Content Topic: Health awareness

Health awareness

Endometrial cancer: Understanding the signs and symptoms

Learn more about how you can detect endometrial cancer

May 16, 2025

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As we age, certain changes can seem like a part of getting older, such as periods that are lighter or heavier than normal, or spotting between cycles. Yet it’s important that we recognize and raise these changes with health care providers because they may signal a more serious issue, such as endometrial cancer.

What is endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed gynecologic cancer worldwide. It occurs when cancerous cells form in the tissues of the endometrium or inner lining of the uterus.

How can I learn if I’m at risk for endometrial cancer?

The average age of diagnosis is around 60, with most cases occurring after menopause. Studies show Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer than white women.

While age, race, family history and lifestyle choices all impact the risk of endometrial cancer, conditions that affect the body’s estrogen levels can also play a role. For example:

  • Estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy for menopause often includes an increase of unopposed estrogen to manage menopausal symptoms.
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) usually creates higher estrogen levels.
  • Estrogen modulators may cause the uterine lining to grow.
  • Certain comorbidities, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension, have been linked as risk factors for endometrial cancer. For example, in people with obesity, fat tissue can convert certain hormones into estrogen, which increase the levels in the body.
  • The number of menstrual periods in a lifetime and a history of no pregnancies can affect estrogen levels. Beginning menstruation at a young age and experiencing menopause at a late age increases exposure to estrogen.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of endometrial cancer, but there are others to keep in mind.

lady and physician talking

What to watch out for:

  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Bleeding between periods
  • A change in periods
  • Vaginal spotting
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Pelvic pain or discomfort
  • Changes to bowel or bladder habits

How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?

As there is no routine screening exam to diagnose endometrial cancer before symptoms begin, it’s important to report signs or symptoms to your doctor right away. For those who have gone through menopause, it’s especially important to report any vaginal bleeding, spotting or abnormal discharge.

Tests to diagnose endometrial cancer may include:

  • Endometrial biopsy: A thin, flexible tube is inserted into the uterus to collect a tissue sample from the endometrium.
  • Dilation and curettage: The cervix is dilated to collect tissue from the inner lining of the uterus.
  • Hysteroscopy: An instrument with a light and lens for viewing is inserted into the uterus to look for abnormal areas.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound: A probe is inserted into the vagina to produce images that are used to assess the pelvic organs, including the uterus.

physician and lady discuss

Being diagnosed with endometrial cancer can be scary. But by speaking with your doctor, you can better understand your options and build the best path forward.

Health awareness

When cancer comes back

An oncology researcher explains who's at higher risk for cancer recurrence and what you can do to make it less likely

May 13, 2025

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doctor holding a clipboard and pointing to it to the woman sitting next to her.

After completing cancer treatment, patients may experience both feelings of joy and relief as well as the fear of cancer returning.

“The thought of cancer coming back can bring on a lot of emotions, but not all recurrences are the same and not all will require active treatment,” said Dr. Marjorie Green, MSD’s senior vice president and head of oncology global clinical development. “It’s important to be aware of the possibility and talk with your doctor to understand your risk.”

What is cancer recurrence?

Cancer recurrence is the return of a previously diagnosed cancer after a period during which it was undetectable. Recurrence can happen weeks, months or even years after the initial diagnosis and treatment. The cancer might come back in the same place it first started, or it might come back somewhere else in the body. The different types of recurrences are:

  • Local: Cancer returns at the same place it first started.
  • Regional: Cancer is detected in lymph nodes near the place it first started.
  • Distant: Cancer comes back in another part of the body.

Who’s at risk for cancer recurrence?

While any cancer can come back, certain types are more likely to return, for example, cancers of the bladder and pancreas. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is hormone-receptor negative, is more likely to recur than hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. Cancers caused by tobacco use also have a higher risk of recurrence.

Beyond cancer type, certain other factors can also influence the likelihood of recurrence, including stage at diagnosis (advanced or metastatic stages may have a higher chance of returning) and tumor growth rate.

Reducing the risk of recurrence

Dr. Marjorie Green

“Because patients who’ve been treated for cancer face a risk of recurrence, staying informed and proactive is essential.”

  • Dr. Marjorie Green

In addition to eating right and exercising, it’s also important to stay on top of follow-up visits with your health care team. A helpful question to ask during appointments may be: Could cancer spread or come back after surgery?

“Surgery is not always the end of cancer treatment because even if all visible cancer is removed, there still may be some tumor cells remaining in the body that are too few to be detectable on screening or diagnostic tests,” Green said.

Screenings to detect new cancers are important for survivors who might be at higher risk of developing another cancer because of their treatments or from increasing age. Screenings also may help catch potential recurrences at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Learn more about the importance of diagnosing cancer early.

Health awareness

Supporting colleagues working with cancer

There are so many unknowns after a cancer diagnosis — whether or not you receive support at work shouldn’t be one of them

April 17, 2025

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Chet Kitchen in hospital bed

Chet Kitchen had no idea how his battle with cancer would affect his work. Our colleague of 25 years and director of global regulatory policy wasn’t used to missing big meetings and presentations for hospital visits and oncology appointments.

“It’s a constant balance between trying to focus on work and trying to focus on your health,” said Kitchen. “That’s where having a good company to support you and colleagues who appreciate you and look out for you can make the difference.”

Kitchen is a head and neck cancer survivor. After following his doctor’s treatment plan for stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, he was told there was no evidence of disease. But a year later, the cancer returned, and he was put on a new treatment plan.

Head and neck cancer can begin in or around the throat, voice box, sinuses, mouth and salivary glands. More than 90% of head and neck cases are squamous cell carcinoma, which is cancer that starts in the cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck. Symptoms may include a lump in the neck or sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal or may be painful, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. 

Impact of cancer on careers

“One of the most important things a company can do to support a colleague living with cancer is to listen and understand their needs,” Kitchen said.

“To have the opportunity to take time off was so important,” he said. “My company gave me the flexibility to take care of my emotional needs by allowing me to focus on my health when I needed to, but also to focus on work when I didn’t want to think about cancer.”

Ongoing employment and return to work may help promote a sense of normalcy and control for cancer patients.

“Being diagnosed with cancer may hurt your career or make it more challenging,” Kitchen said.

“But working for our company really invigorated me. I can really appreciate the work that we do and how it impacts patients.”

— Chet Kitchen

Why we support the Working with Cancer pledge

At MSD, we’re dedicated to supporting people living and working with cancer around the world. We’re proud to be an accredited CEO Cancer Gold Standard employer and a founding member of the Working with Cancer pledge to help provide a more open, supportive and recovery-forward culture at work for cancer patients like Kitchen.

Chet Kitchen ringing the Hope Bell

Today, Kitchen’s cancer is in remission, but that doesn’t mean his patient journey is over.

“Even though you’re not physically battling cancer, it never really leaves you because it’s always somewhere in your mind,” he said. “But one of the things that’s really helped me emotionally through my survivorship is sharing my story.”

Health awareness

Understanding melanoma: The signs and risk factors

Learn more about how to monitor your skin for melanoma and ways to help prevent it

March 26, 2025

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What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. Characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells, melanoma accounted for approximately 1.7% of new cancer cases worldwide in 2022.

Exposure to ultraviolent (UV) radiation, either from the sun or other sources such as tanning beds and sunlamps, is a major risk factor for skin cancers, including melanoma. While melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, including areas without sun exposure, it’s more likely to start in certain locations, like the face and neck, legs (most common in women), and chest and back (most common in men).

Illustration of man and woman. Notes indicate common locations of melanoma.

The risk of melanoma generally increases with age and incidence is greater among older populations. However, even among patients younger than 30 years, melanoma is one of the most common cancers, especially in young women.

Worldwide, the melanoma diagnosis rate has risen over the past two decades

illustration of a globe and people

331,000+

Estimated number of new melanoma cases worldwide in 2022

Signs of cancerous moles

A new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape or color, or one that looks different, is an important warning sign of melanoma and should be checked by a doctor. The ABCDE rule can be used as a guide to help identify the warning signs of melanoma:

Illustration A is for Asymmetry

A is for Asymmetry

One half of a mole or spot does not match the other.

Illustration B is for Border

B is for Border

The edges of the spot are irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.

Illustration C is for Color

C is for Color

The color of the spot is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white or blue.

D is for Diameter

The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across. Melanoma is usually larger than 6 millimeters in size (about 1/4-inch or the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed. However, it can sometimes be smaller.

E is for Evolving

The mole is changing in size, shape or color.

Any of these warning signs should be discussed with a doctor, especially if you feel you’re at risk for melanoma.

Causes of melanoma

There are many risk factors and causes of melanoma, including:

  • UV light on your skin, such as from the sun or a tanning bed (the most common risk factor for most cases of melanoma)
  • Age — melanoma is more common in older people, but younger people are also at risk. Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in people younger than 30 years (especially among women)
  • Moles — having many moles, irregular or large moles, or atypical moles
  • Personal or family history — melanoma can be genetic and having a relative with melanoma can increase your risk
  • Fair skin or a fair complexion, a lot of freckles and/or light-colored hair and/or eyes

Ways to lower your risk of melanoma

Melanoma can’t be entirely prevented, but there are ways to lower your risk. The number one way to lower risk is to protect against UV rays, which damage the DNA of skin cells and impact the genes that control skin cell growth. That’s why it’s important to avoid tanning beds, booths, sunlamps and other artificial sources of UV radiation. However, the top source of UV rays is the sun. That’s why it’s important to practice sun safety every time you go outside, even on cloudy days when UV rays can still shine through. Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

illustration of beach chair and umbrella on the sand.
Seek shade

UV exposure is greatest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to be outside during these hours, seek shade.

illustration of person wearing a big beach hat
Wear a hat

Try to find a hat with a wide brim — at least 2 or 3 inches wide — to protect your face, top of the head, ears and neck.

illustration of man holding loose long sleeve shirt
Cover up

Choose clothing with a tight knit or weave and avoid shirts that you can see through. Remember, if light is getting through, UV rays are too.

illustration of woman applying sunscreen to child
Use sunscreen

For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

illustration of hand holding sunglasses
Wear sunglasses

Protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Pick a pair of sunglasses that will block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

Health awareness

VIDEO: Living with pulmonary arterial hypertension

One woman’s story shows the power of knowledge and support for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

March 18, 2025

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Colleen with her husband and children

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) entered Colleen’s life unexpectedly. She was 35 when she noticed she became short of breath easily. She thought it was due to the weight she gained during her recent pregnancy. A year later, Colleen lost the weight but was still gasping for breath after climbing a few flights of stairs. Colleen wasn’t only feeling fatigued; she was worried. She’d later learn these were symptoms of PAH.

Colleen was first diagnosed with asthma, but her condition continued to worsen. She searched for an answer while daily tasks became more difficult. It took two and a half years for Colleen to be referred to a cardiologist who properly diagnosed her with PAH, one of the five different types of a broader condition called pulmonary hypertension (PH).

What is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?

PAH is a rare and life-threatening condition that progressively worsens. It is a type of high blood pressure in the small arteries of the lungs. This condition occurs when these vessels thicken, narrowing the space for blood to flow and leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation. As a result, the right side of the heart must work harder to pump blood through these arteries. Over time, the right side of the heart can become weakened and lose function.

PAH has similar symptoms to other common lung diseases, such as asthma, which can make it difficult to diagnose.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of PAH

The exact cause of PAH is unknown, and most people with PAH have no known family history of the disease. People may not notice any early-stage symptoms of PAH, but as the disease progresses, they may experience common symptoms, such as increased shortness of breath, peripheral edema (swelling of the feet and/or legs), fatigue, dizziness, fainting spells, and heart palpitations (racing heart).

PAH can hinder a person’s physical abilities and impact everyday tasks.

“Living with pulmonary arterial hypertension isn’t easy.”

  • Colleen, patient with PAH

“I had to purchase a scooter to do outside activities with my children. I couldn’t perform basic functions for myself and my family or make it to the sidelines of a baseball field to watch my son play. I was truly relegated to living on the sidelines myself. But through it all, I’ve never given up,” said Colleen.

Raising awareness for PAH

In addition to working with her doctor, Colleen found comfort through her support system. Since her diagnosis, Colleen has dedicated her life to raising awareness of PAH and helping others living with the disease. “It’s important for patients and the community to have knowledge and encourage each other. Whatever we can do to lift the community and spread awareness of this devastating disease is appreciated,” she added.

Colleen and friends holding sign that says "HOPE"

Health awareness

Measles: signs and symptoms

Learn more about what the measles virus is and how measles spreads

February 20, 2025

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Mom and son with measles illustration

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect people of all ages but is most common in children. Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms appear 10 to 14 days after contact with the virus.

Common measles symptoms include:

High fever

(may spike to more than 40°C)

Cough

Runny nose

Red, watery eyes

(conjunctivitis)

Spots in mouth

(2-3 days after symptoms begin)

Rash

(3-5 days after symptoms begin)

How measles spreads

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Is measles airborne?

The measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

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How contagious is measles?

If one person has measles, up to 90% of unvaccinated people close to that person will also become infected.

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How long is measles contagious?

Infected people can spread measles to others four days before through four days after the rash appears.

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How long is the measles incubation period?

After being exposed to the measles virus, it can incubate for up to 21 days.

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Does measles cause complications?

Measles can cause health complications. Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain). Measles may impact the daily lives of patients and their caretakers (e.g., can result in lost work time or missed school days).

Measles can be serious and lead to complications 

  • Measles can cause serious health complications, affecting several organ systems such as ears, eyes leading to blindness, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system including inflammation of the brain and death.
  • Approximately 30% of reported measles cases have one or more complications, such as encephalitis or pneumonia.
  • Each day, approximately 373 people die globally from measles-related complications, that equates to more than 15 deaths every hour as of 2023.

Understanding measles outbreaks

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In 2022, there were an estimated 136,000 measles deaths globally, mostly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children under the age of 5 years despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine.

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In 2022, 43% more people died from measles worldwide than in 2021. The spread and scale of global measles disease incidence rose by 18% with more than 9.2 million cases recorded.

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The European region experienced a rise in measles cases in 2023 with over 30,000 cases reported by 75% of countries (40 out of 53), including 21,000 hospitalizations.

Natural disaster and/or conflict can put countries at greater risk for deadly measles outbreaks by damaging health infrastructure, interrupting health services and placing people in overcrowded residential camps.

In 2023, 321,582 cases of measles were reported globally, an 88% increase from 2022.

The proportion of children receiving a first dose of measles vaccine was 83% in 2023, well below the 2019 level of 86%.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to setbacks in surveillance and immunization efforts. Measles is often the first disease to resurge when pediatric vaccination rates drop, placing communities at heightened risk for preventable measles outbreaks.

Measles is still common in many parts of the world, and travelers with measles can bring the disease to countries that have largely eliminated it. Measles can spread rapidly.

For more information, including the latest statistics on outbreaks, speak with your doctor or visit the WHO website.

Health awareness

Sarampión: signos y síntomas

Obtenga más información sobre qué es el virus del sarampión y cómo se propaga

February 19, 2025

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Mom and son with measles illustration

¿Qué es el sarampión?

El sarampión es una enfermedad viral altamente contagiosa que puede afectar a personas de todas las edades, pero es más común en los niños. El sarampión se propaga por el aire cuando una persona infectada tose o estornuda. Los síntomas aparecen entre 10 y 14 días después del contacto con el virus.

Los síntomas comunes del sarampión incluyen los siguientes:

Fiebre alta

(puede subir repentinamente a más de 40 °C)

Tos

Moqueo

Ojos rojos y llorosos

(conjuntivitis)

Manchas en la boca

(2-3 días después de que comiencen los síntomas)

Erupción

(3-5 días después de que comiencen los síntomas)

Cómo se propaga el sarampión

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¿El sarampión se transmite por el aire?

El virus del sarampión puede permanecer hasta dos horas en el ambiente después de que una persona infectada abandona un sitio.

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¿Qué tan contagioso es el sarampión?

Si una persona tiene sarampión, hasta el 90% de las personas no vacunadas que se encuentren cerca de ella también se infectarán.

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¿Por cuánto tiempo es contagioso el sarampión?

Las personas infectadas pueden transmitir el sarampión a otras entre cuatro días antes y cuatro días después de que aparezca la erupción.

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¿Cuánto dura el período de incubación del sarampión?

Después de estar expuesto al virus del sarampión, este puede incubarse por hasta 21 días.

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¿El sarampión causa complicaciones?

El sarampión puede causar complicaciones de salud. Las más comunes son las infecciones de oído y la diarrea. Las complicaciones graves incluyen neumonía y encefalitis (inflamación del cerebro). El sarampión puede afectar la vida diaria de los pacientes y de sus cuidadores (por ejemplo, puede dar lugar a una pérdida de horas de trabajo o días de escuela).

El sarampión puede ser grave y causar complicaciones 

  • El sarampión puede causar graves complicaciones de salud, perjudicar varios órganos, provocar ceguera y afectar los oídos, el tracto gastrointestinal y el sistema nervioso central, incluyendo la inflamación del cerebro y la muerte.
  • Aproximadamente el 30% de los casos de sarampión notificados tienen una o más complicaciones, como encefalitis o neumonía.
  • Cada día, aproximadamente 373 personas mueren en todo el mundo por complicaciones relacionadas con el sarampión, lo que equivale a más de 15 muertes por hora a partir del 2023.

Brotes de sarampión

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Se estima que, en 2022, hubo 136.000 muertes por sarampión en todo el mundo, la mayoría entre niños menores de 5 años no vacunados o no lo suficientemente vacunados, a pesar de la disponibilidad de una vacuna segura y rentable.

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En 2022, un 43% más de personas murieron de sarampión en todo el mundo que en el 2021. La propagación y la escala de la incidencia mundial de la enfermedad del sarampión aumentaron un 18%, con más de 9,2 millones de casos registrados.

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La región europea sufrió un aumento de casos de sarampión en 2023, con más de 30.000 casos notificados por el 75% de los países (40 de 53), incluidas 21.000 hospitalizaciones.

Tanto los desastres naturales como los conflictos pueden poner a los países en mayor riesgo de brotes mortales de sarampión al dañar la infraestructura sanitaria, interrumpir los servicios de salud y colocar a las personas en campamentos residenciales superpoblados.

En 2023, se notificaron 321.582 casos de sarampión a nivel mundial, un aumento del 88% respecto a 2022.

La cantidad de niños que recibieron la primera dosis de la vacuna contra el sarampión fue del 83% en 2023, muy por debajo del 86% registrado en el 2019.

La pandemia del COVID-19 provocó retrocesos en los esfuerzos de vigilancia e inmunización. El sarampión suele ser la primera enfermedad que resurge cuando disminuyen las tasas de vacunación pediátrica, lo que pone a las comunidades en mayor riesgo de brotes de sarampión prevenibles.

El sarampión todavía es común en muchas partes del mundo y los viajeros con sarampión pueden llevar la enfermedad a países que la han eliminado en gran medida. El sarampión puede propagarse rápidamente.

Para obtener más información, incluidas las últimas estadísticas sobre brotes, hable con su médico o visite el sitio web de la OMS.

Health awareness

Make time to get screened for cancer

Find out why it's important to follow cancer screening recommendations

January 15, 2025

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We’ve all had the feeling that there aren’t enough hours in the day. In between everything else on the to-do list, it can feel hard to make your health and annual appointments a priority. However, it’s important to take control of your health and talk to your doctor about what cancer screenings might be recommended for you.

Why timing matters in cancer screening

Time is important with a cancer diagnosis so that treatment can be started early, before cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Cancer screenings can increase the chance of finding disease before a person has symptoms or when cancer is still in earlier stages.

There are screening guidelines for many types of cancer, such as breast, colorectal and lung cancer, as well as melanoma. Screening recommendations often take into consideration a few factors, such as age, family history and lifestyle. Your doctor can help you identify which screenings might be right for you.

As a leader in oncology, we’re committed to addressing the global impact of cancer.

“Through our work to increase access to screening and our other initiatives and programs, we appreciate the importance of finding disease early, before it has spread to help enable early treatment, because we believe people with cancer deserve more,” said Linda Kollmar, associate vice president, medical affairs, value and implementation.

So, make time now to talk to your doctor and to find out if you’re eligible for cancer screening.

We’re working to help address other barriers to cancer screening

Raising awareness about cancer screening is just one way our company works to help improve lives. We also strive to help address barriers to screening and treatment, which is why we work with partners around the globe to support public health initiatives that support recommended screening and create access to high quality cancer care for all patients.

Our support of the American Cancer Society’s Get Screened initiative makes it possible for community members to be screened for breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer who might not have access otherwise. And working with City Cancer Challenge, we support the Patient Navigation Program in Kigali, Rwanda to train nurses as patient navigators who can help people understand health information more easily and gain access to health care options more quickly.

Find out more about how we collaborate with partners around the world to help make cancer care more accessible.

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Debunking type 2 diabetes misconceptions

Learn more about type 2 diabetes

November 8, 2024

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While diabetes is a major health concern, there are common misconceptions around type 2 diabetes diagnosis and management that should be addressed.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by resistance to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, which helps glucose get into the body’s cells to be used for energy. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body isn’t able to properly use insulin, which allows too much glucose to build up in the blood and causes high blood sugar.

Here are some type 2 diabetes misconceptions explained.

01.

Misconception: Type 2 diabetes is not a serious disease.

Explanation: Type 2 diabetes should be taken seriously. If type 2 diabetes is not managed properly, it may lead to serious complications over time. Diabetes management, including learning about the condition, adopting a healthy lifestyle and working with a health care provider to create a treatment plan, can help decrease the risk of long-term complications.

02.

Misconception: If you have type 2 diabetes, the symptoms are obvious.

Explanation: Type 2 diabetes symptoms may develop slowly, often over several years, and can be so mild that it’s easy for symptoms to go unnoticed. Many people have no diabetes symptoms at all.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms may include:

  • Excessive thirst and/or hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and/or feet
  • Fatigue
  • Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal

03.

Misconception: All people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Explanation: While research shows that people who are overweight and who are not physically active are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, there are other personal and lifestyle factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing the condition, including:

  • Age (45 years or older)
  • First degree family history (mother, father, sister, brother)
  • Ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanic/Latinx Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives and some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are at higher risk)

04.

Misconception: If a family member has type 2 diabetes, you’ll also develop type 2 diabetes.

Explanation: If your mother, father, sister or brother has type 2 diabetes, you may have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. However, this is only one of several risk factors. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce your risk.

05.

Misconception: Type 2 diabetes only affects blood sugar.

Explanation: People with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke. However, there are steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of some of the more serious complications. These include keeping blood sugar levels as close as possible to a person’s individualized goal, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol at levels set by a health care professional.

06.

Misconception: Type 2 diabetes can be cured.

Explanation: There’s no cure for type 2 diabetes as for many, it’s a progressive disease. However, there are some lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition, including making healthy food choices and increasing physical activity. Choose whole, minimally processed foods, such as fruits, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat or skim milk cheese, as well as water over juice. Pay attention to how much you are eating, as larger portion sizes mean more calories. Additionally, exercise has been shown to improve blood glucose control, reduce cardiovascular risk factors and contribute to weight loss. Lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to control blood sugar. That’s why it’s important to work with your health care provider to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Health awareness

Learn more about invasive pneumococcal disease and how infection spreads

Invasive pneumococcal disease can lead to a number of serious consequences in children

November 4, 2024

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What is invasive pneumococcal disease?

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is an infection caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can lead to a number of serious illnesses including pneumococcal bacteremia (an infection of the blood) and pneumococcal meningitis (an infection of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord).

Children under the age of 2 and those with certain underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to invasive pneumococcal infection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

~100

different types of S. pneumoniae, called serotypes, exist; however, a smaller number are responsible for most cases of IPD in children

75%

of IPD cases occur in children under 2 years of age, on average, according to a 2019 paper by the WHO

How does pneumococcal infection spread?

Pneumococcal bacteria can spread anywhere, anytime through close contact with respiratory secretions, like those produced from coughing or sneezing. Children can carry the bacteria in their nose or throat without demonstrating signs of illness.

Pneumococcal infections are more common during winter and early spring, when respiratory diseases are more prevalent.

What you can ask your pediatrician about pneumococcal infection:

  • Is my child at risk for invasive pneumococcal disease?
  • How could invasive pneumococcal disease harm my child?
  • What can I do to help reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease for my child?

“There are steps people can take to be proactive about their family’s health. Parents should speak with their health care providers to learn more about invasive pneumococcal disease and the serious consequences it can cause.”

  • Dr. Ulrike Buchwald, scientific associate vice president, clinical research