Jamie Theakston, the popular UK radio show host, recently shared an update with his listeners that is deeply personal and inspiring. Four months of fighting laryngeal cancer have left him cancer-free, marking the end of a journey fraught with surgeries, uncertainty, and overwhelming odds.

The 53-year-old host, best known for co-hosting a weekday breakfast show with Amanda Holden, opened up about his experience, revealing what it was like and the challenge he had to go through in his life and how he received support that sustained him. It all speaks volumes of early detection, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of a never-wavering support system.

It was in September of 2024 that Theakston's unwarranted travel began. Hounded by change in his voice, Heart Radio listeners prompted a visit to medical professionals, which proved to be trivial at first until what he did find was well from the opposite end. A lesion on his vocal cords led the way to diagnosing Stage 1 laryngeal cancer through biopsy.

"When I was told, 'Oh, it's probably cancer,' it just blew my mind," Theakston shared. The diagnosis was a stunning blow, for he had been preparing to hear he had a sore throat. The incident marked the start of an exhausting journey that tested him physically and emotionally.

Theakston underwent several operations, all risk-prone. The first surgery aimed at removing the cancerous lesion was not a complete success that resulted in two additional surgeries. That is where he recalled facts provided by doctors during each stage: a one-in-ten chance of survival after his initial diagnosis and a one-in-six chance he might lose the ability to speak entirely after the third surgery.

"You think, 'Okay, that's like rolling a dice,'"he said. These odds weighed heavily on Theakston, not in their numerical value but in their emotional cost to him.

Each surgery damaged the vocal cords, a nightmare thought for a man whose voice forms the center of his profession and identity. In the face of such adverse prospects, he went on, suffering the physical but not the psychological shocks of the grim probabilities.

Other treatments went beyond surgery for Theakston. For four months, he received intense voice therapy to rebuild his speech capacity. It is a painstaking procedure that showed off his resolve as well as the quality of the health care providers in charge.

His wife, Sophie, played a great role in providing constant support on this journey. She was truly heartwarming with her response to his post on Instagram—"Can't believe this day has finally come. We prayed it would. Just so proud of you, darling".

Heakston also pointed out that his illness was not just about him, but also had an impact on those around him, such as his family. "A whole family suffers," he said, adding that he appreciated their strength and solidarity.

On the four-month anniversary of his diagnosis, Theakston returned to his radio show with emotion, saying: "Today, I can tell you that I'm cancer-free.

Such an announcement was responded to by listeners, colleagues, and fans across the world with a full dose of support. As Theakston himself reflected on the experience, he was visibly grateful for the massive messages sent his way in appreciation, even from people he hadn't been in touch with in years.

"Everyone has been so supportive. It's been unbelievable," he said, referring to collective compassion thatbolstered his spirits during his darkest moments.

What is Laryngeal Cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is a kind of cancer that occurs in the larynx, also called the voice box. This organ is located in the throat and connects the back of the nose to the trachea or windpipe. The larynx is responsible for breathing, producing sound, and protecting the airway when swallowing.

The disease can begin in any of the three major parts of the larynx:

Supraglottis: The region occupies about 35% of all cases

Glottis: The mid-portion involving the vocal cord occupies 60% of cases of laryngeal carcinoma.

Subglottis: It is the lower part in which about 5% of the laryngeal cancer arises.

Laryngeal cancer is part of head and neck cancer, though it tends to be predominantly more common among males. Patients mostly are male patients aged 60 years or above.

Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer

Many patients have symptoms similar to those associated with less severe diseases, thus delaying diagnosis. The following is essential in the evaluation of patients whose symptoms do not resolve or have worsened:

Early Signs

• Hoarseness or vocal changes lasting longer than two weeks
• Sore throat or cough lasting more than a week
• Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing
• A neck or throat lump
• Advanced Symptoms
• Trouble breathing
• Noisy high-pitched sounds with breathing, especially with inspiration
• Sensation that something is caught in the throat
• Coughing up blood

Note: Prompt medical attention is crucial, especially with severe symptoms.

Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer

The causes of laryngeal cancer can't always be clearly identified, but the following increase its risk:

• Lack of Avoidance of Tobacco: Tobacco smoking is at the top of the risk factors; due to carcinogens from tobacco, it is causing damage to the cells of the larynx.
• Overuse of Alcohol: Habitual use of alcohol, especially with tobacco, has a highly increased risk factor.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Some of the types of this sexually transmitted infection cause laryngeal cancer.
• Age and Gender: It occurs more often in males over the age of 60.
• Environmental and Occupational Exposures: Exposure to harmful substances for long periods, such as asbestos and other industrial chemicals.

Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer

This primarily depends on the cancer stage, the location in which it resides, and patient general health condition. The major ones include;

Radiation Therapy: Often applied early on to deal with the specific targeted destruction of the cancer cells. Sometimes in surgery, is followed to determine complete elimination of malignancies.

Surgery: Partial Laryngectomy-In this, it involves the resection of affected areas of larynx parts to leave them some voice abilities. Total Laryngectomy: The whole larynx is removed, and a stoma is used for breathing and alternative methods for speech.

Chemotherapy: Given when the cancer has spread beyond the larynx. It is often given in combination with radiation therapy for advanced cases.

Targeted Therapy: It uses drugs to block specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer.

Speech and Vocal Therapy: This is necessary for patients recovering from surgery to restore communication and adapt to changes in voice production.

Prognosis: Early detection improves treatment success rates, emphasizing the importance of monitoring symptoms and seeking timely medical intervention.

While sharing his experience, Theakston hopes to encourage others to pay attention to their health, seek medical advice when something feels amiss, and support those battling similar diagnoses. His triumphant declaration—“Nice try cancer, but I’m still here!”—is a testament to his indomitable spirit and the hope he offers to countless others.

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.