Millions of Americans have survived cancer thanks, in part, to medical research.

(NAPSI)—Good news: According to a recent report from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), discoveries across basic, translational, and clinical research as well as population sciences are driving advances in cancer medicine and early detection, leading to a steady decline in the overall U.S. cancer death rate, and allowing more people to live longer and fuller lives after a cancer diagnosis.

From the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025, here’s a look at some recent breakthroughs.

Between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 20 new anticancer therapeutics, including:

• the first T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapy, approved for patients with soft tissue sarcoma;
• a new therapeutic antibody targeting a novel protein on stomach cancer cells, which helps those with gastric or gastroesophageal cancer;
• the first IDH-targeted therapy for treating brain tumors, which is bringing new hope to young adult patients who have a mutation in this gene; and
• two new antibody-drug conjugates, both of which were approved to treat lung cancer and one that was also approved to treat breast cancer.

At the same time, FDA also approved:

• new uses for eight previously approved anticancer therapeutics;
• a wearable device that uses low-intensity electrical fields to slow the growth of lung cancer cells;
• two new minimally invasive early detection screening tests, including the first liquid biopsy test and a next-generation multitarget stool DNA test for colorectal cancer screening;
• a device for at-home sample collection for cervical cancer screening; and
• several AI-powered devices and software tools for aiding in cancer risk prediction, diagnosis, and early detection.

Survival Statistics: Due to a reduction in smoking rates as well as advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment, the age-adjusted overall cancer death rate in the United States fell by 34 percent between 1991 and 2023, a reduction that translates into averting more than 4.5 million deaths from cancer.

What’s more, the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined has increased from 49 percent for those diagnosed between 1975 and 1977 to 70 percent among those diagnosed between 2015 and 2021.

As a result, there are more than 18.6 million adults and children with a history of cancer living in the United States, representing 5.5 percent of the total U.S. population.

The AACR’s annual Cancer Progress Report is a cornerstone of the organization’s educational and advocacy efforts. This comprehensive report provides the latest statistics on cancer incidence, mortality, and survivorship and highlights how federal investments in basic, translational, and clinical cancer research and cancer-related population sciences have led to impressive scientific advances that are improving health and saving lives.

The Challenge: The report also highlights how progress is now in jeopardy due to prolonged funding uncertainty and political interference that are weakening cancer research, undermining scientific integrity, and eroding the infrastructure that turns discovery into lifesaving patient care.

The Call to Action

To help address the funding challenges facing cancer research, the report issues a strong, timely call to action urging policymakers to stand up in support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), FDA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and to provide a robust funding increase for cancer research in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

Learn More

For additional facts and to read the report, visit CancerProgessReport.org.

There are several steps you can take to stay healthy as you get older.

by Dr. Heidi Schwarzwald

(NAPSI)—Healthy aging isn’t just about luck and genetics; it’s about empowering yourself to live your best life as you get older. By focusing on healthy habits, strong support networks and proactive care, you can significantly improve your quality of life, allowing you to age on your own terms.

As a physician, I often hear questions from older adults about maintaining their health and independence. While individual needs and preferences vary, I typically suggest focusing on three key pillars: preventing falls, managing prescription medications and developing a personal health management plan. There are simple actions you can take as early as today to stay healthy on your terms.

Preventing Falls to Stay Steady and Independent

Aging brings changes to muscle strength, bone density, balance and reaction time. If not addressed proactively, these shifts can make older adults more susceptible to falls. Falls are the primary cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults, yet many are preventable.

Simple preventative measures can significantly reduce your risk of falling and help you maintain your independence – here are a few focus areas to consider:

• Home Safety: Modify your living environment by eliminating tripping hazards, enhancing lighting and installing grab bars in bathrooms.
• Physical Activity: Incorporate balance and strength-training exercises, such as tai chi, yoga or walking, to improve stability and coordination.
• Vision and Footwear: Ensure regular eye examinations and wear supportive, non-slip footwear to prevent stumbles.
• Medication Review: Consult with a health care provider to identify any medications that may induce dizziness or drowsiness, thereby increasing the risk of falls.

Managing Medications with Clarity and Confidence

Many older adults take more prescription medications as they age, which can be challenging to manage. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that more than four out of 10 adults aged 65 or older take five or more medications, often prescribed by multiple health care providers.

Effective medication management goes beyond simply filling and taking prescriptions. It’s crucial to know when and how to take them, as well as understanding why you need them. That’s the focus of the comprehensive medication review Signify Health clinicians complete with health plan members during an In-Home Health Evaluation (IHE). There are also steps that you can take to stay on track and be prepared:

• Know Your Medications: Understand why you take each medication, what it does and any potential side effects to monitor. Maintain an up-to-date list of all your medications, including doses and reasons for taking them. This list should include over-the-counter drugs, supplements and herbal remedies, and is something that you should share with your primary care provider (PCP).
• Use and Store Them Correctly: Understand how and when to take your medications and what to do if a dose is missed. Be sure to store them properly to maintain their effectiveness.

A personal health management plan – developed with your PCP – is important for healthy aging. A tailored plan provides structure, especially for managing chronic conditions and shifts your care from reactive to proactive, significantly improving your quality of life by addressing key areas of physical, mental and emotional well-being.

A healthy aging plan depends on the individual but there are universal components that I recommend for older adults:

• Regular Check-ups with your Primary Care Provider: Foster a trusting relationship with your PCP and prioritize routine physicals and screenings for early detection of potential health concerns.
• Know Your Numbers: Regularly monitor and track key health metrics, like blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, engage in consistent physical activity and ensure adequate sleep.
• Mental and Emotional Health: Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. This includes annual cognitive tests; seeking support for stress, anxiety or depression; and participating in activities that promote mental stimulation and social connection.

How Signify Health Can Support Healthy Aging

Signify Health can be part of your healthy aging support system starting with an In-Home Health Evaluation. These evaluations are a cornerstone of proactive health care, designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your health status. Through IHEs, our experienced clinicians can help identify potential health risks early, facilitate the development of personal health management plans, and help connect you with the appropriate resources and support to help you optimize your health as you age. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer In-Home Health Evaluations at no cost to members and it’s easy to see if this is an option for you. To check your eligibility and schedule an IHE, visit HelloSignify.com or call 1-855-984-5121.

By focusing on these key areas – preventing falls, managing your medications and developing a personal health management plan – you can empower yourself and your loved ones to take the necessary steps toward healthy aging.

Taking small steps now can protect your health today and into the future.

(NAPSI) – Prediabetes and heart disease are two of the most common – and preventable – health threats in the U.S. More than 98 million adults have prediabetes, while heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death, claiming a life every 34 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because both diseases often progress silently, many people don’t realize they’re at risk until serious complications occur. The good news: Early detection and prevention can make a big difference.

Understanding Prediabetes

Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet at the threshold of diabetes. Left untreated, it often leads to type 2 diabetes and increases cardiovascular risk. Alarmingly, more than eight in 10 adults with prediabetes don’t know they have it, the CDC reports. That’s why regular screening is so important.

Understanding Heart Disease

The term “heart disease” covers a range of conditions, but the most common in the U.S. is coronary artery disease (CAD), which reduces blood flow to the heart and can trigger a heart attack. Nearly half of adults over 40, says Medical News Today, may have undiagnosed heart disease, and the CDC estimates one in five heart attacks are “silent.”

Shared Risk Factors

Prediabetes and heart disease share many of the same risk factors: being overweight, living a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. About half of U.S. adults have at least one of these risks, the CDC believes. Without lifestyle changes or treatment, prediabetes can progress into type 2 diabetes, a condition strongly linked to heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, these risks aren’t limited to older adults; conditions like prediabetes are increasingly seen in teens and younger adults. Taking the CDC’s prediabetes risk test and knowing your numbers – blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose – are important first steps. MinuteClinic®, the medical clinic inside select CVS Pharmacy® locations, offers screening options for each of these measures.

Stress, depression and anxiety also play a role, worsening blood sugar control and heart health. Understanding this connection, and to support whole-person care, MinuteClinic now offers virtual talk therapy for patients 13 and older in 49 states, seven days a week, with evening appointments available.

Screening and Early Detection

Simple screenings can support early detection, reducing the risk of life-altering complications. A plasma glucose test requires only a quick finger stick after an overnight fast. Blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose checks are equally quick and valuable. MinuteClinic providers are trained to interpret results, give guidance and create an action plan for your care.

Prevention and Lifestyle

The most powerful defense is prevention. Evidence shows that modest, consistent changes can lower risk for both prediabetes and heart disease:

• Losing 5 – 7 percent of body weight if overweight;
• Being active for at least 150 minutes each week;
• Eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while limiting added sugars and processed foods;
• Avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol intake;
• Prioritizing sleep and stress management.

MinuteClinic offers virtual and in-person weight-loss programs where providers help patients set realistic goals, review health status, and prescribe medication if clinically indicated. GLP-1 prescribing is not available in all states. Within six weeks, 65 percent of participants who visit at least twice see measurable weight loss.

What You Can Do

Often, the first step in getting and staying healthy is knowing your risk. By scheduling a screening at MinuteClinic, whether for blood pressure, cholesterol or glucose, you can get the clarity you need to make informed choices. The good news is that providers are available seven days a week, with most insurance accepted.

Learn More

For more facts, visit www.minuteclinic.com.

For many people with cancer, getting a second opinion is a first rate choice.

(NAPSI)—There are nearly 5,500 new cancer diagnoses every day in the U.S., and many of these are for patients under the age of 50. As cancer cases continue to rise and affect more Americans than ever before, many oncologists are choosing to expand their care teams with specialists around the country.

Helpful Survey

A recent survey of specialists across the United States found that while 95 percent of doctors support or recommend a second opinion, oncologists were the most likely to recommend patients use virtual second opinions (VSOs) to seek expert advice on their diagnosis and treatment. The survey, fielded by The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic, found that nearly half of oncologists “regularly” refer patients to a VSO, versus just 12 percent of doctors from other specialties.

“Cancer can present in a variety of ways, with dozens or hundreds of types and degrees that are unique to each patient,” said Dr. David Peter, Chief Medical Officer at The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic. “Most oncologists understand the value of having someone with years or decades of experience in a specific cancer type review a diagnosis and treatment plan. It’s a second set of eyes that can save lives and add valuable insights to unique cases.”

Findings show this expertise pays off. In 70 percent of cases, the expert VSO recommended a change to the initial diagnosis or treatment plan. Further, 57 percent of patients had an improved diagnosis and reduced morbidity after seeking a second opinion.

When asked why doctors recommended a VSO to patients, 74 percent reported that it was to overcome geographic limitations, and 61 percent said it was to gain insights on rare medical conditions.

Why A Second Opinion

“Many people in the U.S. live in specialty care deserts, and the best person for your specific case might be all the way across the country,” Dr. Peter added. “Patients and providers are turning to virtual tools to make better care more accessible to everyone.”

“Once in a lifetime diagnoses should not be handled alone,” one doctor wrote in the survey. “Through virtual second opinions, patients have the opportunity to collaborate with physicians who handle rare diseases and chronic conditions on a daily basis, accessing a vast referral network of experts.”

Learn More

To learn more, visit The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic at clinicbyclevelandclinic.com.

Health care can be confusing, especially for older adults managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease­ – but you can make it easier on yourself.

(NAPSI)—Many older adults find health care hard to access and difficult to understand. In fact, a Harris Poll survey on older Americans’ experiences with the health care system found that 56 percent of respondents find it difficult and stressful to navigate. The good news is you don’t have to be among them.

It’s natural for health needs to change as you age, especially if you are managing complex chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cognitive health. Nearly 93 percent of older adults have at least one chronic condition and almost 80 percent have two or more, which can be difficult to manage.

According to the survey, almost 52 percent of Medicare beneficiaries see more than three different physicians a year, and half of them recognize the need for help coordinating care with multiple physicians.

What Is Needed

The good news is that managing your health care doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are a few steps you can take to simplify your health care journey and to have more control of your well-being. For example, I often recommend a few tips to the older adults I see as a physician and Signify Health’s chief medical officer:

• Establish a Trusted Primary Care Provider (PCP) Relationship: This isn’t just about having a doctor when you’re sick; it’s about building a trusted relationship with a provider you can openly talk with about physical and mental health concerns or changes. Seeing a primary care provider on a regular basis, even if you feel well, can make identifying and managing new or existing conditions easier.

To make the most of your appointments and to help ensure you leave with an understanding of your key actions, try using these three questions with your PCP:

1. What is my main problem?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important for me to do this?

These questions from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement can be a helpful starting point for a conversation about your medical history, lifestyle and individual needs as well as next steps.

Having a good relationship with your PCP is invaluable for your care – they can help coordinate your care, refer you to specialists when necessary, and provide preventative guidance.

• Know Your Numbers: Many chronic conditions don’t show symptoms right away, so if you wait until something feels wrong, it might already be serious. Routine testing can help catch issues early and make a big difference in how well you can manage them.

One of the best ways to take control of your health is to “know your numbers.” That means staying up to date with screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and cognitive health.

• Develop a Personal Health Management Plan: Every older adult should have a clear health management plan. Not just “see the doctor once a year,” but a real plan – developed with your PCP – that includes medication schedules, nutrition, diet and exercise goals and what to do if symptoms change.

Having that roadmap enables a more proactive care approach and gives you and your family a clear path to follow.

Where To Get Help

Signify Health can help make these steps easier through In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs). IHEs are available to eligible health plan members at no additional cost to them.

Experienced Signify Health clinicians­ – nurse practitioners, physicians and physician assistants­ – can visit you, in your home, at a time that is convenient for you.

These visits start with a simple conversation about your health. You can be screened for chronic diseases, learn important information about managing your health and discuss health concerns you may have. After the visit, the clinician will share information with you and your PCP (along with your health plan), empowering you to make more informed health decisions.

Additional resources and support may also be provided if needed to help you on your health journey.

What You Can Do

Taking control of your health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can go to HelloSignify.com to see if you’re eligible for a no-cost, in-home visit and book an appointment. It’s one of the simplest things you can do to manage your health.

Sponsored by Signify Health, part of CVS Health.