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?

Indian television actor Anuj Thakur died at the age of 33 after reportedly suffering a seizure in his sleep. Thakur, who appeared in television shows like Dhoom Machao Dhoom and Bandhan Saath Janmon Ka, died at his Mumbai home on October 27. His friend and casting director Rupesh Sonar confirmed the news on November 2, saying the actor's family had told him that Thakur suffered a seizure during the night.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Sonar recalled, “I was shocked to hear that he had gone to sleep at night and never woke up.”

He also revealed that Thakur had experienced another seizure earlier in 2026 and was getting treated for it. According to Sonar, the actor's mother found him unresponsive when she went to wake him in the morning.

Although the exact medical cause of Thakur's death has not been confirmed yet, the incident raises questions about when seizures occurring during sleep can become life-threatening.

When Can Nocturnal Seizures Turn Fatal?

We spoke to Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman - Marengo Asia International Institute of Neurology and Spine (MAIINS), Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, about the dangers of seizures during sleep. He said that nocturnal seizures are more dangerous because they may go unnoticed and help may be delayed.

Dr Gupta explained, "A seizure during sleep can sometimes be fatal even in someone who has never been diagnosed with epilepsy. The majority of seizures stop spontaneously, yet some seizures may interfere with normal breathing, have an effect on the rhythm of the heart and decrease oxygen supply to the brain. A dangerous aspect occurs when a seizure occurs while sleeping because the person may be alone or unable to call for help. It is important to treat a first seizure seriously because it can be related to dangers that require immediate evaluation by a doctor."

By Dr. Arindam Das, Senior Consultant - Neurology, Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, Kolkata, told us that seizures can also be the first sign of a neurological issue. He added even if not all seizures will cause problems, any unexplained seizures should be checked out by a neurologist to determine the cause and find the right treatment.

Signs Of Nocturnal Seizures

The doctors said that signs of nocturnal seizures are subtle. Dr Gupta said, "Look for unexplained tongue biting, wet bedding from incontinence, or bruises or injuries found in the morning."

He also said that it is normal to wake up very tired and confused, with a headache and muscle soreness. He added that a person may notice sudden stiffening, jerking, , or odd movements. Some people may also experience unexplained sleepiness during the day.

Dr Manish Chhabria, Senior Consultant – Neurologist, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, said, "Signs a bed partner may notice are sudden body movements or jerks, movements, strange gurgles, complex or violent behaviors, vocalizations, sudden awakening with confusion or panic."

Dr Das advised, "If you are having repeated episodes then you should not ignore them. A neurological assessment can be done to help determine if there is abnormal brain activity. This can be done with investigations such as an EEG.

What Conditions May Cause Nocturnal Seizures?

Also read: Woman With Epilepsy Dies After Following ChatGPT’s Advice To Stop Medication: Why AI Cannot Replace A Doctor

Dr Chhabria said, "A seizure in sleep can be fatal even if one doesn’t have a prior history of it or never has been diagnosed of it."

Nocturnal seizures can occur due to many conditions, including epilepsy, brain infections, strokes and brain injuries, electrolyte imbalance, alcohol or drugs withdrawal.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common condition that can lead to repeated nocturnal seizures. Changes in brain electrical activity during different sleep stages can make seizures more likely in susceptible individuals. Certain forms are commonly associated with sleep. They include:

• Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy, previously called nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy
• Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
• Epilepsy with generalised tonic-clonic seizures alone
• Other epilepsy syndromes

Brain infections

Infections affecting the brain like meningitis and encephalitis, can cause seizures by triggering inflammation and disrupting normal electrical activity in the brain.

Stroke and brain injuries

A stroke, bleeding in the brain or traumatic brain injury can damage brain tissue and trigger seizures. These may occur during sleep or even while awake.

Electrolyte disturbances

Certain abnormalities in the body's chemistry can trigger seizures. These disturbances can affect the electrical signalling between nerve cells. They include:

• Severe hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
• Low blood sodium
• Low calcium levels

Alcohol or drug withdrawal

Heavy alcohol use followed by sudden withdrawal can trigger seizures. Certain recreational drugs, including cocaine and amphetamines, can also provoke seizures.

Certain medications

Some medicines, including particular antidepressants and pain medications, can lower the seizure threshold, especially at high doses or in susceptible individuals.

Also read: What Causes Epilepsy? 5 Common Reasons Why It Happens

What Can Be Done To Prevent Nocturnal Seizures?

Anti-seizure medicines should be taken according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor. People who continue to experience seizures should consult their neurologist to review their treatment. Doctors may adjust doses, change medicines or consider other treatment options depending on the cause and frequency of seizures.

Dr Gupta said, "Taking your anti-seizure medication as prescribed is the best way to prevent seizures. Other good habits like getting enough sleep as well as not drinking alcohol and controlling stress also help. Safety options can get help quickly like a bed alarm, seizure monitor and sharing a room. Regular follow-ups help doctors to tweak the treatments."

The Epilepsy Foundation also recommends maintaining regular sleep patterns, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and identifying seizure triggers.

Dr Chhabria recommended safe sleeping strategies "like side-lying positions, specialized anti-suffocation or lattice pillows, and creating clear emergency response plan does help prevent a catastophe."

For people who experience frequent seizures during sleep, nocturnal supervision may be considered. This can include having someone nearby who can provide assistance during the seizure.

Dr Das advised, "Family members should also be educated on how to give first aid during a seizure. Early intervention and good treatment can greatly improve your seizure control and reduce your risk."

What Should Someone Do During A Seizure?

Knowing seizure first aid can help prevent injuries and other complications. If someone experiences a seizure:

• Move nearby objects away to prevent injuries.
• Cushion their head with something soft.
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
• Turn them gently onto their side when possible, particularly after the convulsions stop.
• Do not restrain their movements or put anything inside their mouth.
• Monitor and time the seizure and stay with the person until they recover.

Emergency medical assistance is necessary if a seizure lasts five minutes or longer, another seizure begins before the person recovers, breathing becomes difficult or the person is injured.

Annual average heat-related deaths have increased by nearly 36% in the years following the Paris Agreement compared with the previous decade, according to the latest Lancet Countdown report.

The 2026 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report, released ahead of COP31, highlights how climate change is increasingly threatening health and survival worldwide, even as climate action begins to deliver measurable benefits.

The report also comes amid a strengthening El Niño event this year, which is expected to influence global temperatures and rainfall patterns in the coming months.

Climate Change's Growing Global Health Burden

The report identifies three key findings:

• Growing health burden: Climate-related health impacts have accelerated over the past decade as greenhouse gas emissions continued to break records.
• Uneven climate gains: Climate commitments since the Paris Agreement have delivered measurable health benefits, but progress remains too slow and uneven.
• Urgent action needed: Climate change must be recognised as a global health emergency, with equitable, evidence-based action prioritising health and survival.

“Climate change is already harming health in every region of the world, and the evidence shows that many of these impacts are accelerating,” said Dr Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, Head of the Climate Change, Air Quality and Energy and Health Unit at WHO.

Also read: 'Humanity Can Still Act': Lancet Warns Of 17 Global Health Threats By 2100

Heat-Related Deaths and Drought Rising

In 2023 alone, heat was linked to a record 710,000 deaths globally, with more than 70% of this burden attributable to human-caused climate change.

Extreme drought affected nearly 52% of the world's land for at least one month in 2025. The report also highlights increasing exposure to hydrological extremes and economic losses linked to heat exposure.

Climate Change Increasing Health Risks in India

According to the report, Half of the heatwave days Indians experienced between 2016 and 2025 were attributable to climate change.

Indians also faced more than 2,600 hours annually when temperatures posed a moderate or higher risk of heat stress during outdoor activities such as brisk walking. This was over 200 hours more than the average recorded in the 1990s.

Rising temperatures also contributed to an estimated 64 hours of sleep lost annually between 2021 and 2025, approximately three hours more each year than during 1986–2005.

Climate change is also increasing the climatic suitability for dengue and malaria transmission in India.

Read More: Climate Change And Gut Health: How Heat, Drought And Unsafe Water Raise Risks, Global Experts Warn

Clean Energy Investments Offer Hope

The report notes progress in climate-resilient health systems, including greater adoption of national health adaptation plans and climate-informed early warning systems.

Global investment in clean energy reached a record US$2.1 trillion in 2025. Countries that have reduced fossil fuel-related air pollution are also estimated to be preventing thousands of premature deaths each year.

Lancet Countdown Calls for Climate Emergency Recognition

The 2026 report brings together 146 researchers from more than 100 institutions across over 30 countries. The authors call for climate change to be formally recognised as a global health emergency, with health considerations integrated into climate mitigation, adaptation and financing decisions.

Priorities include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing adaptation funding and strengthening health systems.

"Climate action is a health intervention. Cleaner energy, stronger health systems and early warning systems are saving lives today,” Campbell-Lendrum said.

El Niño Could Further Intensify Health Risks

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has forecast above-average temperatures across large parts of the world in 2026, with the strengthening El Niño expected to alter rainfall patterns and increase the risk of drought in some regions and floods in others.

For October-November-December, the seasonal average Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature anomaly is forecast to reach approximately +3.7°C, peaking around December. This is the highest since observations began and is stronger than the previous record of + 2.6 °C in November 2015-January 2016.

These conditions could further intensify heat exposure, disrupt water and food supplies and increase the risk of climate-sensitive diseases, including dengue and malaria, the WMO said, adding that forecasts indicate a near-100 per cent likelihood that it will persist through February 2027.

Irish middle-distance runner and two-time Olympian Ciara Mageean has died at the age of 34 after battling stage 4 bowel cancer. Her death, announced by her family on November 1, comes 16 months after she publicly revealed her diagnosis.

Mageean represented Ireland at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. She won the women's 1,500m gold at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome, becoming only the second Irish athlete to win an individual European title.

Her family announced her death in a statement on social media, saying, "At 6:30am this morning, Ciara lost her battle with cancer surrounded by her loved ones."

The athlete had revealed her cancer diagnosis in July 2025. In a subsequent interview with Irish broadcaster RTÉ, she spoke about the symptoms she initially noticed but how she attributed them to digestive problems.

"I would get up in the morning and I would need the toilet four times. I thought, 'That's not normal,'" she said.

She also described experiencing abdominal cramps and initially wondered whether something she had eaten had upset her stomach.

"I kept finding logical reasons for it, which many people would. I thought, 'Oh great, on top of everything else, I have an irritable bowel.'"

Mageean said her partner, Thomas Moran, encouraged her to seek medical advice. Further investigations revealed that she had stage 4 bowel cancer, which had spread to her liver and lungs.

Also read: India Cancer Drug Price Cuts: New Analysis Reveals 159 Out Of 643 Brands See No Reduction

Bowel Cancer Symptoms In Young Adults

Bowel cancer, also called colorectal cancer, develops in the colon or rectum. Although the risk increases with age, younger adults can also develop the disease. According to the NHS, symptoms can include:

• Changes in bowel habits: Chronic diarrhoea, constipation, softer stools or needing to use the toilet more frequently than usual.
• Blood in stools: Blood may appear bright red or make stools look dark or black.
• Abdominal pain: Persistent stomach cramps, discomfort or bloating.
• Feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely: A continuing urge to pass stools even after using the toilet.
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without changes in diet or physical activity.
• Constant fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or breathless, sometimes due to anaemia caused by blood loss.

Also read: Colorectal Cancer Rates Rising in US Across Nearly All Age Groups After 20 Years of Decline

Why Bowel Cancer Can Be Overlooked In Younger People

One challenge in diagnosing bowel cancer in younger adults is that its symptoms can overlap with common digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), haemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disease.

Changes in bowel habits, abdominal cramps and bloating may therefore be attributed to dietary changes, stress or gastrointestinal infections.

However, unexplained symptoms should be assessed clinically. Rectal bleeding, ongoing changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss and fatigue should not automatically be attributed to benign digestive problems.

A family history of colorectal cancer, particularly in a close relative diagnosed at a young age, can also increase a person's risk.

Doctors may recommend blood tests to check for anaemia, stool tests such as the faecal immunochemical test (FIT), or further investigations including a colonoscopy, depending on the symptoms and clinical assessment.