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UPI
4 days ago
- Health
- UPI
U.S. cancer survivors grow to 18.6M; predicted to reach 22M by 2035
Breast cancer survivors march to the stage before the start of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in St. Louis in 2018. A study published Friday estimated 18.6 million cancer survivors live in the United States, up from 18 million in 2022. The number is expected to rise past 22 million by 2035. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo ST. PAUL, Minn., May 30 (UPI) -- The number of cancer survivors living in the United States is continuing its steady increase, rising to an estimated at 18.6 million as of Jan. 1, according to a study published Friday by the American Cancer Society. That number is projected to exceed 22 million by 2035, and is up from 18 million survivors in 2022, the authors found. Friday's peer-reviewed study, published in the cancer society's CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, also found that about half of those 18.6 million survivors were diagnosed within the past 10 years, and that nearly 4r out of 5 of them were 60 years old and older. The latest figures continue a pattern in which the numbers of U.S. cancer survivors are increasing each year, partly as a result of the growth and aging of the population, but also due to improvements in early detection practices and breakthroughs in cancer treatments. As in its previous estimates, the cancer society collaborated with the National Cancer Institute to tap data from a number of sources, including cancer registries kept by several federal agencies and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, as well as information from the U.S. Census Bureau. Using that data, cancer society researchers determined that among men, the three most prevalent cancers are prostate (3.55 million survivors), melanoma of the skin (816,580), and colorectal (729,550). Among women, the most common cancers were breast (4.3 million survivors), uterine corpus (945,540) and thyroid (859,890). "The increase in cancer survivors in the United States is a testament to the tremendous progress made by cancer research efforts across multiple collaborative stakeholders resulting in improvements in prevention, risk reduction, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, said Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, CEO of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of leading cancer centers. "While this milestone should be celebrated, it is important to remember that cancer survivors have unique needs during and after treatment, and disparities still exist in the receipt of these life-saving advances," Denlinger said. "Everyone should have access to high-quality cancer care as outlined in the latest evidence-based, expert consensus-driven guidelines. Through persistent research, broadened awareness, and unwavering access to guideline-concordant care, everyone has the potential to benefit from ongoing advances in cancer care and prevention." Though the numbers of cancer survivors continue to increase, racial and socioeconomic disparities in treatment also remain readily apparent, the study found. For instance, Black people with Stage I or Stage II lung cancer were less likely to undergo surgery than their White counterparts by a 47% to 52% margin. Dr. Nikita Sandeep Wagle, principal scientist within the Surveillance & Health Equity Science department of the cancer society and the study's lead author, told UPI she was surprised at "the extent to which treatment receipt differs in Black people compared to White people for some [other] cancers. "For example, only 39% of Black people with early-stage rectal cancer received surgery, compared to 64% of their White counterparts," she said. "Addressing disparities requires improving access to high-quality cancer early-detection, treatment and survivorship resources by expanding access to affordable insurance coverage through public and private programs." Meanwhile, perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the study relates to breast cancer. There, the statistics showed that the number of female breast cancer survivors is projected to jump from today's 4.3 million to 5.3 million by 2035 -- the largest expected survivor growth among the top 10 most prevalent cancers. In 2022, the ACS estimated slightly more than 4 million women were living in the United States with a history of invasive breast cancer. That included more than 150,000 women living with metastatic breast cancer, three-fourth of whom originally were diagnosed with stage I-III disease. One-third of female breast cancer survivors in 2022 were younger than 65, reflecting the relatively young median age at diagnosis of 63 years. The projected increase to 5.3 million female breast cancer survivors and those living with breast cancer by 2035 "is a testament to progress in early detection and treatment of breast cancer -- but it's only part of the story," according to Susan G. Komen, the U.S.-based breast cancer advocacy organization. While lauding the rising number of survivors, the group noted in a statement to UPI that every day this year, "we still lose about 117 people in the United States to this disease, and nearly 43,000 are expected to die from breast cancer in 2025 alone. "Recent alarming trends also show breast cancer diagnoses are rising among younger women, with the disease being the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 20 to 49," they said. Those survivors must also face complex challenges, ranging from loss of fertility and early menopause to fatigue, fear of recurrence and financial toxicity, "especially for those living with metastatic breast cancer. "While survival rates have improved overall, significant disparities remain -- especially for Black women, who continue to face worse outcomes, as the report highlights," Susan G. Komen said. "Continued investment in research, equal access to care, and comprehensive support are essential to ensure everyone -- not just some -- has the chance to survive and thrive." And, as the number of cancer survivors steadily rises, so does the need to keep them healthy, Wagle said. "It is surprising that there are now as many as 18.6 million cancer survivors, meaning more people need health care access to monitor for cancer recurrence, new cancers and side effects of cancer treatment," she cautioned.
UPI
7 days ago
- General
- UPI
NTSB finds broken support piece on Delta plane's failed landing gear
A Delta Air Lines flight, with 96 passengers and five crew members onboard, lost the ability to control the plane's nose landing gear due to a broken support piece, according to the NTSB, which revealed its final report Tuesday on the 2023 emergency landing at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in North Carolina. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo May 27 (UPI) -- A Delta Air Lines Boeing 717, which made an emergency landing two years ago and skidded "nose down" at North Carolina's Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, could not lower its landing gear because of a fractured support piece, the National Transportation Safety Board revealed in its final report Tuesday. The NTSB announced it had found a metal fatigue crack in the upper lock link, one of the aluminum supports for the landing gear. "The appearance of the scratch features was consistent with tool marks such as from filing or grinding operations," the NTSB said. "These scratch features likely acted as stress concentration areas for crack initiation." According to the NTSB, Boeing and McDonnell Douglas issued an alert in 2001 to inspect all landing gear parts for rough surfaces. The upper lock link that failed in 2023 shows it had been inspected and overhauled in 2009. But, the NTSB said the overhaul by Israel Aerospace Industries did not fully comply with Boeing's service bulletin. That same upper lock link was moved five years later to the impacted Delta Boeing 717, where it remained until it ultimately cracked after 41,257 flights. In response to the NTSB's findings, Boeing issued a new Alert Service Bulletin and more rigorous inspection requirements. No additional cracks have been reported on the Boeing 717 fleet. Delta flight 1092, which originated from Atlanta with 96 passengers and five crew members on board, was forced to make an emergency landing after the nose gear failed to drop on June 28, 2023. As the plane descended toward landing, the pilots received a "nose gear unsafe" indication. "The crew initiated a missed approach procedure to further investigate the indication," Delta said in a statement after the emergency landing. The pilots flew the plane past the airport's air traffic control tower to give controllers a better look at the plane. "That observation indicated that the nose landing gear doors were open, but the nose gear itself remained in the up position," Delta added. The plane landed a few minutes later at a speed of 92 mph and managed to remain on the runway. Firefighters sprayed the plane with water and passengers were evacuated on emergency slides. No one was injured.
UPI
21-05-2025
- General
- UPI
VA hosting Memorial Day events at 130+ national cemeteries
1 of 3 | A volunteer removes American flags from the graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis on May 28, 2024, after scouts placed an American flag on each of the 247,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks ahead of last year's Memorial Day event. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo May 20 (UPI) -- More than 130 national cemeteries will conduct Memorial Day events hosting a total of about 100,000 attendees across the nation, the Veterans Affairs Department announced Tuesday. "Every day throughout the year, VA plays a vital role in remembering and honoring the brave servicemembers who gave their lives in defense of the freedoms America holds dear," VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a news release. "This Memorial Day weekend, we invite Americans to visit VA cemeteries and join us in reflecting upon the important legacies of these fallen heroes." Each of the VA's 156 national cemeteries and 35 soldiers' lots will be open from Friday through Monday. Many of the ceremonies will be streamed live and have videos and photographs shared on the National Cemetery Administration's Facebook and X social media pages. The VA also has posted a complete list of National Cemetery Memorial Day events and visiting hours to enable locals to visit the ones that are nearest to them. The VA also invites the general public to visit the VA's Veterans Legacy Memorial website to read submissions that include biographies, tributes, photos, documents and other relevant information. Online visitors also can make submissions to the website. More than 10 million veterans are interred at national cemeteries, VA grant-funded cemeteries, Department of Defense-managed cemeteries and private cemeteries. Interred veterans are eligible to receive a VA gravesite marker and other benefits.
UPI
20-05-2025
- Climate
- UPI
Severe storms to threaten central U.S. into Memorial Day weekend
A rainbow appears next to the Gateway Arch following strong storms in St. Louis (May 2024). Forecasters say a large area of severe thunderstorms is forecast into Tuesday night and will overlap areas in the Ohio, Tennessee and middle Mississippi valleys that recently were hit by deadly and damaging storms. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo AccuWeather meteorologists recommend that people celebrating Memorial Day in the central and southern United States -- whether hitting the road early, traveling, or preparing for outdoor activities at home over the extended holiday weekend -- monitor severe thunderstorms daily through Monday. A severe weather outbreak responsible for nearly 300 reports of high winds, hail and tornadoes since Monday alone will remain active through Tuesday night and even continue into Wednesday evening in some areas, prior to reloading later this week. A large area of severe thunderstorms is forecast into Tuesday night and will overlap areas in the Ohio, Tennessee and middle Mississippi valleys that were hit by deadly and damaging storms. While the overall threat and intensity of the storms is somewhat lower compared to recent days, there is still a risk to lives and property. From northeastern Texas to Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, large hail, frequent lightning strikes and flash flooding are possible. More than 60 million people live in the region at risk, which includes the towns and cities of London, Ky., Nashville and Memphis, Tenn.; Atlanta; Tupelo and Jackson, Miss.; Huntsville and Birmingham, Al.; Charlotte and Asheville, N.C.; Roanoke, Va.; Charleston, Cincinnati; Indianapolis; Little Rock, Ark.; Monroe, La.; Davenport, Iowa; and Peoria and Springfield, Ill. Even if a city isn't listed, any location within or near the "some" and "moderate" risks zones could experience severe weather. Because of the repeating nature of some of the thunderstorms Tuesday and prior days, the risk of flash flooding is a significant concern for the middle part of the Mississippi Valley, as well. A general 1-2 inches of rain is forecast to fall from Tuesday to Tuesday night. Local amounts could approach 4 inches, adding to the drenching rain from over the past week. The storms will lose some intensity and may slip to subsevere levels late Tuesday night. There may be enough warming in the southeastern corner of the U.S. during Wednesday afternoon and evening to allow the storms to rejuvenate to severe levels before dry air sweeps in and ends the threat. Strong wind gusts and hail will be the main risks Wednesday. A few tornadoes are possible, and localized flash flooding is likely. Later this week, the cycle of severe weather will reset once again, this time farther to the west over the Central states. Severe weather to reset Thursday From Thursday afternoon to Thursday night, thunderstorms are forecast to erupt from portions of central and southern Texas to southern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas. While there may be considerable spacing between some of the thunderstorms, some can become intense beyond typical gusty winds and downpours. The most potent storms can trigger powerful wind gusts and sizable hail. On Friday, the severe weather threat will continue over portions of the southern Plains states and can expand a bit farther to the north. Thunderstorms capable of producing high winds, large hail, flash flooding and a few tornadoes will extend from parts of northwestern and north-central Texas to much of central and western Oklahoma to western Kansas and into eastern Colorado and part of southwestern Nebraska. The storms will slowly creep eastward across the South Central states, as the weekend progresses, including southern portions of the Mississippi Valley and the Gulf Coast during Saturday and Sunday. They could potentially continue into the Southeastern states by Memorial Day. Residents and visitors should be wary of weather conditions, especially from midday through the evening, as storms build, increase in coverage and drift through. People unfamiliar with their surroundings, whether on the road or at campgrounds, are urged to have a plan of action should a severe storm strike their location.
UPI
16-05-2025
- Business
- UPI
Charter, Cox Communications merger valued at $34.5B
1 of 3 | Charter Communications, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States announced a merger Friday with privately-held Cox Communications in a deal valued at $34.5 billion. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo May 16 (UPI) -- Charter Communications, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States announced a merger Friday with privately-held Cox Communications in a multi-billion-dollar deal. Once the merger is completed, the new entity will retain the name of Atlanta-based Cox, a subsidiary of parent company Cox Enterprises, a private firm founded in 1898 that also has dealings in the automotive industry. Cox acquired its first cable franchise in 1962. The deal gives Cox Communications a value of approximately $34.5 billion. Charter Communications' stock climbed sharply on the Nasdaq Composite at market open Friday before retreating somewhat. The company's shares were up $7.03 or 1.68% at 10:42 a.m. EDT. Under the terms of the deal, Connecticut-based Charter is acquiring all of Cox's commercial fiber and managed IT and cloud businesses. Cox will also get $4 billion worth of cash and approximately $17.9 billion worth of combined shares, giving the parent company an approximately 23% ownership stake in the new venture. The new company will remain headquartered in Stamford, Conn., and also assume an existing $12 billion worth of Cox Communications' debt. Prior to the deal, Charter was the largest cable operator in the United States, reaching over 32 million subscribers in 41 states. It was also the fifth-largest provider of residential phone lines. Charter's Spectrum brand will survive the merger and will "become the consumer-facing brand within the communities Cox serves." In 2017, Charter announced a partnership with Comcast Communications to share information about wireless services, a year after its $78.7 billion purchase of Time Warner Cable. "Cox and Charter have been innovators in connectivity and entertainment services -- with decades of work and hundreds of billions of dollars invested to build, upgrade, and expand our complementary regional networks to provide high-quality internet, video, voice and mobile services," Charter President and CEO Chris Winfrey said in a jointly-issued statement. "This combination will augment our ability to innovate and provide high-quality, competitively priced products, delivered with outstanding customer service, to millions of homes and businesses. We will continue to deliver high-value products that save American families money, and we'll onshore jobs from overseas to create new, good-paying careers for U.S. employees that come with great benefits, career training and advancement, and retirement and ownership opportunities." Winfrey will retain both executive titles upon completion of the deal. "Our family has always believed that investing for the long-term and staying committed to the best interests of our customers, employees and communities is the best recipe for success," Cox Enterprises Chairman and CEO Alex Taylor said in the companies' statement. "In Charter, we've found the right partner at the right time and in the right position to take this commitment to a higher level than ever before, delivering an incredible outcome for our customers, employees, suppliers and the local communities we serve."
