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Cancer Explained

In Memory

Remembering public figures whose lives touched many — and using their stories, with respect and care, to learn about the cancers involved through NCI resources.

98 stories

In memory

Remembering Norm Macdonald: Understanding Leukemia

Comedian Norm Macdonald died in 2021 after a private battle with leukemia. In his memory, a plain-language look at what leukemia is, from NCI resources.

Leukemia · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Brandon Blackstock: Understanding Melanoma

Brandon Blackstock died in 2025 after a battle with melanoma. In his memory, a plain-language look at melanoma and skin cancer prevention from NCI.

Melanoma (skin cancer) · Read more →

In memory

Yul Brynner's Lasting Anti-Smoking Message and What Lung Cancer Really Is

Actor Yul Brynner shared his lung cancer story so others might avoid it. Here's what lung cancer is — and why his message still matters.

Lung cancer · Read more →

In memory

Warren Zevon, 'The Wind,' and Understanding Mesothelioma

Songwriter Warren Zevon died of mesothelioma in 2003 after making one last album. Here's what mesothelioma really is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Mesothelioma · Read more →

In memory

What Walter Payton's Story Can Help Us Understand About Bile Duct Cancer

The Hall of Fame running back died of bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) in 1999. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) · Read more →

In memory

What Vinod Khanna's Story Can Help Us Understand About Bladder Cancer

The veteran actor and public figure died of bladder cancer in 2017. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Bladder cancer · Read more →

In memory

Valerie Harper's Resilience and What Lung Cancer Really Is

The beloved 'Rhoda' star lived openly with lung cancer for years. Here's what lung cancer really is — and why every story is different.

Lung cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Val Kilmer — and Understanding Throat Cancer

Actor Val Kilmer lived with throat cancer for years before his death in 2025. Here's what head and neck cancers are, from NCI.

Head and neck cancer · Read more →

In memory

Umberto Eco and Pancreatic Cancer: Remembering a Literary Giant

The Italian author Umberto Eco died of pancreatic cancer in 2016. Here's what that diagnosis really means, in calm and accurate terms.

Pancreatic cancer · Read more →

In memory

Ulysses S. Grant and Throat Cancer: A Well-Documented Historical Story

President Ulysses S. Grant died of throat cancer in 1885, a well-documented case. Here is a calm look at head and neck cancer, from the National Cancer Institute.

Head and neck cancer (throat) · Read more →

In memory

What Tony Gwynn's Story Can Help Us Understand About Salivary Gland Cancer

The Hall of Fame baseball player died of salivary gland cancer in 2014. Here is what that kind of head and neck cancer means, explained calmly and simply.

Salivary gland cancer (head and neck cancer) · Read more →

In memory

Toby Keith's Openness and What Stomach Cancer Really Is

Country star Toby Keith shared his stomach cancer diagnosis before his death in 2024. Here's what stomach cancer really is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Stomach cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Tina Turner and Intestinal Cancer

Music icon Tina Turner shared that she was treated for intestinal cancer among other health challenges. Here's what colorectal cancer really is, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Colorectal cancer · Read more →

In memory

Ted Kennedy and Glioblastoma: A Look at an Aggressive Brain Tumor

Senator Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2008. Here's a calm, plain-language look at what this brain tumor is.

Brain tumors (glioblastoma) · Read more →

In memory

What Suzanne Somers's Story Can Help Us Understand About Breast Cancer

The actor lived with breast cancer for more than two decades and spoke about it publicly. Here is what breast cancer actually is, explained simply.

Breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

Susan Sontag, Leukemia, and MDS: Understanding Blood Cancers

Writer Susan Sontag died in 2004 of a blood cancer. Here is a calm, plain-language look at leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, drawn from the National Cancer Institute.

Leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome · Read more →

In memory

What Stuart Scott's Story Can Teach Us About a Rare Cancer

The ESPN anchor faced a rare form of cancer and inspired many with his resilience. Here is what cancer is, explained calmly, and why rare cancers matter.

Appendiceal (appendix) cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Steve McQueen's Story Can Help Us Understand About Mesothelioma

The 'King of Cool' died of mesothelioma in 1980, a cancer linked to asbestos. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Mesothelioma · Read more →

In memory

Steve Jobs and a Rare Kind of Pancreatic Cancer

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor — a less common form of pancreatic cancer. Here's what that means, from the National Cancer Institute.

Pancreatic cancer (neuroendocrine tumor) · Read more →

In memory

Sigmund Freud and Oral Cancer: A Well-Documented Historical Case

Sigmund Freud lived with oral cancer for sixteen years, a well-documented case. Here is a calm look at head and neck cancer, from the National Cancer Institute.

Head and neck cancer (oral) · Read more →

In memory

What Shannen Doherty's Story Can Help Us Understand About Breast Cancer

The actor shared her breast cancer journey openly and raised awareness before her death in 2024. Here is what breast cancer means, explained calmly and simply.

Breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Sarah Harding and Advanced Breast Cancer

Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding shared her advanced breast cancer diagnosis before her death in 2021. Here's what breast cancer really is, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Sammy Davis Jr.'s Story Can Help Us Understand About Throat Cancer

The legendary entertainer died of throat cancer in 1990. Here is what that kind of head and neck cancer means, explained calmly and simply.

Throat cancer (head and neck cancer) · Read more →

In memory

Sally Ride and Pancreatic Cancer: A Pioneer's Private Battle

Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, died of pancreatic cancer in 2012. Here's what pancreatic cancer is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Pancreatic cancer · Read more →

In memory

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Long Experience With Cancer

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lived with cancer for many years, including colon and pancreatic cancer. Here's what those diagnoses mean.

Pancreatic cancer · Read more →

In memory

Rush Limbaugh and Lung Cancer: Understanding the Diagnosis

Radio host Rush Limbaugh shared that he had advanced lung cancer. Here's a calm, plain-language look at what lung cancer is.

Lung cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Ronnie James Dio's Story Can Help Us Understand About Stomach Cancer

The heavy metal singer shared his stomach cancer diagnosis and died in 2010. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Stomach cancer · Read more →

In memory

Ronald Reagan and Colon Cancer: What Screening and Polyps Can Teach Us

In 1985, President Ronald Reagan had surgery for colon cancer found during a medical exam. Here is a calm look at colorectal cancer, from the National Cancer Institute.

Colorectal cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Roger Ebert — and Understanding Salivary Gland and Thyroid Cancer

Film critic Roger Ebert lived openly with cancer for years before his death in 2013. Here's what these cancers are, from NCI.

Salivary gland and thyroid cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Robbie Robertson — and Understanding Prostate Cancer

Musician Robbie Robertson of The Band died in 2023 after living with prostate cancer. Here's what prostate cancer is, from NCI.

Prostate cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Rishi Kapoor's Story Can Help Us Understand About Leukemia

The veteran Bollywood actor shared that he was living with leukemia and died in 2020. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Leukemia · Read more →

In memory

Richard Roundtree's Story: Yes, Men Can Get Breast Cancer

The 'Shaft' star survived male breast cancer and became an advocate. Here's the awareness point that surprises many: breast cancer can affect men.

Male breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

Rachel Carson and Breast Cancer: Writing 'Silent Spring' While Fighting Illness

Rachel Carson, author of 'Silent Spring,' quietly battled breast cancer while shaping the environmental movement. Here's what breast cancer is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

Pope John Paul II's 1992 Colon Surgery: Understanding Colorectal Health

In 1992, doctors removed a tumor from Pope John Paul II's colon — publicly reported as benign. Here's what colorectal health means, in calm, accurate terms.

Colorectal cancer · Read more →

In memory

Peter Jennings' Public Lung Cancer Diagnosis and What Lung Cancer Really Is

ABC anchor Peter Jennings told viewers about his lung cancer on the air. Here's what lung cancer is — and why his openness mattered.

Lung cancer · Read more →

In memory

Pelé and Colon Cancer: Understanding a Diagnosis the World Followed

Football legend Pelé shared his colon cancer diagnosis in 2021. Here is a calm, plain-language look at colorectal cancer, drawn from the National Cancer Institute.

Colorectal cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Paul Newman's Story Can Help Us Understand About Lung Cancer

The legendary actor died of lung cancer in 2008. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Lung cancer · Read more →

In memory

Paul Allen and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Cancer of the Immune System

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen died in 2018 of complications from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Here's what lymphoma is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma · Read more →

In memory

What Patrick Swayze's Story Can Help Us Understand About Pancreatic Cancer

The 'Dirty Dancing' star shared a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2008 and spoke openly about it. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Pancreatic cancer · Read more →

In memory

Olivia Newton-John's Long, Open Journey with Breast Cancer

Olivia Newton-John lived with breast cancer for three decades and became a beloved advocate. Here's what breast cancer really is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Nora Ephron — and Understanding Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Filmmaker Nora Ephron died in 2012 from acute myeloid leukemia. Here's what leukemia is, in plain, NCI-sourced language.

Acute myeloid leukemia · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Neil Peart and Understanding Glioblastoma

Rush drummer Neil Peart died of glioblastoma in 2020. Here's what brain tumors really are, drawn from the National Cancer Institute.

Brain tumors · Read more →

In memory

What Nargis Dutt's Story Can Help Us Understand About Pancreatic Cancer

The pioneering Indian actress died of pancreatic cancer in 1981. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Pancreatic cancer · Read more →

In memory

Napoleon Bonaparte and Stomach Cancer: A Diagnosis From History

Historical and pathological evidence points to stomach cancer as the cause of Napoleon Bonaparte's death in 1821. Here's what stomach cancer is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Stomach cancer · Read more →

In memory

Nancy Reagan and Breast Cancer: A Public Diagnosis That Raised Awareness

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan shared her 1987 breast cancer diagnosis publicly. Here is a calm, plain-language look at what breast cancer is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Michael Landon's Story Can Help Us Understand About Pancreatic Cancer

The 'Little House on the Prairie' star shared his pancreatic cancer diagnosis publicly in 1991. Here is what that means, explained calmly and simply.

Pancreatic cancer · Read more →

In memory

Michael Crichton and Lymphoma: A Storyteller's Quiet Diagnosis

Author Michael Crichton died in 2008 after being diagnosed with lymphoma. Here's what lymphoma is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Lymphoma · Read more →

In memory

Maggie Smith, Breast Cancer, and Working Through Treatment

Dame Maggie Smith was treated for breast cancer in the late 2000s and continued working. Here's what breast cancer really is, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

Luciano Pavarotti and Pancreatic Cancer: Remembering the Tenor's Voice

The beloved Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti died of pancreatic cancer in 2007. Here's what that diagnosis really means — in calm, accurate terms.

Pancreatic cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Lou Reed's Story Can Help Us Understand About Liver Cancer

The rock pioneer developed liver cancer and died in 2013. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Liver cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Little Richard and Understanding Bone Cancer

Rock and roll pioneer Little Richard died of bone cancer in 2020. Here's what bone cancer really is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Bone cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Linda McCartney and Breast Cancer

Photographer and musician Linda McCartney died of breast cancer in 1998. Here's what breast cancer really is, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Kirstie Alley's Story Can Help Us Understand About Colon Cancer

The actor died in 2022 after a cancer her family said was only recently discovered. Here is what colorectal cancer is, explained calmly and simply.

Colorectal cancer · Read more →

In memory

King Hussein of Jordan and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Understanding the Diagnosis

King Hussein of Jordan was treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and died in 1999. Here's what that diagnosis really means, in calm, accurate terms.

Lymphoma · Read more →

In memory

King George VI and Lung Cancer: A Diagnosis Kept Quiet in a Different Era

King George VI died in 1952 after surgery for lung cancer — a diagnosis kept from the public and even from him. Here's what lung cancer is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Lung cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Kelly Preston and Breast Cancer

Actress Kelly Preston died of breast cancer in 2020 after keeping her illness private. Here's what breast cancer really is, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

What John Wayne's Story Can Help Us Understand About Lung and Stomach Cancer

The iconic actor faced lung cancer in the 1960s and later stomach cancer. Here is what those diagnoses mean, explained calmly and simply.

Lung and stomach cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering John Prine, a Two-Time Cancer Survivor

Folk legend John Prine survived squamous cell cancer in his neck and, later, lung cancer. Here's what head and neck cancers really are, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Head and neck cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering John McCain and Understanding Glioblastoma

Senator John McCain lived openly with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. Here's what this diagnosis means, explained in plain language.

Brain tumors (glioblastoma) · Read more →

In memory

Johan Cruyff and Lung Cancer: Remembering a Football Legend

The Dutch football icon Johan Cruyff died of lung cancer in 2016. Here's what that diagnosis really means, in calm and accurate terms.

Lung cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Jack Lemmon's Story Can Help Us Understand About Bladder Cancer

The Oscar-winning actor died of bladder cancer in 2001. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Bladder cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Irrfan Khan's Story Can Help Us Understand About Neuroendocrine Tumors

The beloved actor shared his neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis in 2018 and died in 2020. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Neuroendocrine tumor · Read more →

In memory

Hubert Humphrey and Bladder Cancer: A Plain-Language Look

Senator and former Vice President Hubert Humphrey spoke openly about his bladder cancer. Here's what this cancer is, explained simply.

Bladder cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Gord Downie's Story Can Help Us Understand About Glioblastoma

The Tragically Hip frontman shared his glioblastoma diagnosis and died in 2017. Here is what that kind of brain tumor means, explained calmly and simply.

Brain tumors (glioblastoma) · Read more →

In memory

Remembering George Harrison: Understanding Lung Cancer

Beatle George Harrison died of lung cancer in 2001. Here's what lung cancer really is, drawn from the National Cancer Institute.

Lung cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Gene Wilder's Story Can Help Us Understand About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The beloved comic actor was treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the 1990s. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma · Read more →

In memory

Gabriel García Márquez and Lymphoma: What the Diagnosis Means

The Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez was treated for lymphoma in 1999. Here's what lymphoma really is, in calm, accurate terms.

Lymphoma · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Frank Zappa and Understanding Prostate Cancer

Composer and rock iconoclast Frank Zappa died of prostate cancer in 1993. Here's what prostate cancer really is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Prostate cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Farrah Fawcett's Story Can Help Us Understand About Anal Cancer

The actress publicly shared her anal cancer journey and helped reduce its stigma. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Anal cancer · Read more →

In memory

Eva Perón and Cervical Cancer: A Life Cut Short, and What We Know Now

Eva Perón, Argentina's beloved 'Evita,' died of cervical cancer in 1952 at just 33. Here's what cervical cancer is — and how prevention has changed since — from the National Cancer Institute.

Cervical cancer · Read more →

In memory

Emperor Hirohito and Duodenal Cancer: Understanding a Rare Diagnosis

Japan's Emperor Hirohito died in 1989 of duodenal cancer, a cancer of the small intestine. Here's what that diagnosis means, in calm, accurate terms.

Cancer (general) · Read more →

In memory

Elizabeth Edwards and Breast Cancer: A Calm Look at What This Diagnosis Means

Elizabeth Edwards spoke publicly about her breast cancer for years. Here is a plain-language look at what breast cancer is, drawn from the National Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Eddie Van Halen and Head & Neck Cancer

Guitar legend Eddie Van Halen died of throat cancer in 2020. Here's what head and neck cancers really are, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Head and neck cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Eddie Money's Story Can Help Us Understand About Esophageal Cancer

The rock singer shared his esophageal cancer diagnosis and died in 2019. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Esophageal cancer · Read more →

In memory

Donna Summer, Lung Cancer, and the Fact That Nonsmokers Can Get It Too

The 'Queen of Disco' died of lung cancer as a nonsmoker. Here's what lung cancer really is — and why it can affect people who never smoked.

Lung cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Donna Reed's Story Can Help Us Understand About Pancreatic Cancer

The Oscar-winning actress died of pancreatic cancer in 1986. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Pancreatic cancer · Read more →

In memory

Desmond Tutu and Prostate Cancer: A Voice for Awareness

Archbishop Desmond Tutu lived with prostate cancer and spoke openly to encourage men to get checked. Here's what the diagnosis really means.

Prostate cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Dennis Hopper's Story Can Help Us Understand About Prostate Cancer

The 'Easy Rider' star's prostate cancer diagnosis became public in 2009. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Prostate cancer · Read more →

In memory

Remembering David Bowie: What Liver Cancer Really Is

David Bowie died of liver cancer in 2016, having kept his illness private. Here's what liver cancer actually is, drawn from the National Cancer Institute.

Liver cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Craig Sager's Story Can Teach Us About Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The beloved sportscaster shared his diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia and kept working during treatment. Here is what that diagnosis really means, explained calmly.

Acute myeloid leukemia · Read more →

In memory

What Coretta Scott King's Story Can Help Us Understand About Ovarian Cancer

The civil rights leader lived with ovarian cancer and died in 2006. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Ovarian cancer · Read more →

In memory

Colin Powell and Multiple Myeloma: Understanding a Blood Cancer

General Colin Powell lived with multiple myeloma, a cancer of certain blood cells. Here's a plain-language look at what that means.

Multiple myeloma · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Christopher Hitchens — and Understanding Esophageal Cancer

Writer Christopher Hitchens wrote openly about his esophageal cancer before his death in 2011. Here's what the disease is, from NCI.

Esophageal cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Chadwick Boseman's Story Can Help Us Understand About Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults

The actor's death at 43 brought new attention to colorectal cancer in adults under 50. Here is what that means, explained calmly and simply.

Colorectal cancer · Read more →

In memory

Celia Cruz and a Brain Tumor: Remembering the Queen of Salsa

The legendary singer Celia Cruz died in 2003 after being treated for a brain tumor. Here's what brain tumors really are, in calm, accurate terms.

Brain tumors · Read more →

In memory

Carl Sagan and Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Understanding a Bone Marrow Cancer

Astronomer Carl Sagan lived with myelodysplastic syndrome, a bone marrow cancer. Here is a calm, plain-language look at MDS, drawn from the National Cancer Institute.

Myelodysplastic syndromes · Read more →

In memory

Sir Bobby Robson's Legacy: Turning Cancer Into a Cause

Football manager Sir Bobby Robson faced cancer several times and founded a cancer foundation. Here's what cancer really is, in calm, accurate terms.

Cancer (general) · Read more →

In memory

Bob Marley and Melanoma: A Rare Skin Cancer That Isn't About the Sun

Reggae legend Bob Marley died in 1981 of acral lentiginous melanoma, a rare skin cancer that can appear on places like under a nail. Here's what melanoma is, from the National Cancer Institute.

Melanoma / skin cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Bill Walton's Story Can Teach Us About Colon Cancer

The Hall of Fame player and broadcaster died of colon cancer in 2024. Here is what that diagnosis really means, explained calmly, and why screening matters.

Colorectal cancer · Read more →

In memory

Betty Ford's Breast Cancer and the Conversation She Started

First Lady Betty Ford spoke openly about her 1974 breast cancer, helping millions of women feel able to talk about it. Here's what breast cancer is.

Breast cancer · Read more →

In memory

Beau Biden's Story and What Glioblastoma Means

Beau Biden lived with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. Here's a respectful, plain-language explanation of this diagnosis.

Brain tumors (glioblastoma) · Read more →

In memory

Babe Ruth and Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Story That Touched Cancer Research

Baseball legend Babe Ruth died of nasopharyngeal cancer in 1948. Here is a calm, plain-language look at head and neck cancer, from the National Cancer Institute.

Head and neck cancer (nasopharyngeal) · Read more →

In memory

What Audrey Hepburn's Story Can Help Us Understand About a Rare Appendiceal Cancer

The beloved actress and humanitarian died of a rare abdominal cancer in 1993. Here is what a rare cancer means, explained calmly and simply.

Rare cancer (appendiceal) · Read more →

In memory

Remembering Aretha Franklin and a Rare Pancreatic Cancer

The Queen of Soul died in 2018 of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Here's what that diagnosis means, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Pancreatic cancer · Read more →

In memory

Anne Bancroft, Uterine Cancer, and What This Cancer Really Is

The Oscar-winning actress died of uterine cancer. Here's what uterine cancer is — explained calmly and clearly.

Uterine cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Anita Mui's Story Can Help Us Understand About Cervical Cancer

The Cantopop icon shared her cervical cancer diagnosis in 2003 and died later that year. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Cervical cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Alex Trebek's Story Can Help Us Understand About Pancreatic Cancer

The beloved 'Jeopardy!' host publicly shared a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2019. Here is what that means, explained calmly and simply.

Pancreatic cancer · Read more →

In memory

What Alan Rickman's Story Can Help Us Understand About Pancreatic Cancer

The acclaimed actor died of pancreatic cancer in 2016. Here is what that diagnosis means, explained calmly and simply.

Pancreatic cancer · Read more →

Our approach: no sensationalism, no speculation about anyone’s health beyond reliable public reporting, and always a bridge to trusted educational information. Educational only — not medical advice.

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