Public health
Plain-language public-health explainers grounded in National Cancer Institute education.
Every page here follows one idea: what happened, why it matters, and what it does not mean. Educational only — not medical advice.
- Younger-adult cancer trends · 2026Cancer Trends in Younger Adults: Rising Rates, Falling Death Rates, and Open QuestionsSome cancer rates are rising among younger adults while death rates may move differently. The pattern varies by cancer and does not have one proven cause.
- Risk-based breast screening · 2026Risk-Based Breast Screening: Why One Schedule May Not Fit EveryoneResearchers are studying screening schedules based on individual risk. Current decisions still depend on validated risk factors and guidance.
- Public cancer diagnoses · 2026When a Public Figure Shares a Cancer Diagnosis: What Responsible Coverage Should DoA public diagnosis can raise awareness, but it does not justify guessing about stage, treatment, cause, prognosis, or private health information.
- Metabolic health and cancer · 2026Metabolic Health and Cancer Risk: What We Know Without Blaming PeopleExcess body weight is linked with higher risk for several cancers, but risk is not certainty and body size is shaped by many factors.
- Colorectal cancer screening · 2026Less-Invasive Colorectal Screening: More Options Still Require Follow-UpStool and blood-based screening may improve access. An abnormal noninvasive test usually needs colonoscopy to find the cause.
- HPV vaccination and cervical cancer · 2026HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Elimination: What Has to Happen TogetherHPV vaccination can prevent infections that cause most cervical cancers. Screening and follow-up remain essential for reaching elimination goals.
- Global cancer access · 2026Cancer Science Is Advancing, but Access Determines Who BenefitsThe world has better tools for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, yet large gaps remain in who can receive them in time.
- Global cancer burden · 2026The Global Cancer Burden Is Rising: What the 2026 Numbers MeanGlobal cancer cases are projected to rise as populations grow and age. The burden is not shared equally, and projections are not destiny.
- Dense breasts and screening · 2026Dense Breasts, AI, and Extra Imaging: Three Questions Often Blended TogetherBreast density can make mammograms harder to read and is linked with risk. AI and supplemental imaging are separate decisions with separate evidence.
- Cancer health disparities · 2026Cancer Progress Is Unequal: Asking Who Actually BenefitsBetter screening and treatment do not reach every community equally. Access, exposure, insurance, geography, and healthcare quality all matter.
- Colorectal cancer risk, prevention, and screening · 2026Fact-Check: Do These Everyday Habits Really Raise Colon Cancer Risk?A popular EatingWell list names sitting, low fiber, alcohol, smoking, and skipped screening as colon cancer risks. We checked each claim against NCI, FDA, ACS, and the WHO's cancer agency.
- screening-access · 2026Public Health Headline: Why Screening Rates MatterA public-health news explainer on cancer screening rates, access barriers, overdiagnosis, and questions patients can ask locally.
- screening reminders · 2026Public-Health Headline: Cancer Screening RemindersWhat screening reminder headlines can and cannot tell patients, with questions about follow-up, access, and abnormal results.
- rural cancer care · 2026Public-Health Headline: Rural Cancer Care and Travel BurdenA patient-question explainer for rural cancer care headlines, including travel, lodging, telehealth, records, and local oncology coordination.
- access · 2026Public Health Headline: Rural Cancer Care AccessA public-health news explainer on rural cancer care barriers, travel, telehealth, second opinions, and support questions.
- HPV vaccination and cancer prevention · 2026Public-Health Headline: HPV Vaccination and Cancer PreventionA source-table explainer for HPV vaccination and cancer-prevention headlines, with patient and parent questions.
- drug-access · 2026Public Health Headline: Cancer Drug Shortage QuestionsA public-health news explainer on cancer drug shortage headlines and what patients can ask without panicking.
- study-literacy · 2026Cancer Study Headline, Translated: Cannabis Smoking and Cancer RiskHeadlines about cannabis smoking and cancer risk need careful reading: method of use, dose, tobacco co-use, and study type matter.
- Diet and digestive cancer risk · 2026Ultra-Processed Foods and Digestive Cancer Risk: What the 2026 Review SaysA 2026 systematic review found an association between higher ultra-processed food intake and digestive system cancers, especially colorectal and colon cancers. The evidence is concerning, but not proof by itself.
- Cannabis smoking and cancer risk · 2026Heavy Marijuana Smoking and Cancer Risk: How to Read the New HeadlinesRecent coverage of USC research raised questions about heavy marijuana smoking, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. The signal deserves attention, but the dose question is still unsettled.
- Tobacco and cancer · 2026World No Tobacco Day: The Single Biggest Preventable Cause of CancerEvery May 31, World No Tobacco Day highlights the harms of tobacco. Here is a calm, NCI-based look at the link between tobacco and cancer — and the benefits of quitting.
- UV radiation and skin cancer · 2026UV Safety Awareness Month: Small Habits That Protect Your SkinEvery July, UV Safety Awareness Month reminds us to protect our skin and eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Here is calm, NCI-based guidance on sun safety.
- Stomach (gastric) cancer · 2026Stomach Cancer Awareness Month: Learning About a Cancer With Some Preventable CausesEvery November, Stomach Cancer Awareness Month highlights a cancer where certain risk factors, including an infection, can often be addressed. Here is what NCI says.
- Colorectal cancer · 2026Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and the Colonoscopies That Started With a BetThe Wrexham co-owners filmed their colonoscopies for the Lead From Behind campaign — and both had polyps removed. Here is why that punchline is actually the point of screening.
- Oral, head and neck cancer screening · 2026Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week: Why Free Oral Screenings MatterEach April, Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week brings free walk-in oral cancer screenings. Here is a calm, NCI-based look at what those exams can and cannot do.
- Cancer survivorship · 2026National Cancer Survivors Day: Honoring Life After a DiagnosisOn the first Sunday of June, National Cancer Survivors Day celebrates life after a cancer diagnosis. Here is what survivorship means, in NCI's own words.
- Cancer prevention · 2026National Cancer Prevention Month: What We Can Actually Do to Lower RiskEvery February, National Cancer Prevention Month focuses on the everyday choices and steps that can lower cancer risk. Here is a grounded, NCI-based look.
- Multiple myeloma · 2026Myeloma Action Month: Understanding a Cancer of the Plasma CellsEvery March, Myeloma Action Month raises awareness of multiple myeloma. Here is a calm, NCI-based look at what this cancer of the plasma cells actually is.
- Men's cancer screening · 2026Movember and Men's Health: Cancer Screening Worth Talking AboutEach November, Movember spotlights men's health, including prostate and testicular cancer. Here is a calm, NCI-based look at screening and awareness for men.
- Liver cancer · 2026Liver Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding a Cancer Closely Tied to the Liver's HealthEvery October, Liver Cancer Awareness Month draws attention to a cancer where protecting liver health matters. Here is a calm, NCI-based look at what it is.
- Kidney (renal cell) cancer · 2026Kidney Cancer Awareness Month: Knowing the Risk Factors That Can Be ChangedEvery March, Kidney Cancer Awareness Month highlights a common cancer. Here is a calm, NCI-based look at what it is and which risk factors you can influence.
- Gynecologic cancers · 2026Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month: Five Cancers, One Month of UnderstandingEvery September, Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to five cancers of the female reproductive system. Here is a calm, NCI-based overview.
- Glioblastoma (brain cancer) · 2026Glioblastoma Awareness Day: Understanding an Aggressive Brain CancerOn the third Wednesday of July, Glioblastoma Awareness Day honors those affected by this brain cancer. Here is a calm, NCI-based look at what it is.
- Esophageal cancer · 2026Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month: The Role of Reflux, Tobacco, and AlcoholEvery April, Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month highlights a cancer with several changeable risk factors. Here is a calm, NCI-based overview.
- Cancer awareness, causes & prevention · 2026World Cancer Day: A Calm Look at What Cancer Is — and What We Can DoEvery February 4, World Cancer Day invites people around the globe to learn, talk, and take action. Here is a grounded, NCI-based look at what cancer is and how some cancers can be prevented.
- Ovarian cancer · 2026What Wit Can Teach Us About Ovarian Cancer and Clinical TrialsIn Wit, professor Vivian Bearing faces advanced ovarian cancer and an experimental trial. Here's what those mean, from the National Cancer Institute.
- Thyroid cancer · 2026Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month: A Measured LookEach September, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month highlights a cancer that is usually treatable. Here is a calm, NCI-based overview, including the nuances of screening.
- Breast cancer · 2026What Thor: Love and Thunder Can Teach Us About Metastatic Breast CancerIn the film, Jane Foster faces stage IV breast cancer. Here's what that diagnosis really means — and why understanding staging matters.
- Stomach cancer · 2026What This Is Us Can Teach Us About Stomach CancerIn This Is Us, William is living with stomach (gastric) cancer. Here's what that diagnosis really means — and the facts behind the story.
- Thyroid cancer and bone cancer · 2026What The Fault in Our Stars Can Teach Us About Thyroid and Bone CancerHazel lives with thyroid cancer that spread to her lungs; Gus has osteosarcoma. Here's what those diagnoses really mean, from the National Cancer Institute.
- Lung cancer · 2026What The Bucket List Can Teach Us About Lung CancerIn The Bucket List, Edward faces advanced lung cancer. Here's what lung cancer really is — and the facts behind the film.
- Melanoma · 2026What The Big C Can Teach Us About MelanomaIn The Big C, Cathy is diagnosed with stage IV melanoma. Here's what melanoma and that staging really mean, from the National Cancer Institute.
- Testicular cancer · 2026Testicular Cancer Awareness Month: A Calm, Clear OverviewEach April, Testicular Cancer Awareness Month focuses on a cancer that most often affects younger men and can usually be cured. Here is what NCI says.
- Breast cancer · 2026What Terms of Endearment Can Teach Us About Breast CancerIn Terms of Endearment, Emma is diagnosed with breast cancer. Here's what breast cancer really is — and the facts behind the film.
- Breast cancer · 2026What Sex and the City Can Teach Us About Breast CancerIn Sex and the City, Samantha Jones is diagnosed with breast cancer and goes through chemotherapy. Here's what breast cancer really is — and why awareness matters.
- Soft tissue sarcoma · 2026Sarcoma Awareness Month: A Rare Cancer That Deserves AttentionEach July, Sarcoma Awareness Month highlights cancers that begin in the body's soft tissues. Here is a calm, NCI-based overview of what they are.
- Prostate cancer & screening · 2026Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding a Common — and Often Slow-Growing — CancerEach September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month encourages men to learn about a common cancer and to have an informed conversation about screening. Here is what NCI says.
- Pancreatic cancer · 2026Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding a Difficult Diagnosis with ClarityEvery November, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to a cancer that is often found late. Here is a calm, honest, NCI-based look at what that means.
- Ovarian cancer · 2026Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Knowing the Signs and the FactsEach September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month encourages people to learn about a cancer often found late. Here is a calm, NCI-based look at what it is and what NCI supports.
- Leukemia · 2026What My Sister's Keeper Can Teach Us About LeukemiaIn My Sister's Keeper, Kate lives with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a type of acute myeloid leukemia. Here's what leukemia really is.
- Skin cancer & melanoma · 2026Skin Cancer & Melanoma Awareness Month: A Calm Look at Your SkinEvery May, skin cancer awareness campaigns encourage sun safety and paying attention to your skin. Here is what that actually means, grounded in NCI information.
- Lung cancer, screening & prevention · 2026Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Beyond Blame, Toward UnderstandingEvery November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month focuses on a cancer surrounded by stigma. Here is a calm, NCI-based look at what lung cancer is, and what screening and prevention can offer.
- Head and neck cancer · 2026Head and Neck Cancer Awareness: What the Terms Really MeanEach April, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness highlights a group of cancers many people have never heard named. Here is a calm, NCI-based overview.
- Melanoma · 2026What Grey's Anatomy Can Teach Us About Metastatic MelanomaIn Grey's Anatomy, Izzie Stevens is diagnosed with metastatic melanoma that has spread to her brain. Here's what melanoma and metastatic cancer really mean.
- Soft tissue sarcoma · 2026What 50/50 Can Teach Us About Soft Tissue SarcomaIn 50/50, Adam is diagnosed with a rare spinal soft tissue sarcoma. Here's what soft tissue sarcoma really is, from the National Cancer Institute.
- Colorectal cancer & screening · 2026Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Why Screening Can Prevent, Not Just DetectEvery March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month highlights a cancer where finding and removing small growths can stop cancer before it starts. Here is what NCI says.
- Childhood cancers · 2026Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Supporting Children and FamiliesEach September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month stands with children affected by cancer and their families. Here is a calm, NCI-based overview.
- Cervical cancer, screening & HPV · 2026Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: One of the Most Preventable CancersEach January, Cervical Health Awareness Month highlights a cancer that screening and vaccination can help prevent. Here is a calm, NCI-based look at what that means.
- Cancer in popular culture · 2026What Movies and TV Get Right — and Wrong — About CancerFrom tearjerker films to hospital dramas, cancer is one of screenwriting's most-used storylines. Here is how on-screen cancer differs from real life.
- Breast cancer & screening · 2026Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Beyond the Pink RibbonEvery October, pink ribbons appear everywhere. Here is how to turn a symbol into something genuinely useful — calm, accurate understanding.
- Lung cancer · 2026What Breaking Bad Can Teach Us About Lung CancerWalter White's inoperable lung cancer sets the whole series in motion. Here's what lung cancer really is, drawn from the National Cancer Institute.
- Brain tumors · 2026Brain Tumor Awareness Month: Understanding a Complex DiagnosisEach May, Brain Tumor Awareness Month supports people affected by brain and spinal cord tumors. Here is a calm, NCI-based look at what these tumors are.
- Blood cancers: leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma · 2026Blood Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding Leukemia, Lymphoma, and MyelomaEach September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to cancers of the blood and lymph system. Here is a calm, NCI-based guide to the three main groups.
- Bladder cancer · 2026Bladder Cancer Awareness Month: Knowing the Warning SignsEach May, Bladder Cancer Awareness Month highlights a common cancer whose main warning sign, blood in the urine, is easy to overlook. Here is what NCI says.
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