The Princess of Wales, Catherine, Kate Middleton in an emotional update, shared that she is in remission from cancer. In her first visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital since her treatment, she expressed gratitude and optimism about her recovery journey.

In a social media post signed "C", she described her relief and her focus on recovery. She also wrote about the challenges in adopting a life with cancer diagnosis, and wrote: "It takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead."

She also expressed appreciation for the Royal Marsden Hospital and thanked the staff for their dedication and also for the support she and Prince William received from others during the journey. She said, "My heartfelt thanks go to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything".

What Does Cancer In Remission Mean?

Remission in cancer happens when cancer treatment reduces or eliminated the amount of cancer in your body. It can be a complete or partial remission. In complete remission, it means there is no sign of cancer, whereas in partial remission, it means the cancer has decreased or stopped growing. Remission from cancer can last for months or even years.

Are There Different Types of Remission?

Like mentioned before, the major difference is the complete and partial remission.

A complete cancer remission happens when there is not any evidence of cancer on physical exam, blood work or imaging test. This means, if you have lung cancer in complete remission, your CT scan will show the cancer has disappeared. However, it does not mean that remission does not mean cancer is gone forever, it can recur. Thus, it is important to continue to follow-up.

Partial remission means the imaging and blood tests will show cancerous tumors, which are now 50% smaller than they were before treatment, or that the tumor cells are no longer growing.

But, does it mean that you are cured of cancer?

The main difference between the two is the recuring factor. In remission, even if complete, the cancer can happen again, whereas, if you are cured, then it will not come back.

While for Catherine, the type of cancer has not been revealed, there have been speculations that it may be an ovarian or a uterine cancer.

A Year Of Recovery

Catherine's health challenges were first revealed last January when she underwent abdominal surgery. By March, she announced she was in the early stages of cancer treatment. In September, she shared that her chemotherapy had ended.

Since then, she has slowly resumed public engagements, including appearances at significant royal events, signaling her ongoing recovery.

Now a joint royal patron of the Royal Marsden alongside Prince William, Catherine follows in the footsteps of Diana, Princess of Wales, who also supported the hospital. She also visited patients undergoing cancer therapy and emphasized with them speaking from her own experience. "It's really tough... It's such a shock," she told one patient, encouraging a positive mindset despite the challenges.

She also acknowledged the long-term effects of treatment, saying, "You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but that's still a real challenge."

Founded in 1851, the Royal Marsden treats 59,000 patients annually and remains a leader in cancer treatment and research.

Every year on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day is observed. This day raises awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is a developmental brain disorder which impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others. This condition may cause problems in social interaction and communication. The condition may also include limited and repetitive patterns of behavior.

Origin of World Autism Day

It was started in 2007, when the United Nations General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day. The UN worked to promote the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic individuals and ensured their equal participation in society.

In fact, over the years, progress has been made and driven in large by autistic advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring the lived experiences of autistic individuals to the forefront of global discussions.

The 2007 General Assembly resolution also highlighted the need to raise public awareness of autism.

Theme of World Autism Day

The theme for 2025 is "Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)". This goal highlights the intersection between neurodiversity and global sustainability efforts and showcases how inclusive policies and practices can drive positive change for autistic individuals worldwide and contribute to the achievement of SDG.

This year's theme and discussion also explores at the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that promote accessibility, equality, and innovation across multiple sectors.

Significance of World Autism Day

The day aims to foster a better understanding of autism and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. The day also tries to promote awareness and acceptance and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism.

What Is Autism?

As per the American Psychiatric Association, ASD is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. While autism is considered a lifelong condition, the need for services and supports because of these challenges varies among individuals with autism.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one in 36 children have been identified with ASD.

Recent News Around Autism

Ramsey's Diagnosis: Recently, star of HBO's hit drama Bella Ramsey opened up about their autism diagnosis. They credited a crew member for recognizing the signs and symptoms.

Ramsey shared that they were diagnosed while filing the first season of the series.

“I’ve spoken a bit about neurodivergence before, but I always for some reason didn’t want to,” Ramsey admitted. “I got diagnosed with autism when I was filming season one of The Last of Us.”

While filming in Canada, a crew member who also has an autistic daughter noticed certain similarities in Ramsey's behavior and suspected that they too might be autistic. This observation was what prompted Ramsey to seek a formal psychiatric assessment, and thus leading to their diagnosis.

Ramsey also reflected on their childhood and described feeling out of place in school and finding comfort in the company of adults. They also recalled that they had experienced sensory sensitivities common among autistic individuals, such as heightened awareness of micro-expressions and body language. Ramsey also mentioned that filming in Canada's cold condition was also challenging as the heavy waterproof gear and thermals were required on the set. "It was too much stuff on my body," they shared talking about sensory discomfort.

ALSO READ: If Vaccines Don't Cause Autism-Here's What Does

CDC's Vaccine Study: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is planning to examine potential link between vaccines and autism. This has all come up in the backdrop of the claims by the now Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has suggested the link between vaccines and autism. This has been backed by President Trump as well.

This originated from now debunked 1998 study, which was retracted after its author, Andrew Wakefield, was found guilty of professional misconduct and barred from practicing medicine in the UK. Despite decades or research no such link could be proven, however, the claim still continues in the political and public discourse.

Kennedy, who had long been anti-vaxxer, also made numerous claims, even though studies have long debunked this theory.

As the number of migrants and refugees continue to grow due to wars, famine, disease etc, so does that of people living with dementia. Healthcare experts are warning of an escalating health emergency among aging displaced populations, and stating that dementia among migrants is not only on the increase, but commonly undiagnosed and unsupported. This piece uncovers the complex connection between displacement, stress, and dementia to determine whether it is solely the displacement that results in this increased incidence or if prolonged stress plays a crucial part in the illness.

The recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) presents a dismal picture of rising numbers of elderly migrants suffering from dementia. The population of individuals aged 60 and older who reside outside their native countries has increased by nearly two-thirds in the past three decades. In 1990, it stood at approximately 25.5 million; by 2020, it had risen to 48.2 million. This demographic trend translates to more and more older persons being at risk of developing dementia, a condition more commonly linked with the elderly, especially those in their sixties and beyond.

This growth has been particularly fast in areas like Western Asia, encompassing the Middle East, a refugee hotspot from conflict, including Syria and Afghanistan. The WHO has pointed out that a third of the world's refugees hail from these two war-stricken nations, and as they get older, the risk of dementia increases.

Does Displacement Influence Dementia Risk?

Although there is no direct connection between migration and the risk of dementia, experts are increasingly analyzing how forced migration may amplify health risks. Upending life instantly, displacement also comes with accompanying trauma, financial uncertainty, lack of food security, and access to healthcare limitations—each having the potential to complicate both mental and physical conditions, such as dementia.

The trauma of displacement, as well as the difficulties of adapting to new settings, may be central to the acceleration of cognitive decline. There is mounting evidence, says Dr. Marco Canevelli of Sapienza University in Rome, that the barriers to healthcare for migrants—language barriers, low health literacy, and absence of access to medical resources—result in an under-diagnosis of dementia. Migrants cannot always obtain the proper care to receive an accurate diagnosis," he explained in a WHO press briefing.

Is Long-Term Stress To Blame For Dementia Among Migrants?

Among the most compelling questions about how dementia has been increasing among displaced populations is how long-term stress affects it. Chronic stress, particularly if incurred in early childhood or over very long periods of time, has disastrous consequences on brain function. For most migrants and refugees, the stress of escaping war zones, adapting to new and sometimes hostile surroundings, and living in economic uncertainty is not only short-term but chronic. This chronic burden of stress may well hasten the development of dementia, especially in those who are prone to cognitive decline.

The brain reacts to stress by releasing cortisol, a hormone that, when present in excess over long durations, can have a detrimental effect on the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory. Chronic stress can therefore impair cognitive function, leading to the development of symptoms of dementia.

In addition, studies indicate that migrants are more likely to suffer from greater psychological distress, especially following traumatic events such as war, persecution, and natural disasters. The cumulative psychological and emotional burden of these experiences may be a factor in increased susceptibility to neurodegenerative illnesses such as dementia.

Why Care is Challenging for Migrants with Dementia?

The challenges for people with dementia among migrants go far beyond diagnosis—as they also struggle to access needed care. It is reported in research by Edith Cowan University (ECU) alongside HammondCare that immigrants with dementia tend to be seen with signs of agitation and aggression, one of the challenging behaviors that cultural and language gaps can make even worse. To compare, other patients with dementia who are non-immigrants present more typical features such as hallucinations and delusions.

These behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are a frequent phenomenon, but they can differ widely depending on the cultural background of the individual. The research indicates that cultural variations have a profound impact on how dementia symptoms are expressed and how caregivers should react to them. For caregivers, usually family members with little support, dementia care in a foreign country can be a daunting and lonely experience. Language issues, lack of knowledge regarding dementia, and a lack of access to specialized care only serve to complicate the problem.

The growth of dementia in migrants highlights the imperative for rapid policy intervention to tackle both the prevention and management of migrants with dementia. The WHO report underscored that refugees and migrants with dementia need to have their health needs acknowledged and incorporated into general health systems, particularly during crisis and emergency phases. This encompasses ensuring improved access to diagnosis, care, and treatment for ageing migrants who are vulnerable to dementia.

Besides healthcare access, cultural competence within healthcare systems needs to be enhanced. Healthcare providers need to be trained to identify the specific needs of migrants and refugees with dementia, particularly in the recognition of cultural factors that might impact symptoms and care strategies.

As the number of displaced persons keeps increasing, it is imperative that the international health community recognizes the increasing burden of dementia among migrants and refugees. To address this looming health crisis, policymakers should ensure that migrants and refugees are provided with quality care and dementia services specific to their needs. As the WHO itself reminds us, the health requirements of these at-risk groups cannot be overlooked, and their difficulties in accessing care must be addressed to secure their well-being.

Ultimately, the development of dementia among migrants is not so much about the displacement process but also about the chronic stress and trauma that are a part of it. Uncovering the underlying causes of dementia in these groups will be imperative to establishing effective prevention strategies and care systems that enhance the quality of life for older migrants globally.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has recently approved cabozantinib (Cabometyx) for patients with previously treated advanced neuroendocrine tumors. This is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which is offering a new standard for care of this patient group. This has been announced by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

How Was The Drug Approved?

The approval came on the bases of the results from the phase 3 CABINET study. The study compared cabozantinib to a placebo in patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

As per the National Cancer Institute, neuroendocrine tumor grows from neuroendocrine cells. These cells receive and send messages through hormones to help the body function. These cells are found in organs throughout the body. The neuroendocrine tumor was called carcinoid tumor

These tumors grow very slowly and are mostly found in appendix, also known as appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors. When found in lungs, they are also called bronchial tumors. These areas are more common in children and young adults. Whereas for adults, it is mostly found in the digestive tract, called the GI neuroendocrine tumor. What makes it concerning is that it can also spread to other parts of the body but does so more in adults than in children.

They are rare in children and more common in adults, affecting up to 4 in 100,000 adults.

The drug which FDA has approved based on the phase 3 CABINER study's results have been published last September in the New England Journal of Medicine. Patients who were treated with cabozantinib survived significantly longer with no worsening of their disease compared with patients who received placebo. This also improved the efficacy as was observed in the interim analysis. The trial was in fact terminated early and unblinded in August 2023.

Are There Any Side Effects From The FDA Approved Drugs?

The reported side effects of cabozantinib were similar to those found in other studies of the drug. They include:

• Hypertension
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea

"Patients with neuroendocrine tumors often face a difficult journey," lead author of the CABINET study, Jennifer Chan, M.D., M.P.H., of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said in a statement. "Despite advances in recent years, there has remained a critical need for new and effective therapies for patients whose cancer has grown or spread. Cabozantinib significantly improved outcomes in this patient population and this FDA approval provides new hope."

How Is Neuroendocrine tumor diagnosed?

While some people have symptoms, others may do not have any symptoms. These symptoms depends on where in your body the tumor has grown.

Patients who have appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors may have symptoms of appendicitis, such as pain in abdomen. They could also be later diagnosed with carcinoid tumor in case the doctor removes the appendix and finds a tumor. Patients with carcinoid tumor in other parts of the digestive tract may have symptoms such as:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Other ways to detect is by lab tests, imaging, and biopsy.