As per the latest data released by Transforming Access to Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) and the Policy Institute at King's College London, the number of UK students reporting mental health difficulties tripled. The estimate reveals that around 300,000 students could now be experiencing mental health struggles. Of the total, 18% of students reported some kind of mental health issue in 2024.

As per the reports, this estimate is triple what was reported in 2017, where it was at 6%. Experts also say that Covid-19 pandemic is "often considered to have contributed to this, it does not explain the ongoing rise in mental health difficulties." Another reason could also be the "changing definition and increasing openness about mental health" which has led to a rise in numbers. The report notes, "This trend pre-dates the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Although these factors play a part in students' deteriorating mental health, they cannot therefore be the only explanation."

How Did The Report Conclude?

The report drew data collected over the latest Student Academic Experience Survey of 93,212 students. From the survey, it was found that there exist significant disparities between demographic groups, with women being twice as likely to report mental health difficulties, about 22% as compared to men, at 11%.

What Did The Results Reveal?

The results revealed that students who identified as LGBTQ experienced the highest rates of mental health challenges. This has actually lessened the hope that conditions for LGBTQ students are improving, which may not have been a positive case.

Of them, 42% are bisexual and lesbian students, whereas last year it was 35% and 32% respectively. The report also noted that mental health difficulties among lesbian women and gay men rose three times the rate of straight people, and among bisexual and asexual people, it was twice as high. For trans students, the number jumped from 25% in 2023 to 40% in 2024.

Is The LGBTQ+ Prone To Mental Health Crisis?

As per the Child Mind Institute, being LGBTQ+ does not cause mental health problems, but because these kids often face factors like rejection, discrimination and violence, they are at a higher risk of challenges including depression, anxiety, and even attempting suicide.

A UTAH Health study quotes Anna Docherty, PhD, LP, assistant professor of psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute that, "likely with any identity, feeling different - or worse, unaccepted as you are is a significant risk factor of mental health struggle." The data reveals that LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQ+ identifying teens. They are also more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and more than four times as likely to attempt suicide. In the US alone, 48% of transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the last year, compared to 4% of the overall population.

What Do These Findings Mean?

TASO's academic lead and professor of public policy at King's College London, Michael Sanders said, "LGBTQ students and women bear the brunt of the rise in declining mental health and urgent action is needed to understand and address these trends."

NHS England has announced the rollout of free home HPV testing kits, which could make cervical screening more accessible to nearly 4 million women who are not currently up to date with their screening.

The move is being described as a “game-changer”, as around a third of eligible women are not up to date with their cervical screening. The kits aim to provide a more “discreet and convenient option” for women who may not have attended screening previously.

“Offering millions of women an alternative test they can do from the comfort of their own homes will be a game-changer – making it easier than ever for them to get tested for HPV,” said Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director for Women’s Health at NHS England.

Importantly, the NHS stated that the home HPV testing is "not a replacement for cervical screening". Cervical screening appointments with a clinician remains the best way to help prevent cervical cancer.

The NHS is introducing HPV self-testing as an additional option for people who have not taken up previous invitations.

The initiative is also part of the NHS pledge to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, by making it as easy as possible for people to get lifesaving HPV vaccination and increasing cervical screening attendance.

What Does The HPV Self-Testing Kit Contain?

The self-testing kit contains a swab, similar to a long cotton bud, which is used to collect a sample from the vagina. The sample is then posted back to the NHS for free, where it is checked for high-risk HPV.

If high-risk HPV is found, individuals will be invited to book a follow-up cervical screening appointment at their GP surgery or sexual health clinic. A nurse or doctor will then take a small sample from the cervix to check for cell changes.

Who Can Get The Free Home HPV Test?

HPV self-testing is an invitation-only offer and is being rolled out in phases across England as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.

The rollout starts with people aged 30 to 65 who have not attended cervical screening following previous invitations.

Women aged 24 to 64 are invited for cervical screening by the NHS every five years, or more frequently if HPV is detected.

Women who are eligible will start receiving invitations via the NHS App, text message, email or letter. Once invited, they will be able to order a free kit through the NHS App or their NHS online account.

“There are lots of reasons that may stop women from getting their cervical screening – embarrassment, lack of time, or worries about discomfort – and these kits provide a discreet and convenient option we hope will encourage more women to take up the life-saving test. So, if you’re invited to take part, please order a test – it’s a simple swab you can do at home in minutes,” she added.

Is Cervical Screening Important Even After HPV Vaccine?

Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for high-risk types of HPV. HPV is a common virus that can cause changes to cells in the cervix. These changes can usually be treated before cancer develops.

The NHS noted that it is still important to attend cervical screening appointments even if you have been vaccinated against HPV.

The HPV vaccine does not protect from all types of HPV, so there is still a small chance of developing cervical cancer.

People who routinely attend cervical screening with a clinician at their GP practice or sexual health clinic should continue to book their appointments as normal.

Anyone who has been invited for cervical screening can still book an appointment at any time, even if the invitation was sent months or years ago.

The US FDA has announced a nationwide recall of Vitruvias Therapeutics' Thyroid Tablets USP 30 mg over potential super-potency, which may cause hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

In a recall notice issued on August 24, the company said the affected thyroid tablets, with lot number 504950, were potentially superpotent.

“Consumption of superpotent Thyroid tablets can cause hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) including, but not limited to, weight loss, heat intolerance, fatigue, nervousness, muscle weakness, hypertension, chest pain, rapid heart rate, or heart rhythm disturbances,” the company said.

Which Thyroid Tablets Have Been Recalled?

The recalled product is:

• Vitruvias Thyroid Tablets USP 30 mg
• Lot number: 504950
• Expiration date: September 30, 2026

The lot was distributed nationwide in the US to Vitruvias Therapeutics’ direct accounts from January 31, 2025, to September 30, 2025.

A total of 3,655 units were released, of which 1,955 were sold during the distribution period.

Who Is At Greater Risk?

The company noted that patient populations at greater risk from superpotent thyroid tablets include

• elderly people,
• pregnant women
• infants.

Excess levels of thyroid hormones in elderly people have been associated with adverse outcomes, particularly affecting cardiac health.

However, Vitruvias Therapeutics said it has not received any reports of adverse events known to be related to this recall.

The company noted that it is proactively notifying wholesalers by email and phone to discontinue distribution of the recalled product and is arranging for the destruction of all recalled products.

What To Do If You Are Taking the Recalled Product?

Patients currently taking Thyroid, USP from Lot 504950 should not discontinue use without contacting their healthcare provider for further guidance and/or a replacement prescription.

What Is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck, but it plays an important role in the body's activities. It secretes hormones that control metabolism, or the body's ability to convert food into energy.

Thyroid hormones also regulate several other body functions, including heart rate and body temperature.

When the thyroid gland becomes underactive, a condition called hypothyroidism occurs. It causes bodily functions to slow down. Metabolism may also be reduced, leading to changes in a person's well-being.

Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr Shruti Kotangale, Consultant Gynaecologist, Obstetrician and Infertility Expert at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, explained that conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are commonly seen in women.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive. Symptoms can include tiredness, weight gain, dry skin, hair fall, constipation, feeling cold, a slow heartbeat and low mood or depression.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive. Women may experience weight loss, a fast heartbeat, sweating, anxiety, tremors, irritability, frequent bowel movements, and difficulty sleeping.

Women must seek medical attention and manage these symptoms without delay.

Symptoms of Thyroid

Although weight fluctuations are the most common thyroid abnormality, they are typically accompanied by a group of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue
• Cognitive changes
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Sensitivity to cold
• Skin and hair changes

How To Diagnose?

Obtaining a proper diagnosis requires two key steps:

Physical examination: This helps determine whether there is swelling or a nodule in the neck.

Blood tests: These may determine levels of:

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
• T4 and T3
• Thyroid antibodies, particularly when autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease are suspected

A UK skin cancer survivor is urging the government to remove VAT from sunscreen, arguing that products used to protect against skin cancer should not be treated as luxury cosmetics.

Jessica Zbinden-Webster, who was diagnosed with skin cancer at just 26, has renewed her campaign to scrap the 20% VAT charged on sunscreen. She said that sunscreen should be considered a health essential rather than a cosmetic product.

Zbinden-Webster's campaign comes as skin cancer remains a growing public health concern in the UK.

UV Radiation Can Damage The Skin

UV radiation can damage the DNA inside skin cells. Repeated or excessive exposure can cause mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop when pigment-producing cells become cancerous. Non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are also strongly influenced by UV exposure.

Cancer Research UK says up to nine in 10 melanoma cases could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds. It recommends using sunscreen alongside shade and protective clothing.

Also read: Why Flight Attendants, Pilots Face Higher Risk Of Radiation-Linked Cancer Deaths Than Other Occupations?

Sunscreen Is An Essential To Prevent Skin Cancer

The campaign argues that the way sunscreen is taxed sends the wrong message about its role in disease prevention.

Experts agree that removing VAT from SPF 30+ sunscreen could potentially prevent thousands of melanoma cases and save the NHS more than £128 million a year in treatment costs.

Experts also stress that sunscreen should not be viewed as a license to spend long hours in the sun. Cancer Research UK recommends using SPF 30 or higher with good UVA protection, applying it generously and reapplying regularly. It also advises seeking shade, particularly around the middle of the day, and covering exposed skin with clothing and a hat.

The organisation also points out that UV radiation can damage skin even when the weather feels cool or cloudy, because temperature does not determine UV intensity.

Also read: Does Sunscreen Really Raise Skin Cancer Risk? What The 470,000-Person Study Found

About The Campaign

Zbinden-Webster's own experience has made the issue personal. After her cancer diagnosis, she underwent surgery that removed part of her lower eyelid, followed by a skin graft and further procedures. She has since made daily sunscreen use part of her routine and argues that cost should not become a barrier to prevention.

The campaign is now calling on the UK government to reconsider the VAT classification of sunscreen, particularly products with SPF 30 or higher. She said that sunscreen is only one part of sun protection, but making preventive products more affordable could potentially encourage more people to use them consistently.

Sunscreen Rules To Reduce Skin Cancer Risk

Sunscreen can help reduce UV exposure, but it should not be the only line of defence. Cancer Research UK recommends combining sunscreen with shade and protective clothing.

• Choose SPF 30 or higher: Look for at least SPF 30 for UVB protection and 4 or 5-star UVA protection.
• Apply generously: Using too little sunscreen can significantly reduce the protection indicated on the label.
• Reapply regularly: Reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or towelling. Even products marketed as “once-a-day” should be reapplied.
• Don't forget commonly overlooked areas: Cover the ears, neck, hairline, tops of the feet and backs of the hands.
• Don't rely on sunscreen alone: Seek shade and wear protective clothing, a hat and UV-protective sunglasses when UV levels are high.
• Check the UV index: Protection becomes particularly important when the UV index is 3 or higher.
• Cloudy does not mean you can skip sunscreen: UV radiation can still damage skin when the weather is overcast.
• Don't use sunscreen as a reason to stay longer in the sun: No sunscreen provides 100% protection, and avoiding sunburn remains important.
• Protect children: Young skin is particularly vulnerable to UV damage, so children should be protected with shade, clothing and sunscreen.
• Avoid sunbeds: Artificial UV exposure can also damage skin cells and increase skin cancer risk.