells, it's called basal cell skin cancer.

Treatment And Advocacy For Multiple Cancer

Nearly seven years after his skin cancer diagnosis and ten years after his rectal cancer diagnosis, Steve is living cancer-free. He and Phen are approaching their 26th anniversary and still enjoy their Saturday date nights. Although treatment effects prevent Steve from cycling now, he and Phen continue to be active advocates in their community. They share their powerful story, encouraging everyone to be aware of their cancer risks and to get recommended screenings. Steve believes it's his duty to share his journey and raise awareness about organizations like the American Cancer Society.

Dehydration is a serious concern for people fasting during the month-long Ramadan period, and can severely impact kidney and prostate health. Experts suggested that avoiding excess salt and caffeine can help.

While Ramadan fasting is generally safe for people with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), maintaining adequate hydration between iftar and sehri -- the two important meals each day for faithful observing the fasting -- is of significant importance.

Dehydration can lead to acute kidney injury and electrolyte imbalances for individuals with advanced CKD. As prolonged fasting hours -- more than 12 hours a day -- urine becomes concentrated, increasing the risk for kidney stones and Urinary Tract infections (UTIs).

For men with prostate problems, fasting during Ramadan can pose challenges, such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate, primarily due to dehydration.

“As a practicing urologist and kidney transplant surgeon in India, I often notice a rise in kidney stone pain and urinary infections during Ramzan. When patients fast for long hours -- especially in our warm climate -- urine becomes highly concentrated. That increases the risk of stones and UTIs. Men with prostate enlargement sometimes report worsening urinary flow because they consciously reduce fluid intake,” Dr. Pankaj Panwar, Additional Director, Urology, Fortis Escorts Okhla, New Delhi, told HealthandMe.

The doctor advised people “to hydrate strategically between Iftar and Sehri, avoid excess salt and caffeine”.

How Excess Salt And Caffeine Impact Ramadan Fasting

Consuming high-sodium foods such as processed meats, pickles, salty snacks, and fast food during iftar or sehri can increase thirst and dehydration.

High salt intake forces the body to pull water from cells to dilute the sodium, leading to severe thirst. It can also lead to bloating.

Similarly, caffeine in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks can be diuretic and cause the body to lose fluids and salts through increased urination. Particularly, drinking coffee or tea at sehri -- the pre-dawn meal -- can lead to faster dehydration during the day.

Caffeine consumption, especially late in the evening, can also interfere with sleep, making it harder to wake up for sehri.

“Ramzan is a sacred month of fasting, but prolonged abstinence from water, especially in hot climates, can increase dehydration risk. Concentrated urine puts stress on the kidneys and may worsen kidney stones or trigger urinary tract infections,” Dr. Mangesh Patil, Urologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, told HealthandMe.

Dehydration during Ramadan fasting can lead to symptoms like headaches, extreme thirst, fatigue, and dizziness. But in case of severe dizziness, fever, confusion, or blurred vision, the experts warned of immediate medical help.

“Do not ignore warning signs like flank pain, fever, or difficulty passing urine. A little planning can prevent an emergency hospital visit,” Panwar said.

Patil said warning signs include severe flank pain, burning urination, fever, vomiting, blood in urine, or reduced urine output. Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia may notice worsening urinary symptoms.

Tips To Prevent Complications

• Drink 2-3 liters of water between iftar and sehri
• Include water-rich fruits
• Avoid excess salt and caffeine
• Individuals with kidney disease, stones, UTIs, or prostate issues should consult their doctor before fasting.

Colon (colorectal) cancer begins when small growths called polyps form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, changes in the DNA of these cells can cause the polyps to become cancerous.

As abnormal cells multiply, they replace healthy cells and eventually form a mass known as a tumor. This process develops slowly, often taking up to ten years for a precancerous polyp to turn into cancer and begin showing symptoms.

Colon cancer poses serious health risks because cancerous cells can invade healthy tissues. Over time, they may break away and spread to other parts of the body, making detection more difficult since the symptoms can resemble other conditions.

What Is the First Sign of Colon Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore?

Colon cancer can be difficult to detect because it often develops without obvious symptoms. However, doctors emphasize that the number one warning sign is rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.

"Colon cancer can be hard to diagnose because it can develop asymptomatically,” said Dr. John Nathanson, a gastroenterologist at New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital.

Dr. Pratima Dibba adds that this symptom should not be misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids, infection, or constipation, since early signs of colon cancer can look similar.

She urges patients to get checked promptly to rule out serious conditions.

Research from the Cleveland Clinic also shows that blood in stool can originate anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, including the colon.

Detecting colon cancer early is critical, as survival rates can be as high as 90 percent when caught in its initial stages.

What Are Other Symptoms Of Colon Cancer?

Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool). Other signs include:

• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Bloated stomach
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Feeling like there’s still poop in your bowel even after you go to the bathroom
• Feeling tired or weak
• Unexplained weight loss

Present Day Scenario In India

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern worldwide. In India, it is the fourth most common cancer among both men and women. In 2022, there were 64,863 new cases and 38,367 deaths.

Projections suggest that incidence will continue to rise by 2026, reflecting both lifestyle changes and improved detection.

Compared to developed countries, survival rates in India remain lower, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and limited access to screening programs.

The American Cancer Society notes that colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer impacts around 1.9 million people every year, noted the World Health Organization (WHO) as per its 2022 data.

Some of the risk factors include risk factors involve being over the age 50, family history, certain genetic syndromes (like Lynch syndrome), inflammatory bowel diseases, and lifestyle factors (diet high in red meat, alcohol, smoking, inactivity).

The most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer is through annual colonoscopies, screening and stool tests.

Alcohol use problems are far more common in people living with borderline personality disorder than many clinicians may assume. A large meta analysis has found that more than half of individuals diagnosed with the condition also struggle with alcohol use disorders. The finding strengthens calls for mental health care that treats both issues together rather than separately.

Why Alcohol Is A Major Risk

Borderline personality disorder, often called BPD, is a complex psychiatric condition marked by intense emotional swings, impulsive behavior, unstable relationships, and a fragile sense of self. Many people with BPD experience overwhelming emotional distress and may turn to alcohol as a way to cope, calm themselves, or escape difficult thoughts.

For years, research has hinted at a strong connection between BPD and substance misuse. However, the actual scale of the problem has been unclear because individual studies reported very different numbers. Some suggested moderate overlap while others pointed to extremely high rates.

Alcohol misuse in BPD is not just a side issue. It can worsen mood instability, increase the risk of self harm, and make therapy harder to stick with. People may miss appointments, struggle with medication routines, or act more impulsively while intoxicated. This makes understanding the true prevalence important for both diagnosis and treatment planning.

What Did The Research Find?

To clarify the picture, researchers reviewed 15 studies including 15,603 adults diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. The team analyzed data collected across multiple countries and databases up to March 2024 using established systematic review methods.

The results were striking. About 55.28 percent of people with BPD had an alcohol use disorder. Around 44.59 percent met criteria for alcohol dependence and 18.84 percent for alcohol abuse.

When compared with the general population, the contrast becomes sharper. Alcohol use disorders occur in roughly 8.6 percent of men and 1.7 percent of women overall. The prevalence in BPD is therefore dramatically higher.

In simple terms, alcohol related conditions are not occasional in BPD. They are common and clinically significant.

What This Means For Treat

The findings suggest that mental health services cannot treat borderline personality disorder in isolation. Screening for alcohol misuse should become routine during psychiatric assessment. Likewise, addiction services should look for underlying personality disorders rather than focusing only on drinking behavior.

Integrated treatment approaches are likely to work better. Therapy that addresses emotional regulation, impulsivity, and coping skills alongside addiction support may reduce relapses and improve long term outcomes.

Early identification is key. When both conditions are recognized together, patients are more likely to stay engaged in care and avoid severe complications. The research ultimately highlights a simple but important point. For many patients, recovery depends on treating the person as a whole, not just the diagnosis they first walk in with.