(NewsUSA) - For many, breathing is something we take for granted, 23,040 breaths a day without a second thought. But for those impacted by lung cancer, every breath matters.

On August 1, World Lung Cancer Day highlights the importance of lung cancer awareness, the urgency of research, and the power of personal stories, like Jeff Stibelman's.

From Stage 4 Diagnosis to a Full Life

Jeff never expected a persistent cough to turn into something serious. But in early 2021, after a scan revealed advanced-stage lung cancer, his life changed in an instant. The cancer had spread to his bones, ribs, clavicle, and brain, initially considered inoperable.

Jeff refused to give up. He educated himself and pursued biomarker testing. While every cancer journey is different, research made more options available to him, and that made a difference.

“I want my story to focus on the disease and the cure. It is because others before me advocated and made their needs heard that biomarker testing was discovered and, in turn, new highly effective drugs were developed. Getting more involved in research and doing my own research has become my purpose.”

Research That Breathes Life Into the Future

Behind stories like Jeff’s are the scientists pushing boundaries in lung cancer treatment. Dr. Zhen Zeng of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine was recently awarded a prestigious Early Career Researcher Grant of $200,000 through LCFA.

Dr. Zeng’s work uses cutting-edge bioinformatics to identify tumor-reactive T cells, a breakthrough that could lead to more personalized and effective immunotherapy for patients.

“This grant gives me the resources to move faster,” says Dr. Zeng. “And that means earlier detection, better treatment options, and more lives saved.”

The impact of early detection is staggering: catching lung cancer at Stage I could improve five-year survival rates by more than 50%.

Every Post, Every Dollar, Every Breath Counts

On World Lung Cancer Day, LCFA encourages everyone to join the conversation. Through social media spotlights on survivors, updates from the lab, and stories from patients and doctors, the day reminds us that we all have lungs and a reason to care.

“Research is vital,” says LCFA Co-Founder Kim Norris. “Behind every story of hope, every extra moment, every second chance is research. But research doesn’t happen without support. It takes all of us, donors, advocates, and communities, working together to fuel the breakthroughs that help these stories continue. If you want to make a difference, please donate today, because every dollar moves research forward.”

How You Can Help

Donate: Supports lifesaving research.

https://secure.lcfamerica.org/forms/wlcd25

Share: Use your voice on social media to raise awareness.

Learn: Visit LCFAmerica.org to hear more stories and explore how research makes a difference.

Hashtags: #WorldLungCancerDay #LCFAmerica #LivingWithLungCancer #WLCD2025

Join the movement this World Lung Cancer Day. Because hope is real.

About LCFA: Lung Cancer Foundation of America enhances lung cancer survival rates by funding transformative science, elevating public awareness, and providing hope, information, and access to contemporary treatment options. Learn more at LCFAmerica.org.

(NewsUSA) - A medida que volvemos a hacer viajes, cocinar en el patio y pasar tiempo con los amigos y familiares este verano, el COVID-19 sigue siendo algo a lo que debemos prestar atención. Aunque el virus ya no ocupe los titulares, no ha desaparecido. De hecho, en cada uno de los últimos cuatro años, los casos de COVID-19 han aumentado en julio y agosto (en inglés).

¿Por qué sucede esto? El calor del verano suele invitar a las reuniones en espacios interiores y eventos en lugares con aire acondicionado, más viajes y más tiempo cerca de otras personas. Estas son algunas de las razones por las que el virus tiene más oportunidades de propagarse.

Aunque un caso leve de COVID-19 puede sentirse como un resfriado fuerte para algunas personas, en muchas otras puede causar problemas de salud graves, hospitalización o incluso la muerte. Los médicos afirman que casi 3 de cada 4 adultos en los Estados Unidos están con riesgo de enfermarse gravemente a causa del COVID-19. Esto incluye a personas con afecciones de salud comunes como enfermedades cardíacas, diabetes, cáncer, asma y otros problemas pulmonares. Incluso los adultos mayores de 50 años tienen más probabilidades de enfermarse de gravedad suficiente como para necesitar atención médica.

Las vacunas siguen siendo una defensa fuerte contra el COVID-19, pero puede que no protejan completamente a todas las personas, especialmente a quienes tienen otras afecciones de salud. Y esté alguien vacunado o no, es importante estar preparado y saber que existen tratamientos antivirales que pueden ayudar.

¿Qué son los antivirales?

Los medicamentos antivirales pueden ayudar a tu cuerpo a combatir el virus. Pueden evitar que los síntomas empeoren y prevenir una enfermedad más grave, reduciendo así la posibilidad de ser hospitalizado o morir por el COVID-19. Funcionan mejor si se toman dentro de los cinco días después de que comienzan los primeros síntomas. Por eso, actuar con rapidez es muy importante.

Muchas personas que podrían beneficiarse del tratamiento no saben que lo pueden recibir o no saben cómo encontrarlo rápidamente. Esto puede causar demoras, lo que hace que el medicamento sea menos eficaz.

“Algunas personas piensan que si ya se vacunaron o se sienten saludables, no necesitan tratamiento”, dijo Karyne Jones, presidenta y directora ejecutiva de NCBA, Inc. y convocante de CVEEP. “Pero eso no siempre es cierto. El COVID-19 aún puede causar enfermedad grave en muchas personas. Saber cuándo tomar antivirales y cómo obtenerlos puede ayudar a salvar vidas”.

Lo que puedes hacer ahora

Si te encuentras en el grupo de mayor riesgo de presentar complicaciones a causa del COVID-19, aquí hay algunos pasos que puedes dar para mantenerte seguro:

Conoce tu riesgo de enfermarte gravemente: Si tienes 50 años o más, o si tienes asma, cáncer, diabetes, una enfermedad cardíaca u otra afección de salud, es posible que tengas mayor riesgo de presentar una enfermedad grave por el COVID-19.

Habla con tu proveedor de atención médica: Pregunta si te convendría un tratamiento antiviral y dónde conseguirlo.

No esperes si comienzas a sentirte mal: Los antivirales funcionan mejor cuando se toman temprano, especialmente dentro de los primeros días después de que aparecen los síntomas.

El COVID-19 aún está presente, pero contamos con las herramientas para combatirlo. Estar preparado, mantenerse alerta y actuar con rapidez son las mejores formas de proteger tu salud y disfrutar del verano.

Para obtener más información, visita https://cveep.org/es/.

(NewsUSA) - As we get back to summer travel, cookouts, and time with friends and family, COVID-19 is still something to watch out for. While the virus may not be making big headlines, it hasn’t gone away. In fact, in each of the last four years, COVID-19 rates have gone up in July and August.

Why does this happen? The summer heat often means more indoor get-togethers and events in air-conditioned spaces, more travel, and more time spent around other people. These are just a few of the things that give the virus more chances to spread.

While a mild case of COVID-19 may feel like a bad cold for some, it can lead to serious health issues, hospitalization, or even death for many others. Doctors say nearly 3 out of 4 U.S. adults are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. This includes people with common health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma and other lung problems. Even adults over age 50 have a greater chance of getting sick enough to need medical care.

Vaccines are still a strong defense against COVID-19. But they may not fully protect everyone, especially those with other health issues. And whether someone’s vaccinated or not, it’s important to be prepared and know that there are antiviral treatments that can help.

What Are Antivirals?

Antiviral medicines can help your body fight off the virus. They can help stop symptoms from getting worse and prevent more serious illness, lowering the chance of going to the hospital or dying from COVID-19. They work best if you take them within five days after the first symptoms start. So, acting fast is very important.

Many people who could benefit from treatment don’t know they can get it or don’t know how to find it quickly. This can cause delays, which makes the medicine less helpful.

“Some people think that if they got the vaccine or feel healthy, they don’t need treatment,” said Karyne Jones, President and CEO of NCBA, Inc. and co-convener of CVEEP. “But that’s not always true. COVID-19 can still cause serious illness for many people. Knowing when to take antivirals, and how to get them, can help save lives.”

What You Can Do Now

If you are more likely to have problems from COVID-19, here are a few steps you can take to stay safe:

Know your chance of getting very sick: If you’re age 50 or older—or have asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or another health issue—you may be more likely to get very ill from COVID-19.

Talk to your healthcare provider: Ask if you might be someone who would benefit from an antiviral treatment and where to get it.
Don’t wait if you start to feel sick: Antivirals work best when taken early, especially within a few days of symptoms.

COVID-19 is still around, but we have tools to fight it. Being ready, staying alert, and acting quickly are the best ways to protect your health and enjoy your summer.

To learn more, visit cveep.org.

(Jill Purcell, Head of Dental and Vision Product and Network Management, Guardian and Shawn Patrick, Director of Strategic Growth, Kelsey National) - Maintaining good oral health is a crucial component of your overall well-being at any age, yet it becomes particularly important as we get older. Oral health is closely tied to not just our physical wellness but also our mental and financial well-being.

Unfortunately, far too many older Americans aren’t getting the dental care they need. In fact, one in four U.S. adults aged 65 and older have not had dental care in more than two years. With some Medicare plans scaling back dental benefits, now is the time to act.

The well-being connection

Oral health can have a lasting impact on your broader physical wellness. Without proper care, harmful bacteria can build up around teeth and cause gum disease or even spread to other parts of the body. Dry mouth, which can be caused by some medications as well as by CPAP use, can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease as well. Health conditions linked to poor oral health also include diabetes, kidney disease, dementia, pneumonia, and liver disease, among others.

This connection is particularly important for seniors to take into consideration. According to Guardian’s 2025 Mind, Body, and Wallet® report, 97% of Baby Boomers say that physical health plays an essential role in their well-being. Yet the impacts of oral health extend even further.

Guardian research has also found that poor oral health correlates with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. There’s a tie to financial wellness too, with the same study showing that adults over age 55 who do not receive annual dental exams and cleanings have higher claim costs compared to those who do.  

Despite its importance, many older Americans aren’t getting the care they need to support good oral health. According to the National Association of Dental Plans, approximately 31 million Americans ages 55 and older remain without dental coverage.

 The benefits of an individual dental plan

To help meet the needs of retirees and others who don’t have access to dental insurance through an employer, some carriers offer dental plans directly to consumers.

This is an option that provides a lot of benefits for seniors. For instance:

• You can assess a wide variety of plans at all different price points, including on third-party websites that make it easy to compare options.
• By selecting a carrier with a large provider network, you can find care where it is convenient for you. You may also be able to save on care costs with discounts that network dentists may provide in partnership with a carrier.
• With carriers that offer a self-service online platform, you can access information such as benefits details, claims history, network dentists near you, and ID cards, plus live support.
• Some carriers are even providing ongoing education about oral health and dental benefits, along with well-being support.

Now all that’s left is selecting the right plan.

What to look for in an individual dental plan

No two individuals are going to have the same exact oral care needs, regardless of age. Still, by keeping a few factors in mind, you can select the dental plan that will be the best fit for you.

For starters, finding a plan that covers preventive, basic, and major dental care is key. Also consider any other services beyond regular cleanings and x-rays you may want to use to be sure your plan covers them. Plus, if you have an immediate dental need, be on the lookout for waiting periods, which require that you be enrolled in the plan for a minimum number of months before a more expensive procedure may be covered.

Getting started

Maintaining good oral health as a senior has benefits that extend far beyond the teeth and mouth.

By finding the dental plan that’s right for you, you’re on your way to enhancing your oral health and overall well-being. Get started today.

(NewsUSA) - A once-a-day pill called blarcamesine may slow memory loss and preserve independence—without the scary side effects or burdens of current treatments.

If you love someone with Alzheimer’s, you know how quietly devastating the disease can be. One day it’s a forgotten name. A year later, it’s forgotten faces, forgotten routines. For many, even the latest treatments feel out of reach: risky, invasive, or simply too late.

But now, a new study offers something rare in Alzheimer's, a reason for hope. A once-daily pill called blarcamesine (pronounced blar-CAM-uh-seen) may actually slow the disease’s grip. And it does so safely, without the brain swelling and bleeding linked to some newer drugs.

The data, presented this spring at an international Alzheimer’s conference, showed that people who started taking blarcamesine early and stayed on it continuously had better memory, clearer thinking, and greater ability to handle everyday tasks—even after nearly four years.

For families trying to hang on to time and dignity, that’s no small thing.

As Dr. Timo Grimmer, a lead scientist on the study, put it: “Diagnosing and treating people earlier and consistently may lead to greater clinical benefit.”

Blarcamesine isn’t an infusion. There’s no monthly IV. No MRI scans. No trips to specialty hospitals. Just one pill a day.

That simplicity matters. Many Alzheimer’s treatments today require hospital visits, specialized imaging, and high-risk monitoring for side effects. These hurdles often make access harder for families without nearby clinics or flexible jobs.

"Oral medications like blarcamesine are more convenient for many patients as they can take medication at home without requiring regular clinic visits or infusion appointments," says Amy Reichelt, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and drug development expert. "Monoclonal antibodies require regular infusion center visits (typically every 2–4 weeks), which creates significant logistical burdens for patients and caregivers."

Still, there are trade-offs. “Adherence challenges exist with oral Alzheimer's medications as patients can forget to take their medications,” Reichelt adds. “However, the convenience of home administration is valuable for Alzheimer's patients who may struggle with transportation and clinic visits as their condition progresses.”

Let’s put the science in plain terms.

In the study, people who began taking blarcamesine right away had stronger thinking skills than those who started a year later. Their memory declined more slowly, and they were better able to handle basic tasks like dressing or preparing food.

And while the numbers may sound small—three or four points better on a memory scale—experts say that’s enough to change daily life. It might mean still knowing your grandchildren’s names. Still walking safely. Still living independently.

The safety data is especially striking. "A recent Phase 2b/3 clinical study with blarcamesine showed that there was no evidence of neurological tissue damage such as hemorrhage or Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which have been observed with lecanemab and donanemab," Reichelt explains. Those antibody drugs require regular MRI scans to monitor ARIA, a side effect that can force treatment to stop.

"The risk of ARIA requires frequent patient monitoring by MRI and can lead to treatment discontinuation," she says. "However, the frequent monitoring with MRI might catch increasing disease progression or other pathologies."

While safety and simplicity are headline features, the economics of a pill like blarcamesine could be just as powerful.

“Key economic factors include reduced monitoring costs, as frequent MRI scans are costly,” Reichelt notes. “And some individuals are incompatible with MRIs due to metal implants or claustrophobia.”

IV infusions come with additional costs—nursing time, facility fees, medication prep, and more. “Moreover, caregiver time, transportation, and lost productivity for caregivers dealing with regular infusion appointments can be substantial, particularly as patients become less mobile,” Reichelt adds.

“Oral medications typically have broader insurance coverage and accessibility, especially in rural or underserved areas where access to infusion centers may be limited,” she says. “The potential cost savings of an oral medication without MRI monitoring is likely significant for both insurance payers, and patient experience and treatment adherence may also be improved.”

Blarcamesine is still under review by health authorities in Europe. It’s not yet approved for general use in the U.S. But the signs are encouraging, and the pressure is growing.

There are nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. Many current treatments are too complex, too risky, or simply too late. Families deserve better options. Safer options. Smarter options.

That’s what makes blarcamesine so compelling. It’s not just another high-tech moonshot. It’s a practical, patient-friendly approach that could help more people, sooner.

(Madison Roberts, Contributor) - It might sound like science fiction: a molecule already inside your body holds the potential to slow the aging process, sharpen the mind, and energize the body. Yet in the ever-evolving frontier of longevity research, NAD⁺ a coenzyme found in every living cell, is emerging as one of the most talked-about elements in the science of aging.

At the intersection of this conversation is Eden, a fast-growing health platform that’s betting big on the future of metabolic wellness. Their latest offering? Facilitated access to NAD⁺ injection programs via online consultations with licensed medical providers.

It’s not a miracle cure, far from it. But Eden is positioning itself as a leader in democratizing access to emerging longevity therapies. And that, in itself, is a story worth watching.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD⁺, may not be a household name yet. But within the cells of your body, it plays a starring role in essential functions: converting food into energy, supporting mitochondrial health, repairing DNA, and regulating cellular stress responses.

The problem? NAD⁺ levels decline sharply with age.

This natural drop-off has been linked in early studies to fatigue, cognitive sluggishness, and decreased physical resilience. Which is why researchers have spent the last decade looking into whether restoring NAD⁺ levels often using precursors like NMN or NR could enhance quality of life as we age.

In a 2022 human clinical trial published in NPJ Aging, older men supplemented with NMN showed measurable improvements in muscle strength and gait speed over 12 weeks. Other animal studies suggest NAD⁺ precursors might improve memory, slow vascular aging, and even boost circadian rhythm in aging mice​.

These findings are far from conclusive, but they’ve sparked a wave of interest from both scientists and consumers eager to better understand the biology of aging.

Eden doesn’t develop treatments, prescribe medications, or claim to reverse aging. What it does is enable people to consult with licensed medical providers who are fluent in emerging metabolic health strategies, including NAD⁺ protocols. It’s a modern, tech-enabled version of personalized wellness.

“People want more than the status quo, they want smarter, proactive conversations about their health,” said Josh Khan, Eden’s President and Co-Founder. “That’s what we’re here to support: evidence-based access, not hype.”

Starting at $189 per month, Eden’s NAD⁺ program connects users with licensed clinicians for one-on-one consultations. If NAD⁺ therapy is deemed appropriate, patients receive a personalized plan, and prescriptions are filled by licensed compounding pharmacies.

For Adam McBride, Eden’s CEO and Co-Founder, the NAD⁺ program reflects a broader philosophy.

“Our approach isn’t about chasing fads,” McBride told me. “It’s about grounding care in real science, giving people access to professionals who can help them navigate what’s possible, what’s proven, and what still needs more data.”

Earlier this month, Eden made a headline-grabbing hire that signaled just how serious it is about longevity. Dr. Halland Chen, MD, a double board-certified physician with deep roots in regenerative and functional medicine joined the company as Chief Medical Innovation Officer.

Dr. Halland is no stranger to the spotlight. Known in elite wellness circles as “The Longevity Doctor,” his work spans regenerative medicine, IV NAD⁺ infusions, and personalized anti-aging protocols.

“I’m really excited to be working with Eden to rethink how people approach metabolic health,” Dr. Halland said. “There’s enormous potential in combining regenerative medicine, functional strategies, and personalized data. The future of wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s precision-guided.”

Dr. Halland’s appointment brings Eden closer to the growing field of personalized medicine, where genetics, lifestyle, and biology are combined to develop tailored health plans. His clinical experience, paired with Eden’s digital infrastructure, offers a compelling model for what aging care could look like in the next decade.

So what can NAD⁺ actually do? The scientific community is cautiously optimistic.

In recent years, multiple studies have hinted at a wide range of potential benefits, from enhanced mitochondrial function and muscle endurance to improved cognition and sleep quality. In one of the most cited animal studies, aged mice given NMN showed increased capillary density and endurance levels comparable to younger mice, suggesting a reversal of age-related vascular decline​.

Human trials, though still limited, are beginning to echo some of these results. A placebo-controlled study in postmenopausal women found that NR (a NAD⁺ precursor) increased NAD⁺ levels and showed signs of reduced liver fat, a promising biomarker for metabolic improvement​.

Yet experts are quick to point out that NAD⁺ therapy remains investigational. Much of the most exciting research is still in the preclinical or early human trial phase. While the potential is there, the proof is still being built.

“We’re not promising miracles,” said Dr. Halland. “But we are helping people engage with the latest science in a responsible, informed way.”

The promise of NAD⁺ isn’t about living forever. It’s about living better.

“What people are really looking for isn’t more years, it’s better years,” McBride said. “If NAD⁺ turns out to be one tool that helps people feel sharper, move more easily, or recover faster as they age, that’s meaningful.”

For Eden, the NAD⁺ program is part of a larger trend: a shift away from reactive medicine and toward proactive wellness. The platform now supports provider-guided care for whole body health, all tailored to the individual.

“Longevity isn’t about avoiding death,” added Dr. Halland. “It’s about maximizing life physically, mentally, emotionally. NAD⁺ is one part of that story. And we’re just getting started.”

Aging isn’t what it used to be. And neither is healthcare.

With its NAD⁺ injection program, Eden isn’t offering a silver bullet, but it is offering something that’s become increasingly rare in modern medicine: access to timely, evolving science delivered through a human conversation.

Whether NAD⁺ ultimately becomes a foundational tool in the longevity toolkit remains to be seen. But for now, Eden’s model, equal parts access, innovation, and restraint, may be one of the most compelling developments in the wellness world today.

(NewsUSA) - Spring is the season of fresh starts and new beginnings. As it draws to a close and we head into summer, we are taking a look at how the millions of Americans living with diabetes can use the change in season to kickstart better habits or try something new.

To point us in the right direction, we spoke to Mary Bacchus about the demands of managing diabetes. Alongside the condition, Mary has to balance a full time job with a busy family life, featuring a partner who serves in the military, an active 10-year old son, and a mother who she cares for.

Mary is a strong believer in advocating for yourself and taking control of your own life. She says it is so important to feel confident and be able to challenge recommendations and ask difficult questions, especially when it comes to your health and wellbeing. She says “Diabetes impacts you as an individual the most, and Spring is the perfect time to make a change. Start taking control of your life!”

20 years ago Mary’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with type one diabetes at age 18. Managing her diabetes as a teenager whilst juggling college and work was a huge challenge, especially when it came to the complex payment and insurance landscape. Things only got more complicated once she entered motherhood.

“There is so much to think about all of the time and it’s impossible to get things right every step of the way. But that’s okay. Some days are more frustrating than others but I find that it helps to hold onto something positive – even if it is small – to make things feel a little easier. My most important learnings are about the power and importance of community, listening to those around you, and never being afraid to try something new,” Mary adds.

After lots of trial and error, Mary learnt to cope with the demands of life alongside taking care of her diabetes. She wouldn’t have been able to do this without gradually growing her support network, initially from her husband and son, into a dependable community both online and locally.  Another two pieces of the puzzle were her healthcare team and a groundbreaking technology – the Eversense continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.

CGMs have become a common technology for tracking glucose, which is crucial in diabetes management. However, the limitations of many available CGMs were making life difficult for Mary.

“I became more and more frustrated with the options available to me to manage my diabetes. I started using CGMs when my son was a toddler, and found it really difficult to stop my CGM from being knocked off when we would play. Every time it would come off, I’d either have to pay for a replacement and wait for it to arrive, or go back to manually testing my levels which was just another thing to think about.”

After trying several traditional CGMs, she discovered Eversense in 2020 and has never looked back. The implantable design of the Eversense CGM sensor simplified Mary’s diabetes care, placed fewer constraints on her daily life and gave her a dependable solution to manage her health.

Eversense’s tiny sensor rests comfortably under the skin, whilst the removable transmitter* is held firmly in place on the outside of the arm with a gentle, daily-use, double-sided silicon-based adhesive. If it is knocked off then it can simply be replaced without wasting a CGM.

“Being able to take my transmitter off and on without any cost or inconvenience is an irreplaceable benefit. Whilst we don’t play like we did when my son was younger, I’m able to keep up with my son at sporting events, concerts, and amusement parks without worrying if my CGM will keep up with me. As a mom, I get real joy from being able to spend quality time with my son without worrying about my CGM and it’s something I’m so grateful for every day.”

With each sensor lasting an entire year, Eversense 365 empowers people like Mary in their diabetes management, so they can live their best life, with fewer interruptions.

Mary offered some wisdom to other diabetes patients and said, “I encourage everyone in the diabetes community to revitalize their approach to diabetes monitoring this Spring! We are part of a unique community which should serve as a safe space to discuss our experiences and learn from each other.”

Why not join Mary and kickstart summer with a new approach to diabetes management. Get a fresh perspective on diabetes management at eversensecgm.com and bring a new sense of renewal to your year.

Mary Bacchus is an Eversense brand ambassador and this article was sponsored by Ascensia Diabetes Care

Please note for important safety information, see https://www.eversensediabetes.com/safety-info

* There is no glucose data generated when he transmitter is removed

(NewsUSA) - More than two-thirds of U.S. adults say they would rather file their taxes than get a colonoscopy, according to data from a new survey commissioned by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the disease.

In the survey, which included a national sample of 1,000 American adults, approximately half of respondents said that they prioritize household chores, such as laundry and childcare, over lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings, and 57% said they were unaware that these screenings can actually prevent colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps. If Americans knew this, 98% reported they would be more likely to undergo the screening, illustrating the need for greater awareness.

The majority (63%) of adults don't know that colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men under 50 years of age, according to the survey. Even more concerning, 58% don't know that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Compounding the misconceptions, 61% incorrectly believe that screening should begin at age 50, but in fact it should start at age 45. Another alarming statistic: 58% of adults would not immediately seek medical attention if they noticed constipation, diarrhea or blood in their stool, which can be signs of colorectal cancer.

“These results reveal a life-threatening gap in public awareness of colorectal cancer,” said Christopher Lieu, M.D., medical oncologist and advisor to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “It’s imperative that everyone understands the importance of screening and makes it a priority, so more lives can be saved,” he said.

The need for more education and awareness is even greater in minority populations, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Black adults were less likely than white adults in the survey to recognize that colorectal cancer is often not detected until the late stages because symptoms are mild (35% vs. 52%) or colorectal cancer is among the most preventable cancers (29% vs. 46%).

Black adults also reported less familiarity with the colonoscopy procedure than white adults, according to the survey. Approximately half of Black adults versus three quarters of white adults knew that the procedure involves inserting a camera into the colon, and that a day of preparation is needed to ensure an empty stomach. In addition, 23% of Black adults said they thought a colonoscopy required an in-patient hospital stay versus 8% of white adults.

Hispanic adults showed the highest knowledge gap when deciphering colonoscopy myths and facts, with 34% answering three or more statements incorrectly, compared to White and Black adults (23% for both). Hispanic adults also were the most likely to say that finding time for health screenings is difficult, with 60% citing time as a barrier.

The benefits of colorectal cancer screening are well-documented, but more than a third of adults who haven’t been screened say they are simply afraid, according to the survey. However, only 17% of those who have been screened say that fear about the experience would keep them from being screened again. 

Although colonoscopies allow doctors to remove suspicious pre-cancerous polyps immediately, people at average risk of colorectal cancer can choose from a variety of screening options that are convenient, quick and easy, including at-home stool tests like Cologuard and FIT. A doctor can provide advice on screening tests based on age, personal preference, risk factors and symptoms.

Visit getscreened.org for more information and take a free screening quiz (available in English and Spanish) to receive a personalized recommendation to share with your doctor.

(NewsUSA) - More than 100,000 Americans have said goodbye to their common skin cancer without requiring surgery, owing to a relatively new noninvasive treatment available at many dermatology practices around the nation.

Arizona resident Patty Focken was deeply anxious in 2021 when she learned that a sore on her nose was nonmelanoma skin cancer, a type that’s more common in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. “I was concerned,” she says, “with the possibility of surgical scarring that might accompany a Mohs procedure.” Instead, she found a local dermatologist who offered the GentleCure™ nonsurgical treatment option.

Her doctor used low-level x-rays, like those used in dental offices, guided with hi-definition ultrasound imaging, to kill the cancer cells over a series of 15-minute sessions. The cure rate (freedom from recurrence at six years) for this GentleCure treatment, technically known as Image-Guided SRT, has been shown to be greater than 99 percent, similar to Mohs surgery, with no pain, surgical scarring or downtime.

Focken has enjoyed a lifetime of outdoor activities, dating back to childhood days spent in a backyard pool and on the family boat, often with minimal sun protection. Cumulative sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer, although other factors, such as light skin, use of tanning beds or a weakened immune system can increase one’s cancer risk.

Upon moving to Phoenix in 2021, Focken immediately sought out a dermatology practice offering GentleCure as an option, as she was aware that she was at higher risk for a second cancer diagnosis.

Last December, her dermatologist detected a new cancerous lesion on Focken’s forehead and determined that GentleCure was an appropriate treatment option. In a matter of weeks, that cancer was successfully treated and Focken had become the 100,000^th patient to experience the GentleCure solution. “The sessions lasted only minutes,” Focken notes, “and there was nothing to indicate to others that I was in treatment.”

Today, Focken spends countless hours with her grandchildren at the Phoenix Zoo and enjoying other outdoor activities, but always with high-SPF sunscreen and protective clothing. “If any of my friends or family ever get skin cancer in the future,” she says, “there is no question that I will encourage them to discuss the GentleCure option with a dermatologist.”

Kerwin Brandt, CEO of SkinCure Oncology, the company that supports GentleCure in dermatology practices, notes, “In a very short time, GentleCure has won widespread adoption among dermatologists, with more than half of those who offer it being Mohs surgeons who are eager to provide their appropriate patients with a noninvasive option for common skin cancers. Patient satisfaction runs above 99 percent, reflecting the value of this treatment and the quality of service provided by the physicians and radiation therapists who administer it.”

More information about the GentleCure Experience is available at GentleCure.com.

(NewsUSA) - Troy Ita’s life was turned upside down by diabetes. Thankfully, he doesn’t have to compromise lifestyle or family time with the help of groundbreaking technology.

Family is at the center of Troy’s life. Every year he attends his annual family reunion, a long weekend filled with games, cooking and campfire singing. Last year was the 47^th edition and they kicked off with an auction of Auntie’s famous huckleberry raspberry jam, attended by 173 people spanning 6 generations.

It was on the way to one of these gatherings 20 years ago that Troy first noticed that he had to use the bathroom excessively. He wasn’t aware this was a symptom of diabetes. After going to the doctors, Troy was told his blood glucose levels were dangerously high and he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

He struggled to accept his new diagnosis and what it meant for him as someone who was constantly on the move, both for work and when pursuing his passions in music and as a dog rescuer. “I spent a lot of time not really dealing with my diabetes, until I met the right endocrinologist,” Troy reflects, “He’s the one that really saved my life. He’s the one that turned me around.”

Like many people living with diabetes, Troy experimented with a range of traditional, short-term continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) but found they weren’t the right fit for him and sometimes added to the burden of managing his diabetes. “My biggest issue was that they fell off constantly. I’m a big guy at 6 foot 5, so I would knock it off getting into the car! These things are expensive, and I was frustrated at having to replace my CGM whenever it fell off or failed early.”

Troy was introduced to an Eversense CGM in 2018 by his endocrinologist after struggling to find a technology that would help him get his diabetes under control.

Eversense CGM systems are the only long-term CGMs available. Whereas traditional CGMs last just 10-14 days, Troy currently uses the Eversense 365, which lasts an entire year.

Eversense’s tiny sensor rests comfortably under the skin and the removable transmitter which sits on the arm can be taken off and put back on without wasting a CGM*. This unique design gives users like Troy unmatched flexibility in their day-to-day lives.

Troy says the comfort of being able to take off his transmitter to cleanse the skin underneath is a big relief because previously he felt irritations and itchiness, potentially caused by using traditional CGMs. The Eversense transmitter sticks to his arm via a gentle, daily-use, double-sided silicone-based adhesive. Troy benefits from the adhesive which is gentle on the skin and holds the smart transmitter firmly in place.

Being able to apply a fresh adhesive daily allows Troy to clean his skin and take a shower, without something attached to his skin, meaning he can manage his diabetes without a lingering itch.

This flexibility also means Troy doesn’t have to worry about having his sensor knocked off, particularly when he’s working hard to get dogs ready for adoption. “I had a hard time with the dogs before, as they jump around a lot and would often knock off my sensor. Now, I can take the transmitter off when I’m near the bigger dogs and I’m good to go,” Troy says.

Troy’s family can also rest easy knowing he’s safe while pursuing his passion. “It puts my mind at rest knowing he won’t be left stranded needing a replacement CGM when he’s away from home,” his wife commented.

In addition to his family support network, Troy says finding support within his community was another important step in his journey to managing his diabetes. “You’re not on an island by yourself, and that makes such a huge difference”, he says, “it’s good to know other people are experiencing the same things.” He urges anyone newly diagnosed not to be afraid to seek out a support community.

Eversense has given Troy control over his diabetes management, allowing him to live life uninterrupted and enjoy his family reunions to the fullest. If you would like to learn more about Eversense, visit EversenseDiabetes.com/get-started-today.

Please note for important safety information, see https://www.eversensediabetes.com/safety-info

Troy Ita is an Eversense brand ambassador and this article was sponsored by Ascensia Diabetes Care

*There is no glucose data generated when the transmitter is removed