- Many diseases, such as cancer. dementia, Alzheimer, advanced lung, heart, kidney, liver, stroke and other neurological diseases, including motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis, still lack curative treatments;
however, there are treatments that can slow progression, manage symptoms, or improve quality of life, even if they can't fully cure the disease, for example,
- Cancer - Some types are curable, especially when caught early; others can be managed long-term with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drugs.
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia - No cure yet, but drugs like lecanemab and donanemab have recently been approved to slow early-stage Alzheimer’s progression; new therapies using cancer-inspired immune technology are also being explored.
- Stroke - Emergency treatments like tPA can dissolve clots, and newer drugs are being tested to reduce brain damage and aid recovery.
- Heart, Lung, Kidney, Liver Diseases - These often have extensive treatment options, including medications, surgeries, and transplants; while not always curative, they can significantly extend life.
- Motor Neurone Disease (ALS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - No cures, but drugs like riluzole (for ALS) and disease-modifying therapies (for MS) can slow progression and ease symptoms.
- When facing with a medical issue, choosing between the emergency room (ER) and urgent care can make a big difference in both treatment and cost. If a condition could permanently harm the health
or is life-threatening, go to the ER, and if it’s urgent but not critical, urgent care is often the better option.
- Emergency room is best for life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, major allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or sudden loss of consciousness; it's
available 24/7, equipped to handle severe trauma and complex medical issues; however, wait time can be long, as patients are treated based on severity, not arrival time, and cost ($1,000 - $3,000+)
is typically higher due to advanced medical equipment and specialist care.
- Urgent care is best for non-life-threatening conditions like minor fractures, sprains, infections, flu symptoms, cuts needing stitches, or mild asthma issues. It's generally open extended hours,
including evenings and weekends, but not 24/7; wait time is usually shorter than ER, as patients are treated on a first-come, first-served basis; and cost ($100 - $250) is more affordable than
ER visits, often similar to a regular doctor’s appointment.
- Coronary artery disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, and HIV/AIDS
are the most dangerous diseases in the world. Many of these diseases are preventable or manageable with proper healthcare, lifestyle changes, and early detection.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – The leading cause of death globally, CAD occurs when blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed, leading to heart attacks and heart failure.
- Treatments – Managed with lifestyle changes, medications (such as statins and beta-blockers), and surgical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery.
- Stroke – A sudden blockage or rupture of an artery in the brain, strokes can cause long-term disabilities and are a major cause of death worldwide.
- Treatments – Immediate treatment includes clot-busting drugs for ischemic strokes or surgery for hemorrhagic strokes. Rehabilitation focuses on physical therapy and speech therapy.
- Lower Respiratory Infections – Diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis can be life-threatening, especially for young children and the elderly.
- Treatments – Treated with antibiotics (for bacterial infections), antivirals (for viral infections), and supportive care like oxygen therapy..
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – A progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult and is often caused by smoking.
- Treatments – Managed with bronchodilators, steroids, oxygen therapy, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking.
- Cancer – Various types of cancer, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancer, are among the leading causes of death.
- Treatments – Treatment depends on the type and stage but may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
- Diabetes – A chronic condition that affects blood sugar regulation and can lead to severe complications like kidney failure and heart disease.
- Treatments – Managed with insulin therapy (for type 1), oral medications (for type 2), and lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia – These neurodegenerative diseases primarily affect older adults and lead to cognitive decline and death.
- Treatments – No cure exists, but medications can slow progression and improve symptoms. Cognitive therapy and lifestyle adjustments help manage the condition.
- Tuberculosis (TB) – A bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and can be fatal if untreated.
- Treatments – Treated with a long course of antibiotics, often lasting six months or more.
- Diarrheal Diseases – Often caused by contaminated food or water, severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and death, particularly in developing countries.
- Treatments – Managed with rehydration therapy, antibiotics (if bacterial), and improved sanitation.
- HIV/AIDS – Although treatments have improved, HIV/AIDS remains a deadly disease, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare.
- Treatments – Treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which helps control the virus and prevent progression to AIDS.
- Vaccines do not cause autism. Extensive research has confirmed that there is no causal link between vaccines and autism. Numerous large-scale scientific studies have thoroughly examined
this issue and found no link between vaccines and autism, and vaccines are safe and essential for public health. The idea that vaccines might cause autism originated from a
fraudulent 1998 study that has since been debunked and retracted.
- The exact causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remain unknown, but research suggests a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors may contribute to its development.
The complexity of ASD means there is likely no single cause, but rather a combination of factors interacting in unique ways for each individual.
- Parental age: Older parents, particularly fathers over 40, may have a higher likelihood of having a child with autism.
- Maternal health: Certain maternal infections, vitamin deficiencies, and exposure to toxins during pregnancy have been investigated as possible contributors.
- Brain development: Autism is linked to differences in brain development that affect communication and social interaction.
- Having a family history of autism or other developmental disorders can increase the likelihood of an ASD diagnosis; genetic factors play a significant role in ASD; research suggests that autism is highly heritable,
with studies estimating that around 80% of autism cases are linked to genetics.
- Differences in brain structure and function, as well as prenatal influences like maternal health during pregnancy, may play a role of the likelihood of an ASD diagnosis; biological factors contributing to ASD include
differences in brain structure, function, and development; these biological factors often interact with genetic and environmental influences, making autism a complex and multifaceted condition.
- Exposure to certain toxins, infections, or complications during pregnancy or early childhood could contribute to the likelihood of an ASD diagnosis, though these links are still being studied; environmental factors,
including prenatal exposure, toxins, parental age, and birth complication, can play a role in ASD, though they are not the sole cause; these factors interact with genetic predispositions, and no single environmental factor has been definitively proven
to cause autism.
- Adults can be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While autism is typically identified in childhood, many individuals go undiagnosed until adulthood, especially if they have milder symptoms or developed strategies
to mask their traits. Increased awareness has led to more adults seeking evaluations and receiving diagnoses later in life. For some, an adult diagnosis can bring clarity to lifelong challenges, such as difficulties with social
interactions, sensory sensitivities, or managing routines. Receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult can help explain experiences and behaviors that might have felt confusing or isolating before. For many, it offers a sense
of validation, helping them understand why they might have struggled with things like socializing, processing sensory input, or maintaining daily routines.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not an illness or disease—it is a lifelong condition that represents a variation in neurodiversity. It is possible for an individual with autism to experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression,
which are co-occurring conditions; however, autism itself is not a mental illness. Autism is not "cured" but rather supported with interventions that help individuals thrive based on their unique needs.
- Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder
characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and
non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. In other words, autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it relates to
differences in how the brain develops and functions. Autism prevalence varies significantly across countries, influenced by factors like diagnostic practices, healthcare infrastructure, and societal awareness. In the U.S., approximately
1 in 36 children were identified with autism in 2024, about 1.5% of children (one in 68) were diagnosed with autism in 2014, a 30% increase from one in 88 in 2012. In other countries like Japan, South Korea
and the U.K., reported high rates, with around 1 in 33, 1 in 38, and 1 in 57 children were identified with autism in 2024, respectively.
- There is no cure for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), about 20 to 30 percent of children with autism develop epilepsy by the time they reach adulthood.
Autism is diagnosed approximately four to five times more often in boys than in girls. Over the last decade, autism rates have shown a significant increase globally, largely due to improved diagnostic practices, heightened awareness,
and broader definitions of ASD.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prevalence varies across countries, influenced by diagnostic practices, healthcare infrastructure, and societal awareness. Some countries with notably high reported rates include Qatar, which reports the highest rate globally,
with approximately 151 cases per 10,000 individuals, and United Arab Emirates follows closely with 112 cases per 10,000 individuals. Marriage among relatives, known as consanguinity, is common in these countries and may contribute to
higher autism rates in these countries. Consanguinity increases the likelihood of genetic conditions, as closely related individuals are more likely to share genetic mutations. Studies have shown that parental consanguinity is associated
with a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD.
- Early intervention for symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder is critical
for helping families improve outcomes for their children. Children diagnosed with developmental disorders should be identified as children with special health care needs, and chronic-condition
management should be initiated. Specific autism screenings are recommended at the same time as typical well-child visits from infancy through school age, and at any age thereafter. Developmental surveillance should be performed if concerns are raised about social acceptance,
learning, or behavior. Developmental evaluation is required whenever a child fails to meet any of the following milestones: babbling by 12 months; gesturing (e.g., pointing, waving bye-bye) by 12 months; single words by 16 months; two-word spontaneous (not just echolalic)
phrases by 24 months; loss of any language or social skills at any age.
- There is inadequate evidence to recommend an electroencephalogram study in all individuals with autism. Reflecting social communication, ADHD, anxiety, food selectivity, and sleeping disorders could provide
early signs of autism. Eating and sleeping issues can be identified long before autism is diagnosed. Some children with more typical language skills may not be identified until they enter school and social requirements are greater.
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be
diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. About 1 in every 68 U.S. children is affected by a ASD in 2010, 1 in 54 in 2015, 1 in 36 in 2020, and 1 in 31 in 2025.
This reflects a continued increase in diagnosis rates, driven by improved awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and better access to evaluations and services.
- The causes for the increased ASD incidence are not completely understood though a possible connection to childhood vaccines (which has been resoundingly rejected by rigorous scientific studies). Although scientists are still trying to
understand why some people develop ASD and others don’t, some risk factors include the child has very low birth weight, a sibling with ASD, older parents, and certain genetic conditions. People with ASD have difficulty with communication
and interaction with other people, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, and symptoms that hurt the person’s ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life.
- Cancer develops when cells in the body grow uncontrollably due to changes (mutations) in their DNA. Mutations in DNA disrupt the normal processes that regulate cell growth and division. This can lead to the formation of tumors, which can
be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system—a process called metastasis. The causes of these DNA mutations
can vary widely, from inherited genetic factors to environmental exposures and even random errors during cell division. It's a complex and multifaceted disease, which is why research into its prevention, treatment, and cure is so vital.
- Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer among men in the United States; about 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with bladder cancer are over the age of 55. Bladder cancer is most common in white men.
Men are about four times more likely to develop bladder cancer compared to women. There were around 63,100 new cases of bladder cancer in men for 2024, compared to 20,120 new cases in women.
- Exposure to arsenic in drinking water is a known risk factor for bladder cancer. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can contaminate groundwater, and long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic has been linked to an increased
risk of bladder cancer, which is rare, and accounts for just 5% of all new cancers in the U.S.
- The most dangerous cancers are those with the lowest survival rates and highest mortality; pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), brain cancer, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, myeloma, and laryngeal cancer are the most deadliest cancers.
In 2022, approximately 608,366 Americans died from cancer, making it the second leading cause of death after heart disease. The most common types of cancer leading to death include lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers; in 2024 approximately 125,070 people are expected to die from lung cancer; 42,250 women from breast cancer;
35,250 men from prostate cancer; and 53,010 deaths from colorectal cancers.
- Lung cancer in non-smokers often presents differently, with adenocarcinoma being the most common type. It’s also more frequently diagnosed at later stages because symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other condition.
Lung cancer can develop in non-smokers due to various risk factors, including genetic mutations, environmental exposures, and lifestyle influences.
- Radon exposure: This naturally occurring radioactive gas can seep into homes and buildings, increasing lung cancer risk.
- Secondhand smoke: Breathing in smoke from others can still expose a person to harmful carcinogens.
- Air pollution: Long-term exposure to pollutants, especially in urban areas, has been linked to lung cancer.
- Occupational hazards: Exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other industrial chemicals can contribute to lung cancer.
- Genetic predisposition: Some individuals inherit gene mutations that make them more susceptible to lung cancer.
- Cooking fumes: In some regions, prolonged exposure to smoke from cooking fuels and oils has been associated with lung cancer.
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, with a high mortality rate due to late diagnosis when treatment options are more limited, and aggressive nature spreading quickly. Lung cancer has several major risk factors, many of which
can be controlled, while others are beyond one's influence.
- Smoking: The leading cause, responsible for most lung cancer cases. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of smoking.
- Secondhand Smoke: Exposure to smoke from others can also increase the risk significantly.
- Radon Gas: A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes, increasing lung cancer risk.
- Occupational Exposure: Prolonged exposure to asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, or other harmful chemicals can elevate risk.
- Air Pollution: Living in areas with high air pollution can slightly increase the likelihood of lung cancer.
- Genetic Factors: A family history of lung cancer may increase susceptibility.
- Previous Lung Disease: Certain lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can contribute to a higher risk.
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the U.S., about 6 in 10 cases diagnosed in men aged 65 or older; the 5-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer is about 97.5%. Prostate cancer often develops without
noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bone pain if the cancer has spread
- Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men. Each year, roughly 300,000 men in the U.S. receive this diagnosis; prostate cancer can be a serious disease, and while many cases are caught early and successfully treated,
it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men aside from skin cancer. About 1 of 44 men has died of prostate cancer annually. While it can be serious, early detection through screenings like PSA tests and digital
rectal exams can significantly improve outcomes.
- Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths when numbers for men and women are combined; the 5-year relative survival rate for colorectal cancer is about 65%; age is a significant risk factor, with
most cases diagnosed in people aged 50 and older.
- Pancreatic cancer has a 5-year survival rate of only 12.5%; it's often diagnosed at an advanced stage because early symptoms are vague and hard to detect. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose early, which contributes to
its low survival rate. Symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, and digestive issues can be subtle and often mistaken for other conditions. Unfortunately, by the time it's detected, it's frequently at an advanced stage where
treatment options are limited.
- Liver cancer is difficult to treat and has a low survival rate; it can be incredibly challenging to treat, and its prognosis is often poor, especially in later stages. One of the major issues is that symptoms tend to
appear only when the disease has progressed, making early detection difficult. Risk factors like chronic hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease all increase
the likelihood of developing liver cancer. However, prevention efforts—such as vaccination for hepatitis B, lifestyle changes to reduce alcohol intake, and maintaining liver health—can significantly lower the risk.
- Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus and has a poor prognosis due to late detection. Esophageal cancer can present with a range of symptoms, though they often appear only in later stages. These symptoms can overlap
with less serious conditions, making early detection challenging.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) – This is often the first noticeable symptom; it may start as trouble swallowing solid foods and progress to difficulty with liquids.
- Unintentional weight loss – Many people with esophageal cancer lose weight due to difficulty eating or a loss of appetite.
- Chest pain or discomfort – Some individuals experience pain or pressure in the chest, especially while eating.
- Hoarseness or persistent cough – Changes in the voice or chronic coughing can occur if the cancer affects the throat or nearby nerves.
- Heartburn or indigestion – Though common in many other conditions, persistent or worsening acid reflux can be a warning sign.
- Vomiting or regurgitation – In more advanced cases, food or liquids may come back up due to obstruction in the esophagus.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that progresses rapidly and has a low survival rate. AML starts in the bone marrow and quickly spreads into the bloodstream. It affects the myeloid cells, which normally
develop into various types of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Because AML progresses rapidly, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Despite its severity, advancements in medical
research have led to improved treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and bone marrow transplants. While survival rates can be low, especially in older adults, some patients respond well to treatment, and
new therapies continue to emerge.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), an aggressive type of blood cancer, can cause a variety of symptoms, often developing rapidly.
- Fatigue and Weakness – Due to anemia from low red blood cell production.
- Frequent Infections – A weakened immune system makes fighting infections harder.
- Easy Bruising and Bleeding – Caused by a drop in platelets, which help with blood clotting.
- Shortness of Breath – Resulting from low oxygen levels in the blood.
- Bone or Joint Pain – As leukemia cells multiply in the bone marrow.
- Swollen Gums or Lymph Nodes – Some subtypes of AML can cause swelling.
- Unexplained Weight Loss or Fever – Due to the body’s response to cancer.
- Paleness or Skin Rash – Changes in blood cell production can affect the skin.
- Brain cancer (including Glioblastoma) are particularly aggressive and difficult to treat, with a low survival rate. The median survival time for adults diagnosed with glioblastoma is around 15 months.
Only about 5.6% of affected adults survive for five years or more. Brain cancer symptoms can vary depending on the tumor's location, size, and growth rate.
- Persistent headaches that worsen over time, especially in the morning or when lying down.
- Nausea and vomiting, often unrelated to food intake.
- Seizures, even in individuals with no prior history of epilepsy.
- Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
- Weakness or numbness in one side of the body.
- Personality or behavioral changes, including confusion or memory loss.
- Loss of balance or coordination.
- Stomach cancer has a low survival rate and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Stomach cancer can be tricky because its early symptoms often mimic common digestive issues.
- Persistent indigestion or heartburn
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating after meals
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Blood in stool or black, tarry stools
- Ovarian cancer is often detected late, contributing to its high mortality rate. Early symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle and often mistaken for common digestive or menstrual issues. Because these symptoms can be vague,
they often go unnoticed until the cancer has progressed.
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Discomfort or pain in the pelvic area
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- Frequent need to urinate
- Multiple myeloma is a rare blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. These cancerous plasma cells crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to low blood counts. Because these cells are found in the bone marrow, myeloma cancer can weaken bones, disrupt blood cell production, and impair the body's ability to fight infections. The survival rate for multiple myeloma is relatively low.
- Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, which are a part of the immune system. In its early stages, it may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, common signs can include:
- Bone pain, especially in the spine, chest, or hips.
- Fatigue due to anemia.
- Frequent infections because of weakened immunity.
- Weight loss and loss of appetite.
- Mental fogginess or confusion.
- Kidney problems, sometimes leading to kidney failure.
- High calcium levels, which can cause excessive thirst, nausea, and constipation.
- Weakness or numbness, particularly in the legs, due to nerve damage.
- Laryngeal cancer affects the larynx and has a low survival rate due to late detection. Laryngeal cancer is a serious condition that affects the voice box, often leading to challenges in speech and breathing. One of the biggest
concerns is that symptoms like hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or persistent throat pain can be overlooked, leading to late-stage diagnosis when treatment options are more limited.
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women; around 246,660 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and over 40,000 die annually.
Breast cancer in men is rare; however, around 2,600 American men were diagnosed with breast cancer each year and approximately 440 died annually.
- Breast cancer survivors who take aspirin regularly may be less likely to die or have their cancer return. Aspirin has relatively benign adverse effects compared with cancer chemotherapeutic drugs and may also prevent
colon cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
- Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S.; the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is about 91%; some risk factors for
breast cancer include age, family history, genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2), and lifestyle factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption. Breast cancer symptoms can vary,
signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape,
dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, or a red scaly patch of skin. In those with distant spread of the disease, there may be
bone pain, swollen lymph nodes,
shortness of breath, or yellow skin.
Common symptoms of breast cancer include:
- A new lump in the breast or armpit that doesn’t go away.
- Changes in breast size, shape, or texture.
- Skin changes, such as redness, dimpling, or a rash resembling an orange peel.
- Swelling in the armpit or near the collarbone, which may indicate cancer spreading to lymph nodes.
- Nipple changes, including inward pulling, burning, itching, or unusual discharge.
- Pain or tenderness in the breast, though lumps don’t usually hurt.
- Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs. Untreated, these cells can potentially
spread to other tissues in the body, including organs, which is known as secondary or metastatic cancer.
- There are more than 200 different types of cancer, the most common ones are breast, lung, prostate and bowel. Each cancer is diagnosed and treated in a particular way. One in two people develop some kind of cancer during their lifetime,
most cases of cancer are in people aged 50 and over. Changes to the body's normal processes or unusual, unexplained symptoms can sometimes be an early sign of cancer, such as a lump that suddenly appears on the body, unexplained bleeding,
and changes to your bowel habits.
- Nearly 2 million Americans have been diagnosed with cancer in 2023, and around 610,000 people have died of the disease; anyone can develop cancer, but 88% of those in the U.S. diagnosed with cancer are 50 or older,
and 57% are 65 or older, the American Cancer Society said.
- Cancer was the second leading cause of death, after heart disease, in the United States. In 2020, there were 602,350 cancer deaths; 284,619 were among females and 317,731 among males.
- 136,084 people died of lung cancer (63,135 females and 72,949 males).
- 51,869 people died of colorectal cancer (23,826 females and 28,043 males).
- 46,774 people died of pancreatic cancer (22,495 females and 24,279 males).
- 42,275 females died of breast cancer.
- 32,707 males died of prostate cancer.
- 28,227 people died of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer (9,591 females and 18,636 males).
- Late effects of cancer treatment can come from any of the main types of
cancer treatment:
chemotherapy,
hormone therapy,
radiation therapy,
surgery,
targeted therapy and
immunotherapy.
- For the cancer treatment using chemotherapy, late effects may include dental problems, early menopause, eye problems, hair loss, hearing loss, heart problems, increased risk of other cancers, infertility, loss of taste,
lung disease, nerve damage, osteoporosis (bone loss), and reduced lung capacity.
- For the cancer treatment using hormone therapy, late effects may include blood clots, hormonal change, hot flashes, increased risk of other cancers, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, and sexual side effects.
- For the cancer treatment using radiation therapy, late effects may include cavities and tooth decay, dry mouth, early menopause, hair loss, heart and vascular problems, hypothyroidism, increased risk of other cancers,
increased risk of stroke, infertility, intestinal problems, lung disease, lymphedema, memory problems, and osteoporosis.
- Late side effects from surgery depend on the type of cancer and the surgery location in the body; lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to a lymph node as a part of this cancer treatment.
- Late effects are unknown for the cancer treatment with targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
- Cancer, an incurable disease, is a deadly terminal disease known worldwide.
There are over 200 different types of cancers. While 1 in every 3 women in her lifetime, is likely to die because of breast cancer, colo-rectal cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung and bronchial cancer,
1 in every 2 men in his life time, mostly dies because of lung & bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, colon & rectum cancer, pancreas cancer, and liver & intrahepatic bile duct cancer.
- In the US, cancer usually develops in older people; 86% of all cancers are diagnosed in people 50 years of age or older.
Lifetime risk refers to the probability that an individual will develop or die from cancer over the course of a lifetime. The lifetime risk of developing cancer is 42% in men and 38% in women.
- Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate, which is a small walnut-shaped gland in
males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is diagnosed with a biopsy. The most common reason for a man to undergo a prostate biopsy is due to an elevated prostate-specific
antigen level (PSA), determined by a blood test. It's not clear what causes prostate cancer. Prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms in its early stages; when it's more advanced, signs and symptoms may include
trouble urinating, decreased force in the stream of urine blood in the urine and the semen, and/or erectile dysfunction.
- Prostate cancer, which is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer in men. One in 8 men has been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives.
Prostate cancer incidence increases with age, the older men are, the greater their chance of developing this disease. Around 60% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65
(1 in 55 for ages 50 to 59, 1 in 20 for ages 60 to 69, and 1 in 12 for ages 70 and older).
- Prostate cancer is very common for men; more than 240,000 U.S. men is diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and over 30,000 die a year.
- Many cancers are found too late and most of them show no symptoms until later stages, and treatment options may be limited and the outcomes are often deadly. Cancer blood tests and other laboratory tests may help doctors make a cancer diagnosis.
Common blood tests used to diagnose cancer include
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) (used to detect if too many or too few of a type of blood cell or abnormal cells are found in blood);
- Blood Protein Testing (used to detect certain abnormal immune system proteins (immunoglobulins) that are sometimes elevated in people with multiple myeloma;
- Tumor Marker Tests (used to detect chemicals made by tumor cells in blood);
and
- Circulating Tumor Cell Tests (used to detect cells that have broken away from an original cancer site and are floating in the bloodstream).
- Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer, and cancer that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancer that starts
in either of these organs may also be called colorectal cancer. Each year around 143,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
It is the fourth most common cancer in men, after
skin,
prostate, and
lung cancer.
- The colon and rectum make up the large intestine (or large bowel), which is part of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Colon cancer, which is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon),
is sometimes called colorectal cancer (CRC), a term that combines colon cancer and rectal cancer, which begins in the rectum.
CRC, which typically affects 33% of older adults (male or female), usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become CRC.
Finding and removing polyps can prevent CRC. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the US; 1 out of 20 people will develop CRC in their lifetime. CRC often has no obvious signs or
symptoms; when symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in the large intestine. If CRC develops, many treatments are available to help control it, including surgery, radiation therapy and drug treatments,
such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy; when detected early people with CRC have a greater than 90% 5-year survival rate.
- In 2024, colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with an estimated 53,010 deaths—a slight increase from 52,550 in 2023. While overall death rates have declined among older
adults due to better screening and treatment, there's growing concern about rising incidence and mortality in younger adults under 50, where rates have been increasing by about 1–2% per year
- Around 48,330 Americans were diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer each year and approximately 9,570 died annually.
- A multi-cancer early detection test, Galleri, developed by Grail, Inc., an American healthcare company, can detect over 50 types of cancers — over 45 of which lack recommended
screening today — with a low false positive rate, through a single blood draw. The Galleri test looks for signals present in the blood that may be associated with cancer at the time of the blood draw. If a cancer signal is detected, Galleri results can point to where in the body the cancer is coming from. However, the Galleri
test does not diagnose cancer and not all cancers may be detected in the blood. A bone marrow biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of the bone marrow inside bones for testing, may also help confirm a diagnosis of a blood cancer.
- Cancer treatments and cancer can cause side effects, which are problems that occur when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. These may include:
anemia,
appetite loss,
bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia),
constipation,
celirium,
ciarrhea,
edema (swelling),
fatigue,
fertility issues in men,
fertility issues in women,
flu-like symptoms,
hair loss (alopecia),
infection and neutropenia,
lymphedema,
memory or concentration problems,
mouth and throat problems,
nausea and vomiting,
nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy),
immunotherapy and organ-related inflammation,
pain,
sexual health issues in men,
sexual health issues in women,
skin and nail changes,
sleep problems and insomnia, and
urinary and bladder problems.
- Increased risk for getting liver cancer when a person has symptoms that may include discomfort in the upper abdomen on the right side, a swollen abdomen, a hard lump on the right side just below the rib cage, pain near
the right shoulder blade or in the back, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), easy bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and/or weight loss for no known reason.
- The signs of liver disease (may not be liver cancer) may include abdominal pain and swelling,
skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice), swelling in the legs and ankles, itchy skin, dark urine color, pale stool color, chronic fatigue, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, and/or tendency to bruise easily.
- Liver cancer is the 6th most common cancer in the world, and
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 90% of primary liver cancer cases. This type of cancer occurs more often in men than women,
and is usually diagnosed in people age 50 or older. Almost any cancer, such as,
breast cancer,
colorectal cancer,
esophageal cancer,
lung cancer,
melanoma,
pancreatic cancer, and
stomach cancer,
can spread to the liver.
- Most cases of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), occur in people who already have signs and symptoms of chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B or
hepatitis C infection. The risk of HCC for people with type 2 diabetes
is greater (from 2.5 to 7.1 times the non-diabetic risk) depending on the duration of diabetes and treatment protocol. HCC often doesn’t show symptoms until the advanced stages of the disease, but some people may experience abdominal pain or tenderness, easy bruising or bleeding, enlarged abdomen, unexplained weight loss,
and jaundice. HCC remains associated with a high mortality rate, in part related to initial diagnosis commonly at an advanced stage of disease.
- Globally, each year over 750,000 people are diagnosed with liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), most often in late stages of the disease. Almost 50% of all cases are diagnosed in China in large part due to the prevalence of hepatitis B and C, fatty foods and obesity, alcohol, and aflatoxin (a carcinogenic mould found in contaminated food, especially rice).
There are limited treatments available for people across all stages of liver cancer, and even less if diagnosed at the advanced stage. Despite the high prevalence of HCC, people with the disease still have few options and a low survival rate. In fact, less than 50% of people diagnosed with advanced HCC will survive more
than a year after diagnosis. Treatments currently available across different stages of the disease include surgery to remove masses, radiation, liver transplant, transarterial chemoembolisation, chemotherapy,
freezing or heating the cancer cells, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
- Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth
with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Many cancers can be prevented by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, not drinking too much alcohol,
eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, vaccination against certain infectious diseases, not eating too much processed and red meat, and avoiding too
much sunlight exposure. Tobacco use is the cause of about 22% of cancer deaths, Another 10% is due to obesity,
poor diet, lack of physical activity and drinking
alcohol. Other factors include certain infections, exposure to
ionizing radiation and environmental pollutants.
- The most common types of cancer in males are lung cancer, prostate cancer,
colorectal cancer and stomach cancer. In females, the most common types are
breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and cervical cancer. Cancer
is the second leading cause of death globally, and was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. Globally, nearly 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer.
Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.
- In the U.S., each year there are about 56,000 new cases of thyroid cancer, and the majority of those diagnoses are papillary
thyroid cancer — the most common type of thyroid cancer. Some thyroid cancer signs and symptoms include a hoarse voice, neck pain, and enlarged lymph nodes. Although as much as 75% of the population will have thyroid nodules,
the vast majority are benign. Thyroid cancer can occur in any age group and its aggressiveness increases significantly in older patients. Females are more likely to have thyroid cancer at a ratio of 3:1. Fewer than 1% of all
thyroid nodules are malignant (cancerous). A nodule that is cold on scan is more likely to be malignant. However, the majority of these are benign as well.
- Thyroid cancer does not always cause symptoms; often, the first sign of thyroid cancer is a thyroid nodule. Most thyroid cancers are
very curable. In fact, the most common types of thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular thyroid cancer) are the most curable. In younger patients, both papillary and follicular cancers have a more than 97% cure rate if treated
appropriately.
- Cancer has a major impact on society in the U.S. and across the world. People who have cancer may have questions about how serious their cancer is and the chances of survival. The answer depends on
the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, cancer's grade, age, how healthy they are, and how they respond to treatment. The period of time may be 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, etc. In the U.S. the average number of new cases
of cancer is 440 per 100,000 men and woman per year, and the average number of cancer deaths is 163.5 per 100,000 people. In 2018, there were around 1,735,350 new cases of cancer, and 609,640 people died from the disease.
In 2017, there were 15,270 children and adolescents ages 1 to 19 were diagnosed with cancer and 1,790 died of the disease. Understanding of
cancer prognosis is important.
The most common cancers:
- Breast cancer (percent surviving 5 years: 89.9%),
- Lung and bronchus cancer (percent surviving 5 years: 19.4%),
- Prostate cancer (percent surviving 5 years: 98%),
- Colon and rectum cancer (percent surviving 5 years: 64.4%),
- Melanoma of the skin (percent surviving 5 years: 92.2%),
- Bladder cancer (percent surviving 5 years: 77.1%),
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (percent surviving 5 years: 72.0%),
- Kidney and renal pelvis cancer (percent surviving 5 years: 74.8%),
- Endometrial cancer (percent surviving 5 years: 19.9%),
- Leukemia (percent surviving 5 years: 62.7%),
- Pancreatic cancer (percent surviving 5 years: 9.3%),
- Thyroid cancer (percent surviving 5 years: 92.3%),
and
- Liver cancer (percent surviving 5 years: 18.4%).
- Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Signs and symptoms usually depend on the size and type of cancer.
- Breast cancer: Lump in breast and axilla associated with or without ulceration or bloody nipple discharge
- Endometrial cancer: Bleeding per vagina.
- Cervix cancer: Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
- Ovarian cancer: Nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal distension, dyspepsia.
- Lung cancer: Persistent cough, breathlessness, blood in the sputum, hoarseness of voice.
- Head and neck cancer: Non-healing ulcer or growth, lump in the neck.
- Brain cancer: Persistent headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness, double vision.
- Thyroid cancer: Lump in the neck.
- Oesophageal cancer: Painful swallowing predominantly with solid food, weight loss.
- Stomach cancer: Vomiting, dyspepsia, weight loss.
- Colon & rectal cancer: Bleeding per rectum, alteration of bowel habits.
- Liver cancer: Jaundice, pain and mass in right upper abdomen.
- Pancreatic cancer: Weight loss, jaundice.
- Skin cancer: Non-healing ulcer or growth, mole with sudden increase in size or irregular border, induration, or pain.
- Kidney cancer: Blood in urine, abdominal lump.
- Bladder cancer: Blood in urine.
- Prostate cancer: Urgency, hesitancy and frequency while passing urine, bony pain.
- Testis cancer: Swelling of testis, back pain, dyspnoea.
- Bone cancer: Pain and swelling of bones.
- Lymphoma: Fever, weight loss more than 10% body weight in preceding 6 months and drenching night sweats which constitutes the B symptoms, lump in neck, axilla or groin.
- Blood cancer: Bleeding manifestations including bleeding gums, bleeding from nose, blood in vomitus,
blood in sputum, blood stained urine, black coloured stools, fever, lump in neck, axilla, or groin, lump in upper abdomen.
- Cancer is a collection of related diseases in which some of the body’s cells begin to divide without stopping and spread into surrounding tissues.
Different cancers can require different treatments, like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or
immunotherapy.
There are many types of cancer,
breast cancer,
lung and bronchus cancer,
prostate cancer,
colon and rectum cancer,
melanoma of the skin,
bladder cancer,
non-Hodgkin lymphoma,
kidney cancer,
renal pelvis cancer,
endometrial cancer,
leukemia,
pancreatic cancer,
thyroid cancer, and
liver cancer
are the most common cancers. There is an estimated 1,740,000 new cases of cancer each year in the United States and around 610,000 people
die from the disease.
- There are a number of cancer symptoms that
men are likely to ignore. These include upset stomach or stomachache; chronic "acid stomach" or feeling full after a small meal; unexplained weight loss; jaundice; wheezing or shortness of breath;
chronic cough or chest pain; frequent fevers or infections; difficulty swallowing; chronic heartburn; swelling of facial features; swollen lymph nodes or lumps on the neck; underarm, or groin, excessive bruising or bleeding that doesn't stop;
weakness and fatigue; rectal bleeding or blood in stool; bowel problems; difficulty urinating or changes in flow; pain or burning during urination; blood in urine or semen; erection problems; pain, aching, or heaviness in the groin, hips, thighs, or abdomen;
testicular swelling or lump; unexplained back pain; scaly or painful nipple or chest, nipple discharge; a sore or skin lump that doesn't heal, becomes crusty, or bleeds easily; and changes in nails.
- There are a number of cancer symptoms women are likely to ignore. These include wheezing or
shortness of breath; chronic cough or chest pain; swallowing problems or hoarseness; frequent fevers or infections swollen lymph nodes or lumps on the neck, underarm, or groin; bloating or abdominal weight gain --
the "my jeans don't fit" syndrome; feeling full and unable to eat; pelvic or abdominal pain;unusually heavy or painful periods or bleeding between periods; rectal bleeding or blood in stool; upset stomach or stomachache; a red,
sore, or swollen breast; nipple changes; excessive bruising or bleeding that doesn't stop;weakness and fatigue; unexplained weight loss; swelling of facial features; a sore or skin lump that doesn't heal, becomes crusty,
or bleeds easily; changes in nails; and pain in the back or lower right side.
- Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma, is a malignant lung tumor characterized by uncontrolled
cell growth in tissues of the
lung.The most common symptoms are coughing (including
coughing up blood), weight loss, shortness of breath, and chest pains.
- Lung cancer is caused by tobacco use (cigarette smoking), secondhand smoke, radon, poor diet, alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, asbestos exposure, arsenic, and air pollution.
- The vast majority (85%) of cases of lung cancer are due to long-term tobacco smoking. More than half of people with lung cancer die within one year of being diagnosed. The lung cancer five-year survival rate (18%) is lower than many other leading cancer types, such as the colon (65%), breast (90%) and prostate (99%).
The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is 55% for cases detected when the disease is still localized (within the lungs). However, only 16% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage.
For distant tumors (spread to other organs) the five-year survival rate is only 4%. Lung cancer occurred in around 1.8 million people globally and resulted in approximate 1.6 million deaths annually.
- There are around 415,000 Americans living with lung cancer today, and approximately 158,080 die annually. The age-adjusted death rate for lung cancer is higher for men (51.7 per 100,000 persons) than for women (34.7 per 100,000 persons).
However, lung cancer mortality has declined by 19% for women and 45% for men over years, due to advances in screening, newly established oncologic treatments, and reductions in smoking.
- Lung, liver, stomach, colorectal and breast cancers cause the most cancer deaths each year worldwide, accounting for 8.2 million deaths in 2012;
about 30% of cancer deaths are due to high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol use.
- When cancer cells spread from one organ to another, they are called metastases. Cancer from other organs also may spread to the lungs. When cancer starts in the lungs, it is called
lung cancer. Lung cancer begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain.
- The two main types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. These categories refer
to what the cancer cells look like under a microscope. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer. People with non-small cell lung cancer can be treated with
surgery (an operation where doctors cut out cancer tissue), chemotherapy (using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer), radiation therapy (using high-energy rays
(similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer), targeted therapy (using drugs to block the growth and spread of cancer cells), or a combination of these treatments. People with small
cell lung cancer are usually treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
- Doctors from different specialties often work together to treat lung cancer. Pulmonologists are doctors who are experts in diseases of the lungs.
Surgeons are doctors who perform operations.
Thoracic surgeons
specialize in chest, heart, and lung surgery. Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with medicines.
Radiation oncologists are doctors who treat cancers with radiation.
- The five year survival rate for all
cancers combined is approximately 65 percent.
Surgery,
radiation and
chemotherapy are the forms of cancer treatment.
- Lung cancer, a serious illness, is the major cause of death in the U.S. Early screening for this disease is not as effective as it is with
breast,
colon or
prostate cancers. It is also more resistant to treatment than some other cancers.
- The most common types of cancer that kill men are
lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer,
colorectal cancer, and oesophagus cancer.
- The most common types of cancer that kill women are breast cancer,
lung cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and
cervical cancer; breast, cervical and colorectal cancer can be cured if detected early and treated adequately.
- The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer in the U.S. is: about 1 in 21 (4.7%) for men and 1 in 23 (4.4%) for women.
- Most colorectal cancers start as growths in the colon or rectum called polyps. But some screening tests allow doctors to find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
- Leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells, not only causes the overproduction of white blood cells,
which help your body fight infection, but also reduces red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of your body.
- Cancers that are most common in children ages 0-14 are acute lymphocytic leukemia (26%), brain and
central nervous system (CNS) (21%), neuroblastoma (7%), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (6%).
- There are 7.6 million people died of cancer annually - 13% of all deaths worldwide. Lung (1.37 million deaths), stomach (736,000 deaths), liver (695,000 deaths), colorectal/colon (608,000 deaths), breast (458 000 deaths), and cervical cancer (275,000 deaths) caused the most cancer deaths.
The most common types of cancer that kill men are lung, stomach, liver, colorectal and oesophagus and the most common types of cancer that kill women are breast, lung, stomach, colorectal and cervical.
- Chlorotoxin, an ingredient in scorpion venom, may shrink brain cancers by helping spread
therapeutic genes throughout the brain gene therapy.
- The most common cancers among adolescents ages 15-19 are Hodgkin lymphoma (15%), thyroid carcinoma (11%), brain and
central nervous system (CNS) (10%), and testicular germ cell tumors (8%).
- The death rate for cervical cancer dropped by 70% between 1955 and 1992 as early detection and screening became more prevalent. From 1993 to 2025, the death rate for cervical cancer in the U.S. has continued to decline, though at
a slower pace than the dramatic drop seen between 1955 and 1992. While the overall trend is positive, disparities persist. Black and Native American women continue to face significantly higher mortality rates than white women,
often due to differences in access to screening and follow-up care.
- 1990s–2000s: Mortality rates steadily decreased thanks to widespread Pap smear screening and early treatment; by the early 2000s, the death rate had fallen to around 2.8 per 100,000 women.
- 2010s: The decline began to level off, with rates hovering between 2.2 and 2.4 per 100,000; HPV vaccination, introduced in 2006, started to show early signs of impact, especially among younger women.
- 2020s: The death rate has remained relatively stable, with an estimated 4,320 deaths expected in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society; that’s about 0.7% of all cancer deaths in the U.S.
- Colon cancer patients may live longer by taking aspirin.
- The radiation from a CT scan can increase a child’s cancer risk.
- The brain cancer symptoms may include headaches, seizures, problem with vision, vomiting,
and mental changes. Around 87,000 Americans are diagnosed annually with brain cancer and the median age at diagnosis is 60. An estimated 700,000 Americans are living with a primary brain
tumor, of which 69% tumors are benign and 30% tumors are malignant. The average survival rate for all malignant brain tumor patients is
35%.
- Brain tumor or intracranial neoplasm occurs when abnormal cells form within the brain. There are two main types of tumors: malignant or cancerous tumors and benign tumors.
Cancerous tumors can be divided into primary tumors that start within the brain, and secondary tumors that have spread from somewhere else, known as
brain metastasis tumors. Secondary or metastatic brain tumors are more common than primary brain tumors with about half of metastases coming from lung cancer.
A benign tumor is a mass of cells (tumor) that lacks the ability to invade neighboring tissue or metastasize.
Primary brain tumors occur in around 250,000 people a year globally; there are around 689,000 Americans having brain tumor, and approximately 78,000 people are diagnosed annually.
Brain tumors have the highest per-patient initial cost of care (around $100,000) for any cancer group.
- Brain tumors can be deadly, significantly impact quality of life. A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue that has formed a lump; it’s called a
benign tumor if it grows slowly and is self-limiting. Benign tumors need no treatment, but they can become dangerous if they grow large enough to press on
vital organs, blood vessels or nerves. A malignant or cancerous tumor, is innately dangerous because its cells can divide uncontrollably and produce virtually immortal daughter cells.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-lasting (chronic) disease of the central nervous system that attacks the myelin, the protective covering surrounding nerves,
resulting in a variety of symptoms, including weakness, loss of balance, pain, tingling and fatigue; MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently. Some people with MS may have only mild symptoms; nearly a million Americans
have MS; the condition is three times more common among women than men and often begins between ages 20 and 50, during the prime of life.
- After an eye exam, the doctor must give you a copy of your prescription for free and with no strings attached; for glasses, the patient must receive a copy of their prescription after the exam; for contacts, the doctor must provide
it after the fitting is complete - whether the patient asks for it or not, it’s the law, required by The Federal Trade Commission’s Contact Lens Rule and the Eyeglasses Rule.
- Between 2018 and 2025, suicide has remained a major public health crisis in the U.S., with troubling trends—especially among healthcare professionals.
- General Suicide Trends (2018–2025)
- Suicide deaths peaked in 2022 and 2023, with over 49,000 deaths each year—roughly one every 11 minutes.
- After a brief decline between 2018 and 2020, rates returned to their highest levels by 2022.
- Men continue to die by suicide nearly four times more often than women, and firearms remain the most common method.
- Older adults (85+) have the highest suicide rates, followed by those aged 75–84.
- Physician and Surgeon Suicide - The annual estimate of 400 physician suicides still holds as the same in 2021, making it one of the highest suicide rates among any profession. Surgeons, in particular, continue to face elevated
risk due to high-stakes decision-making, long hours and physical strain, emotional toll of patient outcomes, reproductive health challenges, especially among female surgeons. While more recent data on physician suicide is limited,
the underlying stressors—burnout, stigma around seeking help, and systemic pressures—remain largely unchanged.
- Suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths in 2021, which is about one death every 11 minutes. Doctors are dying by suicide at higher rates than the general population.
Around 400 physicians ended their own life a year in the US, the equivalent of one medical school graduating class annually.
Surgeons, who often suffer high rates of burnout, ergonomic injuries,
miscarriages and infertility and are expected to take responsibility for what happens to their patients, have some of the highest known rates of suicide;
of 697 physician suicides reported to the CDC between 2003 and 2017, at least 71 were surgeons.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a rare neurological, progressive and incurable disease that affects motor neurons.
It is caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control the movement of muscles. Early symptoms include muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue, muscle cramps, tight and stiff muscles (spasticity), muscle weakness
affecting an arm, a leg, the neck, or diaphragm, slurred and nasal speech, and difficulty chewing or swallowing.
- The Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, trouble swallowing or slurred speech, but as it progresses it profoundly impacts on the ability to move, talk and even breathe.
The exact cause of the disease is still not known. A small number of cases are inherited. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within three to five years from when the symptoms first appear. However, about 10 percent
of people with ALS survive for a decade or more.
- Falls usually happen because gradual changes to bodies make walking difficult as part of the normal ageing process (e.g., poorer eyesight,
muscle weakness), or caused by an illness or condition (e.g.,
low blood pressure, diabetes,
Alzheimer’s disease,
Parkinson’s disease);
falls can cause fragility fractures, which are most common in bones of the spine, wrists and hips, and other injuries that require lengthy hospital care and long-term effects;
if you have fallen more than once in the past 6 months, you are more likely to fall again.
- When the heat beats, blood is drawn into its two upper chambers, stayed there briefly and then pumped out forcefully through its two lower chambers. An arrhythmia,
or irregular heartbeat (a problem with the rate or rhythm of heartbeat) occurs when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm, and it can lose coordination among its chambers; this breakdown can lead to fatigue,
shortness of breath, a heart attack or stroke. People who have Type 2 diabetes are 34% more
likely to develop an arrhythmia (or Afib) than people without diabetes.
- The heart beats about 100,000 times per day (roughly 3 billion times during the course of an average lifetime); an adult heart beats about 60 to 80 times per minute (between 60 and 100 beats per minute is normal).
The heart pumps about 5.7 liters of freshly oxygenated blood every minute (it can rise to more than 35 liters per minute when exercising), leaves the heart and enters the bloodstream throughout the body.
- As of 6/2023 there were around 529 million people in the world living with diabetes, and more than 4.44 million deaths every year; 8 deaths every minute.
It's projected that this will more than 1.3 billion people with diabetes by 2050. The top 10 countries, in numbers of sufferers, are India, China, USA, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil, Italy and Bangladesh.
- Diabetes affects over 30 million American adults and children and 1 in 4 of them don’t know they have it; more than 84 million American adults have
prediabetes, and 90% of them don’t know they have it.
- Around 30.3 million Americans have had diabetes, of which around 12.0 million people age 65 and older and about 193,000 Americans under age 20. Around 1.5 million Americans are
diagnosed with diabetes every year. The rates of diagnosed diabetes in adults by race/ethnic background are
- 7.4% of non-Hispanic whites,
- 8.0% of Asian Americans (of which 4.3% for Chinese, 8.9% for Filipinos, 11.2% for Asian Indians, and 8.5% for other Asian Americans),
- 12.1% of Hispanics (of which 8.5% for Central and South Americans, 9.0% for Cubans,
- 13.8% for Mexican Americans, and 12.0% for Puerto Ricans),
- 12.7% of non-Hispanic blacks, and 15.1% of American Indians/Alaskan Natives.
- From 2001 to 2020, diabetes and prediabetes prevalence significantly increased among US adults 18 or older.
- 37.3 million people have diabetes—that’s 11.3% of the US population.
- 28.7 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes.
- 8.5 million people who have diabetes have not been diagnosed and do not know they have it.
- 96 million US adults have prediabetes.
- 26.4 million adults 65 or older have prediabetes.
- In 2019, 37.3 million Americans, or 11.3% of the population, had diabetes. Nearly 1.9 million Americans have type 1 diabetes, including about 244,000 children and adolescents Diagnosed and undiagnosed:
Of the 37.3 million adults with diabetes, 28.7 million were diagnosed, and 8.5 million were undiagnosed.
- Diagnosed: 28.7 million people of all ages had been diagnosed with diabetes (8.7% of the population).
- 28.5 million were adults ages 18 years or older.
- 283,000 were children and adolescents younger than age 20, including 244,000 with type 1 diabetes.
- Undiagnosed: 8.5 million adults ages 18 years or older had diabetes but were undiagnosed (23% of adults with diabetes were undiagnosed).
- Among U.S. adults ages 18 years or older, 96 million—more than 1 in 3—had prediabetes in 2019.
- 32.2 million adults ages 18 to 44 years old
- 37.4 million adults ages 45 to 64 years old
- 26.4 million adults ages 65 or older
- Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States in 2015, with 79,535 people listing it as the underlying cause of death, and a total of 252,806 death certificates listing diabetes as an underlying
or contributing cause of death. In 2021, 103,294 deaths listed diabetes as the underlying cause; 399,401 death certificates mentioned diabetes as either an underlying or contributing cause. In 2022 and 2023, diabetes remained a
significant cause of death in the United States, continuing to rank among the top 10 leading causes. In 2022, underlying cause of death is approximately 103,294 deaths, and contributing cause is around 399,401 death certificates.
The death rate from diabetes in 2023 aligns closely with 2022 levels.
- People with the type 1 form of diabetes have an autoimmune disorder and are unable to produce sufficient amounts of the hormone insulin,
which is made by the pancreas; type 1 diabetes accounts for
about 5% of all diabetes cases. The vast majority of Americans with diabetes have type 2 form of the disorder, in which the body does not manage its insulin levels correctly;
type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. People are at risk for developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
if they are overweight and age 45 or older, and physically active less than 3 times a week, or if they have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes.
- Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high.
Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (also called glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to
release insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose (blood sugar) get into your body’s cells for use as energy
With type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin.
With type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood.
Diabetes can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and
kidney disease.
- The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they are to have a stroke.
- Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high blood sugar levels; approximately 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1, for which the body does not produce insulin; the rest 90% are type 2, for which the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function.
The most common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal,
male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
- In the U.S. about 40 children a year die from heatstroke, either because they were left or became trapped in a car. That's about one child every 10 days killed in a hot car.
There were over 940 child hot car deaths since 1998.
- Stents, small mesh tubes used to keep blood vessels open, have revolutionized the treatment of
coronary artery disease and other vascular conditions. The concept began in the 1960s with the development of balloon angioplasty, a procedure to widen narrowed arteries. The first coronary stent was implanted in
a human patient in 1986; these early stents were bare-metal, which helped prevent artery collapse but still had limitations, such as the risk of restenosis. The introduction of drug-eluting stents,
which release medication to reduce the risk of restenosis in 2000's; this innovation significantly improved patient outcomes. The modern bioresorbable stents, which dissolve over time, have been developed to further
reduce long-term complications.
- Mechanically
removing a blood clot from a stroke patient’s brain is no more useful than the older treatment of giving an IV dose of a clot-dissolving drug to the body. This medical technique is suitable for large artery blockages, mechanical
thrombectomy remains a gold standard—especially when performed within 24 hours of symptom onset; it can significantly improve outcomes when IV drugs alone aren’t enough to restore blood flow. A recent 2025 study found that for
medium- or small-sized artery blockages, mechanical clot removal (thrombectomy) was no more effective at reducing disability 90 days
after stroke than standard care, which includes IV clot-busting drugs like alteplase; so in those cases, the older IV treatment holds its ground. It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach depends on stroke severity, timing,
and vessel size.
- A stroke and a heart attack are both serious medical emergencies, but they affect different parts of the body and have distinct causes and symptoms; both conditions require immediate medical attention.
- Stroke - A stroke, also known as a "brain attack", occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.
This can lead to brain cell death. There are two main types of strokes, ischemic (caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain) and hemorrhagic (caused by a blood vessel in the brain bursting).
Symptoms of a stroke can include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body), confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes,
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and a severe headache with no known cause.
- Heart Attack - A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies.
This is usually caused by a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries. Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort (which may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain),
pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
- The most dangerous disease in the world is ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease). It occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
This reduces blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle, which can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attacks, arrhythmias, and other serious complications. Its symptoms may include
chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain in the upper body (neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, back), sweating, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness, and fast or irregular heartbeat.
Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for millions of deaths each year. Other highly dangerous diseases include stroke, respiratory infections,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancers.
- LDL, known as
"bad" cholesterol, should be under 130 for most people; 100 for people at high-risk; under 70 for those at the highest risk, such as those who have just survived a heart attack.
- Low levels of HDL (the “good” cholesterol) appear connected
to many health risks, not just heart disease; LDL cholesterol reduction with drugs such as statins has been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular risk.
People with type-2 diabetes are more
likely than the general population to develop
cardiovascular disease and have lower levels of heart-protective HDL cholesterol.
Exercise and
a heart healthy diet are the way to go and might decrease some of the health risks seen
in people with low HDL cholesterol levels.
- Cholesterol is assembled in the liver and released into the bloodstream, cholesterol
and triglycerides form the core of all lipoproteins, triglyceride levels should be kept low; high density lipoproteins (HDL) are called good cholesterol, it removes cholesterol from the artery walls and the bloodstream;
Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are considered bad cholesterol, it deposits cholesterol in the artery walls and begins the process of atherosclerosis; 20% Triglycerides + HDL + LDL = Total Cholesterol.
- One of major factors caused the cardiovascular disease is higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Cholesterol and triglycerides are necessary for our life. While cholesterol is essential for body to work properly, triglycerides provide the fuel needed for body cells to function. Total cholesterol (TC) is an estimated
measure bad cholesterol (LDL), good cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides.
TC = LDL + HDL + (Triglycerides/5). Goal: less than 200 mg/DL for TC.
LDL, or bad cholesterol, carried cholesterol to tissues in your body. Higher levels of LDL in your blood mean that cholesterol is being stick to your artery walls.
The arteries may develop a fatty buildup called atherosclerosis. Goal: less than 100 mg/dL
for LDL. HDL, or good cholesterol, carried cholesterol away tissues in your body. Higher levels of HDL in your blood mean that cholesterol is being
carried away from artery walls to the liver and then eliminated from the body. Goal:
greater than 60 mg/dL for HDL. Triglycerides are another fatty substance in the blood. Higher levels of
triglycerides in your blood mean larger thickening of the artery walls, which causes higher risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease.
Goal: less than 150 mg/dL for Triglycerides. Some commonly prescribed medications lowering your cholesterol are:
Crestor,
Lescol,
Lipitor,
Pravachol and
Zocor.
- The first heart transplant and subsequent ongoing research in cardiac transplantation at the University of Cape Town's Groote Schuur Hospital, where
Christiaan Barnard with his team performed the world’s first human-to-human heart transplant operation on 3 December 1967. The first heart transplant
patient survived only 18 days, four of first 10 patients survived for more than one year, two living for 13 and 23 years. Forty-nine consecutive heterotopic heart transplants were performed in Cape Town between 1974 and 1983,
with moderately good results for that era; three of the first five patients of this 49-patient group survived more than 10 years.
- Dr. Robert Jarvik implants a permanent artificial heart, the Jarvik 7,
into retired dentist Barney Clark at the University of Utah on December 2, 1982. The heart, powered by an external compressor, keeps Dr. Clark alive for 112 days. The next several implantations of the Jarvik-7 heart were conducted by
Humana, a large health care insurance company. The second patient,
William J. Schroeder, survived 620 days.
- In 1953 Dr. John H. Gibbon (September 29, 1903 – February 5, 1973) an American surgeon,
performs the first successful open heart surgery in which the blood is artificially circulated and oxygenated by a heart-lung machine.
Dr. Gibbon died in 1973, ironically from a heart attack, while playing tennis.
- Dr. Norman Edward Shumway (February 9, 1923 – February 10, 2006) was a pioneer of heart surgery at
Stanford University. Norman Shumway is widely regarded as the father of heart transplantation;
he successfully transplants a heart into 54-year-old steelworker Mike Kasperak, who survives for 14 days in 1968.
- Dr. Bruce Reitz performed the first successful the world's first
combined heart and lung transplant in a landmark in 1981 on Mary Gohlke at Stanford Hospital.
- Stroke is the number three killer in the US, affecting almost 800,000 people each year.
Top risks for a stroke include high-fat diet, being single, being unhappy, being obese, smoking,
and being born in the wrong demographic.
- There are three types of muscles in the human body: cardiac, smooth and skeletal. Cardiac muscle makes up the wall of the heart.
Smooth muscles make up the walls of the intestine, the uterus, blood vessels, and internal muscles of the eye. Skeletal muscles are attached to the bones; contraction of the skeletal muscles helps limbs and other body parts move.
- The hardest working muscle is the heart. It pumps out 2 ounces (71 grams) of blood at every heartbeat. Daily the heart pumps at least 2,500 gallons (9,450 liters) of blood. The heart has the ability to beat over 3 billion times
in a person’s life.
- Heart problems often show up in unexpected ways, especially in women and older adults. In addition to the chest pain, the other
surprising signs of an unhealthy heart include neck pain, sexual problems, dizziness,
faintness, or shortness of breath, indigestion, nausea, or heartburn, jaw and ear pain. Other subtle signs include fatigue, cold sweats, swelling in the legs, or even persistent coughing.
- Neck, jaw, or ear pain: These can be referred pain from the heart, especially during a heart attack.
- Sexual dysfunction: In men, erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of vascular issues. In women, reduced libido or discomfort may also be linked to poor circulation.
- Dizziness or fainting: These may signal arrhythmias, low blood pressure, or heart valve problems.
- Shortness of breath: Especially during mild exertion or while lying down, this can indicate heart failure or coronary artery disease.
- Indigestion, nausea, or heartburn: These are surprisingly common heart attack symptoms, particularly in women.
- About 500,000 heart stent procedures are performed each year in the United States, and the researchers estimate that about a fifth
of those are for people with stable heart disease. Of those, about a quarter — or an estimated 23,000 procedures — are for people without any chest pain.
- While muscle pain is a possible side effect of taking a statin medication; however, researchers found that it’s uncommon, and
most pain stems from something other than the cholesterol-lowering drug.
About 25% of people reported muscle pain whether they took statins or not.
- A stent is placed in a weak artery to improve blood flow and help prevent the artery from bursting, but it is not better at preventing a heart attack or prolonging survival than lifestyle changes,
such as exercising and taking statins to lower cholesterol.
- More than 400 million people have cardiovascular illness worldwide; about 18 million people around the world died from heart disease in 2015.
Those diseases were highest in countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, and eastern and central Europe. Central and eastern Europe also had high heart disease-driven death rates,
alongside Iraq, Afghanistan and several island nations in the South Pacific. The lowest heart disease incidence was found in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Chile and Argentina. Risk factors for heart disease,
like high blood pressure, poor diet, high cholesterol, tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol use and obesity, are common throughout most of the world.
- Cardiovascular diseases (CDVs) are the number one cause of death worldwide and accounts for 30% of all deaths,
more people die annually from CVDs than from any other cause. An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2016, representing 31% of all global deaths. Of these deaths,
85% are due to heart attack and stroke. Over three quarters of CVD deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries.
South Asians (from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) with around 2 billion people comprise 60% of the world’s heart disease
cases, even though they make up only a quarter of the planet’s population. Asian descent, a growing population of about 5.4 million,
have disproportionately higher risk of stroke, heart attacks
and other cardiovascular ailments that are not explained by widely known risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking.
- Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing behavioral risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol using population-wide strategies.
A family history of early heart disease is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Over time, unhealthy lifestyle habits increase higher risk of coronary heart disease because they can lead to plaque buildup in the heart’s blood vessels. These include being physically inactive,
not getting enough good quality sleep, smoking tobacco or long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, stress, and unhealthy eating patterns.
- Coronary heart disease is a type of heart disease that develops when the arteries of the heart cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
Coronary heart disease is often caused by the buildup of plaque, a waxy substance, inside the lining of larger coronary arteries. This buildup can partially or totally block blood flow in the large arteries of the
heart. The risk of coronary heart disease goes up with the number of risk factors and how serious they are. Some risk factors such as high blood pressure
and high blood cholesterol can be changed through heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
Other risk factors, such as sex, older age, family history and genetics, and race and ethnicity, cannot be changed. The risk for coronary heart disease starts to increase around age 45 for men and 55 for women. People who deal with toxins, radiation, or other hazards, have a lot of stress at work,
sit for long periods, work more than 55 hours a week, work long, irregular, or night shifts that affect their sleep, have at higher risk of coronary heart disease.
- Over 65% of patients who experience a myocardial infarction (heart attack) during or shortly after
non-cardiac surgery do not have ischemic symptoms.
- Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally; most cardiovascular disease affects older adults. Cardiovascular diseases caused 17.9 million deaths (32.1%) worldwide in 2015,
up from 12.3 million (25.8%) in 1990. In the United States 11% of people between 20 and 40 have cardiovascular disease, while 37% between 40 and 60, 71% of people between 60 and 80, and 85% of people over 80 have cardiovascular disease. The average age of death from coronary artery disease in the developed world is around 80 while it is around 68 in the developing world.
- Cardiovascular disease onset is typically seven to ten years earlier in men as compared to women; cardiovascular disease symptoms may be different for men and women; men are more likely to have
chest pain; women are more likely to have other symptoms along with chest discomfort, such as shortness of breath, nausea and extreme fatigue.
- There are many risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, which include age, gender, tobacco use,
physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption,
unhealthy diet, obesity, genetic predisposition and family history of cardiovascular disease, raised blood pressure (hypertension), raised blood sugar
(diabetes mellitus), raised blood cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), undiagnosed celiac disease,
psychosocial factors, poverty and low educational status, and air pollution.
- Older people who take a low-dose aspirin (100 mg or less) daily may be 20 percent more likely to develop anemia than those who do not. Anemia develops when a person's blood produces a lower-than-normal amount of healthy red blood cells, which are needed to carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body.
Anemia causes the lack of oxygen can make people feel tired or weak, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, or an irregular heartbeat. People often took low-dose aspirin, which can thin the blood and help prevent clots, in hopes of preventing a heart attack or stroke. However, taking low-dose aspirin is not effective for most people who have not already had a cardiovascular issue.
- Heart attacks are about three times more likely to occur in the morning, when blood pressure and platelet activity are typically at their highest levels. Taking a daily aspirin helps thin the blood and prevent platelets from clumping, lowering the likelihood of heart attacks and stroke.
However, aspirin users were about 30 percent more likely to have a serious gastrointestinal bleeding event, a side effect of frequent aspirin use.
- Heart attack, cardiac arrest and stroke generally often occur in early morning hours (between 5:00 AM and 12:00 PM) when the agreeability of thrombocytes is higher. A daily baby aspirin pill (81 mg), often recommended to lower the risks of heart disease,
can also reduce high blood pressure -- but only if it's taken at bedtime.
- For people who have recently had a stent implanted in a blocked heart artery, the risk of developing a blood clot
may be higher early in the morning than other times of day. Stent patients generally take aspirin plus another anti-clotting medication (e.g.; Plavix) for some time after the procedure -- a year or more if they have drug-coated stents.
- A highly anticipated trial results show that invasive procedures, stents and bypass
surgery are no more effective than drugs for stable heart disease, these should be used more sparingly in patients with stable heart disease and the decision to use them should be less rushed. The ability to implant
stents using a catheter inserted through blood vessels in the arm or groin have been clearly demonstrated to save lives in people who are suffering from a heart attack;
however, as heart medicines such as statins have improved, there has been active debate about whether stents and other invasive procedures are
more effective for people who aren’t in the throes of a heart attack but have stable heart disease.
- Low cholesterol may help prevent cancer - Men with
cholesterol levels lower than 200 have a lower risk of developing the the
prostate cancer.
- Heart disease or cardiovascular disease (CDV), which affects more than 1 in 3 adults, is responsible for 35.3 percent of all deaths in the U.S. Today, the chance of dying in few days immediately after of a
heart attack is around 6 percent. CDV deaths declined by 26.4 percent from 1995 to 2005. In 1994, it was about 10 percent. In 1984, it was 19 percent. In the 1960s, it was 30 to 40 percent. The lifetime risk of developing coronary artery disease after age 40 is more
than 50 percent for men without symptoms.
- Cardiovascular disease (CDV) killed 864,480 American in 2005; 151,000 of CDV deaths were under age 65. 16.8 million Americans
had a heath attack or angina; 6.5 million Americans had a stroke; 5.7 million live with heart failure; 309,000 Americans died from sudden heart attack.
- About 6 million people each year go to hospitals with chest pain; however, only a small fraction are truly having a heart attack. CT scans are increasingly used to diagnose heart attack, but they put out a lot of radiation, which may raise a person's chances of developing cancer.
- About 10,000 blood centers in 168 countries report collecting a total of 108 million blood donations globally, of which around 50% is collected in the high-income countries, home to 18% of the world’s population.
- As per American Heart Association, 1,314,000 angioplasties, in which a plastic catheter is
snaked into the blocked artery and a small balloon is inflated, opening the vessel, were done in the United States in 2006. Of these 1,313,000 were
percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). 855,000 men and 459,000 women had angioplasties.
448,000 cardiac revascularizations (also known as coronary artery bypass graft or CABG operations) were done in the United States in 2006. CABG was performed on
323,000 men and 125,000 women. In 2007, American cardiologists performed 721,000 angioplasties. Patients were often given out of the hospital a year of
clopidogrel (Plavix) and a life time of stain,
ACE inhibitor,
beta blockers and
aspirin. The cost of a heart attack treatment was about $5,700 in 1977 to $54,400 in 2007.
- In 2025, angioplasty remains a cornerstone of cardiac care in the U.S., with over 965,000 procedures performed annually—a notable increase from 721,000 in 2007. This growth reflects both an aging population and advances in minimally
invasive techniques that make angioplasty more accessible and effective. As for post-heart attack treatment, the medication regimen still typically includes Clopidogrel (Plavix) or other antiplatelet agents for up to a year, and Statins,
ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and aspirin—often for life. These medications have been joined by newer options like GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide), which have shown added cardiovascular benefits in high-risk patients.
Regarding cost, the average price tag for treating a heart attack in 2025 has climbed significantly. While exact figures vary by insurance and hospital, estimates suggest total treatment costs can now exceed $80,000, especially when
factoring in emergency care, hospitalization, stenting, and follow-up medications. This rise is driven by inflation, advanced technologies, and longer hospital stays in complex cases.
- Heart disease is the number one killer of American of all ages while
cancer is the number one killer of Americans under 85. 46% of women and 22% of men
heart attack survivors will be disabled with heart failure within six years. 435,000 American women have heart attacks annually; 42% die within 1 year;
which kill six times as many women as breast cancer.
- Congestive heart failure,
protein deficiency,
circulatory problems,
fluid in the lungs,
kidney disease,
lupus,
lead poisoning and more can all cause changes to your nails or nail bed. For example,
nails that have turned completely white may be a sign of liver disease, and if the skin beneath nails has turned red, it could indicate heart problems.
- The most common and dangerous cause of blue skin on your face or body is
Cyanosis, which causes when the body is not able to put enough oxygen into the circulating blood. The
possible diseases include heart defects,
lung defects and
blood disorders (potential blood cancer),
Chromhidrosis and
Pseudochromhidrosis.
- When people, who had a combination of jaw/left hand and chest pain, were brought to a hospital, they often had a
EKG, a chest X-ray, an ultrasound test and a
CT scan within the first hour; the possibilities the doctors mentioned were terrifying, heart attacks.
- Heart disease or lung problems can cause
chest pain.
Heartburn, gastroesophageal
reflux (GERD), stomach ulcer (burning pain occurs when stomach is empty and feels better when eating food), or
gallbladder (pain often gets worse after a meal, especially a fatty meal) can also cause chest pain.
- The liver (located in the upper abdomen near the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, and pancreas), is essential for digesting food and ridding the body of toxic substances. It performs storing nutrients, removing waste products and worn-out cells from the blood, filtering and processing chemicals in food, alcohol, and medications, and producing bile that helps digest fats and eliminates waste products.
- A liver hemangioma is a noncancerous (benign) mass in the liver made up of a tangle of blood vessels; these lumps,
which consist of blood vessels and are usually harmless, are common and are estimated to occur in up to 20% of the population. An estimated 5% of American adults have small liver hemangiomas that cause no symptoms and do not need treatment;
larger hemangiomas can cause pain or discomfort.
- In 1748, Jacques Daviel (11 August 1696 – 30 September 1762), a French ophthalmologist, was the first modern European physician to successfully extract cataracts from the eye.
In the 1940s Harold Ridley (10 July 1906 – 25 May 2001), an English ophthalmologist, invented the intraocular lens and pioneered intraocular lens surgery for cataract patients, he introduced the concept of implantation of the intraocular lens which
permitted more efficient and comfortable visual rehabilitation possible after cataract surgery.
- Cataracts are most commonly due to aging, but may also occur due to
trauma, radiation exposure, be present from birth,
occur following eye surgery, having diabetes, smoking tobacco, or prolonged exposure to sunlight,
and alcohol. About 20 million people globally are blind due to cataracts.
Cataract removal/surgery is one of the most common operations performed in the United States.
It also is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.
- Cataract surgery (or lens replacement surgery) is the removal of the natural lens of the
eye (also called "crystalline lens") that has developed an opacification,
which is referred to as a cataract, and its replacement with an intraocular lens.
Metabolic changes of the crystalline lens fibers over time lead to the development of the cataract, causing impairment or loss of vision. During cataract
surgery, a patient's cloudy natural cataract lens is removed, either by emulsification in place or by cutting it out.
An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place. Over 90% of cataract operations are successful in restoring useful vision,
with a low complication rate. Day care, high volume, minimally invasive, small incision phacoemulsification with quick post-op recovery has become
the standard of care in cataract surgery all over the world.
- Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes, but they’re not contagious and can’t spread from one eye to the other. By age 80, more than 68% of Americans either have
cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures in the U.S., with about 3.7 million surgeries performed annually. It boasts a 95–98% success rate in restoring or
significantly improving vision. Modern cataract surgery is quick, minimally invasive, and often done on an outpatient basis.
- The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (“Argus II”) is the world’s first approved device intended to restore some functional vision for people suffering from blindness. Argus II is approved for use in the United States
and the European Economic Area.
- In the early 2010s, 285 million people are visually impaired worldwide, of whom, 39 million are blind and 246 million have low vision. As of June 2025, the World Health Organization and other global sources report that more than 2.2 billion
people live with some form of vision impairment, including both low vision and blindness. Of these, at least 1 billion cases could have been prevented or are yet to be addressed, often due to lack of access to basic eye care.
- Blindness (profound vision loss): affects tens of millions globally, though exact updated figures vary by source.
- Low vision (moderate to severe impairment): makes up the majority of cases.
- Women and people in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected.
- In the early 2010s, around 82% of people with blindness are over 50 years old and 90% of visually impaired people live in low- and middle-income countries.
For 2025, it's estimated that over 2.2 billion people worldwide live with some form of vision impairment—from mild to severe, of whom, more than 43 million are / will be blind, and the vast majority of cases are still
concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, where access to eye care remains limited. As of June 2025, over 80% of visual impairment is considered preventable or treatable, often with interventions like cataract surgery or
corrective lenses; women make up a slight majority (about 55%) of those affected, partly due to longer life expectancy and disparities in access to care; and the aging population continues to drive up the numbers—just as in 2010s,
most people with blindness are over age 50. Despite the increase in total cases, the rate of avoidable visual impairment is projected to decline, thanks to better awareness, technology, and global health initiatives.
- As of 2025, approximately 7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is projected to nearly double to 13 million by 2050. Women continue to be disproportionately
affected—nearly two-thirds of those diagnosed are women, largely due to longer life expectancy. Alzheimer’s disease now causes around 140,000 deaths annually in the U.S., and its mortality rate has increased by 145%
since 2000, making it one of the leading causes of death.
- Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability
to carry out the simplest tasks. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. People with Alzheimer’s have
trouble doing everyday things like driving a car, cooking a meal, or paying bills. They may ask the same questions over and over, get lost easily, lose things or put them in odd places, and find even simple things confusing.
As the disease progresses, some people become worried, angry, or violent. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. One in 9 people over age 65 and nearly half of people over 85 have Alzheimer's disease.
The time from diagnosis to death varies — as little as 3 or 4 years if the person is older than 80 when diagnosed to as long as 10 or more years if the person is younger.
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Alzheimer's
disease and changes in a person's sleeping behavior were linked, people who develop Alzheimer's show changes in sleep years before their memory begins to decline. Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s,
though initial symptoms may vary from person to person. A decline in other aspects of thinking, such as finding the right words, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the very early stages of Alzheimer’s
disease.
- Postpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression, is a type of
mood disorder associated with childbirth, which can affect both sexes. Postnatal
depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby; it's a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth, and one in 20 fathers experienced postnatal depression
in the weeks after their child was born. A girl is more at risk of developing mental health problems if her father has experienced postnatal depression. Symptoms may include extreme sadness, low energy, anxiety, crying episodes,
irritability, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
- Tinnitus is the perception of noise (heard can be soft or loud) or ringing in the ears, and it occurs when there is no outside source of the sounds.
It may also sound like blowing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, humming, whistling, or sizzling. A common problem, tinnitus affects about 1 in 5 people. Almost everyone notices a mild form of tinnitus once in a while. It only lasts
a few minutes; however, constant or recurring tinnitus is stressful and makes it harder to focus or sleep.
- Tinnitus is often more noticeable at night because surroundings are quieter. To make tinnitus less irritating, try to relax, get enough rest, and avoid loud places and sounds, and things that
may make tinnitus worse, such as caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. If these are not helpful, it may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder,
high blood pressure, an allergy, or
anemia(in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells). In rare cases, tinnitus is a sign of a serious problem,
such as a tumor or aneurysm. Other risk factors for tinnitus include
temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), diabetes, thyroid problems, obesity, and head injury.
- Around 12% of married women have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. The chance of having a child is much higher for women younger than 35 years and men younger than 40 years than for older women and men.
A couple ages 29-33 has a 20-25% chance of conceiving in any given month; after six months of trying, 60% of couples will conceive without any medical assistance. As women get older, it takes longer to conceive and the chance
of having a baby decreases; the chance of pregnancy for a women at age 30 is around 20 percent, and by age 40, the chance is around 5 percent.
- The longest recorded pregnancy was 375 days (instead of the normal 280), the
oldest recorded woman to have a baby was 66 years old, who gave birth by caesarean section to twin boys;
13% of women received infertility services in their lifetime.
- Fecal Microbiota Transplantations (FMTs) or "poop transplants"
work as well as antibiotics to treat a common and deadly cause of diarrhea;
this was a small trial, but the initial results showed that fecal microbiota transplantation may be an alternative to antibiotic therapy in primary C. difficile infection, which kills 29,000 Americans a year and makes 450,000 sick
in the U.S. alone.
- Women ages 40 to 44 had 114,730 of the 3.8 million babies born in 2017, women 45 and older had 9,325.
When women undergo in vitro fertilization with their own eggs, the chance of having a baby in each attempt falls
from 41.5% before age 35 to 12.4% at ages 41–42. After age 44, the success rate is just 1%, which is why the vast majority of women who have babies after that age using eggs from younger donors.
- During 2013–2016, 8.1% of American adults aged 20 and over had depression in a given 2-week period. Women (10.4%) were almost twice as likely as were men (5.5%) to have had depression. Depression was lower among
non-Hispanic Asian adults (3.1%), compared with Hispanic (8.2%), non-Hispanic black (9.2%), or non-Hispanic white (7.9%) adults. In 2024, depression remains a significant mental health concern in the U.S., with updated data showing
that approximately 5.0% of adults aged 18 and over report regular feelings of depression. While this figure appears slightly lower than the 8.1% reported during 2013–2016, it's important to note that measurement methods and time
frames may differ. More detailed breakdowns by sex and race/ethnicity for 2024 are still emerging, but past trends suggest (1) Women continue to report higher rates of depression than men; (2) Young adults (18–25) remain the most
affected age group; and (3) Non-Hispanic Asian adults still report the lowest rates, while Black, Hispanic, and multiracial adults report higher levels of depressive symptoms.
- Depression is a serious medical condition that makes you feel restless, irritable, sad, anxious, numb, hopeless, shame, guilt,
worthlessness, and powerlessness. It makes you lose interest in activities, hobbies, appetite and drastic changes in weight, and have little energy and feeling fatigued, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, and physical problems,
such as headaches, stomachaches, and back pain. Depression,
stress and anxiety have been linked
to memory problems, such as forgetfulness or confusion; it can make you difficult to focus on work and tasks, make decisions, or think clearly. About 30.0%
of American adults with depression reported moderate or extreme difficulty with work, home, or social activities because of their depression symptoms.
About a quarter of suicides in the US are felt to be due to undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed major depression.
- Urine is made up of excess water and waste products that have been filtered by kidneys from the body. Its natural light yellow color
is due to excretion of a pigment found in your blood called urochrome. If you are healthy, the color should be a pale yellow to gold. Normal urine color varies, depending on how much water you drink. Fluids dilute the yellow pigments
in urine, so the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks; when you drink less, the color becomes more dark or yellow. Most people need to empty their urine up to eight times a day; pregnant women and older people usually have to
go more often than others.
- If you notice you suddenly have to pee more often than usual, though, it could be a sign of a health problem like a urinary tract
infections (UIT), diabetes, an enlarged prostate in men, vaginitis in women, or a problem with the wall of your bladder called interstitial cystitis.
- Urine can turn colors far beyond what's normal, including bloody/red/pink, blue, green, dark brown and cloudy white.
- Bloody urine is common in urinary tract infections (UIT) and kidney stones. These problems usually cause pain; painless bleeding
might signal a more-serious problem, such as cancer. Red or pink urine can be caused by (1) diseases, such as urinary track infections, enlarged prostate, kidney cysts, and kidney or bladder stones; (2) foods, such as beets, blackberries
and rhubarb); and (3) medications, such as Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) used to treat tuberculosis, and phenazopyridine (Pyridium - a drug that numbs urinary tract discomfort), and laxatives containing senna. Red or pink color can also
be caused by your long-distance running.
- Orange urine can result from medications, such as anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine (Azulfidine);
phenazopyridine (Pyridium); some laxatives; and certain chemotherapy drugs. Orange urine along with light-colored stools can indicate the liver disease or bile duct.
If your urine is dark or orange along with pale stools and yellow skin and eyes, your liver might be malfunctioning.
- Blue or green urine can be caused by (1) colored food dyes and dyes used for some tests of kidney and bladder function; (2) medications, such as amitriptyline, indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex) and propofol (Diprivan); and
(3) medical conditions, such as familial benign hypercalcemia, and UIT caused by pseudomonas bacteria.
- Brown urine can result from (1) food, such as fava beans, rhubarb or aloe; (2) medications, such as antimalarial drugs chloroquine and primaquine, antibiotics metronidazole (Flagyl)
and nitrofurantoin (Furadantin), laxatives containing cascara or senna, and methocarbamol — a muscle relaxant; and
(3) medical conditions, such as liver and kidney disorders, kidney damage and urinary tract infections; and extreme exercise that leads to muscle injury.
- Cloudy white urine can be caused by urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes loss of kidney function over time and may lead to kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease. CKD can progress silently, and many people may not experience symptoms until the disease is advanced.
Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a family history of kidney disease. Kidney diseases are a leading cause of death in the United States. More than 1 in 7 American adults may have CKD.
As many as 9 in 10 don't know they have it. About 360 people begin treatment for kidney failure (dialysis or kidney transplant) every day.
- Few kidney diseases are known to be caused by direct viral infection of renal parenchymal cells. A kidney infection happens when bacteria or viruses get into kidneys; some kidney-tropic viruses, including the polyomaviruses BK and JC
and the herpesvirus CMV, are common in the general population world-wide. Dialysis fills the vital roles the kidneys play, cleaning the blood of toxins, balancing essential components including electrolytes, keeping blood pressure in
check and removing excess fluids. It can be a temporary measure while the kidneys recover, or it can be used long-term if they do not. Another unknown is whether the kidney damage caused by the virus is permanent.
- There are approximately 7,000 different types of rare diseases, with more being discovered each day and disorders; it is estimated that 350 million people worldwide suffer from rare diseases. and approximately 50% of these people
are children. Rare diseases affect nearly 30 million Americans, but they’re difficult to diagnose, and treatment isn't always available,
only 5% of rare diseases have FDA approved drug treatment.
- Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos,
which is a mineral that was used in the United States. Mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 2,500 Americans each year with a life expectancy of twelve months to eighteen months from the time of diagnosis. There are four types of
mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal,
pericardial, and testicular, which impact
the cavity of lung, abdomen, heart and testes, respectively. Pleural and
peritoneal mesothelioma are the most common ones.
- Polydipsia is the medical term for extreme thirst, which does not improve no matter how much a person drinks. It is not a disease by itself but can be
an important symptom of certain health problems, such as diabetes. Common diabetes mellitus symptoms include polydipsia, polyuria, extreme and uncontrolled
hunger, blurred vision, extreme fatigue or lack of energy, genital itching, slow healing of wounds or cuts, weight change (gain or loss), frequent or returning infections, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
- When treated by an older doctor, hospitalized patients 65 and older may face a slightly higher risk of dying within a month of their admittance than if treated by a younger physician.Clinical skills and knowledge accumulated by
experienced physicians can lead to better quality of care; however, doctors' skills and knowledge can also become outdated, as scientific technology and clinical guidelines change over time.
- There are about 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year in the United States with young people aged 15–24 accounting
for nearly half of those cases. The most commonly reported STIs include
Chlamydia,
Gonorrhea,
Syphilis,
Human papillomavirus (HPV),
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), and
Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV)
- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if it is not treated.
The name for the disease, ‘syphilis’, originates from an epic Latin poem Syphilis,
sive morbus gallicus, ‘Syphilis, or the French disease'. The disease started with genital ulcers, then progressed to a fever, general rash and joint and muscle pains, then weeks or months later were followed by large, painful
and foul-smelling abscesses and sores, or pocks, all over the body. Muscles and bones became painful, especially at night. The sores became ulcers that could eat into bones and destroy the nose, lips and eyes. They often extended
into the mouth and throat, and sometimes early death occurred.
- Before the introduction of Penicillin in 1943, Syphilis killed 1000's people each year. The first Syphilis epidemic was occurred in
Naples, Italy (called ‘Disease of Naples’) in 1495. When Syphilis first surfaced, the English named it the ‘French disease’, the French called it the ‘Spanish disease’,
Germans named it the ‘French evil’, Russians called it ‘Polish disease’, Poles called it ‘Turkish disease’, Turks called it ‘Christian disease’ and Japan called it ‘Chinese pox.’
- Arsenic poisoning is a medical condition that occurs due to elevated levels of arsenic
in the body. If exposure occurs over a brief period of time symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal
pain, encephalopathy, and watery diarrhea that contains
blood. Long-term exposure can result in thickening of the skin, darker skin, abdominal pain,
diarrhea, heart disease, and numbness. Arsenic increases the risk of
cancer. Exposure is related to skin, lung, liver, and kidney cancer among others.
- Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms
that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders that often lead to attempt suicide. 1 out of 6 people in the U.S. succumb
to clinical depression during their lifetime. Experiences with major depressive disorder includes depressed moods, decreased energy, trouble concentrating, lost interest in activities, guilt of feelings of hopelessness, sleep disturbances,
appetite changes and suicidal thoughts or attempts.
- Women are given a lot of advice during pregnancy, including to take a vitamin D supplement to keep bones and teeth healthy for their babies.
There is no strong evidence that pregnant women should receive vitamin D supplementation to prevent low bone mineral content in their children;
low vitamin D levels in the mothers do not affect their child’s bone health.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection, is found in about 99% of cervical
cancers, and is the second most common type of cancer for women worldwide. By the age 50 approximately 80% of women have been infected with some type of HPV;
more than 12,000 women in the United States is diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and over 4,000 of women die annually.
- A kidney stone is a solid piece of material which is formed in the kidneys from minerals
in urine. Kidney stones typically leave the body in the urine stream, and a small stone may pass without causing symptoms, otherwise it leads to
pain. About 9% of the U.S. population has a kidney stone, and in 2013 about 15,000 deaths globally because of kidney stone disease.
- Benlysta is the only treatment on the market specifically for Lupus, a disease in which the body's
immune system attacks healthy issue, including skin, joints, kidneys or the brain. This prescription medicine is expensive; the patient needs to have at least 2 doses a month, each costs $3,330 per dose.
- A human body has 206 bones, of which 54 in the hands and 52 in the feet. Over half of our bones are packed into our hands and feet! The hands contain 27 bones each
(wrist, palm, and fingers), and the feet also have 26 each (ankle, arch, and toes). It’s no wonder those areas are so flexible and capable of such intricate movements. Babies are actually born with around 270 bones, but as they grow,
many of these fuse together—especially in the skull and spine—to form the 206 bones of an adult.
- Each year around 132 million babies were born and around 62 million people die; approximate 117 billion humans throughout history on the Earth and about 8.2 billion people live today.
- The 10 leading causes of death in the world are
heart disease,
stroke,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
lower respiratory track infections,
trachea and bronchus lung cancers,
HIV/AIDS,
diarrhoeal disease,
diabetes, road injury, and
hypertensive heart disease.
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which is a newly viral respiratory illness to humans since 2102; people infected
with MERS developed severe acute respiratory illness, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and many of them have died.
- Diagnostic error is the leading cause of medical malpractice claims in the U.S.; diagnostic errors account for about 26.6% of medical malpractice claims, making them the most common allegation type. Of those claims, 39% resulted
in death, highlighting the serious consequences of missed or delayed diagnoses. Estimates suggest that millions of Americans are misdiagnosed each year, and up to 795,000 people may die or be permanently disabled annually due
to diagnostic errors. The overall diagnostic error rate across diseases is around 11.1%, with certain conditions like stroke, sepsis, and lung cancer being especially prone to misdiagnosis.
- Body temperature varied from person to person, at different times of day and for many other reasons besides illness. It tends to be about one degree higher during the day than in the middle of the night.
The normal human body temperature averages 98.6; a temperature above 100.4, regardless of the normal range for an individual, is considered a universal sign of fever and suggests an illness.
- Normal body temperature does vary from person to person and throughout the day. The classic average of 98.6°F (37°C) is still widely referenced, but recent studies suggest the average may be slightly lower—closer to 97.5°F (36.4°C)
for many people.
- Diurnal variation is real: body temperature tends to be lower in the early morning and higher in the late afternoon or evening, often by about 1°F (0.5°C).
- A fever is generally defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, regardless of an individual's baseline. This threshold is used clinically to indicate a potential infection or illness.
- The generic high blood pressure (hypertension) drug Lisinopril
was prescribed and refilled around 37 million times by more than 7 million American Medicare patients at a cost of $307 million in 2013. Total U.S. prescriptions for Lisinopril reached nearly 98 million or 2.94 billion pills by 2020
at the cost of up to $600 million, and that number has likely continued to grow given the aging population and rising rates of hypertension.
- As of 2014 the U.S. annually spent about $317 billion (which comes from medical expensive and disability payments) on caring for over 9.6 million adults with a serious
mental illness. As of 2024, to address serious mental illness, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
received $2.187 billion in funding for 2024, a $75 million increase from the previous year; the Veterans Affairs Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs were allocated $16.24 billion, up by $2 billion; and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
received $519.6 million, reflecting continued federal commitment to crisis response infrastructure. Additionally, the Biden-Harris administration earmarked $68.5 million in new grants to expand the mental health workforce and improve access
in underserved communities.
- Scratching skin creates a mild amount of pain (in the skin), that can interfere with itching — at least temporarily — by getting nerve cells in the spinal cord to carry pain signals to the brain instead of itch signals.
This mechanism is part of what’s known as the “itch-scratch cycle”: scratching relieves the itch momentarily, but it can also lead to inflammation or even more itching if overdone.
- Around 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. There was a study published in 2014 that suggested men who had more than 20 female
sexual partners in their lifetime had a 28% lower risk of developing prostate cancer overall, and a 19% lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer, compared to men with fewer partners. However, a 2020 analysis published by Harvard Health
pointed out that men with 10 or more sexual partners were actually more likely to develop cancer, not less. The discrepancy may come down to confounding factors—like smoking, alcohol use, or sexually transmitted infections—that
weren’t fully accounted for in earlier research.
- The Tuberculosis (TB), which is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs, is second only to HIV/AIDS as the greatest killer worldwide
due to a single infectious agent. In 2012, 8.6 million people fell ill with TB and 1.3 million died from TB. In 2024, 10.6 million new TB cases were reported, and 1.3 million deaths among HIV-negative individuals, and 160,000 deaths
among those with HIV. While the total number of TB cases has increased slightly since 2012, the death toll has remained relatively stable as a result of improved diagnosis and treatment access. However, TB still ranks among the top
infectious disease killers worldwide, alongside COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS.
- About one-quarter to one-third—is estimated to be infected with latent TB, meaning they carry the bacteria but don’t show symptoms and aren’t contagious. Of those infected, only 5–10% will develop active TB during their lifetime,
typically when the immune system is weakened. As of the 2024 WHO Global Tuberculosis Report, India accounted for approximately 27% of global TB cases, and India and China together made up about 42% of the global burden.
- The "flu" or the seasonal flu is caused by the influenza virus and causes mostly upper respiratory problems while
the "stomach flu" is often caused by a number of viruses and causes
gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and vomiting. While they share the word “flu,” they’re very different illnesses
with different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
- Hearing loss is associated with depression among American adults, especially women and those younger than age 70.
Adults with hearing impairment were more likely to report moderate to severe depression. Women with hearing loss had a higher prevalence of depression than men. The association was strongest in adults aged 18 to 69, suggesting that younger
individuals may be more affected emotionally by hearing difficulties.
- Depression is a causal risk of coronary heart disease for people with smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
People with depression have a 64% higher risk of developing coronary artery disease compared to those without depression. Among those already diagnosed with depression causes coronary heart disease (CHD), depression increases the risk of
adverse cardiovascular events like heart attacks or cardiac death by nearly 59%. The biological mechanisms are complex and may involve inflammation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, platelet activation, and hormonal imbalances.
- The pregnancy rate for U.S. women is around 85-90 per 1,000 women aged 15–44. The birth rate for married women was around 70% higher than the rate for unmarried women; in 2022, there were approximately 38 abortions per 100 live
births among unmarried women, compared to just 4 per 100 among married women.
- In 2023, the total U.S. cesarean delivery rate was 32.3% of all live births. About 60% of those were primary cesareans, meaning they were the first
cesarean delivery for the mother. After a primary cesarean, the chance of a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) was 15.1 per 100 live births.
- Based on a CDC health survey report, in 2011, 61% of American adults aged 18 and over had excellent or very good health. Eleven percent of adults had been told by a doctor or other health professional that they had heart disease,
24% had been told on two or more visits that they had hypertension,
9% had been told that they had diabetes, and 22% had been told that they had some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,
gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Based on
the most recent CDC and related health data from 2025, below is how things look:
- Excellent or Very Good Health: For 2025, trends suggest a decline in self-reported excellent health, especially among younger adults, due to rising rates of chronic conditions.
- Heart Disease: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 941,000 deaths in 2022. Coronary heart disease alone caused 371,506 deaths.
- Hypertension: Still highly prevalent—among adults aged 85 and older, 66.9% reported hypertension. While this is for a specific age group, it reflects the broader trend of increasing hypertension with age.
- Diabetes: Rates continue to rise, especially among men and older adults.
- Arthritis and Related Conditions: Among adults 85+, 55.9% reported arthritis, making it the second most common chronic condition in that age group.
- The number of people diagnosed with Lyme disease each year in the United States is around 500,000 with 96 percent of reported cases occurring in 19 states,
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and even North Carolina and Kentucky.
- Sleep disturbances are extremely common among people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies show that
between 50% and 75% of RA patients experience some form of sleep problem; some have trouble falling or staying asleep; others wake up feeling less than refreshed or battle drowsiness during the day.
- As of 2025, approximately 7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease. The disease claims around 140,000 lives annually,
and its impact continues to rise as the population ages. Based on a recent study, every 33 seconds, one American develops Alzheimer's disease, and by 2050, that interval is expected to shrink to every 27 seconds as the number of
cases nearly doubles.
- Dealing with stress during middle age is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for dementia later in life. Women who experienced high levels of
stress in middle age had a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia decades later. Chronic psychological stress has been shown to accelerate cognitive decline by affecting sleep,
increasing inflammation, and disrupting brain health over time. While stress is a normal part of life, persistent or poorly managed stress in midlife can have long-term consequences for brain health. Fortunately, interventions
like mindfulness, therapy, social support, and physical activity may help buffer these effects.
- Every year, about 120 million people in the U.S. have high blood pressure (hypertension). Heart attacks occur in about 805,000 people
annually, with 605,000 being first-time events and 200,000 recurrent. As of 2022, an estimated 127.9 million U.S. adults—almost 1 in 2—had some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart failure, stroke, and coronary artery
disease. Cardiovascular conditions are incredibly widespread and remain the leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming over 940,000 lives in 2022 alone.
- During sleep, your body produces cytokines and cellular hormones that help fight infections.
Sleep plays a vital role in immune function, and cytokines are a big part of that story. Cytokines are signaling proteins that help regulate immunity and inflammation. During sleep—especially slow-wave (deep) sleep—your body ramps
up production of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). These molecules are essential for fighting off infections, healing tissue, and coordinating immune responses.
Getting good sleep isn’t just about feeling rested. It’s your immune system’s nightly tune-up.
- Research shows that most people require at least seven hours of sleep to function optimally. Failing to get enough sleep night after night
can compromise your health and may even shorten your life. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. Chronic sleep deprivation can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health, and
it's associated with a shorter lifespan. Short-term effects include poor concentration, memory lapses, irritability, and weakened immune response. Long-term sleep loss is linked to increased risks of heart disease, obesity,
type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s when your body repairs tissue, consolidates memories, balances hormones, and strengthens your immune system. Skimping on
it is like skipping maintenance on a high-performance engine.
- Cholera is an acute diarrhea disease that can kill within hours if left untreated. As of 2025, the World Health Organization reports that from
January to late May, there were already over 211,000 cholera cases and 2,754 deaths across 26 countries. Outbreaks remain severe in areas with poor sanitation, limited healthcare access, or conflict—like Sudan, Angola, and
the Democratic Republic of Congo, which together account for the majority of 2025’s reported cases.
- Asthma is a chronic disease of the bronchial, the air passages leading to and from the lungs. It is the most common chronic disease among children.
Over 260 million people worldwide live with asthma. Asthma can range from mild to life-threatening, and while it's often manageable with inhalers and medication, many people still struggle with underdiagnosis or poor control.
- As of 2023, the World Health Organization and UNICEF report that around 13% of adolescent girls and young women globally give
birth before age 18. This translates to approximately 12 million births annually among girls aged 15 to 19, and at least 1 million births among girls under 15, though the latter is likely underreported due to stigma and lack of data.
The highest rates of adolescent births are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America, where early marriage and limited access to reproductive health services remain significant challenges.
- An estimated 650,000 people worldwide have multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). A study found that
vitamin C can kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro by generating reactive
oxygen species (ROS) through a process known as the Fenton reaction. This oxidative stress damages the bacteria’s DNA and cell structures, leading to its death. However, while promising, these findings are mostly
from lab and animal studies—clinical trials in humans are still needed before vitamin C can be recommended as a standard treatment.
- As of 2023, about 24.3% of U.S. adults—roughly 61 million people—reported experiencing chronic pain, and 8.5% (around 21 million) had
high-impact chronic pain, meaning it frequently limited their daily activities. Chronic pain exceeds the combined number of Americans living with
diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, and the economic toll is enormous, it costs the U.S. an estimated $635 billion annually, more than the total spent on those three conditions combined.
- An estimated 22.3 million American people were living with type 1 or type 2
diabetes in 2012. As of 2024, an estimated 38.4 million people of all ages in the U.S. are living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, according to the latest National Diabetes Statistics Report. That’s about 11.6% of the total population,
a significant increase from the 22.3 million reported in 2012. Below a quick 2024 breakdown. The rise is largely driven by increases in type 2 diabetes, linked to aging, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles.
- Adults (18+): 38.1 million have diabetes—14.7% of all U.S. adults.
- Undiagnosed cases: About 8.7 million adults meet lab criteria for diabetes but are unaware they have it.
- Older adults (65+): Prevalence jumps to 29.2%, nearly 1 in 3.
- More than 4,000 preventable mistakes occur in surgery every year in the U.S. These include serious mistakes like operating on the wrong body part,
performing the wrong procedure, or leaving surgical instruments inside a patient. A Johns Hopkins study found that foreign objects (like sponges or towels) are left inside patients about 39 times a week, and wrong-site or wrong-procedure
surgeries happen around 20 times a week.
- Snoring and sleep
apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are linked to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, depression, and premature death.
- Diabetes: Sleep apnea disrupts glucose metabolism and increases insulin resistance, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Hypertension: Repeated drops in oxygen during sleep trigger stress responses that elevate blood pressure—even in otherwise healthy individuals.
- Heart disease: OSA is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, heart failure, and strokes. The constant oxygen dips strain the cardiovascular system.
- Depression: Poor sleep quality and chronic fatigue from sleep apnea are strongly linked to mood disorders, including depression and anxiety.
- Premature death: Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of early mortality, particularly from cardiovascular causes.
- A study found that men who watched more than 20 hours of TV per week had 44% lower sperm
concentration than those who watched none. The same study showed that men who exercised vigorously for 15 or more hours a week had 73% higher sperm counts than those who exercised less than 5 hours.
- Certain antidepressants—especially SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)—have been
linked to an increased risk of bleeding, including rare cases of intracranial hemorrhage,
the absolute risk remains very low for most people. The risk increases significantly when SSRIs are combined with NSAIDs, antiplatelet drugs, or anticoagulants.
- Anxiety or panic attacks are often accompanied by
chest pain, most likely caused by muscle contractions in the chest wall. The common external factors can cause anxiety panic attacks are stress
at work/school, stress in a personal relationship (e.g.; marriage, love), stress from an emotional trauma (e.g.; the death of a loved one), financial stress, stress from a serious medical illness, and side effect of medication.
- People who have blood types A, B, or AB have a slightly
higher risk of heart diseases compared to those with type O. The increased risk for blood type AB is about 20% higher risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke; type B, around 11% increased risk; and type A,
roughly 8% higher risk. people with type O blood tend to have lower levels of von Willebrand factor, a protein involved in blood clotting, which may offer some protection against heart disease.
- The population of people having blood type A include 40% of whites, 26% of blacks, 31% of Hispanics and 28% of Asians; type B: 11% of whites,
19% of blacks, 10% of Hispanics and 25% of Asians; type AB: 4% of whites, 4% of blacks, 2% of Hispanics and 7% of Asians; and type O: 45% of whites, 51% of blacks, 57% of Hispanics and 40% of Asians.
- The longest living cells in the body are brain cells which can live an entire lifetime. Most neurons in your brain are formed before birth and can last your entire lifetime. Unlike skin or blood cells, which regenerate frequently,
neurons are largely non-dividing. That’s why damage from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s can be so devastating—once these neurons are lost, they’re often not replaced.
- The human body contains roughly 60,000 miles (about 96,500 kilometers) of blood vessels when stretched end to end. That includes arteries, veins,
and capillaries, which together form the vast network that delivers oxygen and nutrients to every cell and carries away waste.
- Most surgeries to avoid are stents for stable angina, complex spinal fusion for stenosis, hysterectomy for uterine fibroids, and knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis. Those procedures are often flagged as overused
or potentially unnecessary in certain cases, especially when less invasive treatments are available. These surgeries aren’t inherently bad—but they’re often used when safer, more effective alternatives exist.
- Stents for stable angina: Studies show that for people with stable (not emergency) angina, stents don’t reduce the risk of heart attack or death more than medication and lifestyle changes. They may relieve chest pain,
but often not more effectively than non-surgical options.
- Complex spinal fusion for stenosis: This surgery is frequently performed for back pain, but evidence suggests it’s no more effective than simpler procedures like decompression alone, and it carries higher risks and costs.
- Hysterectomy for uterine fibroids: While sometimes necessary, many fibroids can be managed with less invasive treatments like embolization, focused ultrasound, or medication. Hysterectomy is a major surgery with long-term
hormonal and reproductive consequences.
- Knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis: Once a go-to procedure, research now shows it often provides no more benefit than physical therapy for osteoarthritis. It treats symptoms, not the root cause, and recovery can be lengthy.
- 28% of people on the autism spectrum are left-handed, compared to roughly 10% in the general population. That’s a significant difference,
and it suggests a meaningful link between neurodiversity and handedness. Interestingly, mixed-handedness—using different hands for different tasks without a strong preference—is also more common among autistic individuals.
Scientists believe this may be tied to early brain development, since both handedness and language processing are shaped during similar stages in utero.
- The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test was once widely used as a routine screening tool for prostate cancer. However, over time, experts realized that PSA testing can lead to overdiagnosis and
overtreatment—identifying slow-growing cancers that might never cause harm, yet prompting invasive biopsies or treatments with serious side effects like incontinence or impotence. Because of this, major health
organizations now recommend a shared decision-making approach:
- Men aged 55–69 should talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of PSA screening and make an individual choice based on personal values and risk factors.
- Men 70 and older are generally not advised to undergo routine PSA screening, unless they’re at high risk or have specific concerns.
- In 2008 the top causes of death in
high-income countries are Ischaemic heart disease (1.42m deaths; 15.6%),
Stroke and other cerebrovascular disease (0.79m; 8.7%),
Trachea, bronchus, lung cancers (0.54m, 5.9%),
Alzheimer and other dementias (0.37m, 4.1%),
Lower respiratory infections (0.35m, 3.8%),
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (0.32m, 3.5%),
Colon and rectum cancers (0.30m, 3.3%),
Diabetes mellitus (0.24m, 2.6%),
Hypertensive heart disease (0.21m, 2.3%), and
Breast cancer (0.17m, 1.9%). By 2023, the health profile of high-income countries continues to be dominated by non-communicable diseases, with some notable shifts in rankings and disease burden. Based on the most
recent global health data, below is a general picture of the top causes of death in high-income countries. This evolving list reflects both medical progress and the challenges of aging populations.
- Ischaemic Heart Disease – Still the leading cause, though mortality rates have declined slightly due to better prevention and treatment.
- Stroke and Other Cerebrovascular Diseases – Remains a major cause, especially among older adults.
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias – Has risen in prominence due to aging populations and improved diagnosis.
- Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancers – Still a leading cancer killer, though smoking rates have declined in many countries.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Continues to be a major contributor, particularly in former smokers.
- Colorectal Cancer – Screening programs have helped, but it remains a top cause.
- Lower Respiratory Infections – Still significant, especially among the elderly and immunocompromised.
- Diabetes Mellitus – Rising steadily, driven by obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
- Kidney Diseases – Increasingly recognized as a major cause of death, often linked to diabetes and hypertension.
- Breast Cancer – Still among the top causes, though survival rates have improved with early detection and treatment.
- COVID-19, while no longer in the top 10 in 2023, still contributed to excess mortality in some regions.
- In 2008 the top causes of death in middle-income countries are Ischaemic heart disease (5.27m deaths, 13.7%),
Stroke and other cerebrovascular disease (4.91m, 12.8%),
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2.79m, 7.2%),
Lower respiratory infections (2.07m, 5.4%),
Diarrhoeal diseases (1.68m, 4.4%),
HIV/AIDS (1.03m, 2.7%),
Road traffic accidents (0.94m, 2.4%),
Tuberculosis (0.93m, 2.4%),
Diabetes mellitus (0.87m, 2.3%), and
Hypertensive heart disease (0.83m, 2.2%). By 2023, the health landscape in middle-income countries has shifted significantly, reflecting both medical progress and new challenges. While exact rankings
vary by region, below is a general picture of the top causes of death in middle-income countries based on the most recent global health data. HIV/AIDS has dropped in the rankings thanks to expanded access
to antiretroviral therapy, though it remains a significant burden in some countries. This shift reflects a broader trend: non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for the vast majority of deaths in
middle-income countries, overtaking infectious diseases.
- Ischaemic Heart Disease – Still the leading cause of death, driven by aging populations and lifestyle factors.
- Stroke and Other Cerebrovascular Diseases – Remains a major killer, especially where hypertension is underdiagnosed or poorly managed.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Continues to be a top cause, particularly in areas with high smoking rates and air pollution.
- Diabetes Mellitus – Has risen in rank due to increasing obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
- Lower Respiratory Infections – Still significant, though improved vaccination and treatment have reduced mortality.
- Kidney Diseases – Emerging as a major concern, often linked to diabetes and hypertension.
- Liver Diseases – Including cirrhosis, often related to alcohol use and hepatitis infections.
- Road Traffic Injuries – Still a leading cause of death, especially among younger adults.
- Hypertensive Heart Disease – Remains prevalent, often underdiagnosed.
- Tuberculosis – Still present, though declining in many regions due to better public health efforts.
- In 2008 the top causes of death in low-income countries are
Lower respiratory infections (1.05m deaths, 11.3%), Diarrhoeal diseases (0.76m, 8.2%),
HIV/AIDS (0.72m, 7.8%),
Ischaemic heart disease (0.57m, 6.1%),
Malaria (0.48m, 5.2%),
Stroke and other cerebrovascular disease (0.45m, 4.9%),
Tuberculosis (0.40m, 4.3%),
Prematurity and low birth weight (0.30m, 3.2%),
Birth asphyxia and birth trauma (0.27m, 2.9%), and
Neonatal infections (0.24m, 2.6%). By 2023, the leading causes of death in low-income countries still reflect a heavy burden of infectious diseases and neonatal conditions, though some shifts have occurred
due to public health efforts and emerging challenges. Based on the most recent global health data, below is a general ranking. This list shows a gradual shift: while infectious diseases still dominate, non-communicable diseases like
stroke and heart disease are becoming more prominent.
- Lower Respiratory Infections – Still the top cause, especially among children under 5.
- Stroke – Has risen in rank, reflecting the growing impact of non-communicable diseases.
- Ischaemic Heart Disease – Continues to climb as lifestyles change and populations age.
- Malaria – Remains a major killer, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated 597,000 deaths in 2023.
- Preterm Birth Complications – A leading cause of death in newborns.
- COVID-19 – Still present in 2023, though less dominant than in earlier years.
- Diarrhoeal Diseases – Still significant, though improved sanitation and vaccines have helped reduce mortality.
- Tuberculosis – Continues to be a major threat in low-resource settings.
- Birth Asphyxia and Birth Trauma – A persistent neonatal challenge.
- HIV/AIDS – Has declined in ranking due to expanded access to antiretroviral therapy.
- According to the Global Asthma Report 2025, it's now estimated that over 260 million people worldwide live with asthma,
a chronic disease of the the air passages of the lungs which inflames and narrows them. Most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and lower-middle income countries, where people often lack access to inhalers, preventive care,
or emergency treatment.
- Diabetes increases the risk of developing ulcers ; about 15–25% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point.
People with diabetes, especially those with poorly controlled blood sugar, are more prone to diabetic ulcers, particularly on the feet. This happens because (1) high blood sugar damages nerves (called peripheral neuropathy),
reducing sensation—so small injuries may go unnoticed; (2) diabete impairs blood circulation, slowing wound healing, and weakens the immune system, making infections more likely. These factors combine to make even minor
cuts or blisters potentially serious.
- 1 in 88 American children in 2008 had some form of autism spectrum disorder, but the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the U.S. has increased significantly since then. As of the 2025 CDC report,
approximately 1 in 31 children aged 8 in the U.S. has been diagnosed with ASD. The rise is likely due to a combination of factors, including broader diagnostic criteria, increased awareness among parents and healthcare providers,
improved access to screening and services, especially in underserved communities. Boys are diagnosed about 3.4 times more often than girls, and that diagnosis rates are now higher among Black, Hispanic, and Asian children
than white children—reflecting progress in reaching historically underdiagnosed groups.
- Stay physically active, adopt a brain-healthy diet, remain socially active, and stay mentally active are the main components to keep a brain healthy. Those four pillars are the foundation of long-term brain health.
- Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, supports memory, and reduces the risk of cognitive decline. Even moderate movement like brisk walking or dancing can make a difference.
- A brain-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean or MIND diet, is rich in leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and healthy fats. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to neurodegeneration.
- Social engagement keeps your brain sharp by stimulating emotional and cognitive processing. Regular interaction—even casual conversations—can help delay memory loss and improve mood.
- Mental stimulation through learning, puzzles, reading, or trying new skills encourages neuroplasticity, helping your brain form new connections and stay resilient.
- About 154,270 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2025, and about 52,900 deaths are expected from the disease. While incidence rates have declined in older adults, rates are rising in people under 50,
increasing by about 2.4% per year. It's recommended that for people between age 50 and 75 colonoscopy should be screening once every 10 years, sigmoidoscopy every five years, an annual FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) / stool blood test,
an annual gFOBT (Guaiac-based Fecal Occult Blood Test), and FIT-DNA (Cologuard) for every 1 to 3 years.
- The human feet have 52 bones, which is 25% of all the bones in the body. The foot is an intricate structure containing 26 bones with thirty-three joints,
107 ligaments, 19 muscles and multiple tendons that hold the structure together and allow it to move in a variety of ways.
- About 75% of Americans do experience foot problems at some point in their lives, ranging from mild discomfort to chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis or bunions. Women are disproportionately affected, with studies showing
they’re up to four times more likely to report foot issues than men; lifelong patterns of wearing high heels often are the culprit.
- The brain hormone triggers the body's reaction to stress, and serves as the on-off switch to the body's stress response.
- In the U.S. 3.3 percent of all births were twins in 2009. About 7 percent of all births for women 40 and older were twins compared with 5 percent of women in their late 30s and 2 percent of women age 24 or younger.
Below is how twin birth trends in the U.S. have evolved in recent years. These rates reflect the continued influence of maternal age and assisted reproductive technologies (ART), which are more commonly used by older mothers.
ART increases the likelihood of multiple births, though recent medical guidelines have encouraged single-embryo transfers to reduce risks.
- Twin Birth Rates (All Ages)
- 2022: 31.2 twin births per 1,000 live births (≈ 3.12%)
- 2023: 30.7 per 1,000 (≈ 3.07%)
- 2024: Around the 2023 level
- By Maternal Age (2022 data)
- Women 40 and older: ~4.0% (40 per 1,000 live births)
- Women in their late 30s (35–39): ~3.9%
- Women aged 20–24: ~2.4%
- Teenagers (15–19): ~1.7%
- As of 2025, about 60.7 million Americans aged 12 and older experience some degree of hearing loss. That’s nearly 1 in 5 people, and the numbers are expected to rise as the population ages and noise exposure increases.
Note that 115 decibels (dB) is how loud the average MP3 player is playing music at maximum volume; and listening to an MP3 player at 100db for just 15 minutes can cause hearing loss. The National Institute on Deafness and
Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) warns that sounds above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing loss with prolonged exposure. MP3 players, concerts, and even lawnmowers fall into this risky range.
- 20% reduction of heart-disease risk for people who most frequently got vigorous exercise, such as running, jogging, swimming laps, playing tennis, doing aerobics, or walking six miles or more a week.
Those who exercised two to four times the recommended amount (150–300 minutes of vigorous activity per week) saw up to a 23% reduction in mortality risk.
- There are 7 symptoms that suggest you have kidney damage: swelling (edema), poor appetite, weight loss, weakness, feeling tired, nausea or vomiting, and trouble sleeping. Those are all recognized signs of kidney
damage—especially in the later stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). When the kidneys aren’t filtering waste and fluids properly, it can affect nearly every system in the body. Below is how those symptoms connect.
These symptoms often develop gradually, so they’re easy to overlook. If you are experiencing several of them—especially with risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure—it’s worth getting kidney function tested.
- Swelling (edema): Damaged kidneys can’t remove excess fluid, leading to puffiness in the legs, ankles, feet, or even around the eyes.
- Poor appetite & weight loss: Waste buildup in the blood can cause nausea and alter taste, making food unappealing.
- Weakness & fatigue: Failing kidneys produce less erythropoietin, a hormone that helps make red blood cells—leading to anemia and low energy.
- Nausea or vomiting: Toxin accumulation can irritate the digestive system.
- Trouble sleeping: Discomfort, restless legs, or changes in body chemistry can disrupt sleep.
- People who had depression at some point in their lives were about a third more likely to suffer a stroke than those who haven't been depressed. This is supported by
a research. A 2024 meta-analysis of 44 studies found that people with a history of depression had a 41%
higher risk of stroke compared to those without depression. The link appears across different types of stroke that includes ischemic stroke (30% higher risk), hemorrhagic stroke (33% higher risk) and fatal stroke (39% higher risk).
This connection may stem from chronic inflammation, changes in the nervous system, and behavioral factors like poor sleep, inactivity, or medication nonadherence—all of which can elevate stroke risk.
- Possible causes of brain damage include prolonged hypoxia (shortage of oxygen), poisoning, infection, and neurological illness.
- In 2010, there were 84,685 surgical procedures among women at the age of 65 and up. Of those, 26,635 were
face-lifts; 24,783, cosmetic
eyelid operations; 6,469,
liposuctions; 5,874,
breast reductions; 3,875,
forehead lifts; 3,339,
breast lifts and 2,414,
breast augmentations. And, the oldest
one got her breast implants at the age of 83 in July 2011. In 2023, cosmetic surgery among women aged 65 and older continued to grow, reflecting both increased longevity and evolving attitudes toward aging and self-image.
While the exact breakdown by procedure for this age group isn't publicly detailed, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society report that:
- Facelifts and eyelid surgeries remain among the most popular procedures for older adults, especially women 65+.
- Minimally invasive treatments like Botox and dermal fillers have surged, often used alongside or instead of surgery.
- Body contouring procedures, including liposuction and breast lifts, have increased in popularity among older women, particularly those who’ve undergone significant weight loss.
- The trend of older adults seeking cosmetic surgery is still strong—many surgeons report patients in their 70s and 80s pursuing procedures safely, thanks to better anesthesia and screening protocols.
- In the US, in 2010 there were about 1 billion physician office visits; number of visits per 100 persons is 332.2; percent of visits made to primary care
physicians is 55.5%; most frequent principal illness-related reason for visit is cough; and most commonly diagnosed condition is essential hypertension. In 2023, the overall picture of physician office visits in the U.S. remains
remarkably consistent with 2010, though there are some subtle shifts
- Total physician office visits: Still around 1.0 billion annually.
- Visits per 100 persons: Slightly decreased to 320.7.
- Percent of visits to primary care physicians: Dropped to 50.3%, indicating a growing role for specialists and possibly urgent care or telehealth alternatives.
- Most common reason for visit: While cough remains a top contender, chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and joint pain are increasingly common reasons for visits, especially among older adults.
- Most commonly diagnosed condition: Essential hypertension still holds the top spot, reflecting its widespread prevalence and role as a silent driver of other chronic diseases.
- So while the volume of visits hasn’t changed much, the nature of care is shifting—with more focus on managing long-term conditions and less on acute, one-off symptoms.
- If you were admitted to hospital your chances of being subjected to an error (no dying) in your care would be something like 1 in 10.
These can range from medication mistakes and diagnostic delays to surgical mishaps and communication breakdowns. As for fatal outcomes, a widely cited Johns Hopkins study estimated that medical errors may be the third leading cause
of death in the U.S., responsible for over 250,000 deaths annually—which roughly translates to 1 in every 300 hospital patients dying due to preventable mistakes. Your chances of dying due to an error in health care would be 1 in 300.
- As of the end of 2010, there were about 10 percent of world’s adults have the diabetes diseases, in which the body is unable to properly use and store glucose (a form of sugar). The disease can cause nerve damage resulting in kidney
disease, blindness and amputation. China and India account for 40 percent of people with diabetes, in contrast, 10 percent of the world’s total live in the United States and Russia. By 2023, the global diabetes burden has grown dramatically.
The disease remains a major cause of kidney failure, blindness, amputations, and cardiovascular disease, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to care is limited. According to the International Diabetes Federation
and World Health Organization:
- Over 540 million people worldwide are living with diabetes—up from around 285 million in 2010.
- That’s about 6.1% of the global population, but prevalence is much higher in older adults—over 20% in those aged 65+.
- Type 2 diabetes accounts for 96% of all cases, driven largely by rising obesity, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles.
- China and India still account for the largest share of global cases, together making up over 40% of the total.
- The United States and Russia continue to represent around 10% combined, though the U.S. has seen particularly sharp increases in recent years.
- Night sweats is often associated with respiratory disorders, hyperactivity, anxiety,
atopic dermatitis, medications, menopause, cancers infections, and eye diseases.
Night sweats can be a symptom of a wide range of conditions—some benign, others more serious. While menopause is one of the most common causes, especially in women, there are many other potential culprits.
If night sweats are persistent, intense, or accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss or fever, it’s worth getting checked out.
- Infections: Tuberculosis, HIV, and endocarditis (heart valve infection) are classic triggers.
- Cancers: Particularly lymphoma and leukemia, which often cause drenching night sweats.
- Medications: Antidepressants, hormone therapies, and diabetes drugs can all disrupt temperature regulation.
- Anxiety and hyperactivity: Heightened nervous system activity can lead to excessive sweating during sleep.
- Respiratory disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea or chronic lung disease may contribute.
- Atopic dermatitis: Though less common, skin inflammation can sometimes be linked to night sweats.
- Thyroid disorders: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can rev up metabolism and cause sweating.
- Eye diseases: There’s limited direct evidence linking them to night sweats—though systemic conditions that affect the eyes (like autoimmune diseases) might play a role indirectly.
- More than 1.36 million U.S. adults are currently living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
That’s about 0.6% to 1.0% of the adult population. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and potential joint damage.
It’s more common in women than men, and it can strike at any age—though it most often begins between ages 30 and 60.
- Some studies have suggested that Calcium supplements (especially without vitamin D) may slightly increase
the risk of heart disease or
heart attack, particularly in postmenopausal women.
The theory is that large doses of supplemental calcium might cause spikes in blood calcium levels, potentially leading to arterial calcification over time. However, the evidence is mixed. Some meta-analyses have
found a modest increase in cardiovascular risk with supplements. Others found no significant link, especially when calcium is taken with vitamin D, which may help regulate calcium metabolism more safely.
Dietary calcium from food sources like dairy or leafy greens does not appear to carry the same risk.
- In the U.S. prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the U.S., especially as they age. About 313,780 new cases
of prostate cancer are expected in 2025. Around 35,770 deaths are projected this year. Roughly 6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, with the average age at diagnosis being 67. The lifetime risk of
being diagnosed is about 1 in 8, while the risk of dying from it is about 1 in 44. There are some symptoms of this disease: urinary problems (e.g.; urgency, frequency, hesitancy, pain during urination), difficult
in penile erection, painful ejaculation, blood in urine or semen, pelvic discomfort, frequent pain in lower back, belly or hip, swelling in the legs. Many of these symptoms can also be caused by benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH) or infections, so they don’t always mean cancer—but they should definitely prompt a medical check.
- Men can develop the breast cancer disease; male breast cancer is rare but very real, and awareness is crucial. In the U.S., breast cancer in men accounts for less than 1% of breast cancer cases, and tends to
strike men aged 60 and older, and risk factors include family history of breast cancer (especially BRCA2 mutations), radiation exposure to the chest, hormonal imbalances, such as elevated estrogen levels, liver disease,
obesity, or testicular disorders. Symptoms in men are similar to those in women: a lump in the breast, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape or skin. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2025,
about 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and approximately 510 will die from it.
- As of 2/20/2011, more than 110,000 Americans are listed as waiting for organs, including 87,995 for kidneys; 16,108 for liver; 3,209 for heart; 1,802 for lung; 1,398 for pancreas; and 258 for intestine. As of 2023, the number of
Americans waiting for organ transplants remains high, with over 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list. Below is a snapshot of the breakdown by organ type. These numbers reflect a persistent gap between the number
of people who need transplants and the availability of donated organs. Despite advances in transplantation and a record number of transplants performed in recent years, a new person is added to the waiting list every 8 minutes,
and over a dozen people die each day waiting for an organ.
- Kidney: 91,506
- Liver: 9,003
- Heart: 3,746
- Lung: 904
- Pancreas: 806
- Intestine: 175
- Kidney/Pancreas (combined): 2,293
- 26,213 transplants were performed in the U.S. between January 2010 and November 2010. Average number of days that Americans wait for a transplant is 1,269 for kidney; 319 for liver; 168 for heart; 148 for lung; 260 for pancreas;
and 142 for intestine. In 2023, the U.S. saw a record-breaking year for organ transplants, with over 45,000 transplants performed—nearly double the number from 2010. This reflects major strides in donor outreach, surgical techniques,
and organ preservation. As for average wait times, they vary by organ and patient condition, but below is a general snapshot based on the most recent data. These numbers are influenced by factors like blood type, organ size,
geographic location, and medical urgency.
- Kidney: Still the longest wait—3 to 5 years on average, though it can be shorter for high-priority or living donor matches.
- Liver: Around 6 to 12 months, depending on MELD score and region.
- Heart: Typically 4 to 6 months, but urgent cases may receive transplants sooner.
- Lung: About 3 to 6 months, though this can vary widely.
- Pancreas: Often 1 to 2 years, especially for combined kidney-pancreas transplants.
- Intestine: Still rare, with wait times around 6 months to 1 year, depending on urgency and availability.
- Around 88,000 Americans need kidneys each year; however, only about 17,000 get kidneys, and more than 4,600 die because they did not get one in time.
- People suffered from mild hypertension, which is a blood pressure reading of no higher than 160/100 mm Hg, took a 81-milligram tablet of aspirin in the evening had a significant reduction in their blood pressure. Those who took the aspirin in the morning had no reduction at all.
- In 2009 there were 24.6 million people suffered from Asthma in the U.S. As of 2023, approximately 28 million people in the United States are living
with asthma—a notable increase from the 24.6 million reported in 2009. Below is a quick snapshot. The rise reflects a mix of factors, including environmental triggers, urban living, and better diagnosis.
- Adults (18+): About 8.9% currently have asthma.
- Children (<18): Around 6.7% are affected.
- Emergency department visits: Roughly 1.4 million annually due to asthma.
- Deaths: Approximately 3,624 asthma-related deaths occurred in 2023.
- About 1 in 54 U.S children were identified as having autism in 2016; it was up from 1 in 59 children in 2014, and from 1 in 68 in both 2010 and 2012.
- Having babies close together appears to increase the risk of autism.
- In the U.S. every year surgeons performed more than a million hip and knee replacements. In 2008, number of joint replacements for knees was 616,617, hips (total): 277,399;
hips (partial): 108,491; shoulder (total): 26,178; shoulder (partial): 20,178; hand/finger/wrist: 2,338; and ankle: 1,554. Many patients will need to repair or replace their replacements 10 t0 20 years later.
- Scientists have developed a blood test that could find a single cancer cell circulating in a person's blood.
The test will be used by oncologists as a diagnostic tool aimed at discovering as early as possible if a cancer has spread.
- Allergies affect around 50 million people in the U.S. Dust mites cause allergies in about 20 million people, and about 10 million people are allergic by cats.
- Women who suffer from both depression and diabetes have a increased risk of heart attacks and a higher chance of dying over a
six-year period.
- About 1 million people in the U.S. go to the hospital with a heart attack every year; 2 in 3 people survive their heart attacks, and 1 in 5 heart attack survivors develop major
depression.
- Nervous system disorders, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure are ones of many physical or medical conditions that contribute to
sexual dysfunction and diminish sexual desire.
- Around 5.2 million people in the U.S. do not know they have diabetes. African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans are almost twice as likely to get diabetes as non-Hispanic whites.
- Patients diagnosed with Cowden syndrome face an increased risk
for colon cancer.
- Woman who had at least one stillbirth or miscarriage will increase the risk of a heart attack by 3.5 times later in her life;
and women who had more than 3 miscarriages during their childbearing years will have 9 times as likely to have a
heart attack.
- Childhood obesity links to the risk of adult obesity, heart/cardiovascular disease,
type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders.
- Long-term stress may result in increasing risks for both diabetes and depression.
- A 2016 study found that the overall rate for stroke was 8% higher in the two days after daylight saving time.
Cancer victims were 25% more likely to have a stroke during that time, and people older than 65 were 20% more likely to have a stroke.
- Stress symptoms commonly include exhaustion, irritability, muscular tension, inability to concentrate and a variety of physiological reactions, such as sleeplessness, headache and elevated heart rate.
Stress is hurting physical and emotional health and contributing to some of the leading causes of death. Today 1 out of every 4 American are dealing with extremely high stress levels. The top 10
stress factors are money, work, economy, family responsibilities, relationships, personal health concerns, housing costs, job stability, health problems affecting the family, and personal safety.
- Doctors now can detect pre-cancerous growths in the stool for a colon cancer test; this new test can potentially be an alternative to colonoscopies.
Colorectal cancer is a treatable disease if caught early.
- As of today about 24 million U.S. adults have diabetes, most of them
type-2 diabetes linked strongly with poor diet and lack of exercise. Diabetes was the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S.,
and is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults under age 75, as well as kidney failure, and leg and foot amputations not caused by injury.
- Palliative care, which helps the gravely ill make the most of the time they have left, provided a surprising bonus for terminal
lung cancer patients. The patients who started soon after their diagnosis on palliative care along with usual cancer care lived nearly three months longer than people given only
standard cancer care. More than half of lung cancer patients have incurable diseases by the time they are diagnosed.
- Young people with the kind of irregular heartbeat (known as a trial fibrillation) may be better off undergoing surgery to fix the problem instead of taking medication first.
- Mississippi has some of the country's highest rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and infant mortality.
- One of the first signs of diabetes is
bleeding gums or
bone loss around the teeth.
- Diabetes can cause heart disease, kidney failure, limb amputations and blindness
- Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce or unable to properly use and store glucose (a form of sugar). It is a major risk factor for heart disease. People who are over 40 and overweight are more likely to develop diabetes.
- As of 3/2011 more than 25 million Americans have diabetes (more than 90% have Type 2), but an additional 79 million people have pre-diabetes, in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not as high as in diabetes.
- In 2009 diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S. for people aged 25 years and older; 23.6 million people in the U.S. have diabetes; 11.2% of men and 10.2% of women have diabetes. As of 2024, diabetes remains
a major public health concern in the U.S., though the numbers have shifted since 2009. While diabetes is still among the top 10 causes of death, its exact rank can vary slightly year to year depending on other health trends.
The rise in total cases reflects both better detection and increasing risk factors like obesity and aging.
- Prevalence: An estimated 38.4 million people of all ages in the U.S. have diabetes—about 11.6% of the total population.
- Adults aged 18+: Roughly 14.7% of U.S. adults have diabetes, including both diagnosed and undiagnosed cases.
- By sex:
- Men: 15.4% have diabetes (12.6% diagnosed, 2.8% undiagnosed)
- Women: 14.1% have diabetes (10.2% diagnosed, 3.9% undiagnosed)
- Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native adults in the U.S. do experience significantly higher rates of diabetes compared to non-Hispanic white adults. Below is a snapshot from the most recent CDC
and American Diabetes Association reports.These disparities are influenced by a mix of factors, including limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic challenges, food insecurity, and higher rates of obesity and hypertension.
Cultural and genetic factors may also play a role.
- American Indian/Alaska Native adults: 13.6%
- Non-Hispanic Black adults: 12.1%
- Hispanic adults: 11.7%
- Non-Hispanic white adults: 6.9%
- One in 10 Chinese adults already have diabetes, the finding surpasses other Western nations, including Germany and Canada. As of 2023, China’s adult diabetes prevalence reached approximately 13.7%, up from 7.5% in 2005.
That means over 230 million people in China are living with diabetes, making it the country with the largest diabetic population in the world. In comparison, Germany has a prevalence of about 6.9% and Canada sits at around 7.7%.
The rise is largely attributed to rapid urbanization, dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, and an aging population.
- Diabetes is a silent disease because it can develop gradually and go unnoticed for years—especially type 2 diabetes; however, there are some symptoms of this disease: weight loss, increased urination, excessive thirst,
fatigue and irritability, blurry vision tingling/numbness, hunger, skin problems, slow healing, and/or Candida infections. These symptoms may seem minor on their own, but together they can paint a clear picture.
- Unexplained weight loss: Despite eating normally or even more than usual.
- Frequent urination and excessive thirst: High blood sugar pulls fluid from tissues, making you thirsty and causing more trips to the bathroom.
- Fatigue and irritability: When cells can’t absorb glucose properly, energy levels drop.
- Blurry vision: Sugar buildup can affect the lenses of your eyes.
- Tingling or numbness: Especially in the hands and feet—an early sign of nerve damage.
- Increased hunger: The body isn’t using glucose effectively, so it keeps signaling for more fuel.
- Skin issues: Dryness, itching, or dark patches (especially around the neck or armpits).
- Slow-healing wounds: Poor circulation and immune response delay recovery.
- Frequent infections: Including Candida (yeast) infections, which thrive in high-sugar environments.
- Both parents’ ages linked to autism risk. When the father was over 40 and the mother under 30, the increased risk was 59 percent greater
than for younger men. By contrast, when the father was over 40 and the mother 30 or older, the risk of autism rose 13 percent.
- Lipodystrophy, a syndrome that causes the supporting fatty tissue under the skin to crumble even while the skin continues to grow, often at an alarming rate,
makes people look older, such as it makes a girl, 13, look like she's 50.
- Women who are depressed have an increased risk of
abdominal obesity,
heart disease,
diabetes, and even
cancer.
- Women should not need a mammogram in their 40s, but should get one every two years starting at 50.
- About 25% of Asian-American adults have hypertension (i.e.; having blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 millimeters (mm) mercury (Hg)).
Of which there is about 5.0% for the 20–39 age group, 26.5% for the 40–59 age group, and 59.6% for the 60 and over age group. There are around 15.4 million Asian people in the U.S., which primarily comprise persons of Chinese,
Asian Indian, Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Japanese descent.
- High blood pressure is a risk factor for more than heart disease; left uncontrolled,
you may wind up with a disability, a poor quality of life or even a fatal heart attack. High blood pressure can damage brain, kidneys, eyes, and heart; narrow arteries, cause sexual dysfunction and trouble sleep, and make bone loss.
- Having high blood pressure (HBP) and
coronary artery disease (CAD) puts you at a greater risk of a
heart attack or
stroke. You can have HBP for years without knowing it because HBP itself usually has no symptoms. If your blood pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage your
heart,
blood vessels,
kidneys, and other parts of your body. The numbers in a blood pressure reading include
Systolic and Diastolic. Systolic (the top number) is the maximum pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting or squeezing. Diastolic (the bottom number) represents the pressure in the
arteries when the heart is at rest. The recommended blood pressure goal is below 140/90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). If your blood pressure is above that level, you may have HBP. The most common of medications to treat HBP in people who have CAD is
Beta-blockers, which slow the heart rate, reduce the heart's output of blood, and decrease the force of the heart beat.
- There are 30 different blood types. However, most people have blood types: O, A, B and AB. Type O blood is the most common, it can help other Os and also people
with AB, A and B blood types.The next common one is type A, which can help other As and also people with AB blood types. Type B is one of the rarest blood types, it can help people with B, O, A and AB blood types.
Type AB is the rarest blood type of 4 common ones, it can help people with AB, O, B and A blood types. The major common blood types in the U.S. include O+: 37.4%; O-: 6.6%; A+: 35.7%; A-: 6.3%; B+ 8.5%; B-: 1.5%; AB+: 3.4% and AB-: 0.6%.
- A report released on November 10, 2010 by the CDC found that around 49.9 million Americans aged 18-64 went at least part of the last twelve months without health care insurance coverage. As of early 2024, the CDC reported that
more than 8% of Americans were without health insurance, translating to approximately 27.1 million people. This marks an increase of about 3.4 million uninsured individuals compared to the same period in 2023, when the uninsured
rate was around 7.7%1. This uptick breaks a streak of record-low uninsured rates that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. A key factor behind the rise is the end of pandemic-era policies, such as the pause on Medicaid eligibility checks.
As states resumed these checks, many people lost coverage—a process known as Medicaid “unwinding”. Despite this recent increase, the broader trend since 2019 still shows improvement. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of uninsured
Americans dropped by 8.2 million, and the uninsured rate among working-age adults (18–64) fell from 14.7% to 10.9%.
- Around 46 million Americans under the age of 65 were without health insurance since 2007. In 2024, the number of Americans
under age 65 without health insurance is estimated to be around 27.1 million, or just over 8% of the population. That’s a significant drop from the 46 million figure in 2007, reflecting long-term gains in coverage due
to policy changes like the Affordable Care Act and expanded Medicaid access. However, this year has seen a slight reversal. The uninsured rate has ticked up from 7.7% in 2023, largely due to the end of pandemic-era protections
like continuous Medicaid enrollment—a process known as Medicaid “unwinding”. So while the overall trend since 2007 is positive, 2024 is a reminder that coverage gains can be fragile.
- In 2025, there is no federal COBRA premium subsidy like the one provided during the 2009 economic stimulus or the temporary 100% subsidy under the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. Currently, individuals who elect COBRA
continuation coverage are generally responsible for paying the full premium cost, which includes both the employee and employer share, plus a 2% administrative fee. That said, COBRA still allows eligible individuals—such as
those who lose their job or experience reduced work hours—to maintain their employer-sponsored health insurance for 18 to 36 months, depending on the qualifying event. But without a subsidy, it can be quite expensive.
If COBRA feels out of reach financially, you might want to explore alternatives like (1) Marketplace plans through HealthCare.gov, which may offer subsidies based on income; (2) Medicaid, if your income qualifies;
and Short-term health plans, though these come with limitations. It's noted that in the past, people who lost their jobs can keep COBRA coverage under their former employer's plan for up to 18 months, visit the U.S.
Department of Labor’s COBRA page or call 1-866-444-3272 for personalized help.
- If you've ever been hospitalized, do not make any decisions before you have received, and analyzed, all the bills. Once you've determined what you can afford, ask the hospital's credit officer for interest-free payments. If
the debt is truly unwieldy, ask for the Medicare rate (not the insurance rate) or a charity write-off.
- In 2008, an estimated 57 million people died throughout the world. Of 1000 people died, 159 would have come from high-income countries, 677 from middle-income countries and 163 from low-income countries. In 2024,
an estimated 69.4 million people are projected to die globally—a significant increase from the 57 million deaths in 2008. This rise reflects both population growth and aging demographics. The distribution by income level
has also shifted slightly, around 12.6% of global deaths for high-income countries, approximately 75.5% for middle-income countries, and about 11.9% for low-income countries. This means out of every 1,000 deaths in 2024,
126 would be from high-income countries, 755 from middle-income countries, and 119 from low-income countries. This trend highlights how middle-income nations now bear the largest share of global mortality, often due to
rising rates of noncommunicable diseases like heart disease and cancer.
- In 2008, cardiovascular (schaemic heart) diseases killed 7.3 million people worldwide, of which 6.2 million from stroke or another form of cerebrovascular disease. In 2025, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of
death worldwide, with an estimated 19.4 million global deaths attributed to them—more than double the number from 2008. This includes both ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular conditions like stroke. While the exact
breakdown between heart disease and stroke for 2025 isn't fully published yet, data from recent years suggests that (1) Coronary heart disease (including ischemic heart disease) continues to account for the largest share
of cardiovascular deaths; and (2) Stroke remains a major contributor, responsible for roughly 17–18% of cardiovascular deaths in the U.S., and a similar proportion globally. The rise in deaths is driven by aging populations,
urbanization, and lifestyle-related risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and tobacco use.
- Throughout the world in 2008, more than 8 million deaths were among children under five years of age, and 99% of them were in low- and middle-income countries. In 2025, global child mortality has declined significantly
compared to 2008. According to the latest UN estimates, about 4.8 million children under the age of five died in 2023—the most recent year with complete data. That’s a remarkable drop from over 8 million in 2008, reflecting
decades of progress in child survival. However, the disparity remains stark: over 99% of these deaths still occur in low- and middle-income countries. Many of these deaths are preventable and linked to factors like premature
birth, complications during labor, and lack of access to vaccines, clean water, and basic healthcare. Despite the progress, the pace of improvement has slowed in recent years, and global funding cuts are threatening further gains.
- The U.S. has fewer practicing physicians per capita than many similarly large and wealthy countries with health care systems. The country has only 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people, which lags behind comparable countries, Austria (5.2),
Switzerland (4.3), Germany (4.3), Sweden (4.1), Italy (4.0), Spain (3.9),Australia (3.7), Netherlands (3.2), France (3.2), Belgium (3.1), United Kingdom (2.8) and Canada (2.7). However, the U.S. has slightly more licensed nurses, 17.5 per
1000 people, relative to comparable countries, it just lags behind South Korea (20.5), Sweden (19.7) and Belgium (18). U.S. hospitals have more employees than most comparable countries, but many are administrative workers; the
country has 20.1 hospital employees (per 1,000 people), of which 9.5 handling administrative work, it's just behind Switzerland, which has 25 hospital workers (per 1,000 people), of which 7.6 doing administrative jobs.
- As of March 2019, there are 1,005,295 physicians in the U.S., of which 479,856 are primary care doctors and 525,439 are specialist physicians; California has the largest number of physicians (112,906), and North Dakota has
the lowest number (2,015). As of 2025, the U.S. has approximately 1.1 million active physicians, reflecting steady growth since 2019. Of these (1) around 566,700 are specialist physicians, with emergency medicine being the most
common specialty, (2) the number of primary care physicians is estimated to be just under 540,000, based on recent trends. In terms of state distribution, California still leads with the highest number of physicians,
North Dakota remains among the states with the fewest, though exact 2025 figures by state haven’t been fully published yet. This growth is encouraging, but it’s not evenly spread—rural and underserved areas continue to face
physician shortages.
- Dr. Daniel Hale Williams (January 18, 1856 – August 4, 1931) was the first African American
general surgeon, who in 1893 performed the first documented, successful
pericardium surgery in the United States to repair a wound. A pericardial window is a
cardiac surgical procedure to create a fistula –
or "window" – from the pericardial space to the pleural cavity to allow a
pericardial effusion
(usually malignant) to drain from the space surrounding the heart into the chest cavity – where the fluid is not as dangerous; an untreated pericardial
effusion can lead to cardiac tamponade and death.
Graduated from Northwestern University Medical School, Dr. Williams opened a private practice where his patients were white
and black. Black doctors, however, were not allowed to work in American hospitals at that time; as a result, in 1891, Dr. Williams founded the
Provident Hospital and training school for nurses in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Henry Dalton was the first American to
successfully perform pericardium surgery to repair a wound. Earlier successful surgeries to drain the pericardium, by performing a pericardiostomy were done by
Dr. Francisco Romero in 1801 and Dr. Dominique Jean Larrey in 1810.
- As of 2025, the global health workforce is estimated to exceed 104 million people, a substantial increase from the 60 million reported in 2010. This includes 12.8 million physicians, 29.8 million nurses and midwives,
4.6 million dentistry personnel, 5.2 million pharmaceutical personnel. This growth reflects global efforts to strengthen health systems, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the push toward universal health coverage.
However, the distribution remains highly uneven—many low- and middle-income countries still face critical shortages, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
- A 2018 study led by MIT economist Amy Finkelstein found that medical expenses account for about 4% of personal bankruptcy filings among non-elderly adults in the U.S.. This figure is significantly lower than earlier estimates that
claimed medical bills were responsible for up to 60% of bankruptcies. The researchers used a more rigorous method by linking hospitalization records with credit reports, allowing them to isolate the causal impact of medical events
on bankruptcy. While they confirmed that medical issues can have serious financial consequences—like reduced earnings and employment—they concluded that bankruptcy is a relatively rare outcome of medical hardship.
- Medical Billing Advocates of America, a group that helps patients handle medical bills, and Time Magazine
analyzed hundreds of bills from hospitals and revealed many overcharges on a patient’s itemized bill.
For example, a Tylenol pill for $15, $53 for per pair of gloves, $8 for a grocery bag (to hold your personal items), $8 for a box of tissues, $53 for per non-sterile pair (sterile are higher), $10 for a plastic
cup used to administer medicine, $23 for per alcohol swab, $17.50 for a color mark on the body for surgery, $20 for a blood pressure measurement, $6.25 for a nurse to hand you medicine taken by mouth per instance,
and $93.50 for cost of use of overhead light in operating room.
- Hospital list prices aren't completely irrelevant; however, as they usually serve as a starting point
for negotiations with commercial payers. Hospital charges are essentially their list prices for medical services, which are different from the actual amount of money insurers, patients or the government ends up paying hospitals
in exchange for the services.
- The prices on a hospital's chargemaster bear little relationship to the amount most patients are asked to pay. That's because commercial insurers or government (e.g.; Medicare, Medicaid) negotiate discounts with healthcare
providers on behalf of their members, and the costs are often less than the actual cost of care. Hospitals' rising list prices primarily affect the uninsured and people with coverage but who seek care at hospitals outside of
their insurance network. Many hospitals often allow low-income patients who are uninsured to receive free care or care for a reduced charge.
- UnitedHealth Group is under criminal investigation by the U.S. DOJ
since the last summer for possible Medicare fraud. The authorities are examining whether UnitedHealth Group improperly influenced doctors to diagnose patients with conditions that would
justify higher payments from Medicare Advantage. If proven, this could constitute fraud by inflating the severity of patients' illnesses to increase government reimbursements. This kind of
practice has been scrutinized before in the Medicare Advantage industry, where some insurers have been accused of exaggerating patient conditions to maximize profits. The company has also
faced scrutiny over its billing practices in previous civil fraud investigation. UnitedHealth Group reported $400.3 billion in revenue for 2024, reflecting an 8% year-over-year growth.
|
|
A Cure for Ageing
