The Lancet Oncology Commission recommends prioritizing key areas for US$2 billion funding to advance cancer research and treatment, focusing on prevention, targeted interventions, and patient-centered data sharing. The report aims to improve cancer care for underserved groups and reduce health disparities.
The Lancet Countdown report reveals that climate change is having a significant impact on health, with 125 million adults over 65 exposed to heatwaves, and an estimated 5.3% loss in labour productivity. The report also highlights the increase in mosquito-borne diseases, air pollution, and economic losses linked to extreme weather events.
A study published in The Lancet found that moving heart surgery to the afternoon can reduce the risk of heart damage and major cardiac events. Afternoon surgery was associated with a 50% lower risk of major cardiac events compared to morning surgery, suggesting that synchronization with the body's circadian clock may improve outcomes.
A study of 1.7 million people found that 37% had high blood pressure, with only 5.7% having the condition under control. The study also revealed low treatment rates and ineffective treatments, highlighting the need for a national hypertension strategy.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that federal drinking water regulations reduced toxic exposure and protected human health. Compliance with the EPA regulation led to a decline of 17% in levels of urinary arsenic, resulting in an estimated reduction of over 200 cases of lung and bladder cancer every year.
Air pollution is the biggest contributor, linked to 6.5 million deaths in 2015, while water and workplace-related pollution pose significant risks. Welfare losses due to pollution are estimated to cost more than US$4.6 trillion each year.
A UK-wide PrEP programme would be cost-effective, preventing up to one in four HIV cases. The study estimates savings of up to £1 billion over 80 years as a result of fewer men needing lifelong HIV treatment.
A new report from The Lancet estimates that 61 million people globally need palliative care and pain relief, with most in low- and middle-income countries lacking access to essential medicines. Immediate-release morphine costs just pennies but is inaccessible to over 90% of those who need it.
The global prevalence of child and adolescent obesity has increased significantly over the past four decades, from 0.7% to 5.6% for girls and 0.9% to 7.8% for boys. Despite this rise, more children remain moderately or severely underweight than obese globally, highlighting the need to improve food security.
A study by The Lancet Public Health found that US women must travel an average of 11 miles to access an abortion clinic, but one in five would need to travel over 43 miles. This disparity is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where some women face distances exceeding 180 miles for access.
A new study found that surgical cancer centers in England are investing heavily in unproven technologies to stay competitive, despite a lack of evidence on their effectiveness. This trend has led to the closure of several centers, with patients often traveling to alternative facilities offering robotic surgery.
The article warns that Brexit will likely have far-reaching effects on the UK's health service, including increased risk of NHS staff shortages, loss of funding, and reduced public health protections. The authors highlight the need for policymakers to consider these risks and prioritize health issues in Brexit negotiations.
A new phase 2b trial of the Vi-conjugate typhoid vaccine shows high efficacy rates and reduced symptoms of typhoid disease. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and immunogenic, with a potential to halve typhoid infections in children under 2 years old.
A new study estimates that nearly half of all abortions worldwide are unsafe, with the majority occurring in low-income countries. The study highlights the need for safe access to abortion and replacing unsafe methods with safe ones.
A European study found that nearly one in six new HIV diagnoses in Europe are among people aged 50 or older. Older adults were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced HIV disease and acquire the virus through heterosexual contact. The study calls for increased awareness, targeted testing, and prevention programs for this age group.
A study of 130,000 people in 17 countries found that 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week can prevent one in 12 deaths and one in 20 cases of cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of physical activity are associated with even lower risks.
A randomized trial of over 45,000 people found that frequent blood donation increased blood collected by 33% in men and 24% in women, with no major impact on quality of life or physical activity. However, some donors reported minor symptoms like tiredness and restless legs.
A new trial found that continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy reduces the number of babies born larger than average, need for intensive care, and pre-eclampsia rates. Birth outcomes improved significantly for mothers using the device compared to traditional finger-prick tests.
The Global Burden of Disease study reveals that poor diet is associated with 1 in 5 deaths, while tobacco causes 7.1 million deaths globally. Non-communicable diseases account for 72% of all deaths, with ischaemic heart disease being the leading cause of premature mortality.
A new report from The Lancet Commission highlights opportunities to improve health in Sub-Saharan Africa by seizing the workforce's growth and transforming health systems. The report emphasizes the need for prevention, public health, and primary care, as well as addressing emerging challenges like non-communicable diseases.
The Lancet's analysis shows that while some countries have made significant improvements, much progress is needed to meet the health-related SDG targets by 2030. Over 60% of countries are projected to meet targets on under-5 mortality, neonatal mortality, maternal mortality, and malaria.
Survivors of childhood cancer may experience an average of 17.1 chronic health conditions by the age of 50, with cardiovascular, endocrine, and musculoskeletal problems being the most common health conditions among survivors. The study highlights the complexity of their medical needs and the need for improved survivorship care.
A large randomised trial found that digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia improved not only sleep but also reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hallucinations. The findings suggest that addressing sleep problems may play a causal role in the development of some mental health symptoms.
Researchers confirm zoonotic transmission of Plasmodium simium in 28 human cases in the Atlantic Forest region of southern Brazil, where malaria was previously thought to be eliminated. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the natural history and biology of the parasites in their non-human primate hosts.
A new study published in The Lancet found that eating 3-4 servings of fruit, vegetables, and legumes per day (375-500g) achieves similar benefits against mortality risk as higher portions. This target is more affordable for people in low- and middle-income countries, providing a potential solution to food security issues.
An international study of over 135000 people found that high carbohydrate diets were associated with a 28% higher risk of death compared to low carbohydrate diets. Diets high in total fat intake were linked to a lower risk of mortality, but rates of major cardiovascular events remained similar.
The study found that COPD is largely caused by smoking and air pollution, while asthma's causes are less clear but include smoking and allergens. Interventions can prevent or treat both diseases, but many cases go undiagnosed or undertreated.
A new analysis of care needs in England from 1991 and 2011 reveals an increase in years spent with substantial care needs for older adults. By 2025, an estimated 191000 more people will require medium dependency care, leading to a need for an additional 71000 care home places.
Two studies in The Lancet and The Lancet Global Health journals found that secure storage has no impact on rates of self-poisoning or suicide, and that national bans are the most effective way to reduce pesticide-related suicides. Improved storage measures were not found to reduce self-poisoning rates.
A study projects that two-thirds of Europeans will be affected by extreme weather events annually by the end of the century. Heat waves are expected to cause 99% of all future weather-related deaths, increasing from 2700 deaths/year in 1981-2010 to 151500 deaths/year in 2071-2100.
The study found that 36 million people worldwide are blind, with the greatest burden in developing countries in south, east, and southeast Asia. By 2050, this number is projected to increase to almost 115 million, highlighting the need for increased efforts to alleviate vision impairment.
Following terrorist attacks in Paris and Nice, French experts highlighted the importance of a coordinated medical response, including improved victim identification processes and equipment. The authors also emphasized the need for psychological care and support for those affected, as well as preparedness for future attacks with evolvin...
A phase 2 trial found that an injectable antiretroviral therapy was as effective in maintaining viral suppression in patients with HIV as a daily oral dose over 96 weeks. The long-acting injections had similar efficacy to the daily oral medication in preventing treatment failure and drug-resistant mutations.
A new report models the impact of nine risk factors on dementia, including education, hearing loss, and smoking, and estimates that removing these factors could prevent 35% of all dementia cases. Increasing education in early life, reducing hearing loss, and stopping smoking are identified as key interventions.
An 8-year-old boy received a double hand transplant and regained independence in writing, feeding, and dressing himself after months of occupational therapy and psychological support. However, he faced setbacks, including treatment of rejections and extensive rehabilitation.
A study found that contaminated heater-cooler units produced by LivaNova were the likely source of M. chimaera infection in 21 open-heart surgery patients across Europe and North America. The authors suggest that controlling contamination at production lines is crucial to stop the outbreak.
A recent study published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health found that face-to-face bullying is considerably more common than cyberbullying among English teenagers. Nearly 30% of all teenagers reported experiencing some form of regular bullying, with girls being more likely to experience traditional bullying.
A study published in The Lancet found that exposure to the meningococcal group B vaccine reduced the likelihood of contracting gonorrhoea by approximately 31%. This is the first time a vaccine has shown any protection against gonorrhoea, offering a new avenue for vaccine development.
A new report predicts that diabetes cases will continue to rise in sub-Saharan Africa, overwhelming health systems and crippling patients' finances. The economic cost of diabetes is expected to more than double, reaching up to $59.3 billion per year by 2030.
Germany's health system has proven remarkably resilient, but faces challenges such as overtreatment and continuity of care issues. The country has the potential to be a strong partner in global health research, but must increase its financial commitment and expertise.
A new study found that EPO blood doping has little effect on high-intensity laboratory cycling tests and endurance road-race performances. However, the drug was associated with increased risk of thrombosis due to elevated haemoglobin and adhesion molecule levels.
A phase 1 trial involving 100 people found that a dissolvable microneedle patch for the flu vaccine was safe and acceptable, with participants reporting high acceptability and preferring it over conventional injection. The patches were stable for one year at 40 degrees Celsius, reducing delivery and storage costs.
A new trial has found that a guided self-help approach to a graded exercise program can be safe and may reduce fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study, which involved 200 people, showed that participants who received the guidance had a smaller effect on reducing physical disability compared to those who did not.
Long-term daily aspirin use increases risk of disabling or fatal bleeding in people aged 75 or over. Co-prescribing proton-pump inhibitors can reduce this risk by up to 90%. Studies have shown that the benefits of long-term PPI use outweigh the risks for patients in this age group.
A phase 3 trial found that a lumacaftor and ivacaftor combination improves lung function in children with cystic fibrosis, reducing air clearance time by 15 days. The treatment also slows chloride levels in sweat, suggesting it corrects gene mutations.
A new study in The Lancet uses WhatsApp to collect robust data on attacks against health care workers and facilities in Syria, identifying 402 incidents between November 2015 and December 2016. Nearly half of hospitals were attacked, and services were hit more than once.
A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that diabetes prevalence is increasing among low socio-economic backgrounds living in urban areas of affluent states in India. Diabete's rates are higher among people from low socio-economic status, especially in cities with poor access to healthcare.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases study finds that diarrhoea is the fourth leading cause of death for children under 5, with 42% of deaths occurring in India and Nigeria. The researchers call for immediate and sustained actions to increase healthcare access and the use of oral rehydration solutions.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that one in five children born as a twin in sub-Saharan Africa dies before the age of five. Twin births carry higher risks for the children and mother, including early delivery and low birthweight. Improving medical support could reduce twin mortality rates in the region.
A study using data from 1 million adolescents in the UK found that those admitted for alcohol, drug, or violence-related injuries have a higher risk of suicide within 10 years compared to those who self-harmed. The risk is highest among boys and adolescents aged 18-19 with chronic health conditions.