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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.
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The UK has reported an outbreak of crusted scabies, a rare and highly contagious form of scabies, prompting the temporary closure of a hospital ward in Wales.
According to the Hywel Dda University Health Board, Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen has been temporarily closed while the outbreak is managed under established infection prevention and control measures, according to the BBC.
Health officials said all patients and staff identified as close contacts have been informed and offered treatment, even if they are not showing symptoms. Enhanced infection control measures, including monitoring, treatment of identified contacts, and specialist support, have also been put in place.
Officials added that a recent rise in scabies cases across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion has contributed to outbreaks in healthcare settings. The ward will reopen once it is deemed safe under infection control guidance.
Also read: Radio Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini Reveals Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis
Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin, where they lay eggs, triggering an allergic reaction that causes intense itching and a rash.
However, the crusted scabies—previously known as Norwegian scabies—is a severe form of the infestation in which the skin develops thick, crusted plaques that may crack and become inflamed, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Unlike classic scabies, patients with crusted scabies may not experience severe itching or develop the typical rash, making the condition more difficult to recognize. However, they can carry up to two million mites and eggs, making them extremely contagious.
Because of the heavy mite burden, crusted scabies can rapidly spread in healthcare facilities and long-term care homes if not identified and treated promptly. It may also lead to serious complications, including secondary bacterial infections and sepsis.
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People at increased risk of developing crusted scabies include:
Preventing outbreaks requires rapid diagnosis, prompt treatment, and strict infection control measures.
Health authorities recommend:
Early diagnosis is critical to preventing further transmission. Since crusted scabies may not present with the classic symptoms of itching and rash, healthcare professionals play an important role in recognizing the condition.
Only a qualified healthcare provider can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. Prompt medical care helps reduce the risk of complications and prevents outbreaks in hospitals, nursing homes, and other communal settings.
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The Chandipura virus (CHPV), a rare but potentially fatal brain infection, has claimed the lives of three young children in Gujarat and Rajasthan, raising concerns during the ongoing monsoon season when insect-borne diseases become more common.
A six-year-old boy from Rajasthan with a confirmed Chandipura virus infection died at the Civil Hospital in Himmatnagar, Gujarat's Sabarkantha district, officials said on July 9.
According to Resident Medical Officer Dr. Vipul Jani, seven children aged between 2 and 11 years with suspected CHPV infection were admitted to the hospital between June 26 and July 9.
The child with confirmed infection was identified as Rajkumar Damor (6), a resident of Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Two girls—a two-year-old from Rajasthan and a three-year-old from Sabarkantha, Gujarat—are currently undergoing treatment, while laboratory reports are awaited. Another three-year-old boy tested negative and has been discharged.
What Is Chandipura Virus?
Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an insect-borne virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family and the Vesiculovirus genus. It was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura village in Maharashtra.
The virus is transmitted primarily through phlebotomine sandflies, although mosquitoes and ticks may also play a role in transmission.
Also read: Leptospirosis In Monsoon: Expert Explains Why Early Detection & Prevention Is A Must
Most cases have been reported from central and western India, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon months when sandfly populations increase.
While some infections remain mild, the virus can rapidly invade the brain, causing acute encephalitis (brain inflammation), seizures, coma and even death, especially in children.
"In some children, Chandipura virus can cause severe brain inflammation and become life-threatening within a short period," said Dr. Kanchankumar Bhagyawant, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.
Symptoms usually begin suddenly and may initially resemble other viral illnesses. The expert urged to watch out for:
"Parents should never ignore a fever lasting more than three days if it is accompanied by repeated vomiting, seizures, confusion or excessive sleepiness. Seeking immediate medical care can be lifesaving," Dr. Bhagyawant said.
According to Dr. Bhagyawant, children below 15 years, especially those living in rural and semi-rural areas, are the most vulnerable to Chandipura virus infection. Although adults can be infected, severe disease is far less common.
"The Chandipura virus infects young children, leading to inflammation of the brain called encephalitis," Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala told HealthandMe.
Children are at greater risk because of several factors:
"There are no known anti-virals or vaccines, which means that our treatment is dependent on the patient receiving early medical attention and supportive care. Children are the victims. Vector control, avoiding bites, especially in monsoon seasons is important," Jayadevan said.
Dr. Bhagyawant recommended:
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Veteran radio and television broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
The 77-year-old presenter, who has been a regular on the BBC since the 1970s, shared a statement revealing that he received the diagnosis in 2025.
"As Freddie Mercury once sang, you can't turn back the clock, you can't turn back the tide. Ain't that a shame. There's no denying it's a serious condition with an uncertain future, but for now life goes on as normal,” he said.
Gambaccini added that he would "be as open as I can as things progress", and that he was grateful for the kindness and support he had already received.
"For now, I wish to be given the space to keep on broadcasting the music I love to the listeners I love even more. These are the days of our lives," he said.
The broadcaster said he would continue presenting The Paul Gambaccini Collection on BBC Radio 2 every Sunday, as well as his shows on Greatest Hits Radio.
The Alzheimer's Society said Gambaccini's experience "shows that there can be life after a dementia diagnosis", the BBC reported.
Also read: Bryan Johnson's Autoimmune Gastritis: US Doctor Explains the Hidden Signs of Autoimmune Disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and primarily affects adults aged 65 years and older. Around 1 million people are living with dementia in the UK.
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain—amyloid plaques and tau tangles—which damage nerve cells responsible for memory and thinking.
Amyloid proteins accumulate into sticky plaques between brain cells, while tau proteins twist into thread-like tangles inside neurons. Together, these changes disrupt communication between brain cells and eventually lead to their death.
Over time, this progressive damage affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to carry out everyday activities. In advanced stages, people may lose the ability to communicate, care for themselves or respond to their surroundings.
Read More: Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For
Although the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease remains unclear, experts believe it results from a combination of genetic, biological and lifestyle factors. Physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and social isolation may increase the risk of developing the condition.
Early symptoms often include forgetting recent conversations or events. As the disease progresses, memory loss becomes more severe and daily functioning becomes increasingly impaired.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease. In its advanced stages, complications such as dehydration, poor nutrition and infections can become life-threatening.
People with Alzheimer's disease may experience one or more of the following:
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