Many cancers can often be treated successfully when detected early. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are all powerful tools to remove or destroy tumors in their original location. However, when cancer metastasizes, that is, when the original tumor at one place in the body breaks loose and begins growing elsewhere in the body, the treatment becomes infinitely more complex. This is the stage of metastatic or stage 4 cancer, which forms the true proving ground of modern medicine.

Metastatic cancer happens when cancer cells detach from the primary tumor, circulate in the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and develop new tumors in other tissues or organs. They are not a new type of cancer; they're the same cancer that originally occurred at the primary site.

So if colon cancer metastasizes to the liver, it's still colon cancer—not liver cancer. This makes a difference because it decides how physicians treat the disease. For example, metastatic breast cancer in the lungs is treated with breast cancer therapies, not with lung cancer drugs.

How Does Cancer Spread from One Organ to Another?

Metastasis is the biological process that begins when cancer cells become capable of invading nearby tissues. They can enter into the bloodstream or lymph system, catch a ride to other places, and take up residence in new sites. If they are successful, they will start developing new tumors.

Certain cancers follow predictable patterns of metastasis. Prostate cancer tends to spread to bone, and melanoma to brain and lung. Breast cancer prefers lymph nodes, bone, lung, and liver.

Scientists at Memorial Sloan Kettering and other elite centers are trying to figure out why some cancers prefer some organs. Genes, the immune system, and the 'soil' of the target organ (how conducive it is to cancer) all contribute. This may one day be the key to more successful prevention and earlier treatment.

Where Does Cancer Tend to Spread?

Although cancer can technically metastasize to nearly any organ in the body, some organs are more frequently involved. The lymph nodes are usually the primary location where cancer cells gain entry, serving as an initial checkpoint for the metastatic process. The liver is a common target, especially in colon, pancreatic, and stomach cancer, because of its high vascular flow and filtering function. Lungs are a frequent location, particularly in cancers originating from the breast, colon, and kidneys. Bones are frequently involved in advanced lung, breast, and prostate cancer, producing pain and architectural disturbances. The brain, on the other hand, is a frequent location of metastasis in melanoma and lung cancer patients with resultant neurological manifestations and special treatment.

Symptoms Of Metastatic Cancer

The symptoms of metastatic cancer vary greatly depending on where the cancer has spread. For instance:

• Bone metastases typically cause deep, aching pain and possibly lead to bone fractures.
• Lung metastases may cause cough, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
• Liver metastases can result in belly pain, jaundice, or abnormal liver enzymes in a blood test.
• Brain metastases may trigger headaches, seizures, or neurological changes.

Is Metastatic Cancer Curable?

This is where it gets complicated. A few forms of metastatic cancer are held to be potentially curable—particularly if the spread is limited and treatment is forceful. A good example is with colorectal cancer that has a small quantity of liver metastases. In these scenarios, surgical resection with chemotherapy could lead to long-term survival.

But most cancers that spread are not curable in the classical sense. That doesn't necessarily leave the patient out of luck. Many treatments try to contain the disease, alleviate symptoms, and buy time. That's called palliative care, but it doesn't mean surrendering—it means redefining success from cure to control.

Others survive for years with stage 4 cancer, particularly with the help of today's therapies such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Outcomes are highly variable depending on the cancer type, the degree of metastasis, and the responsiveness of the cancer to treatment.

Why Chemotherapy May Have Stopped Working For Metastatic Cancer?

Chemotherapy is still a mainstay of cancer treatment, including metastatic cancer. Chemotherapy kills rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic of cancer. However, cancer cells can become resistant to chemo drugs over time. Such resistance could be driven by genetic mutations, alterations in the tumor microenvironment, or prolonged exposure to the same agent.

Notably, it's not that chemotherapy "stops working" across the board. Rather, it might cease to work for an individual patient's cancer. When this occurs, oncologists will usually change to another drug, use combination therapies, or investigate clinical trials with newer treatments.

As Professor Ian Davis, Director of ANZUP Cancer Trials Group, explained, “We’ve known for more than 20 years that chemotherapy has significant efficacy in metastatic prostate cancer. It hasn’t stopped working—newer agents are simply expanding our arsenal.”

What Comes Next When Cancer Progresses?

Living with cancer that is advanced is coping not only with the disease but also with the emotional, physical, and practical issues associated with it. Discussions around prognosis, life quality, and treatment options become the forefront. The following is what patients and families need to remember:

• Alternatives are still present, even if a therapy stops working, another can benefit. These include clinical trials, targeted therapies, or symptom-management interventions.
• Support, counseling, support groups, and palliative care services assist patients in coping physically and emotionally.
• Quality of life takes precedence since many individuals opt for treatments that enable them to feel more like they have a sense of normalcy, even though such treatments may not guarantee a cure.

Breakthroughs in genetic testing, liquid biopsies, and tailored medicine are providing physicians with additional tools for comprehending and tackling metastatic disease. Immunotherapies—medications that utilize the body's immune system to combat cancer—are providing long-term remission to some patients who formerly had limited choices.

At the same time, targeted treatments focus specifically on the cancer cells' distinct mutations, minimizing harm to other tissue. For a few types of cancer, such as metastatic lung cancer with particular gene mutations, such targeted medicines have greatly prolonged survival.

Although chemotherapy remains pertinent, the future of cancer treatment is certainly more individualized, targeted, and patient-focused. Although it usually can't be cured, metastatic cancer isn't necessarily a death knell. With the proper treatment team, educated decisions, and emotional support, many patients still discover meaning, happiness, and even renewed vigor as they move through the treatment journey ahead.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued its 2025-26 outlook, predicting a respiratory virus season with similar peak hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as last year. The agency also warns that COVID-19 hospitalization rates could rise if a variant with moderate immune-escape properties emerges.

While avoiding sick individuals is the first line of defense against the flu, cleaning and disinfecting your home after someone recovers is equally important to prevent the virus from spreading to others.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: Understanding the Difference

Before tackling flu germs, it’s crucial to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning removes visible dirt, dust, and germs using soap and water, while disinfecting targets remaining germs with products like sprays, wipes, or bleach. Experts recommend cleaning first, then disinfecting, for maximum effectiveness.

Focus on High-Traffic Surfaces

Viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours and on unwashed hands for about an hour. High-traffic areas in your home are most likely to harbor germs. Prioritize disinfecting:

• Doorknobs and drawer handles
• Light switches
• Stair rails

If someone was sick in a vehicle, disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as steering wheels, door handles, seats, and seat belts. Disinfecting wipes are convenient, but always follow manufacturer instructions and wash your hands afterward.

Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaning

In the kitchen, wash all utensils, dishes, and glasses in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. Then disinfect:

• Countertops and cabinets
• Refrigerator handles
• Sinks and faucets
• Coffee makers, microwaves, and ovens
• Garbage cans

For bathrooms, disinfect:

• Toilets, sinks, and faucets
• Doorknobs and light switches
• Shower and bathtub surfaces
• Soap dispensers and toilet paper holders
• Floors and overlooked areas like toothbrush holders
• Consider replacing toothbrushes to prevent lingering germs
• Laundry and Bedroom Surfaces

Flu viruses can survive on soft surfaces like clothing, bedding, and towels. Wash all laundry in the hottest water recommended on care labels and dry thoroughly. Also, disinfect laundry baskets or hampers.

In bedrooms, disinfect doorknobs, bedside tables, bed frames, and drawer handles. Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. For children, machine-wash soft toys and clean hard toys with soap and disinfectant.

Electronics Are Germ Hotspots

Mobile phones, keyboards, tablets, and remote controls can carry harmful microorganisms. Clean screens with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with soapy water, or use disinfecting wipes carefully, avoiding alcohol-based products that may damage electronics. Consider wipeable covers for easier disinfecting.

Ventilate Your Home

Open windows if outdoor temperatures are comfortable. Fresh air reduces airborne germs and helps when using disinfecting products. Proper ventilation ensures that lingering viruses don’t continue to spread indoors.

Recovery First, Deep Cleaning Later

If you are still recovering from the flu, wait until you feel well before doing intensive cleaning. Recovery typically takes a week, but may take longer for those with underlying conditions or complications. Enlist help from family, friends, or professionals to avoid overexertion.

Flu is highly contagious, particularly when people spend more time indoors. Cleaning and disinfecting your home after recovery is vital to prevent spreading the virus. Start with high-traffic areas, then move to kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and electronics. Always wear gloves and a mask when using disinfectants and follow instructions carefully.

By taking these precautions, you help protect your household and visitors from catching the flu, ensuring a safer and healthier home this season.

A disease that slowly creeps in and affects one of the vital organs, may sound terrifying and rare, but it is more common than we realize. Fatty liver diseases are one of the most common form of liver diseases in children, and this number has doubled in the past 20 years.

According to the American Liver Foundation. About 100 million people in the US have MASLD, or Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, which was previously known as NAFLD. This happens when the percentage of fat in the liver is more than 5%-10% of the liver’s weight. While you may think that it doesn’t affect your health as much, but it can actually cause you a lot of issues.

How Does Fatty Liver Affect Your Health?

Your liver is a vital organ that processes food and waste in your body. A healthy liver should contain very little fat. Over time, too much fat can lead to scarring of the liver, a serious condition called cirrhosis. Fatty liver is common, affecting about one in three adults, according to Australian Healthdirect.

Fatty liver disease often has no symptoms. However, if symptoms do appear, they may include feeling tired or unwell, having pain in the upper right part of your stomach, or losing weight without trying. More serious signs that the disease has progressed and caused liver damage include:

• Jaundice: When your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
• Bruising easily.
• Dark-colored urine.
• A swollen stomach.
• Vomiting blood or having black stools.
• Itchy skin.

What Should We Avoid To Make Our Liver Healthy?

Cases of fatty liver disease are on the rise, largely due to poor dietary habits and a reliance on processed foods. While this condition can lead to serious health issues over time, making a few simple changes to what you eat can significantly reduce fat buildup in the liver and lower your risk of liver disease. Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, who is trained at top universities, recently shared his top three food choices that can harm your liver. According to Dr. Sethi, you should avoid the following three common foods to protect your liver:

Sugary Drinks

Dr. Sethi calls sugary drinks like sodas and juices "liquid poison" because they are full of empty calories. Drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup can overwhelm the liver, causing it to turn the extra sugar into fat. This process contributes directly to fatty liver disease. Instead, Dr. Sethi recommends sticking to water, tea, or coffee.

Deep-Fried Foods

Foods that are deep-fried, especially in unhealthy oils, should be avoided. They contain high amounts of unhealthy fats that can lead to fat buildup and inflammation in the liver. This can cause liver damage and contribute to obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Ultra-Processed Foods

Items like chips, candies, hot dogs, and instant noodles are highly processed and harmful to your liver. These foods are full of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial ingredients that put a strain on your liver, leading to inflammation and an unhealthy gut.

Dr. Sethi stresses that making these simple dietary changes can make a big difference in protecting your liver's health.

Gina Marie Bakery, a company located in Connecticut, has issued a voluntary recall for several of its cookie products. The recall was announced after the company discovered a major issue with its packaging: it failed to list some important ingredients.

Specifically, the cookies may contain almonds, sesame, and several food colorings without declaring them on the label. The company is taking this action to ensure customer safety and has stopped all sales of the affected products until the problem is completely fixed.

How Dangerous Are Allergens In Food?

The recall is a serious matter because of the health risks involved. For people with allergies to nuts, sesame, or certain food dyes, eating these cookies could cause a severe or even life-threatening allergic reaction.

Reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives and lip swelling to a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis, which can make it hard to breathe and can be fatal. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported so far. This recall is a proactive step to prevent anyone from getting sick due to the incorrect labeling.

What Were The Major Allergens In Gina Marie Bakery?

The recall includes several types of cookies sold in 1-pound and 2-pound plastic containers. The specific products are Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies, Italian Sesame Cookies, and several others, all of which were distributed to various stores in Connecticut and parts of Massachusetts. If you have any of these cookies in your home, it's very important that you do not eat them. Instead, you should return them to the store where you bought them for a full refund. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call the company directly at 203-596-8007. Here are the specific products listed

• Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies
• Italian Sesame Cookies
• Vanilla Chocolate Dipped Cookies
• Vanilla with Apricot Jam Cookies
• Toasted Almond & Cherry Biscotti
• Vanilla Cookies with Raspberry Peach Jam

How To Respond During Emergency Allergic Reaction

In case you have consumed an allergen or believe you are having an allergic reaction, ensure that you take proper steps for the best outcomes. Anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergy reactionm is a very serious allergic reaction and a medical emergency. It requires immediate treatment with an adrenaline (epinephrine) injector, as a delay can be fatal. It’s important to know the difference between a mild reaction and a severe one.

Signs of a mild reaction:

• Swelling of the lips, face, or eyes
• Hives or welts on the skin
• A tingling feeling in the mouth
• Stomach pain or vomiting (especially after an insect sting)

What to do:

If you see these signs, stay with the person and call for help. Get the adrenaline device ready in case the reaction gets worse. A mild reaction might not always happen before a severe one begins.

Signs of Severe Allergic Reaction

Anaphylaxis is life-threatening. Look for any one of these signs:

• Breathing Trouble: Noisy breathing, a persistent cough, or wheezing.
• Throat and Mouth Swelling: A swollen tongue or a feeling of a tight throat.
• Voice Changes: A hoarse voice or difficulty talking.
• Dizziness or Collapse: Feeling dizzy, fainting, or collapsing.
• In Children: A young child may become pale and limp.

What To Do When A Person Is Having An Allergic Reaction?

1. You must ensure that you act immediately if someone is having an allergic reaction in front of you.
2. Lay the person flat. Do not let them stand or walk. If they are unconscious, put them on their side. If they are pregnant, lay them on their left side. If they have trouble breathing, let them sit with their legs out straight.
3. Use the adrenaline device. Give the person their adrenaline shot right away.
4. Call for an ambulance.
5. Call their emergency contact. Let their family or contact person know what is happening.
6. Give another shot if needed. If the person doesn't improve after five minutes, you may need to give a second dose of adrenaline.
7. Go to the hospital. Even after the reaction seems to stop, the person must be taken to the hospital and watched for at least four hours.
8. If the person becomes unresponsive or is not breathing normally, commence CPR