BRIDGETOWN – A recent study has found that despite modest improvements on last year, food insecurity in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean remains persistently higher than pre-pandemic levels, driven by the cost-of-living crisis, global economic volatility and the lingering impacts of the pandemic. The Caribbean Food Security and Livelihoods Survey, carried out jointly by the ...

Stelara, choosing between the two therapies “still remains on the table,” a researcher noted.Skyrizi (risankizumab, AbbVie) previously demonstrated noninferiority for clinical remission at week 24, and superior endoscopic remission at week 48 compared with Stelara (ustekinumab, Janssen), as reported in the phase 3b SEQUENCE trial presented at UEG Week 2023. However, questions remained regarding the achievement of clinical

Women of African descent are more likely to be affected by a stroke in their lifetime because they are more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes, to be overweight or obese or have sickle cell anemia and over-consume salt

View the full post Women and stroke  on NOW Grenada.

En el campamento que habían montado los estudiantes dentro del campus de la Universidad de California en Los Ángeles (UCLA), de repente la ginecóloga y obstetra residente Elaine Chan se sintió como una médica en un campo de batalla.

La policía avanzó hacia el campamento luego de horas de enfrentamiento y tensión.

Chan, de 31 años, voluntaria en el puesto de atención médica, dijo que los manifestantes llegaban con dificultades para caminar y con graves heridas punzantes. Pero, por el caos que reinaba afuera, había pocas posibilidades de trasladarlos a un hospital donde se les pudiera brindar otro tipo de cuidados.

Chan expresó su sospecha de que esas lesiones habían sido causadas por balas de goma u otros proyectiles “menos letales”. Después del desalojo del campamento, la policía confirmó que había usado estos dispositivos.

“Los proyectiles atravesaron la piel y se clavaron profundamente en el cuerpo de las personas”, explicó Chan. “Todos sangraban profusamente. Los médicos que nos especializamos en obstetricia y ginecología no hemos sido capacitados para atender heridos por balas de goma… No podía creer que se permitiera atacar de ese modo a civiles, a estudiantes, que tenían ningún equipo de protección”.

La protesta de la UCLA, que reunió a miles de personas que se oponen a los continuos bombardeos de Israel sobre la Franja de Gaza, comenzó en abril y alcanzó un peligroso crescendo en mayo, cuando manifestantes pro Israel y la policía se enfrentaron a los activistas y a los que los apoyaban.

En entrevistas con KFF Health News, Chan y otros tres médicos voluntarios describieron cómo debieron atender a manifestantes con heridas sangrantes, lesiones en la cabeza y huesos presuntamente fracturados en una clínica improvisada en tiendas de campaña, sin electricidad ni agua corriente.

En los puestos sanitarios del campamento hubo día y noche médicos, enfermeras, estudiantes de medicina, paramédicos y voluntarios sin formación médica formal.

En muchos momentos, la escalada de la violencia fuera de la carpa sanitaria fue de tal magnitud que impedía que los manifestantes heridos llegaran hasta las ambulancias, explicaron los médicos. Esto obligó a que los heridos fueran caminando por sus propios medios hasta algún hospital cercano. A otros los llevaron más allá de los límites de la protesta para trasladarlos a una sala de emergencias.

“Nunca había estado en una situación en la que se nos impidiera ofrecer una atención de mayor nivel”, dijo Chan. “Y eso me aterrorizó”.

Tres de los médicos entrevistados por KFF Health News dijeron que estaban presentes el 2 de mayo, cuando la policía arrasó el campamento, y describieron que debieron ocuparse de múltiples lesiones que parecían haber sido causadas por proyectiles “menos letales”.

Estos proyectiles “menos letales” incluyen balas llenas de perdigones de metales pesados o plomo; y municiones comúnmente conocidas como balas de goma. Los utiliza la policía para controlar a sospechosos o para dispersar multitudes y protestas.

La policía recibió una condena generalizada por haber utilizado estas armas contra las manifestaciones del movimiento Black Lives Matter, que se extendieron por todo el país tras el asesinato de George Floyd en 2020.

Aunque el nombre de estas armas parece minimizar su peligrosidad, los proyectiles menos letales pueden viajar a más de 200 mph y está comprobada su capacidad de herir, mutilar o matar.   

Las entrevistas a los médicos que atendieron en la posta sanitaria contradicen directamente la versión del Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles (LAPD). Después que los agentes desalojaran el campamento, el jefe de Policía, Dominic Choi, afirmó en una publicación en la plataforma social X que “no hubo heridos graves entre los agentes ni entre los manifestantes” durante el operativo en el hubo más de 200 arrestos.

En las respuestas enviadas por correo electrónico a las preguntas de KFF Health News, tanto el Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles como la Patrulla de Carreteras de California afirmaron que investigarían cómo habían actuado sus agentes durante la protesta en la UCLA. Esas indagaciones, dijeron, darán lugar a un “informe detallado”.

La declaración de la Patrulla de Carreteras asegura que los oficiales advirtieron previamente a los manifestantes que si no se dispersaban podrían utilizar “municiones no letales”.

Después que algunos manifestantes se convirtieran en una “amenaza inmediata” porque “lanzaban objetos y armas”, algunos oficiales utilizaron “balas cinéticas especiales para protegerse a sí mismos, a otros oficiales y a los miembros del público”. Un agente resultó con heridas leves, según el comunicado.

Las imágenes de un video que circuló por Internet después del desalojo del campamento parecían mostrar a un oficial de la Patrulla de Carreteras disparando con una escopeta estos proyectiles de menor letalidad contra los manifestantes.

“El uso de la fuerza y cualquier incidente que implique el uso de un arma por parte del personal de la CHP es un asunto serio, y la CHP llevará a cabo una investigación justa e imparcial para garantizar que las acciones fueron coherentes con la política y la ley”, respondió la Patrulla de Carreteras en su declaración.

El Departamento de Policía de la UCLA, que también participó en el operativo vinculado a la protesta, no respondió al pedido de testimonio de KFF Health News.

Jack Fukushima, de 28 años, estudiante de medicina de la UCLA y socorrista voluntario, contó que presenció cómo un agente de policía les disparó a por lo menos dos manifestantes con proyectiles de menor letalidad.

Entre ellos, a un hombre que se desplomó tras recibir un impacto “justo en el pecho”. Fukushima explicó que, junto con otros médicos, acompañaron al hombre, aturdido, a la carpa sanitaria. Luego volvieron a la zona de los enfrentamientos para buscar más heridos.

“Realmente lo sentí como una guerra”, aseguró Fukushima. “Encontrarse con semejante brutalidad policial fue muy descorazonador”.

Cuando los médicos estuvieron de regreso en la primera línea, la Policía ya había traspasado los límites del campamento y se encontraba forcejeando directamente con los manifestantes, recordó Fukushima.

En esa situación, el socorrista vio como el mismo policía que antes le había disparado al herido que habían llevado al puesto sanitario ahora le disparaba a otro manifestante en el cuello. El muchacho cayó al suelo. Fukushima supuso lo peor y corrió a su lado.

“Cuando logré acercarme le pregunté: ‘Oye, ¿estás bien?’”, contó Fukushima. “Y él, con una valentía impresionante, me respondió: ‘Sí, no es mi primera vez’. Y volvió de inmediato a la acción”.

Sonia Raghuram, de 27 años, otra estudiante de medicina que colaboró en la carpa sanitaria dijo que durante el operativo policial atendió a un manifestante que tenía una herida punzante abierta en la espalda, a otro con un moretón del tamaño de una moneda en el centro del pecho y a un tercero con un corte que sangraba “a borbotones” sobre el ojo derecho y que probablemente tenía una costilla rota.

Raghuram contó que los pacientes le dijeron que las heridas habían sido causadas por los proyectiles policiales, lo que, según ella, coincidía con la gravedad de sus lesiones.

Los pacientes les advirtieron claramente que los agentes de policía se estaban acercando a la posta sanitaria, dijo Raghuram, pero ella no se movió.

“Nunca abandonaremos a un paciente”, aseguró, aludiendo al mantra de la carpa médica. “No me importa que nos detengan. Si estoy atendiendo a un paciente, eso es lo prioritario”, concluyó.

La protesta de la UCLA es una de las muchas que se han organizado en campus universitarios de todo el país. Los estudiantes que se oponen a la guerra que Israel mantiene en Gaza exigen que la universidad apoye un alto el fuego y que se retiren las inversiones que pueda tener en empresas vinculadas a Israel.

La Policía utilizó la fuerza para desalojar a los manifestantes de campamentos en la Universidad de Columbia, la Universidad de Emory y las universidades de Arizona, Utah y el sur de Florida, entre otras.

En el campus de la UCLA, el 25 de abril los estudiantes que protestaban instalaron tiendas de campaña en una plaza cubierta de césped frente al teatro Royce Hall.

El asentamiento atrajo a miles de simpatizantes, según Los Angeles Times. Días más tarde, una “violenta turba” de manifestantes de signo contrario “atacó el campamento”, informó el Times, e intentó derribar las barricadas que protegían sus límites, arrojando fuegos artificiales contra las carpas que había en su interior.

La noche siguiente, la Policía declaró ilegal la demostración y luego desalojó el campamento en las primeras horas del 2 de mayo. Hubo cientos de arrestos.

La Policía ha sido muy criticada por no haber intervenido durante el enfrentamiento entre los manifestantes que acampaban y los que fueron a atacarlos, una confrontación que se prolongó durante horas.

La red de Universidades de California anunció que había contratado a un consultor independiente en materia policial para que investigara los actos de violencia y para “resolver las preguntas sin respuesta sobre la planificación y los protocolos de la UCLA, así como sobre el trabajo de colaboración interinstitucional”.

Charlotte Austin, de 34 años, residente de cirugía, dijo que cuando los manifestantes opositores atacaron el campamento de protesta, vio a unos 10 agentes de seguridad privada del campus de pie, “con las manos en los bolsillos”, mientras los estudiantes eran golpeados y ensangrentados.

Austin asegura que atendió a pacientes con cortes en la cara y posibles fracturas de cráneo. La posta médica envió al menos a 20 personas al hospital esa noche, agregó.

“Cualquier profesional de la medicina calificaría esas lesiones de graves”, dijo Austin. “Hubo personas que debieron ser internadas, no se limitó solo a una visita a la sala de emergencias, sino que necesitaron una hospitalización real”.

Tácticas policiales: “lícitas pero horribles”

Los manifestantes de la UCLA no son los primeros heridos por proyectiles de menor letalidad, ni mucho menos.

En los últimos años, la policía de todo Estados Unidos ha disparado cientos de veces estas armas contra manifestantes, sin que prácticamente exista una normativa general que regule su uso o su seguridad. Algunos de los heridos nunca han vuelto a ser los mismos y las ciudades han gastado millones para responder a las demandas de los damnificados.

Durante las protestas que se produjeron en todo el país tras la muerte de George Floyd a manos de la policía en 2020, al menos 60 manifestantes sufrieron lesiones graves —incluso ceguera y fractura de mandíbula— por disparos de estos proyectiles, a veces en aparente violación de las políticas de los departamentos de policía, según una investigación conjunta de KFF Health News y USA Today.

En 2004, en Boston, una estudiante universitaria que celebraba la victoria de los Red Sox murió por el impacto de un proyectil lleno de gas pimienta, que le atravesó el ojo y le llegó al cerebro.

“Se llaman ‘menos letales’ por una razón”, sentenció Jim Bueermann, ex jefe de policía de Redlands, en California, que ahora lidera el Future Policing Institute. “Pueden matarte”.

Bueermann, que a petición de KFF Health News revisó las imágenes de video de la intervención de la policía en la UCLA, dijo que muestran a agentes de la Patrulla de Carreteras de California disparando balas de salva con una escopeta.

Bueermann opinó que las imágenes no proporcionaban suficiente contexto como para determinar si los proyectiles se estaban utilizando “razonablemente”, según indica la norma establecida por los tribunales federales, o se estaban disparando “indiscriminadamente”, lo que fue prohibido por una ley de California en 2021.

“Hay un dicho en la Policía — “legal pero horrible”— lo que significa que es razonable bajo los estándares legales, pero se ve terrible”, explicó Bueermann. “Y creo que un policía cargando múltiples balas en una escopeta y disparando contra los manifestantes, no es algo que se vea muy bien”.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

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Glenmark’s Brimonidine Tartrate and Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.2%|0.5% has been determined by the FDA to be bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to Combigan Ophthalmic Solution, 0.2%|0.5%, of AbbVie, Inc., and will be distributed in the U.S. by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA.

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This is where Tameka Jones comes in. She is one of the phlebotomists with the Blood Collection Centre of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Located in Jemmotts Lane, Ladymeade Garden, a stone’s throw from the Winston Scott Polyclinic, the pale blue building is home to the national blood bank.

Jones is on a mission to dispel fears and encourage more Barbadians to donate blood. Her insights reveal not only the challenges faced by the blood bank but also the crucial role of community involvement in maintaining a steady blood supply.

“There’s a significant fear of giving blood among Barbadians, and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why,” she told Barbados TODAY. “The biggest reason people give is their fear of needles. It’s understandable — needles can be daunting — but really, it’s just one small prick. That initial prick might cause a little stinging sensation, but it doesn’t last throughout the donation process. Once you get over that first prick, you’re good to go.”

Despite the efforts to normalise blood donation, the blood bank routinely appeals for donors. Jones acknowledges this ongoing struggle: “We need a constant supply of blood available for surgeries, injuries, and other medical needs. We want more people to come in voluntarily, not just when a family member or friend needs blood. This helps us maintain a stable supply and be prepared for any situation.”

Jones admits it’s hard to provide a specific number of the ideal supply levels. “The blood bank has a quota they aim to maintain. Whenever we approach that minimum level, we put out an appeal. It’s crucial to always have enough blood on hand to meet our needs.”

She recently participated in an initiative at the Golden Square Freedom Park – a health screening fair put on by the Rotary Club of Barbados along with Ricky Wilson, the unit’s ‘Blood Ambassador’ – holder of the record for the most consistent donor.

Jones aims to give Wilson more companions. “Our goal is to get more people to donate voluntarily. Currently, we mostly see replacement donors — those who donate to a specific person in need. If we have more voluntary donors, we wouldn’t face shortages when emergencies arise,” she said.

For his part, Wilson is a resolute pillar of advocacy in the realm of blood donation. He dedicates his time to spreading awareness and encouraging voluntary blood donations.

“My journey began in sixth form at [Harrison] College,” he recalled. “One of our classmates was involved in a hit-and-run accident, and the headmaster asked for volunteers over 18 to donate blood. We were eager to skip classes but also scared. Surprisingly, the experience was far more positive than we anticipated. Since then, I’ve been a regular donor.”

Reflecting on his long-term commitment, the public servant added: “I’ll be 62 this year and have given blood over 130 times. My next donation will likely be on June 14th, World Blood Donor Day, when the Blood Collection Centre holds a special drive.”

His extensive experience makes him an ideal advocate. “The process is straightforward and safe,” he explained. “You fill out a questionnaire, get a small pinprick to check your platelet count, and once you’re cleared, they take your blood pressure. The area is sterilised, and then you’re hooked up to donate. It takes about 10-15 minutes to fill a bag.

“After donating, you rest for 15 minutes, have some juice and biscuits, and then you’re good to go. The entire process takes about 45 minutes. It’s a small-time commitment for a significant impact—you can potentially save up to three lives with one donation.”

Acknowledging that people are often frightened of needles and worry about the safety of the process, he added: “It’s one of the safest procedures, thanks to rigorous protocols ensuring both donor and recipient safety. There used to be fears about STIs and STDs, but those concerns are mitigated by strict screening and testing of all blood donations.”

Wilson pointed to the importance of voluntary donors over replacement donors, who donate to specific individuals.

“We aim to increase the number of voluntary donors to maintain a steady blood supply without urgent appeals. Ideally, we’d love to have at least one blood donor in every family,” he said.

“We use special drives like World Blood Donor Day to attract new donors and encourage them to return regularly. Even donating twice a year can make a huge difference.”

The Blood Collection Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Some practical advice for donors: it is best to eat something and drink plenty of fluids before coming.

Wilson assured: “The well-trained and knowledgeable team is there to make the process as smooth as possible.”

The post Blood brothers and sisters: Unit seeks more donors appeared first on Barbados Today.

Santo Domingo.- With the aim of providing a comprehensive and safe healthcare environment for its patients, the Medical Center for Diabetes, Obesity, and Specialties (CEMDOE) has officially commenced the expansion of its services. This expansion, with an approximate investment of 22 million dollars, will include a modern emergency and stabilization area, as well as hospitalization services and an intensive care unit, providing a complete medical care environment.

Mariela Vicini, founder of CEMDOE, expressed that “the addition of these new services reflects our unwavering commitment to offer the most comprehensive care, covering all the needs of our patients and accompanying them in every step of their recovery.”

Furthermore, this expansion will also add more than 30 new beds, 4 high-complexity operating rooms, an endoscopy room, and a hemodynamics unit, significantly increasing the medical center’s capacity for care. Additionally, this includes expanding support services such as sterilization central, hospital laundry, among others.

“This expansion symbolizes our continuous effort to provide not only comprehensive healthcare but also safe in all aspects,” states Dr. Gastón Gabin, CEO of CEMDOE. “As the first medical center in the Dominican Republic accredited by the Joint Commission International, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety, now towards its hospital version, ensuring that each patient receives the best possible care in an environment that supports their well-being.”

In addition to the inclusion of these new services, CEMDOE continues to invest in digitalization through its digital medical record, which evolves at the hospital level and will allow comprehensive and coordinated patient care in all the healthcare services offered by the center, optimizing the quality and efficiency of care.

To date, CEMDOE offers more than 40 clinical specialties, through which they have impacted 80,000 patients in healthcare. Additionally, it generates more than 400 direct and indirect jobs, and with this expansion, more than 150 additional jobs are expected. This not only strengthens the operational capacity of the center for quality patient care but also contributes to the development of the healthcare sector in the country.

Regular salt use linked to 41% higher gastric cancer risk, study finds In a recent study published in Gastric Cancer, researchers found that individuals who always add salt to food were at a higher risk for gastric cancer than individuals who rarely or never added salt.Gastric cancer — also known as stomach cancer — is the fifth most common cancer in the world. Many factors contribute to the risk for gastric cancer, including smoking, increased age, obesity, and family history.Previous studies have indicated that regular consumption of salt is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. The high sodium content in table salt has been linked to the development of gastric cancer due to its potential to damage the lining of the stomach and promote inflammation.Excessive salt intake can lead to the formation of carcinogenic compounds in the stomach, increasing the risk of cancerous growths. In the study, researchers utilized data from the UK Biobank, incorporating 471,144 participants in their analysis. These participants completed baseline questionnaires detailing their frequency of adding salt to food, excluding salt used during cooking. Additionally, researchers measured urinary sodium, creatinine, and potassium levels to estimate 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Covariates such as physical activity levels, age, alcohol use, red meat consumption, and fruit and vegetable intake were accounted for in the analysis. The median follow-up period with participants lasted 10.9 years.The study found that during the follow-up period, 640 cases of gastric cancer were documented among participants. Researchers observed that individuals who consistently added salt to food faced a 41% higher risk of gastric cancer compared to those who seldom or never did so. While there was an association between more frequent salt addition and increased 24-hour urinary sodium levels, researchers did not find a significant link between 24-hour urinary sodium levels and gastric cancer.The findings suggested that examining the frequency of added salt use at the table may be a simple way to assist in identifying individuals with high salt intake who may, in turn, be at risk for gastric cancer.“Excessive salt intake has long been linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Now, emerging evidence from this study suggests that routine consumption of salt with meals may also heighten the risk of developing gastric cancer. Given the well-established health risks associated with salt, it's crucial for people to recognize and limit their intake to mitigate potential harm,” said Anton Bilchik, chief of medicine, and Director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute.Reference: Kronsteiner-Gicevic, S., Thompson, A.S., Gaggl, M. et al. Adding salt to food at table as an indicator of gastric cancer risk among adults: a prospective study. Gastric Cancer (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10120-024-01502-9Plant-based diet provides various health benefits, study says According to a study published in the journal PLoS ONE, vegetarian and vegan diets have been linked to improved cardiovascular health and reduced cancer risk, along with lower incidences of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.Previous research has found a connection between specific dietary patterns and elevated risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Diets characterized by low intake of plant-based foods and high consumption of meat, refined grains, sugar, and salt have been associated with increased mortality rates.To mitigate these risks, recommendations have been made to reduce the consumption of animal-derived products in favour of plant-based alternatives, with the aim of lowering the incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Nevertheless, the comprehensive benefits of adopting such dietary changes remain uncertain.In the study, researchers conducted a comprehensive review of 48 papers published between January 2000 and June 2023. These papers had compiled evidence from various prior studies. Employing an "umbrella" review methodology, the researchers extracted and analyzed data from the 48 papers to investigate the associations between plant-based diets, cardiovascular health, and cancer risk.The analysis revealed that vegetarian and vegan diets are strongly linked to improved health indicators related to cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, and mortality. These diets are associated with lower blood pressure, better blood sugar management, and healthier body mass index. Moreover, they are linked to decreased risk of ischemic heart disease, gastrointestinal and prostate cancer, as well as reduced cardiovascular disease mortality.These findings indicated that plant-based diets offer notable health advantages. However, researchers caution that the strength of this association is substantially constrained due to variations including differences in diet types, participant characteristics, study durations, and other variables. Additionally, certain plant-based diets may lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies in certain individuals.“Our study evaluates the different impacts of animal-free diets for cardiovascular health and cancer risk showing how a vegetarian diet can be beneficial to human health and be one of the effective preventive strategies for the two most impactful chronic diseases on human health in the 21st century,” said the authors.Reference: Angelo Capodici, Gabriele Mocciaro, Davide Gori, et al.; Cardiovascular health and cancer risk associated with plant based diets: An umbrella review; PLoS ONE; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300711Infertility treatment linked to risk of postpartum heart disease: Study A study conducted by Rutgers Health experts analysing over 31 million hospital records indicated that individuals undergoing infertility treatment were twice as likely to be hospitalised for heart disease in the year following delivery compared to those who conceived naturally.The study, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, found that patients who underwent infertility were particularly likely — 2.16 times as likely as those who conceived naturally — to undergo hospitalisation for dangerously high blood pressure or hypertension.Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of maternal mortality, contributing to an increased number of maternal deaths over the years and now accounting for 26% of pregnancy-related deaths.Infertility treatment is becoming more prevalent as a means to attain pregnancy, with approximately 12.2% of women of reproductive age seeking such services between 2015 and 2019. Assisted reproductive technology accounted for about 2% of births in 2018. However, alongside its increasing use, infertility treatment has been associated with adverse outcomes for both mothers and newborns. These include heightened risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes.Previous study has found that women who delivered after in vitro fertilization (IVF) reported a higher rate of hypertension and more incident strokes compared with those who delivered after spontaneous conception. In the study, researchers utilized the Nationwide Readmissions Database and included 287,813 patients who had undergone various forms of infertility treatment.The analysis revealed that infertility treatment significantly predicted a markedly increased risk of heart disease. Specifically, among women who received infertility treatment, 550 out of every 100,000 were hospitalized with cardiovascular disease in the year following delivery. In contrast, among those who conceived naturally, the rate was lower, with 355 out of every 100,000 women hospitalized with cardiovascular disease.“Postpartum checkups are crucial for all patients, especially those who undergo infertility treatment to conceive, as highlighted by this study. Early follow-up care is essential, as indicated by a series of studies revealing serious risks of heart disease and stroke within the initial 30 days after delivery. However, the exact cause of the elevated risk of heart disease associated with infertility treatment remains unclear. It could be attributed to the treatments themselves, underlying medical conditions contributing to infertility, or other factors” said the study authors.Reference: Rei Yamada, Devika Sachdev, Rachel Lee, Mark V. Sauer, Cande V. Ananth; Infertility treatment is associated with increased risk of postpartum hospitalization due to heart disease; Journal of Internal Medicine; https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.13773

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. — with one in five Americans developing the disease by the age of 70.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, expected to take the lives of more than 8,200 people in the U.S. this year.

This May, for Skin Cancer Awareness Month, two melanoma patients are sharing their stories of how they overcame this invasive form of the disease.

SKIN CANCER CHECKS AND SUNSCREEN: WHY THESE (STILL) MATTER VERY MUCH FOR GOOD HEALTH

One even wrongly assumed that what she was experiencing "was just a normal part of aging and sun exposure." Here's what others can learn.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce the skin’s pigmentation (color).

Most cases — but not all — are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Melanoma can affect people of all skin tones and types.

"Melanoma is one of the most common type of cancer in younger patients," Nayoung Lee, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, told Fox News Digital.

The prognosis is "very good" when melanoma is detected early, but the survival rate falls steeply when it is detected at a more advanced stage, she noted. 

"Melanoma can spread through the bloodstream to your lymph nodes and distant organs, so it is crucial to do regular skin exams to try to catch it at an early stage," Lee said.

Abby Weiner, 43, a wife and mother of three young boys living in Washington, D.C., had always been careful about protecting her skin from the sun — which is why her Oct. 2023 melanoma diagnosis was such a shock, she said.

"I had a spot on my cheek that started as a freckle and began getting darker and larger," she told Fox News Digital. 

"I assumed it was just a normal part of aging and sun exposure."

VACCINE FOR DEADLY SKIN CANCER SHOWS ‘GROUNDBREAKING’ RESULTS IN CLINICAL TRIAL

Weiner’s sister encouraged her to get it checked out — which led to a biopsy and diagnosis. 

"I was obviously shocked and frightened at first," said Weiner.  

Her melanoma was removed using Mohs surgery, a procedure in which thin layers of skin are removed one at a time. 

"I required two procedures to remove the cancer and surrounding margins," she said. "Now, most people don't even know I had surgery."

To others, Weiner’s advice is to remember to seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis all year long. 

"I thought I was careful about protecting myself from sun exposure by wearing a hat or applying sunscreen when my family was at the pool or planning to be outdoors — but if we were eating outdoors and there wasn't a table in the shade, I would end up sitting in the sun."

Now, Weiner said she will wait a little longer for a shaded table, and she always keeps a hat and sunscreen with her.

"My sons used to have difficulty applying sunscreen and wearing hats, but now that they've seen the impact skin cancer had on me, they are more cooperative," she said.

CANCER SCREENINGS: HERE ARE 5 TYPES AND CRITICAL INFORMATION TO KNOW ABOUT EACH

Weiner also recommends that everyone gets yearly skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist. 

"I have so many friends — and even my sister, who probably saved my life — who didn't regularly see a dermatologist for a yearly skin check before they learned about my melanoma."

Steve Murray, 68, of the greater Washington, D.C. area, has worked in construction for several decades. 

During his childhood, Murray spent summers at the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey, and winter visits to Florida, where he was exposed to the sun and didn’t do much to protect himself.

In the late 1990s, Murray was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma, a variation of skin cancer that tends to develop in people who have had a lot of sun exposure.

In 2008, he was diagnosed with melanoma.

"My initial symptoms included itching and scaling on my head, followed by irritation," he told Fox News Digital. 

"Then there was discoloration and irregularity in the shape of my moles."

Initially, Murray feared the worst — "mainly death" — but his dermatologist determined that the melanoma was only on his scalp and hadn’t traveled to his lymph nodes.

Like Weiner, Murray had Mohs surgery to get rid of the cancer — and he was cleared.

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Since that diagnosis, Murray has had several more bouts of skin cancer.

In 2024, he underwent two surgeries for squamous cell carcinoma on his hand and back. 

Now, Murray visits the dermatologist every three to six months. Also, he always wears a hat, sunscreen and long sleeves whenever possible to protect himself from the sun.

Murray’s advice to others is to make sun protection a priority when outdoors.

"You don’t notice at the time of initial exposure, but it haunts you later in life when you start developing pre-cancers and skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma that require immediate attention," he told Fox News Digital.

"Capturing these pre-cancers and cancers of the skin must be diagnosed early with regular checkups," he added. "Failure to do so could lead to death."

Dr. Lee of NYU Langone Health shared five tips to help prevent potentially deadly skin cancers like melanoma.

"Avoiding a burn is really only half the battle — there is no such thing as a base tan," Lee said. "Damaged skin is damaged skin."

For a safer way to achieve a sun-kissed glow on your first beach day of the summer, Lee recommends using self-tanning products.

When applying sunscreen, Lee recommends using 1 ounce, which would fill a shot glass. 

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"It should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and say ‘broad-spectrum’ on the label, which protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays," she said. 

Reapply at least every 80 minutes, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.

Physical sunscreen contains zinc or titanium, which is superior in efficacy to chemical sunscreen, according to Lee.

"Check your skin regularly so you know what’s normal and to notice any changes or new growths," Lee advised. 

"Seek a dermatologist’s evaluation if you notice a changing, bleeding or persistently itchy spot."

This is the best way to determine if any mole or blemish is cancerous, according to Lee. 

The ABCDE rule tells you what to look for when examining your skin. 

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The A stands for asymmetrical. "Noncancerous moles are typically symmetrical," Lee said. 

B is for border, as the border of a cancerous spot or mole may be irregular or blurred. 

C stands for color. "A typical mole tends to be evenly colored, usually a single shade of brown," Lee noted. 

"Not all melanomas are dark and scary-appearing. They can be amelanotic, which means they can be more skin colored or pink."

D stands for diameter of the spot or mole, which may be a warning sign if it’s larger than 6 millimeters, according to Lee.

If the spot is evolving, which is what E stands for, it might be of concern.

Lee added, "Because melanomas can vary in appearance, it is important to see a dermatologist regularly for skin exams if you have a history of significant sun exposure, have many atypical appearing moles, or a family or personal history of melanoma so that you have an experienced set of eyes looking at any spots of concern."

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