Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Wildfire Smoke Could Fuel Flu And COVID-19 Outbreaks

Wildfires are a big concern for US citizens. Since the beginning of 2025, 31,039 wildfires have consumed 1.3 million acres of US land, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn wildland and often rural areas. These fires can exhaust forests, grasslands, and many other ecosystems. With the amount of smoke generated, wildfires can severely affect the health of people. 

A new study suggests that wildfires might indirectly raise the risk of flu and <span>COVID-19 outbreaks</span>. The smoke from wildfires often forces people to stay indoors, and when more people are gathered in enclosed spaces, infectious diseases can spread more easily. This finding was recently published in the journal PLOS Climate. 

<h2>Why Staying Inside Puts You at Higher Risk </h2>

When wildfires burn, the air outside gets filled with smoke, making people go indoors. This creates perfect conditions for illnesses like the flu to spread, as a researcher from Georgetown University explained. With more people packed together, germs can jump from one person to another more easily. But there's a simple way to lower this risk: just wearing a mask indoors can help a lot. 

<h2>Following People's Movements During Wildfires </h2>

Researchers looked at mobile phone data to see where people went during wildfires. This data showed visits to over 4.6 million places across the U.S., both inside and outside. They focused on the wildfire season in Oregon and Washington in 2020. By checking air quality, they found the areas worst affected by smoke. During that time, especially in August and September 2020, widespread wildfires caused a lot of smoke in these states. 

The study found a clear increase in indoor activities when the wildfires were burning. In counties across Oregon, indoor activity went up by 14%, and in Washington counties, it increased by almost 11%. Major cities also saw a significant jump: Seattle experienced a 16% rise, and Portland saw an 11% increase in people spending time indoors. This shift means more people were confined together. 

Using computer models, the researchers confirmed that more people indoors raises the risk of infectious diseases spreading, especially for highly contagious illnesses like flu and COVID-19. But these models also showed that wearing masks indoors can help slow the spread. They found that even a small increase in mask wearing (just 10% more people) could lower the number of new cases during wildfires. In areas hit hardest by smoke, like parts of Oregon and Washington, more than half the people might need to wear masks to effectively control the disease.

<h2>Preparing for Health Risks in a Changing Climate </h2>

The researchers advise public health experts to be aware of this connection if <span>wildfire smoke</span> reaches their communities. They should also warn people about the higher risk of infection. The study emphasized that as we face more extreme weather events, our public health plans need to change. We have to address not just the direct environmental harm from wildfires, but also how people react and adapt to these emergencies. By understanding how people behave and planning for it, we can better protect everyone's health in a world where extreme events are becoming more common. 

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Wildfires are a big concern for US citizens. Since the beginning of 2025, 31,039 wildfires have consumed 1.3 million acres of US land, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn wildland and often rural areas. These fires can exhaust forests, grasslands, and many other ecosystems. With the amount of smoke generated, wildfires can severely affect the health of people. A new study suggests that wildfires might indirectly raise the risk of flu and COVID-19 outbreaks. The smoke from wildfires often forces people to stay indoors, and when more people are gathered in enclosed spaces, infectious diseases can spread more easily. This finding was recently published in the journal PLOS Climate. Why Staying Inside Puts You at Higher Risk When wildfires burn, the air outside gets filled with smoke, making people go indoors. This creates perfect conditions for illnesses like the flu to spread, as a researcher from Georgetown University explained. With more people packed together, germs can jump from one person to another more easily. But there's a simple way to lower this risk: just wearing a mask indoors can help a lot. Following People's Movements During Wildfires Researchers looked at mobile phone data to see where people went during wildfires. This data showed visits to over 4.6 million places across the U.S., both inside and outside. They focused on the wildfire season in Oregon and Washington in 2020. By checking air quality, they found the areas worst affected by smoke. During that time, especially in August and September 2020, widespread wildfires caused a lot of smoke in these states. More People, More Risk The study found a clear increase in indoor activities when the wildfires were burning. In counties across Oregon, indoor activity went up by 14%, and in Washington counties, it increased by almost 11%. Major cities also saw a significant jump: Seattle experienced a 16% rise, and Portland saw an 11% increase in people spending time indoors. This shift means more people were confined together. Using computer models, the researchers confirmed that more people indoors raises the risk of infectious diseases spreading, especially for highly contagious illnesses like flu and COVID-19. But these models also showed that wearing masks indoors can help slow the spread. They found that even a small increase in mask wearing (just 10% more people) could lower the number of new cases during wildfires. In areas hit hardest by smoke, like parts of Oregon and Washington, more than half the people might need to wear masks to effectively control the disease. Preparing for Health Risks in a Changing Climate The researchers advise public health experts to be aware of this connection if wildfire smoke reaches their communities. They should also warn people about the higher risk of infection. The study emphasized that as we face more extreme weather events, our public health plans need to change. We have to address not just the direct environmental harm from wildfires, but also how people react and adapt to these emergencies. By understanding how people behave and planning for it, we can better protect everyone's health in a world where extreme events are becoming more common. 

wildfire smoke could fuel flu and covid-19 outbreaks

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Football fans around the world were stunned when Real Madrid confirmed that Kylian Mbappé, its French captain and marquee signing, was hospitalized for an acute bout of gastroenteritis during the Club World Cup. Although Real Madrid had originally reported that he was absent for the initial match because of illness, there was a formal medical report that confirmed the extent of his illness and in-hospital treatment and tests he required.

Even though Mbappé is recovering now with specific medical treatment outside the hospital, his sudden health fright focused fresh public attention on a prevalent but poorly understood illness: acute gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen, and occasionally fever or muscle pain. Commonly called the "stomach flu," it is not caused by the flu virus and has nothing to do with respiratory infections. Rather, it is usually caused by infection or chemical irritants to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There are two main types:

<ol><li>Infectious gastroenteritis – due to viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi.</li><li>Chemical gastroenteritis – due to ingestion of poisonous substances such as some drugs, alcohol, or polluted food/water.</li></ol>

Mbappé's illness is an acute gastroenteritis, which means the symptoms came on suddenly and intensely but would likely pass with good care.

<h2><span rel="noindex">How Gastroenteritis Spreads</span>?</h2>

The most prevalent reason for gastroenteritis is the intake of contaminated food or water. It is also spread by contact with infected people or surfaces they have contacted. Some typical situations include:

<ul><li>Consumption of undercooked meat or seafood</li><li>Inadequate washing of hands after using the toilet</li><li>Drinking unbottled or unfiltered water during travel</li></ul>

Though most individuals recover quickly, individuals with compromised immune systems—such as young children, elderly, or those with chronic diseases—are at a higher risk for developing complications like dehydration and extended illness. 

Acute gastroenteritis usually presents with a combination of the following:

<ul><li>Sudden onset of watery diarrhea (non-bloody)</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Abdominal cramps or bloating</li><li>Low-grade fever</li><li>General fatigue or muscle aches</li></ul>

These symptoms typically occur within 1–3 days of contact with the infection and can last anywhere from 24 hours up to two weeks, depending upon the cause and the immune response of the patient.

In the Mbappé case, the symptoms were bad enough to need hospitalization, which is not usual but required for observation of dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, or ongoing vomiting.

The origin of gastroenteritis comes from the inflammatory reaction in the body from a threat within the gastrointestinal system. Pathogens or toxic chemicals entering the system will have the immune reaction summon inflammation to combat invaders and heal damage.

In a majority of instances, it is an acute and transient condition. But if the infection is especially virulent or if the immune system of the body is weakened, inflammation becomes intense, aggravating symptoms and necessitating medical attention. The most common offenders are:

<ul><li>Viruses (such as norovirus and rotavirus)</li><li>Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, or Campylobacter)</li><li>Parasites (Giardia)</li><li>Fungi (uncommon but potential in immunocompromised hosts)</li></ul>

<h2>How Serious Is Acute Gastroenteritis?</h2>

For otherwise healthy people, acute gastroenteritis is usually self-limiting and resolves with rest and hydration. For elite athletes such as Mbappé, any alteration in the body's fluid and nutrient balance can have a profound impact on performance and recovery. The disease becomes more severe when:

<ul><li>Dehydration occurs from heavy vomiting and diarrhea</li><li>The symptoms do not improve after a few days</li><li>There is the presence of blood in stool</li><li>There's a loss of ability to retain fluids</li><li>Fever is severe and persistent</li></ul>

In such instances, hospitalization is advisable—as in Mbappé's case—for rehydration, electrolyte balance, and observation.

Although not all gastroenteritis cases can be avoided, the risk may be drastically cut down by sensible and preventive hygiene practices. Here's how:

Hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom, is one of the best means of preventing the transmission of GI infections.

Do not cross-contaminate when handling food, thoroughly cook meat, and refrigerate perishables immediately. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

While traveling, use sealed bottled water, don't drink ice in beverages, and eat only cooked or packaged food to minimize the risk of "traveler's diarrhea."

Disinfect surfaces frequently in shared spaces such as gyms, bathrooms, or kitchens to stop the spread of infection.

<h4>5. Watch Out for Medication and Drug Use</h4>

Excessive alcohol or certain medications use can irritate the lining of the gut and lead to chemical gastroenteritis.

While Kylian Mbappé will soon return to action, his recent hospitalization is a reminder that even the best professional athletes are not beyond the reach of diseases such as gastroenteritis. It also emphasizes the value of early treatment and medical surveillance in more complicated instances.

For the general public, it is imperative that they know about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of gastroenteritis—particularly with increasing travel and food safety as an ongoing global issue. With the right information and good hygiene techniques, most instances of gastroenteritis can be prevented or treated at home. But learning when to seek assistance—such as Mbappé's medical team—is what can turn the tables.

Acute gastroenteritis is widespread, but its effect can be from mild disruption to severe health risk depending on how it is handled. As a world-class sportsman or an average person coping with day-to-day well-being, early recognition of the symptoms, fluid intake, and attention to food and hygiene safety can keep you one step ahead of this miserable but avoidable illness.

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Football fans around the world were stunned when Real Madrid confirmed that Kylian Mbappé, its French captain and marquee signing, was hospitalized for an acute bout of gastroenteritis during the Club World Cup. Although Real Madrid had originally reported that he was absent for the initial match because of illness, there was a formal medical report that confirmed the extent of his illness and in-hospital treatment and tests he required.Even though Mbappé is recovering now with specific medical treatment outside the hospital, his sudden health fright focused fresh public attention on a prevalent but poorly understood illness: acute gastroenteritis.What Gastroenteritis?Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen, and occasionally fever or muscle pain. Commonly called the "stomach flu," it is not caused by the flu virus and has nothing to do with respiratory infections. Rather, it is usually caused by infection or chemical irritants to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There are two main types:Infectious gastroenteritis – due to viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi.Chemical gastroenteritis – due to ingestion of poisonous substances such as some drugs, alcohol, or polluted food/water.Mbappé's illness is an acute gastroenteritis, which means the symptoms came on suddenly and intensely but would likely pass with good care.How Gastroenteritis Spreads?The most prevalent reason for gastroenteritis is the intake of contaminated food or water. It is also spread by contact with infected people or surfaces they have contacted. Some typical situations include:Consumption of undercooked meat or seafoodInadequate washing of hands after using the toiletDrinking unbottled or unfiltered water during travelThough most individuals recover quickly, individuals with compromised immune systems—such as young children, elderly, or those with chronic diseases—are at a higher risk for developing complications like dehydration and extended illness. Symptoms Of GastroenteritisAcute gastroenteritis usually presents with a combination of the following:Sudden onset of watery diarrhea (non-bloody)Nausea and vomitingAbdominal cramps or bloatingLow-grade feverGeneral fatigue or muscle achesThese symptoms typically occur within 1–3 days of contact with the infection and can last anywhere from 24 hours up to two weeks, depending upon the cause and the immune response of the patient.In the Mbappé case, the symptoms were bad enough to need hospitalization, which is not usual but required for observation of dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, or ongoing vomiting.What Causes Gastroenteritis?The origin of gastroenteritis comes from the inflammatory reaction in the body from a threat within the gastrointestinal system. Pathogens or toxic chemicals entering the system will have the immune reaction summon inflammation to combat invaders and heal damage.In a majority of instances, it is an acute and transient condition. But if the infection is especially virulent or if the immune system of the body is weakened, inflammation becomes intense, aggravating symptoms and necessitating medical attention. The most common offenders are:Viruses (such as norovirus and rotavirus)Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, or Campylobacter)Parasites (Giardia)Fungi (uncommon but potential in immunocompromised hosts)How Serious Is Acute Gastroenteritis?For otherwise healthy people, acute gastroenteritis is usually self-limiting and resolves with rest and hydration. For elite athletes such as Mbappé, any alteration in the body's fluid and nutrient balance can have a profound impact on performance and recovery. The disease becomes more severe when:Dehydration occurs from heavy vomiting and diarrheaThe symptoms do not improve after a few daysThere is the presence of blood in stoolThere's a loss of ability to retain fluidsFever is severe and persistentIn such instances, hospitalization is advisable—as in Mbappé's case—for rehydration, electrolyte balance, and observation.What You Can Do to Stay Safe?Although not all gastroenteritis cases can be avoided, the risk may be drastically cut down by sensible and preventive hygiene practices. Here's how:1. Practice Proper HandwashingHand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom, is one of the best means of preventing the transmission of GI infections.2. Safe Food HandlingDo not cross-contaminate when handling food, thoroughly cook meat, and refrigerate perishables immediately. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.3. Safe Water to DrinkWhile traveling, use sealed bottled water, don't drink ice in beverages, and eat only cooked or packaged food to minimize the risk of "traveler's diarrhea."4. Clean SurfacesDisinfect surfaces frequently in shared spaces such as gyms, bathrooms, or kitchens to stop the spread of infection.5. Watch Out for Medication and Drug UseExcessive alcohol or certain medications use can irritate the lining of the gut and lead to chemical gastroenteritis.While Kylian Mbappé will soon return to action, his recent hospitalization is a reminder that even the best professional athletes are not beyond the reach of diseases such as gastroenteritis. It also emphasizes the value of early treatment and medical surveillance in more complicated instances.For the general public, it is imperative that they know about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of gastroenteritis—particularly with increasing travel and food safety as an ongoing global issue. With the right information and good hygiene techniques, most instances of gastroenteritis can be prevented or treated at home. But learning when to seek assistance—such as Mbappé's medical team—is what can turn the tables.Acute gastroenteritis is widespread, but its effect can be from mild disruption to severe health risk depending on how it is handled. As a world-class sportsman or an average person coping with day-to-day well-being, early recognition of the symptoms, fluid intake, and attention to food and hygiene safety can keep you one step ahead of this miserable but avoidable illness.

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In many ways <span>COVID</span>-19 has changed the way medicine and treatments work. During peak COVID wave, at-home test kits became a more accepted part of medical care for people, as stepping outside and visiting hospitals could also cause infection. As new strains of COVID keep mutating, many people have brought up concerns regarding the effectiveness of the at-home tests. 

The concern is regarding the fact that these at-home test kits are equipped to diagnose the new strains or are there certain strains that can go undetected. 

If you start feeling sick with symptoms like a cough, fever, or runny nose, you might worry if it's <span>COVID-19</span>. A simple way to check is by using an at-home COVID-19 test. You can easily find these tests at drugstores, supermarkets, and online stores. 

At-home COVID-19 tests are designed to find tiny parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. These parts are called antigens. Rapid at-home antigen tests usually give you results in about 15 minutes. If your test is positive, it's very likely you have the virus. 

It's important to know that these tests can sometimes give a false negative, meaning you could test negative but still have the virus. However, because these tests are quick and rarely give a false positive, they can be very useful if used correctly.

<h2>Do They Work Against New COVID Variants? </h2>

At-home COVID tests should work against newer versions of the virus, “The antigen, that the at-home tests look for has remained fairly stable even as the virus mutates and new strains of COVID develop”. Harvard Health experts explain that the part of the virus these tests look for stays pretty much the same, even as the virus changes. Research generally shows that these antigen tests are good at finding different COVID-19 variants. 

In a comparative study published in the Microbiology Spectrum journals, researchers looked at 2 types of tests PCR test and rapid antigen tests (Ag-RDTs). They used FIA which is the flourescence immunoassay, a simple and rapid technique that is used to measure compounds like drugs, hormones and proteins and LFIA which is lateral flow immunoassay, that is also used to detect proteins, haptens (a type of molecules), nucleic acids etc. Both rapid tests were 100% accurate at finding the virus when there was a lot of virus in the sample. However, their ability to find the virus dropped to around 30% when there was only a small amount of virus present. 

This study confirms that rapid antigen tests (especially FIA and LFIA) work almost as well as RT-PCR tests for finding SARS-CoV-2. The FIA test was particularly good for people who had the virus but no symptoms. Both rapid tests agreed strongly with the gold standard RT-PCR results. 

Harvard Health experts advise using an at-home COVID test if you have respiratory symptoms like a cough, fever, or runny nose. She also suggests testing if you've been around someone with COVID-19, or if you're going to be near elderly people or those with weak immune systems who could get very sick from the virus. 

In general, these tests are most effective when you have symptoms. One study found that certain at-home tests caught almost 90% of COVID cases in people with symptoms, but only about half of cases in people who had the virus but no symptoms. 

If your test is positive, it means you have the virus. If it is negative, health authorities recommend taking another test 48 hours later to reduce the chance of a false negative. 

If you have respiratory symptoms, these combination tests are an easy way to find out if you have the flu, COVID-19, or both, without needing to visit a doctor's office. You can also help public health efforts by reporting your test result (whether it's positive or negative) online. 

The best way to protect yourself from both COVID-19 and the flu is to get vaccinated for both. Vaccines lower your risk of getting sick and developing serious complications if you do catch the viruses. 

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At-Home COVID Tests Kits

In many ways COVID-19 has changed the way medicine and treatments work. During peak COVID wave, at-home test kits became a more accepted part of medical care for people, as stepping outside and visiting hospitals could also cause infection. As new strains of COVID keep mutating, many people have brought up concerns regarding the effectiveness of the at-home tests. The concern is regarding the fact that these at-home test kits are equipped to diagnose the new strains or are there certain strains that can go undetected. How At-Home COVID Tests Work? If you start feeling sick with symptoms like a cough, fever, or runny nose, you might worry if it's COVID-19. A simple way to check is by using an at-home COVID-19 test. You can easily find these tests at drugstores, supermarkets, and online stores. At-home COVID-19 tests are designed to find tiny parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. These parts are called antigens. Rapid at-home antigen tests usually give you results in about 15 minutes. If your test is positive, it's very likely you have the virus. It's important to know that these tests can sometimes give a false negative, meaning you could test negative but still have the virus. However, because these tests are quick and rarely give a false positive, they can be very useful if used correctly. Do They Work Against New COVID Variants? At-home COVID tests should work against newer versions of the virus, “The antigen, that the at-home tests look for has remained fairly stable even as the virus mutates and new strains of COVID develop”. Harvard Health experts explain that the part of the virus these tests look for stays pretty much the same, even as the virus changes. Research generally shows that these antigen tests are good at finding different COVID-19 variants. In a comparative study published in the Microbiology Spectrum journals, researchers looked at 2 types of tests PCR test and rapid antigen tests (Ag-RDTs). They used FIA which is the flourescence immunoassay, a simple and rapid technique that is used to measure compounds like drugs, hormones and proteins and LFIA which is lateral flow immunoassay, that is also used to detect proteins, haptens (a type of molecules), nucleic acids etc. Both rapid tests were 100% accurate at finding the virus when there was a lot of virus in the sample. However, their ability to find the virus dropped to around 30% when there was only a small amount of virus present. This study confirms that rapid antigen tests (especially FIA and LFIA) work almost as well as RT-PCR tests for finding SARS-CoV-2. The FIA test was particularly good for people who had the virus but no symptoms. Both rapid tests agreed strongly with the gold standard RT-PCR results. When to Test for COVID? Harvard Health experts advise using an at-home COVID test if you have respiratory symptoms like a cough, fever, or runny nose. She also suggests testing if you've been around someone with COVID-19, or if you're going to be near elderly people or those with weak immune systems who could get very sick from the virus. In general, these tests are most effective when you have symptoms. One study found that certain at-home tests caught almost 90% of COVID cases in people with symptoms, but only about half of cases in people who had the virus but no symptoms. If your test is positive, it means you have the virus. If it is negative, health authorities recommend taking another test 48 hours later to reduce the chance of a false negative. If you have respiratory symptoms, these combination tests are an easy way to find out if you have the flu, COVID-19, or both, without needing to visit a doctor's office. You can also help public health efforts by reporting your test result (whether it's positive or negative) online. The best way to protect yourself from both COVID-19 and the flu is to get vaccinated for both. Vaccines lower your risk of getting sick and developing serious complications if you do catch the viruses. 

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Being one of the most common cancer diagnoses, <span>skin cancer</span> claims more than two people every hour. The Skin Cancer Foundation also specifies that having five or more sunburns doubles your risk of melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer. Despite the fact that people are often urged to wear sunscreen and take protection from heat, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. However, the survival rate of melanoma is 99 percent, meaning if people can get it diagnosed early, they can get proper treatment. So, how can one get an early diagnosis? 

An experimental AI tool called PanDerm shows promising results in accelerating the detection of melanoma and other skin conditions, according to a new study published in Nature Medicine. When doctors used PanDerm, it improved the accuracy of <span>skin cancer diagnoses</span> by 11%, and the accurate diagnosis of other skin conditions by almost 17%. 

<h2>Enhancing Clinical Decision-Making </h2>

PanDerm is made in a way to assist doctors by helping them understand complex imaging data and make more confident and informed decisions. While a lot of people are skeptical of the use of AI and how it may impact human lives in the long rn, the study shows that using it to work alongside professionals can help us reach great medical heights. 

Researchers explained the tool is built to work alongside medical professionals, making it easier for them to interpret difficult images and choose the right course of action with greater certainty. This support is especially important because about 70% of people experience some kind of skin condition, making it crucial to spot them early for better treatment outcomes. 

Developed by a global research team, PanDerm was trained on a massive collection of over 2 million skin images, using four different types of medical imaging. Unlike previous AI models that struggled to combine various data types, PanDerm was specifically created to identify a wide range of skin conditions. It uses images from tiny microscopic slides to wide views showing lesions and the surrounding skin. 

Researchers also said that by training PanDerm with diverse data from different imaging techniques, they've created a system that can understand skin conditions similar to how dermatologists do—by combining information from various visual sources. 

<h2>Impressive Performance and Future Potential </h2>

In the study, PanDerm was tested on various tasks related to skin health, including screening for cancer, counting moles, tracking changes in lesions, and diagnosing a broad spectrum of skin conditions. The AI consistently delivered strong results, often needing only 5% to 10% of the data that doctors typically require for diagnoses. This means it can provide accurate results with much less information. 

This AI tool could be especially valuable in areas where it's hard to see a dermatologist, as researcher Peter Soyer pointed out. However, the researchers stress that PanDerm needs more evaluation and real-world testing in different healthcare settings and with various types of patients before it can be approved and widely used. 

The Cancer Research UK explains that when you have skin cancer, the main treatment is usually surgery. However, depending on where the cancer is, how big it is, and your overall health, you might have a different kind of treatment. Your doctor will discuss all the possible options with you. 

Besides surgery, other treatments include radiotherapy, which uses high-energy rays similar to X-rays to kill cancer cells, often for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). You might also get a chemotherapy cream that uses strong drugs to destroy cancer cells, or Imiquimod cream (Aldara), which helps your body's own defenses fight the cancer. 

For some types of skin cancer, doctors might suggest targeted drugs or immunotherapy. These treatments either attack specific parts of cancer cells or boost your immune system to help it kill the cancer. Another option is photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses a special drug and light to destroy the cancer cells. 

After you finish your skin cancer treatment, you'll need to have follow-up appointments to make sure everything is okay. 

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Cancer Diagnosis with the help of AI

Skin Cancer Diagnoses

Being one of the most common cancer diagnoses, skin cancer claims more than two people every hour. The Skin Cancer Foundation also specifies that having five or more sunburns doubles your risk of melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer. Despite the fact that people are often urged to wear sunscreen and take protection from heat, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. However, the survival rate of melanoma is 99 percent, meaning if people can get it diagnosed early, they can get proper treatment. So, how can one get an early diagnosis? An experimental AI tool called PanDerm shows promising results in accelerating the detection of melanoma and other skin conditions, according to a new study published in Nature Medicine. When doctors used PanDerm, it improved the accuracy of skin cancer diagnoses by 11%, and the accurate diagnosis of other skin conditions by almost 17%. Enhancing Clinical Decision-Making PanDerm is made in a way to assist doctors by helping them understand complex imaging data and make more confident and informed decisions. While a lot of people are skeptical of the use of AI and how it may impact human lives in the long rn, the study shows that using it to work alongside professionals can help us reach great medical heights. Researchers explained the tool is built to work alongside medical professionals, making it easier for them to interpret difficult images and choose the right course of action with greater certainty. This support is especially important because about 70% of people experience some kind of skin condition, making it crucial to spot them early for better treatment outcomes. How PanDerm Works Developed by a global research team, PanDerm was trained on a massive collection of over 2 million skin images, using four different types of medical imaging. Unlike previous AI models that struggled to combine various data types, PanDerm was specifically created to identify a wide range of skin conditions. It uses images from tiny microscopic slides to wide views showing lesions and the surrounding skin. Researchers also said that by training PanDerm with diverse data from different imaging techniques, they've created a system that can understand skin conditions similar to how dermatologists do—by combining information from various visual sources. Impressive Performance and Future Potential In the study, PanDerm was tested on various tasks related to skin health, including screening for cancer, counting moles, tracking changes in lesions, and diagnosing a broad spectrum of skin conditions. The AI consistently delivered strong results, often needing only 5% to 10% of the data that doctors typically require for diagnoses. This means it can provide accurate results with much less information. This AI tool could be especially valuable in areas where it's hard to see a dermatologist, as researcher Peter Soyer pointed out. However, the researchers stress that PanDerm needs more evaluation and real-world testing in different healthcare settings and with various types of patients before it can be approved and widely used. Treatment For Skin Cancer The Cancer Research UK explains that when you have skin cancer, the main treatment is usually surgery. However, depending on where the cancer is, how big it is, and your overall health, you might have a different kind of treatment. Your doctor will discuss all the possible options with you. Besides surgery, other treatments include radiotherapy, which uses high-energy rays similar to X-rays to kill cancer cells, often for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). You might also get a chemotherapy cream that uses strong drugs to destroy cancer cells, or Imiquimod cream (Aldara), which helps your body's own defenses fight the cancer. For some types of skin cancer, doctors might suggest targeted drugs or immunotherapy. These treatments either attack specific parts of cancer cells or boost your immune system to help it kill the cancer. Another option is photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses a special drug and light to destroy the cancer cells. After you finish your skin cancer treatment, you'll need to have follow-up appointments to make sure everything is okay. 

Skin Cancer Diagnoses See A Boost With The Help Of AI

skin cancer diagnoses see a boost with the help of ai

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