Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Diets High In Fruits, Veggies May Raise Risk Of Lung Cancer In Younger People; Exposure To Pesticides Questioned
A new study from researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) has suggested that diets rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may possibly be linked to a higher risk of early‑onset lung cancer. The study found this correlation specifically in younger people who have never smoked. (Blake, 4/20)
Colorectal cancer, once considered a disease of older age, is becoming a crisis for younger adults. New research shows one group getting hit the hardest – those without a college degree. A recent study from the American Cancer Society analyzed data from over 101,000 adults aged 25 to 49 who died from colorectal cancer between 1994 and 2023. (Quill, 4/20)
In other cancer research —
Vita Sara Blechner’s life changed on a Saturday afternoon. The middle school librarian was home in Oceanside, New York, when she felt shooting pains in her back. After an acid reflux pill couldn’t soothe the fiery feeling, her husband suggested a trip to the emergency room. (Hellerman, 4/20)
Researchers at Linköping University show how two important cancer-related proteins can be prevented from collaborating with each other. The discovery shows the way toward future medications to combat, for example, neuroblastoma in children. Their study has been published in the journal Nature Communications. (Lock, 4/20)
Researchers at the University of Sussex, in collaboration with scientists from different institutes worldwide, have identified a blood test capable of early diagnosis of the most aggressive form of brain tumor. The technology has the potential to save lives. Lead author Professor Georgios Giamas and his team have identified distinctive biomarkers (molecules that act as signs of normal processes, diseases, or responses to treatment) within patient blood samples, which could signal the presence of glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain tumor. (Sutton, 4/20)
Artificial intelligence chatbots will tell you where to find alternatives to chemotherapy if you ask them, a new study finds. At a time when influencers and political figures on social media increasingly promote bogus treatments for cancer or other health problems — and as more people rely on AI for health advice — the new research suggests that some chatbot responses could be putting patients’ lives at risk. (Ozcan, 4/20)
In 2022, Katie Lichter was a doctor in Northern California. She was walking home from work under orange skies due to the wildfires when she realized the connection between climate change and cancer treatment. (Richardson, 4/20)
