Study links heavy marijuana use to increased risk for certain cancers
Regular, heavy marijuana use could increase the risk for head and neck cancers. A new study shows people who used cannabis on a daily basis over years were up to 5% more likely to develop these kinds of cancers.
Researchers found those with cannabis use disorder are particularly at risk. Cannabis use disorder is diagnosed with two or more addictive behaviors associated with weed, which include cravings, becoming tolerant to its effects, using more than intended, using marijuana even though it causes problems in life, using it in high-risk situations, experiencing withdrawal and being unable to quit, according to the CDC.
Researchers said the study did not differentiate between methods of marijuana consumption – but they said the association likely “pertains mainly to smoked cannabis.”
Researchers also pointed out the study does not find an association between occasional, recreational use of marijuana and head and neck cancers.
Women’s risk of death higher depending on their state: Study
According to a new study, where in the U.S. women live could be a matter of life or death. In its first ever state-by-state analysis of women’s health, the Commonwealth Fund found women are facing a growing number of threats to their overall health and well-being.
The Commonwealth Fund is a private nonprofit that supports independent research and grants with the goal of improving health care.
The researchers used data from multiple sources — including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — to evaluate states on 32 specific metrics across three main areas:
Health outcomes.
Health care quality and prevention.
Coverage, access and affordability.
Researchers that found across the board, women are more likely to die from preventable causes, specifically those linked to reproductive health – like pregnancy-related issues or certain types of cancer. However, they also looked at other preventable causes, including substance use, COVID-19 and treatable chronic health conditions.
The study said life expectancy for U.S. women is the lowest it has been since 2006. Researchers contend that the biggest issues seem to be in states where abortion and contraception laws are stricter.
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States in the Northeast scored the highest for women’s health, with Massachusetts coming in on top. Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire rounded out the top five.
The lowest-ranked states are Mississippi, Texas, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The report shows the lowest ranked states tend more toward the southern U.S.
The study also found a link between states with expanded Medicaid coverage and lower mortality rates for women. The rolling back of pandemic-era Medicaid coverage has left millions of women either uninsured or facing significant gaps in their coverage – interfering with their access to care and leaving providers that serve low-income women at risk of closure.
According to the researchers, where a woman lives is becoming a key determinant in how dangerous it is to give birth, or if she’ll die from cancers that considered treatable with proper screening and routine care.
Nearly half of all US adult cancer deaths could be prevented: Study
Every year 1.8 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. and roughly 600,000 people die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Now, a new study shows nearly half of cancer-related deaths could be avoided.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) looked at national data to figure out how many cancer cases and deaths could be linked to potentially modifiable risk factors. Those factors include things like smoking and secondhand smoke, excess body weight, alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, UV radiation and infection with viruses known to cause cancer like HPV.
ACS found about 40% of new cancer cases among adults 30 and older could be attributed to at least one of these risk factors. Additionally, nearly half (44%) of all deaths resulted from a risk factor.
Smoking cigarettes was the biggest risk factor. That habit contributed to nearly 1 in 5 cases of cancer and a third of cancer-related deaths. Excess body weight was the second biggest culprit, contributing to 7.6% of cancer cases and 7.3% of deaths.
The study also found certain types of cancer are more likely to be caused by modifiable risk factors. Ninety-nine percent of lung cancer cases were linked to smoking or secondhand smoke. Additionally, 100% of cervical cancer cases were linked to viral infection. HPV, which can be avoided by getting a vaccine, was the most commonly detected virus.
Delaware judge allows over 70,000 Zantac lawsuits to move forward
More than 70,000 lawsuits over a now-discontinued heartburn drug are moving forward. A Delaware judge ruled Friday, May 31, lawsuits alleging Zantac caused cancer could move forward and expert witnesses could testify.
Citi analysts estimate a settlement would cost around $3 billion.
Some manufacturers and pharmacies stopped selling Zantac in 2019 after a chemical called NDMA, which is known to cause cancer, was detected in some pills. Some tests showed Zantac’s active ingredient, ranitidine, could degrade into NDMA over time or when exposed to heat.
Lawsuits quickly began piling up from people who said they developed cancer after taking Zantac. Plaintiffs said the companies knew, or should have known, ranitidine posed a cancer risk and failed to warn consumers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration had manufacturers pull the drug off the market in 2020.
In addition to the cases in Delaware, the drugmakers are facing about 4,000 claims in California state court and about 2,000 in various other state courts around the country.
Just last month, a Chicago jury rejected an Illinois woman’s claim that Zantac caused her colon cancer, handing GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim a victory in the first case to go to trial. The drugmakers also got a big win in 2022 when another judge dismissed about 50,000 lawsuits making similar claims that had been consolidated in federal court in Florida.
That judge concluded that the opinions of the plaintiffs’ expert witnesses that Zantac can cause cancer were not supported by sound science. That ruling was based on the opinions of different experts from those in the Delaware case and is being appealed.
Jury deliberations to continue in Trump criminal trial
Jury deliberations enter a second day in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump. And a volcano in Iceland erupts, sending lava more than 160 feet into the air. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, May 30, 2024.
Jury deliberations to continue in Trump criminal trial
The judge dismissed the 12 jurors for the day after they deliberated for approximately four and a half hours. The jurors requested to rehear parts of the testimonies from Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen and the former publisher of the National Enquirer, David Pecker. The jurors also asked to review part of the instructions the judge provided before they began their deliberations.
Speaking outside the courthouse, the former president reiterated his claims that the trial is rigged.
“In listening to the charges from the judges, as you know, very conflicted and corrupt because of the confliction, very, very corrupt,” Trump said. “Mother Teresa could not beat these charges. These charges are rigged. The whole thing is rigged. The whole country’s a mess between the borders and fake elections. And you have a trial like this.”
Justice Alito dismisses calls to recuse himself over flag controversy
Justice Samuel Alito has declined requests to recuse himself from two Supreme Court cases involving former President Donald Trump and the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol due to flags displayed outside his homes.
The upside-down flag has become notable among Trump supporters who dispute President Joe Biden’s election win.
Alito argued that a reasonable person would not see a need for recusal, noting that the flags were his wife’s interest and emphasizing her independence and legal rights over their properties.
Hicks was appointed to the bench by President George W. Bush in 2001. Authorities report that the driver involved in the crash remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
World Central Kitchen pauses operations in Rafah after continued strikes
World Central Kitchen has paused its operations in Rafah due to ongoing Israeli attacks. The organization has relocated north amid a series of Israeli strikes that resumed Wednesday, May 29.
A Sunday, May 26, airstrike, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a tragic incident, killed at least 45 civilians sheltering in tents.
Iceland volcano eruption spews lava 160 feet into air
A massive volcanic eruption occurred in southern Iceland on Wednesday, ejecting lava more than 160 feet into the air.
The eruption, the fifth and most powerful in the region since December, forced authorities to evacuate the seaside town of Grindavík, including the country’s biggest tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
Most of the 4,000 residents of Grindavík had been permanently evacuated in November due to ongoing volcanic activity.
Ancient Egyptian skulls may show earliest signs of cancer surgery
Researchers studying a pair of ancient Egyptian skulls have discovered what may be signs of the earliest attempts at cancer surgery. Published Wednesday, May 29, in the “Frontiers of Medicine” journal, the study includes images of skulls dating back more than 4,000 years, held at the Duckworth Lab at Cambridge University.
One male and one female skull exhibit marks around cancerous growths, suggesting ancient Egyptians may have attempted to treat cancer through surgery or conducted medical autopsies.
Either way, researchers describe these findings as a milestone in the history of medicine.
For first time ever, EPA to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
For the first time in U.S. history, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set limits on the presence of “forever chemicals” in drinking water. Forever chemicals, also known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of human-made chemicals that can pose a health risk to people at even small traces of detectable exposure.
Forever chemicals have been around since the 1940s and are used in many everyday items, including non-stick pans, makeup, firefighting foam, semiconductors and astroturf.
The chemicals also pose a health risk. Some of the compounds are reportedly linked to cancer, liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and immune and developmental damage in infants.
There are thousands of reported PFAS compounds and nearly every American has measurable amounts of PFAS in their blood. In addition, nearly half of the nation’s tap water has one or more types of PFAS, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
However, the EPA said that it will only target six specific PFAS. One of the forever chemicals targeted is a known carcinogen and another is a “likely” carcinogen. Although only six will be targeted, the EPA said that more will be eliminated indirectly through the process.
The most concerning forever chemicals will need to be reduced to four parts per trillion or less.
The EPA estimated that the regulations will eventually improve the drinking water for around 100 million Americans. The agency said that the cost of the new rules will be around $1.5 billion per year for water utilities.
The announcement received pushback from the water industry, some of whom claimed that the industry bears the brunt of the costs of “forever chemicals in water” despite not having created the problem.
However, the EPA said that the health benefits will exceed the costs by reducing rates of cancer, strokes and heart attacks.
The Biden administration is providing $9 billion through the bipartisan infrastructure package for implementation of the new regulations. An additional $12 billion from the package will be reportedly used for improvements to other drinking water infrastructure.
Meanwhile, environmental groups commended the EPA’s actions.
“I think a lot of us that have worked in this field for a long time wondered if the EPA would ever be able to get this rolled out,” Erik Olson, the senior strategic director for health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said.
The new EPA rules for drinking water will be fully implemented by 2029. Water utilities will be given five years to comply with the standard, three years for testing of the water system and two years for installation.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalized, transfers powers to deputy
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was taken to the critical care unit at a military hospital in Washington on Sunday night, Feb. 11, after being hospitalized for symptoms related to a bladder issue. The Pentagon issued a series of statements describing Austin’s condition following widespread scrutiny over the secrecy surrounding a hospital stay in January due to complications from prostate cancer surgery.
“Earlier today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be seen for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue,” a statement from the Defense Department on Sunday, Feb. 11, read. “Tonight, after a series of tests and evaluations, the Secretary was admitted into the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for supportive care and close monitoring.”
Austin, 70, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December, his lack of communication and transparency about his medical condition and treatment raised concerns about whether Austin was fit to perform his duties. Concerns which President Biden squashed in January, while acknowledging Austin’s lack of transparency was a lapse in judgement.
President Biden, world leaders react to King Charles III cancer diagnosis
Royal U.K. officials announced that King Charles III is being treated for cancer. The diagnosis, disclosed Monday, Feb. 5, comes just over a year into his reign after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
President Joe Biden and other world leaders reacted to the announcement of King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis. According to the BBC, President Biden told reporters that he is concerned about the diagnosis and went onto say he would talk to King Charles III.
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also reacted to the news on social media.
“Wishing his majesty a fully and speedy recovery,” Sunak wrote. “I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time, and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”
The cancer diagnosis was announced by Buckingham Palace. Royal officials said the cancer was discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate, which is a separate issue from the cancer. Officials emphasized the enlarged prostate is benign but did not disclose the type of cancer King Charles III discovered.
Charles’ prostate treatment was announced on Jan. 17, which involved a three-day stay at a London Hospital. Charles was released from the hospital on Jan. 29, according to CNN.
If Charles were to abdicate the throne, his son, Prince William, would become king. However, the palace said there is no plan for Charles to postpone his state duties. Buckingham Palace did say that King Charles III will postpone his public duties, under the advisement of doctors. According to the statement from Buckingham Palace, Charles “looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
King Charles is said to have chosen to publicly disclose the diagnosis to avoid speculation and raise awareness for those impacted by cancer around the world. His announcement is unlike his grandfather’s, King George VI, who died of lung cancer in 1952 but did not share his diagnosis with the British public. King George VI died at the age of 56.
Buckingham Palace said that King Charles III has begun a schedule of “regular treatments.” The statement added, “The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.”
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin apologizes for secrecy about cancer diagnosis, hospitalization
In his first public remarks since being hospitalized for complications from surgery to treat his prostate cancer, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin apologized for the secrecy surrounding his medical condition. The defense secretary underwent surgery on Dec. 22, but after serious complications, he returned to the hospital on Jan. 1, the president was informed three days later.
“I want to be crystal clear. We did not handle this right, and I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis,” Austin said. “I should have also told my team and the American public, and I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people.”
“As a rule, I don’t talk about conversations with my boss, but I can tell you I have apologized directly to President Biden. And I’ve told him that I’m deeply sorry for not letting him know immediately that I received a heavy diagnosis and was getting treatment,” Austin said. “And he has responded with a grace and warm heart that anyone who knows President Biden would expect.”
Austin said he is continuing to undergo physical therapy and is recovering well. Austin added that at no time was the chain of command broken and there was no risk to the departments command and control during his hospitalization.
UK announces ban on disposable vapes amid trend in youth vaping
In a step to curb the increasing trend of youth vaping, the United Kingdom’s government has announced its plan to ban disposable vape sales. This action aligns the U.K. with several other countries and American states that have implemented similar measures.
“We have teachers calling us, especially in the U.K., where you saw a 150% increase in the last three years of uptake of e-cigarettes by children,” Dr. Rüdiger Krech, director of Health Promotion at the World Health Organization said. “So, they call us to say children cannot stay a whole 45-minute lesson anymore because they need to step out to get e-cigarettes.”
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s latest legislative push aims to reduce tobacco’s appeal to children, including banning flavored tobacco, enforcing plain packaging and implementing fines for shops selling illegally to minors.
Approximately 260 million disposable vapes were discarded last year, equivalent to the waste of 5,000 electric vehicle batteries, according to U.K. Environment Secretary Steve Barclay.
“Children shouldn’t be vaping, we don’t want them to get addicted, we still don’t understand the full long-term health impacts of vaping,” Sunak said. “So it is right we take strong action to stamp this out. That’s what we’re doing, banning disposable vapes, taking powers to go after the flavors, the appearance, the packaging, where vapes are displayed in stores.”
This initiative is integral to a broader strategy for achieving a smoke-free status by 2030. In the previous year, Sunak unveiled an ambitious tobacco control strategy that included proposed legislation to prohibit anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009, from purchasing tobacco products.
The U.K. aims to incrementally increase the legal age for purchasing tobacco each year, making it the second country to introduce such measures behind New Zealand.
This approach differs from New Zealand’s original plan, in which the country eventually reversed its decision due to concerns about illegal tobacco markets and increased thefts at tobacco stores.
Sunak acknowledged the potential disagreement with the policy but maintained its importance.
“I respect that some people will disagree with me on this, but again I think this is the right long-term thing for our country,” Sunak said. “Smoking causes 1 in 4 cancer deaths. It’s responsible for hospital admission every minute, and if we don’t do something about it, hundreds of thousands of people will die in the coming years.”
Parliament still needs to introduce and approve the ban. It is expected to pass, marking a significant step in the U.K.’s public health policy.
