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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?
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Union Health Minister JP Nadda was admitted to AIIMS Delhi after experiencing uneasiness and underwent tests, including a coronary angiography. The hospital, in a statement, said he is stable and under observation in the cardiology department.
The 65-year-old minister was admitted on August 13 after experiencing uneasiness. He underwent tests, including coronary angiography.
“JP Nadda, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, was evaluated for uneasiness with tests including a coronary angiography on the evening of 13th August 2026. He is currently stable and admitted for observation in the Dept of Cardiology,” AIIMS said in a statement.
Heart problems do not always cause obvious symptoms. While common symptoms include chest pain or pressure, palpitations, and breathing difficulties, reduced blood flow to the heart can sometimes present with subtle signs or no symptoms.
Possible warning signs include:
Coronary angiography is a test used to check the blood vessels supplying the heart for narrowing or blockages.
A thin catheter is usually inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin. Contrast dye is injected, and X-rays are used to visualize the coronary arteries.
Doctors may recommend coronary angiography for:
Regular checkups can help detect heart disease early and monitor risk factors such as:
Regular monitoring can help detect changes early and support timely action to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.
Regular heart checkups are particularly important for people who:
Depending on individual risk factors, a heart checkup may include:
Additional tests, such as CT coronary angiography or specialized cardiac biomarkers, may be recommended in some cases.
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Sixty-two deaths in Australia have been reported to the medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), with suspected associations with GLP-1 medicines, including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
The TGA has also received reports of nearly 3,000 serious adverse events involving these medicines, which are used by hundreds of thousands of Australians, The Herald Sun reported.
Reported adverse reactions include nausea, pancreatitis, suicidal thoughts and a rare eye condition that can cause blindness.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, used for type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy, approved for weight management, had the highest number of reported deaths with suspected associations.
Other medicines with reported suspected associations include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Saxenda (liraglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide). These drugs are approved to treat type 2 diabetes, obesity, or both.
The reported deaths included:
The TGA states that adverse-event reports alone cannot determine how common a reaction is or be used to directly compare the safety of different medicines. The regulator also said the benefit-risk profile of these medicines remains positive when they are appropriately used for approved indications and in intended patients.
The TGA recently updated warnings for some GLP-1 medicines concerning non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare but serious eye condition.
Product warnings across the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) class have been updated because of the potential association with the disorder.
NAION can cause permanent visual impairment, including blindness. The TGA notes that no treatment has been shown to improve visual acuity outcomes in people who develop the condition.
GLP-1 RA medicines are prescription drugs used primarily to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. Thus, the TGA urged patients not to stop treatment on their own.
“These are prescription medicines, so people taking them should discuss benefits, risks and side effects with their healthcare professional rather than stopping or changing treatment based on headlines alone,” the TGA said.
The Australian reports come amid safety monitoring of GLP-1 medicines in other countries. At the same time, clinical evidence has shown important health benefits from some GLP-1 medicines, including reductions in cardiovascular risk and, in certain populations, overall mortality.
Data submitted to the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) showed 82 reported deaths associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists up to January 31, 2025. Of these, 22 were associated with use for weight loss and 60 with use for type 2 diabetes.
In the US, reports in the FDA's FAERS (FDA Adverse Event Reporting System) database have listed 162 deaths associated with Ozempic and Wegovy since 2018.
However, these figures should not be interpreted as confirmed deaths caused by the medicines. Adverse-event reporting systems record suspected associations and cannot by themselves establish a direct causal relationship. Millions of people use GLP-1 medicines, and reported cases can involve other health conditions or factors, including severe complications, dosing errors, and counterfeit or compounded products.
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English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams has opened up about being diagnosed with “a little bit of autism” and shared his struggles with intrusive thoughts.
The 52-year-old singer revealed that he had earlier been diagnosed with ADHD, as well as Tourette’s syndrome, the Daily Mail reported.
Speaking at the launch of his clothing brand Hopeium at Flannels, Williams said his autism diagnosis has helped explain some of his behaviors.
“I have ADHD and I just found out I have a bit of autism as well, which I actually f*****g love because it explains so much,” he said.
The British pop icon said he now sees the diagnosis as an explanation for “all the weird” things he does. He also described how ADHD affects his ability to concentrate.
“With the ADHD you can completely and utterly concentrate on something 1000 per cent, but with absolutely everything else, you just cannot do it. Ask my kids,” he said.
The singer said he is “completely and utterly obsessed with creating images and making funny things”.
Williams, who has won a record 18 BRIT Awards, said creativity helps him redirect his thoughts and avoid focusing on things that make him panic or feel scared.
“My brain is incredibly creative, and it can be creative about everything in the world that you panic or are scared about,” he said.
He gave the example of sitting on a plane and having an intrusive thought about possessing telekinetic powers and causing the plane to crash.
He said he has learned to “train my brain to do something better” rather than focusing on worrying thoughts.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect communication, social interaction and behavior. It is a spectrum, meaning symptoms and their severity can vary widely between individuals.
Common characteristics can include repetitive behaviors or interests, difficulty with changes in routine and challenges in social situations.
Williams has also previously spoken about being diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome. In a recent podcast, he said he had realized that some of the intrusive thoughts he experiences may be connected to Tourette’s, although he does not experience the typical outward tics.
“I've just realized that I have Tourette's, but they don't come out. They are intrusive thoughts that happen,” Williams said.
He also spoke about struggling to fully take in the reaction of audiences, despite performing in front of large crowds.
Williams has said he was diagnosed with ADHD three times because he “forgot” that he had previously been told he had the condition. He first recalled being diagnosed around 2006 after recognizing ADHD symptoms while reading about the condition online.
After his diagnosis, he said he began taking a large number of tablets in the hope that they would “fix” him. He later said his substance misuse escalated, including crushing and snorting the pills.
Williams has faced several addictions and has had multiple stays in rehabilitation since rising to fame in the early 1990s.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can involve persistent difficulties with attention, organization and impulse control.
Symptoms can include being easily distracted, forgetfulness, losing things and difficulty maintaining concentration. Some people may also experience restlessness and impulsive behavior.
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