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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A routine cold or flu often brings the usual set of problems, such as a cough, a sore throat, or a blocked nose. Yet an NHS doctor has urged people to pay close attention to one particular symptom, as it can sometimes point to a more serious illness. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, , Dr Aziza spoke with hosts Rav Wilding and Louise Minchin about a sign many people overlook, especially during winter virus season. Anyone at home who notices the same change has been advised to seek medical help promptly.

This Common Cold Symptom Could Be Cancer

Cold and flu infections frequently cause swollen glands, along with the typical symptoms of fever, congestion, and throat discomfort. This swelling is usually harmless and occurs when the body gears up to clear out germs. During the programme, Dr Aziza explained that when people refer to “swollen glands,” they are often talking about lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped filters that trap viruses and bacteria. These nodes sit in groups around the neck, under the arms, and in the groin.

The doctor noted that swelling is a natural sign that the immune system is responding to a problem. It happens with common colds, flu, ear infections, and sore throats. Sometimes people may actually be feeling swollen salivary glands rather than lymph nodes, as these glands can become blocked as well.

Other Conditions That May Trigger Swelling

Although viral infections are the usual cause, swollen glands can also result from bacterial infections such as cellulitis, reactions to insect bites, changes in hormones, or occasionally after certain vaccinations. Most cases settle on their own within a week or two. Dr Aziza recommended rest, plenty of fluids, and standard pain relief to help ease discomfort. She advised against massaging the swollen areas because it can make the pain worse.

When Swollen Glands Need Medical Attention

While swelling is typically short-lived, there are times when it should not be ignored. Dr Aziza urged viewers to book a GP appointment if the glands remain enlarged for more than two weeks, feel firm or fixed in place, or seem to be getting larger. Additional warning signs include constant night sweats, a continuing fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and swelling that appears above or below the collarbone. These features may point to more serious conditions such as lymphoma or other cancers.

She explained that doctors may arrange blood tests, an ultrasound scan, or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. However, any breathing or swallowing problems require urgent medical assessment, and in some cases, A&E.

Why Early Detection Matters

Dr Aziza highlighted that catching serious conditions early gives people a better chance of successful treatment and, in many cases, less invasive care. She encouraged everyone to become familiar with how their lymph nodes normally feel by carrying out simple monthly checks. This can be done by looking in the mirror and gently examining the neck, jawline, ears, armpits, and groin for changes in size, tenderness, or redness.

Being aware of small differences can help people seek help sooner if something feels unusual. More detailed advice on swollen glands and when to see a doctor is available on the NHS website.

Malaria infected an estimated 282 million people and caused about 6,10,000 deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest World Malaria Report. The report placed strong emphasis on drug resistance, warning that it remains one of the biggest threats to global elimination goals. WHO-recommended vaccines helped prevent roughly 170 million cases and one million deaths last year, which is about nine million more than the year before. Around 95 per cent of malaria deaths occurred in the African Region, with children under five forming the largest share.

Within the WHO South-East Asia Region, India represented 73.3 per cent of all malaria cases and 88.7 per cent of all malaria-related deaths. The report also underscored that the world is nowhere close to meeting the targets set under the Global Technical Strategy for malaria 2016–2030. Drug resistance has now been confirmed or suspected in at least eight African nations, and early signals point to falling effectiveness of partner drugs used with artemisinin. Other emerging challenges include rising cases of malaria parasites with pfhrp2 gene deletions, which weaken the reliability of rapid diagnostic tests, and widespread pyrethroid resistance across 48 countries, diminishing the protective value of insecticide-treated nets.

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Malaria Deaths Increase Amid Growing Drug Resistance

The WHO warned of a global rise in malaria cases and deaths over the past year, driven by shrinking budgets and increasing drug resistance. An estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 malaria deaths were recorded in 2024, marking an increase of about nine million cases and 12,000 deaths compared to the previous year. Eleven countries in Africa accounted for nearly two-thirds of the global burden. The WHO said that efforts to reduce deaths remain “far off track.” Gareth Jenkins, managing director of the nonprofit Malaria No More UK, noted that the rise is alarming as current numbers do not yet reflect the impact of ongoing funding cuts.

What Are Anopheles Stephensi Mosquitoes?

Anopheles stephensi is a malaria-transmitting mosquito originally found in South Asia. Unlike many other malaria vectors, it thrives in cities and breeds in man-made water sources such as storage tanks, containers, and discarded tyres. It can carry both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax parasites.

In recent years, this mosquito has spread into several African countries, where it adapts easily and shows resistance to multiple insecticides. This expansion has increased the threat of urban malaria outbreaks, as highlighted by the World Health Organization.

At present, Anopheles stephensi has been detected in nine African countries and is proving difficult to control due to widespread insecticide resistance.

Malaria Vaccines

The report noted that WHO approved the world’s first malaria vaccines in 2021, and 24 countries have now added them to their regular immunisation schedules. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said that new preventive tools provide reason for optimism, but many obstacles remain. He pointed out the rise in cases and deaths, the pressure from drug resistance, and the impact of reduced funding. These factors could undermine the progress achieved over the last twenty years.

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The report also identified other risks, including extreme weather events that alter temperature and rainfall patterns, fuelling outbreaks; and conflict and unrest preventing communities from accessing treatment. Global funding for malaria control has largely remained stagnant over the past decade, limiting how far life-saving tools can reach.

Still, Dr Tedros stressed that the obstacles are manageable. With committed leadership in high-burden countries and well-directed investment, a malaria-free world remains an achievable goal.

How Is Malaria Becoming Drug Resistant?

Drug-resistant malaria develops when malaria parasites adapt and no longer respond well to antimalarial medicines, making treatment less effective. Factors such as improper use of medicines, incomplete treatment courses, and the parasite’s ability to mutate contribute to this resistance. Once it emerges, it can spread quickly. Addressing the problem requires strong surveillance systems, responsible drug use, and continued reliance on artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).

Despite the setbacks, there have been encouraging developments. So far, 47 countries and one territory have received malaria-free certification from WHO. Cabo Verde and Egypt were declared malaria-free in 2024, followed by Georgia, Suriname, and Timor-Leste in 2025.

The government revealed that in the span of three years between 2022 to 2024, Delhi's six state run hospitals recorded 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illness. The government also said in parliament that more than 30,000 people were hospitalized in Delhi over three years with respiratory illness.

For Delhi, toxic air is a recurring problem. In fact, on Friday, December 5, Delhi, the national capital's average air quality index (AQI) dipped to 'very poor' category at 324, at 7am, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

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For weeks Delhi's PM2.5 levels have stayed 20 times the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). In the span of three years, here is how many case Delhi's six major hospitals have recorded:

• 2022: 67,054
• 2023: 69,293
• 2024: 68,411

"Analysis suggests that increase in pollution levels was associated with increase in number of patients attending emergency rooms. However, this study design cannot provide confirmation that the association is causal," the government told parliament.

Delhi's AQI Is A Major Health Hazard

"The smaller the particle the more dangerous it is because it really goes into the depth of our lungs and causes damage there," says Dr. Vivek Nangia, Vice Chairman and Head of Pulmonology at Max Healthcare Saket, as told to news agency PTI.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Dr. Naresh Trehan, MD, Medanta, called the current situation “a major, major health-wise hazard,” stressing that the impact is unfolding across all age groups.

According to Dr. Trehan, pollution is now causing illness “many fold,” with outpatient departments packed with people suffering from cough, cold, chest congestion, asthma attacks, and severe breathing difficulties. But his biggest concern goes beyond the lungs.

He explained that the particulate matter present in polluted air moves far deeper into the body than most people realise. “These particulates go everywhere,” he told ANI. “They get absorbed into the blood, they go to your brain, they go to your kidneys, they go to your liver.”

Dr. Trehan added that the chronic effects of such constant exposure are making the public “sicker than they would be if they were living in a cleaner area.” Children, he warned, face an even greater threat as trapped toxic gases and particulate matter during winter behave “like a gas chamber,” potentially harming neurological development.

Giving the scientific context behind this damage, Dr Nangia told PTI that the toxicity varies by particle size.

Particles larger than 5–10 microns usually stay in the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms like throat irritation, watery eyes, and a runny nose. However, “a particle size less than 2.5 microns goes into the lungs,” he explained. Even more dangerous are particles smaller than 0.5 microns, which “go directly into the bloodstream from the lungs and trigger an inflammatory cascade.”

This cascade, Dr. Nangia said, spreads through the body and can inflame various organs—contributing to asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Not Just Limited To Respiratory Issues

Delhi's toxic air does not just impact respiratory health, but it also has adverse impact on one's blood health, reproductive health, and even cause obesity.

As per a 2024 study published in the journal BMC Public Health, titled Association of Ambient Air Pollution With Hemoglobin Levels and Anemia In The General Population of Korean Adults noted the detrimental effects of air pollution exposure on hemoglobin concentrations and anemia in specific populations, which included children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

The study noted that the pollutants in the air contributes to disturbances in iron homeostasis, thus the exposure to air pollution leads to cellular iron deficiency through the activation of oxidation production. It also increases secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. This pro-inflammatory cytokines that are now increased cause a deficiency erythropoietin secretion, resulting in anemia.

In addition, exposure to air pollution increases the secretion of reactive oxygen species, resulting in oxidative stress. In 2008, an experimental study in a murine model reported that oxidative stress was closely related to iron deficiency anemia.

Doctors have pointed out that Delhi's high air pollution significantly impacts fertility in both men and women by damaging sperm quality and egg reserves through oxidative stress. In men, this can lead to reduced sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity. In women, it can decrease the ovarian reserve, cause hormonal disruption, and increase the risk of miscarriage

As per a 2021 study titled Effect of Air Pollution on Obesity in Children: A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, there is a connection between air pollution and weight gain through biological behavioral mechanism. The major pollutants causing obesity are nitrous oxides, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter.

These could lead to systematic inflammation and metabolic disturbances, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. The study mentions that fine particulate matter [PM2.5], when it enters our body, it influences the metabolism rates.