Latest Health News
Fred Hutch Presents Cancer Prevention Advances at AACR Annual Meeting
Fred Hutch Cancer Center experts are presenting findings at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting (April 17-22 in San Diego) on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and care. Dr. Chris Li will chair a major symposium on precision screening and present work on developing a blood-based test to determine mammogram screening frequency for women.
Precision Screening Research Focuses on Blood-Based Breast Cancer Detection
Researchers from the Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) Clinical Validation Center are developing innovative blood-based tests to personalize mammogram screening intervals. This work aims to improve early detection and optimize screening protocols for women at risk.
Geospatial Data Applications Expand in Cancer Research
Dr. Trang VoPham will chair a major symposium at AACR discussing advances in using geospatial and neighborhood data to understand cancer patterns and risk factors. This research approach integrates location-based information with cancer epidemiology to identify environmental and social determinants of disease.
Second International One Health Research Workshop Convenes in Texas
The Second International Symposium and Workshop on One Health Research is taking place April 15-17, 2026 in Galveston, Texas. This event brings together global leaders to address integrated approaches to human, animal, and environmental health challenges.
WHO Reports Lung Cancer as Leading Global Cancer Cause
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer cases and deaths worldwide, with an estimated 2.5 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths in 2022. More than 1.3 million cases in men and nearly 500,000 cases in women are preventable, with tobacco smoking accounting for 60-70% of cases, followed by air pollution and occupational exposure.
Early Lung Cancer Detection Improves Survival Outcomes
Screening high-risk individuals for lung cancer has the potential to allow early detection and dramatically improve survival rates. The WHO emphasizes that lung cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited, making early detection critical.
WHO Prioritizes Integrated Lung Health Approach Through 2025 Resolution
The World Health Assembly prioritized lung cancer through the 2025 Resolution on Promoting and prioritizing an integrated lung health approach. Priority actions include supporting tobacco control, reducing environmental carcinogen exposure, strengthening early detection programs, and improving equitable access to cancer treatment and medicines.
Cancer Deaths Remain Leading Global Health Challenge
Cancer was responsible for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, accounting for nearly one in six deaths worldwide. The most common cancers in 2022 were lung (2.5 million cases), breast (2.3 million cases), colon and rectum (1.9 million cases), and prostate (1.5 million cases).
Modifiable Risk Factors Contribute to Quarter of Cancer Deaths
Nearly a quarter of cancer deaths globally are due to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity. Air pollution is also identified as an important risk factor for lung cancer.
Infectious Diseases Account for Significant Cancer Burden in Lower-Income Countries
Cancer-causing infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis are responsible for approximately 30% of cancer cases in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Approximately 10% of cancers diagnosed in 2022 globally were attributed to carcinogenic infections, including Helicobacter pylori, HPV, hepatitis B and C viruses, and Epstein-Barr virus.