CJ, a busy restaurant manager, was getting ready to turn 38. He worked 60-hour weeks and was planning a trip to Spain. In all that rush, he barely noticed a small, itchy bump on his thigh. He thought it was just a mosquito bite and didn't worry about it.

When a "Bite" Turns Dangerous

But this bump was different. It grew very quickly, and in just three months, it became a raised, half-inch lump that started to bleed. Even though he still believed it was harmless, the fast changes made CJ decide to see a skin doctor. The news was shocking: it was melanoma, a very serious type of skin cancer. CJ described it as "the fastest moving train I've ever seen." Within two weeks of that first appointment, he had scans and urgent surgery. The cancer, a serious Stage IIIB melanoma, had already spread to the lymph nodes in his groin.

Finding Strength Through a Tough Battle

CJ and his husband had to cancel their trip to Spain. Instead, CJ spent the week recovering from surgery. It was incredibly hard for him to go from a healthy person with what he thought was a simple bug bite to a cancer patient facing treatment so quickly.

Despite feeling down and depressed at first, CJ held onto his positive attitude, largely thanks to his husband's constant support. His husband was his "cheerleader," reminding him that everything would be okay.

CJ went through his treatment, which included several rounds of IV medication. After that, he had regular check-ups with ultrasounds and CT scans for five years to make sure the melanoma hadn't come back. He approached these appointments like a checklist. CJ shared that cancer never defined him; he just wanted to get on with his life.

Living Cancer-Free and Helping Others

Recently, CJ got the wonderful news that he's been cancer-free for five years. CJ advises anyone facing a new diagnosis to acknowledge their mental health and seek support. While he has great resilience, he found value in connecting with others who had similar experiences. That's why he now shares his story and volunteers to help other cancer patients, including working with campaigns like the American Cancer Society's Men Wear Pink.

Body Changes and Sun Protection

CJ's experience really highlights how crucial it is to pay attention to any changes in your body and see a doctor if something doesn't go away. What seemed like a minor irritation turned into a serious, life-threatening condition that needed immediate medical care.

His journey also serves as a strong reminder about protecting yourself from the sun. While anyone can get skin cancer, CJ's doctors believe his melanoma might be linked to a lot of sun exposure when he was younger. He knows that growing up in the 1980s meant less awareness about staying in the shade or using daily sunscreen. However, with his fair skin and red hair, studies show he was already at a much higher risk for skin cancer than people with darker hair and skin.

Today, CJ and his husband are new parents, and they make sure their son is protected from the sun every single day. Their son is "always the first one getting the sunscreen." CJ believes the choices we make daily affect our physical and mental health, and he wants to do everything he can to protect his son.

CJ now sees his cancer journey as a significant event that pushed him to make healthier choices, including better sun protection and a healthier diet. His career is now focused on fitness and nutrition, and he considers his past cancer experience just that – part of his past, thanks in part to the work of organizations like the American Cancer Society.

'Medical Memoir' is a Health & Me series that delves into some of the most intriguing medical histories and unveils how medical innovations have evolved over time. Here, we trace the early stages of all things health, whether a vaccine, a treatment, a pill, or a cure.

Menstrual products have come a long way—from homemade cloth rags and belts to silicone menstrual cups and sleek, leak-proof underwear. The history of these products is as much about medical innovation as it is about cultural taboos, social shifts, and gendered marketing. While nearly half the world menstruates at some point, the journey toward safer, dignified, and sustainable period care has been anything but straightforward.

Ancient Origins: Creativity and Cultural Beliefs

Long before commercial products existed, women relied on locally available materials. In ancient Greece, tampon-like devices were reportedly made using lint wrapped around light wood. Egyptian women fashioned internal devices from softened papyrus, while Roman women used wool or cotton pads secured with belts. Meanwhile, Native American women used moss and buffalo skin, and in Equatorial Africa, grass rolls absorbed menstrual blood.

However, these were not necessarily used openly. Menstruation was frequently wrapped in superstition and shame. Ancient texts reveal contradictory beliefs: while Egyptian medical papyri regarded menstrual blood as medicinal, Roman and early Christian texts often considered it impure, even dangerous.

19th Century: Cloth Pads and the Birth of Sanitary Belts

By the 1800s, European and American women commonly used reusable cloth rags made from flannel or linen. These were washed and reused but posed hygiene concerns. The late 19th century saw the invention of the sanitary belt—a strap-on belt that held a pad in place. Brands like Southalls’ Shaped Towel Suspender marketed these belts for women “travelling by land or sea.”

In 1896, Johnson & Johnson launched Lister’s Towels, the first disposable sanitary napkins. But cultural stigma around menstruation kept them from selling well; women were reluctant to ask for them in stores.

Early 20th Century: From Warfront to Women’s Needs

World War I brought an unexpected breakthrough. Nurses discovered that cellulose bandages, used to stop bleeding on the battlefield, were highly absorbent and cheap. This innovation led to the Kotex sanitary pad, marking one of the first commercially successful disposable period products.

In the 1920s, Fax tampons emerged, though still rudimentary. The most transformative moment came in 1933, when Earle Haas patented the modern tampon with an applicator. Soon after, Gertrude Tendrich, founder of Tampax, bought the patent and established the brand. Even so, tampons faced social resistance, particularly from conservative groups concerned about virginity and morality.

Mid-20th Century: Belts, Pads, and Patents

Through the mid-1900s, many women still used sanitary belts. African-American inventor Mary Kenner created an adjustable version in 1956, complete with a moisture-proof pocket. Sadly, her patent was ignored for decades due to racial discrimination.

In the 1970s, beltless pads with adhesive strips revolutionized convenience. Pads now came in various sizes—mini, maxi, with or without wings. Around the same time, feminist movements advocated for reusable options like sea sponges and cloth pads as environmentally conscious alternatives.

Menstrual Cups: A Quiet Revolution

Though menstrual cups seem like a recent innovation, the first patent was filed by Leona Chalmers in 1937. Made of latex, her design didn't gain traction due to wartime material shortages and social discomfort.

It wasn’t until 2002 that the Mooncup, a reusable silicone cup, popularized the category. Founder Su Hardy promoted it as a hypoallergenic, eco-friendly product. Unlike tampons or pads, a single menstrual cup could last up to 10 years—dramatically reducing waste. Brands like Tampax followed suit with their own versions in the late 2010s, promoting sustainability.

Late 20th Century: Safety Concerns and Regulation

The rise of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) in the late 1970s, particularly linked to super-absorbent tampons, led to thousands of hospitalizations and several deaths. This public health crisis sparked stricter regulations and awareness campaigns, including the Tampon Safety Bill (1995) and the General Product Safety Regulation (2005) in the UK.

21st Century Innovations: Empowerment and Sustainability

The last two decades have ushered in a period care renaissance. There’s a growing market for organic cotton tampons and pads, biodegradable wrappers, and subscription-based period boxes. Perhaps the biggest innovation has been period panties—moisture-wicking, antimicrobial underwear that replaces pads altogether.

Modern period brands now emphasize body positivity, gender inclusivity, and sustainability. Campaigns no longer whisper "discreet protection" but proudly celebrate menstruators taking control of their health.

Despite all the progress, menstrual stigma lingers. Even in 2025, millions of girls worldwide miss school due to lack of access to period products or sanitation. In many parts of the world, conversations around menstruation remain cloaked in secrecy or shame.

After months of steady decline, COVID-19 cases in the U.S. have begun to rise again—and no, it’s not an anomaly. This marks the anticipated beginning of a summer surge, with public health data underscoring how the virus behaves with seasonal rhythms—even while national activity levels remain low.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now reports that infections are climbing in approximately half of all states, particularly throughout the Southeast, South, and the West Coast—California included. CDC’s national wastewater surveillance, which gauges virus circulation in sewage, has shifted from “very low” to “medium” activity, confirming increasing spread. In California, the WastewaterSCAN program showed the virus present at 95% of monitored sites, with concentration levels rising steadily since June.

While this escalation mirrors trends from previous summers, the data make it clear: COVID is here once again. California isn’t just another dot on the map—it’s a bellwether. With 150 COVID-related deaths per week across the U.S., even a modest surge in California can impact national outcomes. Moreover, its key role in travel, entertainment, and indoor-heavy lifestyles during heatwaves elevates the risk of amplification.

This is not a sharp spike, but a gradual climb, close to last year’s levels. That similarity should not breed complacency; rather, it offers an early chance to act.

The Rise of NB.1.8.1 (“Nimbus”) and Other Variants

Wastewater sequencing in California shows:

• LP.8.1 dominating with 33.2% of samples
• XFG at 24.6%
• NB.1.8.1, better known as “Nimbus” or the “razor‑blade throat” variant, accounting for 7.5%

Though nicknames highlight painful throat symptoms, there's no current evidence that Nimbus causes more severe illness or hospitalizations. Still, its growing prevalence and transmissibility mean health officials are tracking it closely.

CDC analysis reveals that COVID now follows a twice-yearly pattern—with surges in both summer (July–September) and winter (December–February)

San Francisco Chronicle. Researchers attribute this cycle to genetic changes in the virus’s spike protein, particularly the S1 region, which enhances viral binding and transmission.

History confirms this: California typically peaks in mid-July to late August—making current trends both expected and potentially warning signs of a broader wave.

Who’s at Risk and What You Can Do?

While activity levels are officially “low”, complacency isn’t wise—especially for high-risk groups: adults over 65, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant people, and infants under 2:

• Ensure vaccination within the past year or seek boosters
• Test if experiencing symptoms
• Wear masks in crowded or high-risk indoor spaces

As Dr. Peter Chin‑Hong of UCSF advises, “For those older than 65, very immunocompromised, pregnant persons and infants—especially under 2—I would make sure you have received a COVID vaccine at least in the past year.”

Emergency department visits for COVID remain low nationally, though recent upticks have occurred in the Pacific Northwest and Southeast—the highest since early spring. Notably, this summer rise coincides with a surge in Parvovirus B19, which poses risks for pregnant women and is prompting additional caution.

COVID hospitalizations have become more predictable with seasonal waves, but still linger above zero year-round, reinforcing the need for vigilance .

The recurring summer pattern suggests that COVID-19 is shifting from pandemic unpredictability to endemic regularity, but that doesn’t diminish its impact. Continued mutation, waning immunity, and seasonal behaviors (like travel and indoor gatherings) ensure that vigilance remains essential.

As the CDC and WHO emphasize, updating vaccines, using masks in crowded environments, testing when sick, and keeping track of local wastewater trends are practical steps everyone can take.

California’s rise in COVID cases—though still within low national activity—matters. It signals seasonal resurgence and underscores ongoing viral evolution through new variants like Nimbus. Protecting public health requires action: vaccination, testing, masking, and staying informed about evolving trends.

The summer wave is predictable—but entirely preventable in its impact. With timely measures, we can ride it out safely.

How often do we consider dental hygiene beyond cavity prevention? What if a simple mouth rinse or toothbrush routine played a starring role in cancer treatment—not just prevention? Oncologists from AIIMS Delhi, Dr. Abhishek Shankar and Dr. Vaibhav Sahni shared the data in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia stating oral hygiene as a vital strategy in improving cancer survival, especially head and neck cancers (HNC).

In Southeast Asia, where healthcare systems face significant disparities, integrating oral care into both policy and clinical practice could reshape how cancers are managed and survived.

The mouth is home to hundreds of bacterial species. While many are harmless or even beneficial, some like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia, have been increasingly linked to inflammatory diseases and cancers. These pathogenic strains have been shown to influence cellular changes that promote tumor formation, particularly in the oropharyngeal region.

Studies have demonstrated that these bacteria can damage immune function, trigger chronic inflammation, and even interfere with cell cycle regulation. While more research is needed to establish direct causality, the correlation is enough to raise red flags. Chronic periodontal disease, marked by persistent inflammation of the gums, has been independently associated with an increased risk of several systemic diseases, including oral, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers.

In essence, what begins as bleeding gums could, in the long term, increase cancer vulnerability—especially when left untreated.

Prevention Starts with the Toothbrush, But Requires Policy

The AIIMS doctors don’t just flag a problem, they propose actionable solutions. Their recommendations are both clinical and structural, emphasizing that oral health should be embedded within the healthcare system, not treated as a siloed or cosmetic concern.

They call for national programs that include school-based toothbrushing initiatives, regular oral screenings at primary healthcare centers, and the inclusion of oral hygiene modules in cancer care pathways. They stress that public health policy must reflect this new understanding through legislation, funding, and education.

Dr. Shankar notes that “structured interventions such as point-of-care testing using oral rinse kits could help detect oral disease early, especially in underserved populations.” Combined with community engagement, these low-cost tools could dramatically shift outcomes across high-risk populations.

Warning Signs Often Overlooked

According to Dr. Sanyukta Rege, Periodontist and Oral Implantologist at Laxmi Dental Limited, one of the biggest obstacles in early diagnosis is misconception. Patients often equate pain with severity and ignore lesions that don’t hurt but this is a dangerous myth. “Early-stage oral cancers are frequently painless,” says Dr. Rege. “People ignore small ulcers or discolored patches thinking they’ll heal on their own. By the time pain develops, the cancer has often progressed.”

Red or white patches (known as erythroplakia or leukoplakia), non-healing ulcers, sudden loosening of teeth, and persistent numbness in the mouth or face are all red flags. She points to symptoms like unilateral ear pain or voice changes, which are often dismissed or misattributed but could signify deeper issues.

So, what can people do to protect their oral health and possibly reduce cancer risk? It isn’t high-tech or expensive it’s basic hygiene done right.

Dr. Rege emphasizes the fundamentals: “Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush for two minutes twice daily, floss regularly, and don’t skip tongue cleaning. These practices, combined with dental checkups twice a year, can drastically reduce microbial load and chronic inflammation.”

While specific mouthwashes have been studied for their antibacterial properties, Rege insists that brushing and flossing remain the gold standard. Regular professional cleanings and timely intervention for gum disease or persistent sores are crucial.

Southeast Asia is facing a rapidly rising cancer burden, particularly in oral and head-neck cancers. Tobacco use, betel nut chewing, poor access to dental care, and limited health education compound the problem. Yet, despite this high-risk environment, oral health often remains absent from national cancer prevention strategies.

Dr. Sahni argues that using Western datasets alone to drive policy in Asia is insufficient. “Our region has specific risk factors—like chewing tobacco or betel quid—that influence both oral health and cancer risk in ways not captured in global studies,” he says. He calls for region-specific research to guide public health action tailored to Southeast Asia’s unique needs.

What this growing body of evidence points to is the need for a paradigm shift. Oral health should no longer be viewed as an optional or secondary part of medical care, particularly in populations with high cancer incidence.

Whether it’s integrating dental check-ups into oncology protocols, launching national oral health campaigns, or simply educating patients about early signs of trouble, the road forward is clear. Small steps like brushing twice a day or getting a sore checked early can lead to seismic improvements in survival and quality of life.

As Dr. Shankar puts it, “Good oral hygiene isn’t just about aesthetics—it could be the difference between early diagnosis and late-stage cancer. And in cancer care, timing is everything.”

So start with the simplest tools—a toothbrush, a mirror, and some fluoride toothpaste. Because as we now know, the gateway to better cancer outcomes might begin with what’s inside our mouths.