Colon cancer is commonaly linked to gastrointestinal problems—abdominal cramps, bloating, and stool blood. Not for 57-year-old Karen Kennerley, however, a special education teacher from Lancashire, England. None of these symptoms were experienced by her. All she felt was an abnormal and frequently downplayed symptom: tiredness.

Even though everyone around her considered her "fit and healthy," Karen's life was turned on its head when she received a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. The sole early warning sign? A sense of fatigue that drained her, one she had initially chalked up to the stress of her job. Today, as she receives treatment and battles for her life, her tale is a grim reminder to others regarding the silent threats of colon cancer.

Karen initially went to see her general practitioner (GP) in December 2022 because of ongoing fatigue. Being a hardworking teacher employed in a special educational needs (SEN) school, she felt that her tiredness was only due to extensive working hours. Her GP undertook standard blood tests, and these did not raise any initial alarm. Yet, as a precautionary measure, she was referred for a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and a colonoscopy in January 2023.

In spite of assurances from doctors that she was healthy, Karen's colonoscopy showed a tumor in her large intestine. What was thought to be benign proved to be colon cancer, and she underwent extensive surgery in June 2023 to have the tumor and part of her intestine removed. She then had eight rounds of chemotherapy.

After her treatment, Karen anticipated returning to everyday life, convinced that she had won her struggle with cancer. Yet in March 2024, she was admitted to the hospital with suspected appendicitis. The truth was much more terrifying—her cancer had infected her ovaries, advancing to stage 4. She was told that the only treatment offered by the NHS was palliative chemotherapy, to prolong her life, not cure her.

"I was shattered, from being informed that I was benign, to being informed that I had stage three colon cancer, and then this," Karen explained. "There were just a lot of feelings—devastation, fear, disbelief."

Deciding to battle for her life, Karen sought out alternative therapies. She discovered Trans Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE), a focused cancer treatment in Germany. In contrast to conventional chemotherapy, TACE injects cancer-killing medications directly into the tumor, with the possibility of enhancing survival and minimizing side effects.

Karen had three cycles of TACE treatments, which cost £35,000 ($44,000 USD). Thankfully, her tumors started to reduce in size. Her finances were drained, however, and she is currently fundraising to pay for additional treatment.

"Treatment has been going well, but I need more of it. The stress and financial strain are overwhelming. I am unable to work, and my statutory sick pay will soon be gone," she said. "Stage 4 cancer patients feel abandoned. I wish to change this—not only for me, but for others battling this."

Importance of Early Detection in Colon Cancer

Karen's case brings to light an important problem: colon cancer usually comes with mild symptoms that may be ignored. Although frequent symptoms are:

• Blood in the stool
• Changes in bowel habits that persist
• Unintentional weight loss
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating

Fatigue is a lesser-known but important symptom. In Karen's case, this initial symptom was first explained away as typical work-related fatigue. But it proved to be a sign of a serious underlying illness.

Medical professionals emphasize the need for regular screenings, particularly for people over 45, or earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer. A FIT test, which identifies occult blood in stool samples, is a quick and useful screening test.

Karen's situation is not rare. Colon cancer is the third most frequent cancer globally, both in men and women. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that early detection is essential in enhancing survival. Despite this, patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages because of imprecise or ignored symptoms.

Younger adults have also experienced an increase in colorectal cancer cases in recent years, leading researchers to explore possible causes like diet, lifestyle, and genetics. Public awareness campaigns stress the importance of identifying even non-digestive symptoms, including fatigue, anemia, and unexplained weakness.

Aside from her own struggle, Karen wishes to speak out on behalf of improved support mechanisms for stage 4 cancer patients. Most people in her situation feel abandoned by healthcare systems that prioritize curative treatments for early-stage cancers, leaving those with advanced diagnoses with few options.

"I don't want to fight for myself alone—I want to fight for all those who are going through stage 4 cancer. We deserve better than to be told to get ready for the end," she exclaimed.

Karen continues to fundraise to keep up with treatment and raise awareness about listening to your body. "I want people to realize that you don't need to have dramatic symptoms for it to be cancer. If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it—get checked."

Karen Kennerley's case serves as a testament to how cancer may manifest in unexplained manner. She is struggling for survival even as she is fighting to get awareness raised on cancer by appealing to others to place priority on their own health and going for a doctor even at slightest deviations from health.

For most of us, a hot or even a cold shower is luxury. For 26-year-old mom Joanna Watkins, it is torture. She has an extremely rare condition called Aquagenic Urticaria—a water allergy. From showering to tears, and even sweating, any exposure to water triggers intense burning, itching, and hives that last for hours on end.

And this is the kicker—she developed this condition in pregnancy. What started out as some minor irritation of the skin soon became excruciating pain with every drop of water. Now, something as ordinary as washing her hands, walking in the rain, or even drinking a glass of water is no longer routine—it's an act of courage.

Here, we consider what it truly is to live in a body that rejects the most basic building block of life, how she manages motherhood within it all, and the larger conversation surrounding invisible illnesses that affect not only the body—but every aspect of daily living.

This strange and mostly misjudged allergy to water has turned mundane daily activities into frightening experiences. From coping with her pregnancy to tending her toddler, Kendall navigates cautiously through her life, hoping for relief from a condition whose origins and essence are still poorly understood—by many physicians and medical researchers themselves.

What is Aquagenic Urticaria?

Aquagenic urticaria, also referred to as "water allergy," is a rare condition wherein the skin responds to contact with water at any temperature or level of cleanliness. Upon exposure, patients typically experience burning hives, redness, and itching within minutes. The condition is found in fewer than 100 people all over the world and occurs more often in women.

In Kendall's instance, even sweat or tears from her can trigger a skin reaction that is painful. "When it started, it was like I was being stung all over my body with nettles," she recollects. "Now it is like someone has held a flame to my skin."

Kendall first became ill at 15 years of age after breaking out in hives following a shower. She was initially kept under control using over-the-counter antihistamines like Piriton. Gradually, though, her condition worsened. It was not until 2021, nearly a decade later, that she was officially diagnosed by a dermatologist from the University Hospital of North Durham.

Even after diagnosis, treatment and information regarding it is limited. "The GP didn't know what to do. It's just so odd a condition, not many people have it, and not many people have even heard of it," she says.

Life at the Mercy of the Weather

Having aquagenic urticaria has placed Kendall in a highly regimented lifestyle. She checks the weather every day, avoiding rain as well as hot, humid conditions. "If I find myself outside unexpectedly, my body reacts and it hurts so much," she says. Her exposure to water is so limited that she can take a shower or bath every other day—having someone close at hand in case her body closes up.

"I cry through the process. It takes two hours, though it only takes half an hour. It's that bad my body goes into shock," she says. During these episodes, Kendall needs someone to look after her son, demonstrating just how far this condition reaches into every area of her life.

One of the hardest aspects of Kendall’s condition is how it impairs her ability to care for her child. “I’ve never been able to give my one-year-old son a bath. My mom has to do it for me,” she says, visibly distressed. Even drinking water causes a burning sensation in her throat, leaving her constantly dehydrated and exhausted.

The illness has left her feeling alone and powerless. "At the moment, everything feels so humiliating. I just want a normal life where I can go out in the rain, have a shower, and bathe my son," she says.

What Causes Aquagenic Urticaria?

Though the exact cause is unclear, researchers have proposed two major theories:

Interaction between water and sebum: Water may alter the skin's natural oils (sebum), stimulating mast cells to discharge histamines, resulting in hives.

Water as a carrier: Water may dissolve foreign allergens or irritants on the skin, inducing an immune reaction.

Due to the infrequency of the condition, studies are few and facts are mostly anecdotal or case-study oriented.

Can Water Allergy be Treated?

There is not yet a verified treatment for aquagenic urticaria. It is treated symptomatically with a variety of the following:

Oral antihistamines: Often the first line of therapy.

Topical therapy: In the form of corticosteroid cream and skin barriers.

Phototherapy: UV therapy to desensitize the skin.

Other medication: Including drugs used for asthma, anabolic steroids, and SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).

Unfortunately, due to the fact that she is pregnant, Kendall's treatment opportunities are now minimal. "They've tried many different medications, but I continued to react. I still have not found anything that works," she says. After she delivers her baby, she would like to return to attempting more aggressive treatment.

Kendall is sharing her story in the belief that someone out there will be able to tell her something new about her condition, or suggest a new lead in treatment. "I do hope that someone might ring up and know what to do," she says.

Her vulnerability and resilience come across in every sentence. Though aquagenic urticaria is a medically rare condition, its psychological effect on sufferers and their families is very real.

Hemophilia is a rare, genetic blood disorder, that causes your blood to clot less, resulting in an increased risk of bleeding and bruising. The platelets and proteins in the plasma work together to stop the bleeding by forming a clot over the injury. Hemophilia occurs when your body doesn't make enough of these clotting factors.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hemophilia?

• The most significant symptom is unusual or excessive bleeding or bruising.
• People with hemophilia may develop large bruises after minor injuries. This is a sign of bleeding under the skin.
• They may bleed for an unusually long time, whether after surgery, after dental treatment or simply from a cut finger.
• They may start bleeding for no apparent reason, such as sudden nosebleeds.

How To Identify Hemophilia In Babies

Babies and toddlers may bleed from their mouths after minor injuries, like bumping their mouths on a toy.

Babies and toddlers who bump their heads often develop goose eggs — large round lumps on their heads.

These symptoms may happen if babies and toddlers have internal bleeding into a muscle or joint. They may have areas on their bodies that look bruised and swollen, feel warm to your touch or make your child hurt when you gently touch the area.

A hematoma is a mass of congealed blood that gathers under babies’ or toddlers’ skin. Babies and toddlers may develop hematomas after receiving an injection.

Here Are 5 Things That Hemophilia Patients Wish You'd Know

Dr Nivedita Dhingra, Associate Director, Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Max Super Speciality Hospital Patparganj, listed 5 things that Hemophilia patients wish you'd know about their condition.

1. Hemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder.

It is usually inherited and predominantly affects males, though females can be carriers. The disorder impairs the blood’s ability to clot properly.

2. Affected people tend to have prolonged bleeding from minor injuries, and in severe forms, spontaneous bleeding into the joints can lead to deformities. This joint bleeding, called hemarthrosis, can be extremely painful and may result in long-term disability if left untreated.

3. It occurs due to the reduction or absence of clotting proteins and is classified as Hemophilia A when Factor VIII is deficient and Hemophilia B when Factor IX is reduced. Both types have similar symptoms but differ in genetic mutations and treatment approaches.

4. Timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment with factor concentrates can greatly minimise bleeding episodes and allow patients to lead productive lives. Prophylactic therapy, where clotting factors are regularly infused, is particularly effective in preventing joint damage and other complications.

5. Intrauterine testing and prenatal diagnosis are recommended. These help at-risk families make informed reproductive choices and prepare for early intervention after birth.

US tech billionaire and anti-ageing advocate Byran Johnson has revealed a major miscalculation involving a drug he once believed was a cornerstone of his protocol: Rapamycin. He said that the immunosuppressant, originally developed for organ transplant patients and now touted in anti-ageing circles, was something he had been experimenting with for five years. However, instead of reversing his age, it resulted in some serious.

Inspired by a 2009 study that showed rapamycin could extend the lifespan of mice by up to 14%, along with a 2023 human trial where 65% of participants reported feeling healthier while on the drug, Johnson began carefully fine-tuning his dosage in hopes of maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.

But instead of enhanced vitality, the tech entrepreneur began noticing a series of unsettling side effects like:

1. Mouth Ulcers

2. Delayed Wound Healing

3. Elevated Cholesterol

4. Spike In Blood Sugar

5. Rise in Resting Heart Rate

What Does Science Say?

Recently, a study conducted on the same by Yale University researchers supported Johnson's view, stating that the drug might accelerate biological ageing. Researchers identified 16 adverse effects on epigenetic markers (biological indicators tied to ageing), raising serious concerns about Rapamycin's long-term use as a longevity enhancer.

While Johnson concluded that he has stopped taking rapamycin, he underscored that this isn't a defeat but rather a strategic pivot. "This is not the end-this is a reset," he said. "It's important to share both wins and failures. That's how progress is made."

What Is Rapamycin?

Rapamycin is an immunosuppressant (medication that reduces the body's immune response) commonly used for organ transplant patients to prevent organ rejection. It is also called sirolimus and has been previously shown to extend the life span in multiple models. According to Essential Interventional Cardiology, it is a natural macrocyclic lactone that binds to specific cytosolic proteins called FK506 binding protein, which blocks G1 to S cell cycle progression by inhibiting the activation of a protein known as mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin).

Johnson Is Building New Religion

This comes as the 47-year-old announced that he is building a new religion that is aimed at saving human life. In a series of X posts, Johnson introduced his new ideology, "Don't Die", which he believes is the key to human survival and aligns artificial intelligence (AI) with humanity's best interests. "Don't Die is the next great framework. It's how we transition into the era of AI and solving death," he wrote in one of his posts. The tech millionaire also announced the launch of his new app and urged people to be a part of it to become those who can be "admired and respected" by the 25th century.

"Dear humanity, I am building a religion. Wait a second, I know what you're going to say. Hold that knee-jerk reaction and let me explain. First, here's what's going to happen: + Don't Die becomes history's fastest-growing ideology. + It saves the human race. + And it ushers in an existence more spectacular than we can imagine. It is inevitable. The only question is: will you be an early or late adopter?" he wrote.