Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, and go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the second most common cause of death globally, accounting for millions of deaths every year. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women. However, these are not necessarily the deadliest forms of cancer.

What makes cancer the deadliest depends upon how many people have it and what percentage of those people actually survive. Cancer researchers determine this on the basis of five-year relative survival. This is the percentage of people who are expected to survive the effects of a given cancer, excluding their risk of other possible causes of death, for five years past a diagnosis. It is also important to note that what makes cancer really deadly is that practically no cure for it. A cure for cancer would imply that there are no cancerous cells remaining in the body.

Here are the 5 deadliest cancers in the U.S., according to SEER five-year relative survival data for cases diagnosed between 2014 and 2020.

1. Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in your pancreas, a gland in your abdomen that aids digestion, mutate and multiply out of control, forming a tumour. Major risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, certain genetic mutations and environmental chemical exposure.

2. Esophageal cancer develops in the oesophagus, which is the tube that connects your throat to your stomach.

3. Liver cancer and intrahepatic bile duct cancer originate in the liver or bile ducts, often linked to hepatitis infections, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and aflatoxin exposure.

4. Lung and bronchus cancer primarily caused by smoking, secondhand smoke, and environmental pollutants, affects the lungs and airways, making it the leading cause of cancer death in the US.

5. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive blood and bone marrow cancer that progresses rapidly, often linked to genetic mutations, radiation exposure, and certain chemicals.

ALSO READ: Why Are Lifestyle Factors Making Millennials Vulnerable To Cancer?

From H. pylori and parasitic infections to metabolic and lifestyle-related conditions, the global burden of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases is changing, said experts at the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) 2026 in New Delhi today.

Being held in India for the first time, the four-day Congress brings together around 3,000 delegates from 61 countries to discuss the changing burden of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, early diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

Speaking at a media roundtable, Dr Govind Makharia, Professor, Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit, AIIMS New Delhi, stated that "the GI disease burden is changing in both its scale and clinical profile. Alongside infections such as H. pylori and parasitic diseases, metabolic and lifestyle-related conditions are becoming increasingly important".

He stressed the need for making timely diagnosis critical, whether for liver disease, colorectal cancer, celiac disease or IBD.

H. pylori And Cancer Risk

Notably, infections like H. pylori have become a major driver of cancer. A recent Lancet study found that five infections, including H. pylori and HPV, contribute to about 1 in 8 cancers worldwide.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr Garg said H. pylori is a very important bacterial infection that resides in the stomach.

“It is very common in India; about 40-60% of people might be affected by this. It has been shown that H. pylori infection can cause swelling in the stomach, can cause ulcers in the stomach, and in some cases may also cause gastric or stomach cancer. It has been classified as a carcinogen,” he said.

However, he stressed that H. pylori infection does not mean a person will develop cancer.

“So, it is not that anybody who is infected with this will develop cancer. This is very, very important for people to understand otherwise, there will be a lot of scare,” he cautioned.

On whether everyone with H. pylori should be treated, Garg said the answer depends on the context.

“In some countries, they are testing and treating; in others we are not advocating routine testing and treating because the other factors which lead to cancer are not fully known in that case.”

Also read: Fatty Liver, Chronic Gut Diseases And Worm Infections: India’s Changing Disease Burden

MASLD And Liver Disease

The experts also discussed colorectal cancers, MASLD and liver disease and stressed the need to strengthen screening, risk stratification, newer pharmacological approaches and identifying patients at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

“Gastrointestinal diseases may present differently across populations, but many of the challenges are shared. Earlier diagnosis, access to evidence-based treatment and stronger prevention strategies remain important priorities,” said Professor Carolina Olano, Professor and Director, Department of Gastroenterology, Universidad de la República, Uruguay, and President, World Gastroenterology Organisation.

Alongside these clinical priorities, WCOG 2026 is also highlighting simple measures for better digestive and liver health, including safe food and clean water, a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding alcohol.

How Can You Boost Your Digestive and Liver Health

Beyond diagnosis and treatment, the experts also highlighted simple measures that can support digestive and liver health.

1. Wash it. Cook it. Keep it safe.

2. Eat a balanced diet.

3. Eat smart, not large.

4. Eat slowly.

5. Make yoghurt your daily gut friend.

6. Drink water and eat whole fruits, not just fruit juice.

7. Think twice before eating processed, fatty or sugary foods.

8. Your liver is better without alcohol.

9. Exercise daily for better health and long-term wellness.

10. Sharing is caring — but not all the time.

The four-day Congress is jointly organized by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology and the World Gastroenterology Organization under the theme “Transforming Gastrointestinal Health, Preserving Nature.”

A recent Delhi High Court ruling has highlighted reproductive autonomy of women with disabilities. The court dismissed a plea seeking to let a woman with cerebral palsy undergo hysterectomy (uterus removal) solely because she was unable to manage her menstrual cycles independently.

The court stated that “disability can never be the only ground to deny reproductive autonomy”. At the same time, it also said that such surgeries can only be considered if medical experts determine that it is in the person's best interests and would protect their welfare and dignity.

Also Read: We Are Exposed To 93% Of Plastic Chemicals Through Food Packaging, Toys & Clothes: What Are The Health Risks

Delhi HC On Disability And Reproductive Autonomy

The Delhi High Court was hearing a plea from the parents of a differently-abled woman suffering from cerebral palsy with spastic moderate hemiparesis with moderate mental retardation. They had approached the court seeking to let the woman undergo a surgery for removal of the uterus.

According to the petition, the woman was born in March 2005 and had cerebral palsy with spastic moderate hemiparesis and moderate mental retardation.

Her parents argued that her disability was permanent and that she was unable to give consent for the procedure. They also cited difficulties in managing her during menstruation. The court, however, dismissed the plea for the surgery.

Justice Amit Mahajan, instead, directed authorities to constitute an independent multidisciplinary medical board to evaluate whether hysterectomy was medically appropriate. The board was asked to make a decision within four weeks.

The court's stance was that disability by itself cannot justify removing a person's reproductive organs.

The judge said, “It is apposite to mention that disability in itself can never be the only ground to deny reproductive autonomy or approve removal of reproductive organ and thus, such a route of surgical intervention can be adopted if medical evaluations suggest that the same would be in the best interest of the petitioner for protection of her welfare and dignity.”

The court also clarified that allowing the medical board to examine the situation was not the same as approving the hysterectomy.

“The same may not be construed as carte blanche or approval of the surgery, since the opinion on the surgery has to be formed by domain experts, that is, medical experts,” the judge said.

Also read: Trying to Conceive After an Abortion? Key Physical and Emotional Factors to Consider

What Is A Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. Depending on medical reasons, other reproductive organs like the cervix, fallopian tubes or ovaries may also be removed.

After the uterus removal, a woman can no longer become pregnant and will no longer have menstrual periods. It is therefore a major, irreversible procedure that warrants careful consideration.

When Is Hysterectomy Medically Necessary?

Difficulty in managing menstruation due to a disability is not automatically the same thing as a medical indication for hysterectomy. Hysterectomy may be recommended for certain serious medical conditions when other treatments are ineffective or inappropriate.

Dr. Renu Raina Sehgal, Chairperson - Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, told HealthandMe, “Hysterectomy is not indicated for disability alone. It may be considered if a woman has heavy bleeding, pain, fibroids, cancer and another problem with her uterus.”

Doctors also believe that women with disabilities may have difficilty in managing heavy periods and other symptoms difficult.

Dr. Anagha Chhatrapati, Senior Consultant Gynaecologist, Gleneagles Hospital, told HealthandMe, “For a woman with severe physical or cognitive disability, managing recurrent heavy periods may be particularly difficult, but less invasive options should generally be considered first. The decision should be individualised, medically justified, and made with the woman’s informed consent, wherever she has decision-making capacity.”

Also read: Rare Pregnancy Infections Linked To 3-Fold Higher Autism Risk: What Is TORCH?

Experts On The Court's Ruling

Delhi High Court’s ruling focuses on medical necessity and reproductive autonomy for disabled women. People with disabilities may require additional support to manage menstruation and reproductive needs. But the need for assistance does not, by itself, mean that an irreversible reproductive surgery is appropriate.

Dr. Raina Sehgal said, “Removal of the uterus cannot be done solely on the wishes of the patient or caregivers. There must be a valid medical indication and in cases involving mental illness and severe debilitating conditions, approval of an appropriate medical board may also be required. Disability may affect care needs but should never automatically determine hysterectomy.”

Alternatives For Disabled Women Besides Hysterectomy

The doctors also explain that women with disability have several alternatives to an irreversible surgery.

Dr. Raina Sehgal said, “Alternatives may include menstrual management with hormonal medications, a hormonal intrauterine device, pain management, management of underlying conditions and endometrial ablation in selected women. Practical support, accessible menstrual products as well as caregiver support could help.”

Dr. Chhatrapati said that the choice should be individualised based on the woman’s medical needs, preferences, and overall wellbeing.

Risks Of Hysterectomy

It is important to consider alternatives to hysterectomy as it is not only irreversible but also has some risks.

Dr. Chhatrapati said, “Hysterectomy can lead to bleeding, infection, blood clots and injury to nearby organs such as the bladder or bowel. Recovery can take several weeks, depending on the type of surgery and the woman’s overall health. It also permanently ends the ability to carry a pregnancy and, if the ovaries are removed, can cause surgical menopause.”

Cholera deaths increased by 30% in 2025, reaching their highest level since 1999, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In 2025, 47 countries reported 451,499 cholera cases and 7,870 deaths to WHO. The actual global burden is likely substantially higher, as many cases go unreported.

“The rise in cholera deaths is a reminder of the challenge ahead,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO's Health Emergencies Program.

“No one should be dying from cholera today when we have the tools to prevent and treat this disease,” he added.

7 Countries Account For 90% Of Global Cholera Toll

Seven countries accounted for around 90% of reported cholera cases and deaths globally in 2025:

• Angola
• Bangladesh
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Nigeria
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Yemen

The WHO African Region recorded the largest burden, with cases rising 34% and deaths 58% from 2024.

Further, the WHO stated that more than one in five reported cholera deaths occurred outside health facilities, showing that many patients are still not reaching care in time.

Among patients treated in health facilities, the global fatality rate remained below 1%, the threshold for adequate care. However, it exceeded 1% in 12 countries.

The WHO called for targeted investments in safe water, sanitation and hygiene, along with stronger surveillance, vaccination and access to quality care, to reverse the trend.

The WHO report also covered bacterial meningitis and plague.

Vaccination Behind Declining Bacterial Meningitis Cases

Read More: Kent Meningitis Outbreak: Scientists Find Genetic Changes Behind Severe Disease

The African meningitis belt, stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia, continues to face a substantial burden. In 2025, 24 of 26 countries reported 21,526 suspected cases and 971 deaths, a fatality rate of 4.5%.

However, among countries reporting data for both years, cases declined 5.9% from the previous year.

Since the meningococcal A conjugate vaccine was introduced in 2010, serogroup A cases have fallen by more than 99% among vaccinated populations.

In 2025, Niger became the first country to conduct a nationwide campaign with the broader Men5CV/MMCV vaccine.

Plague Cases Reported In 10 Countries

Between 2019 and 2025, 10 countries reported suspected human plague cases to WHO, with six reporting confirmed cases.

A total of 3,847 suspected cases and 423 deaths were reported, giving a case fatality rate of 11%.

Most cases came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar, where plague remains endemic in some areas.

What Is Cholera?

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria and spreads through food or water contaminated with feces.

It is preventable and treatable but can be fatal when severe dehydration is not treated quickly. Global production of oral cholera vaccines more than doubled from around 30 million doses in 2022 to approximately 80 million in 2025.

What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis is inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious type and can be life-threatening.

What Is Plague?

Plague is a bacterial disease that usually spreads among animals through fleas but can also infect humans. Surveillance of rodents and other animal populations and rapid outbreak response remain important for preventing transmission.