Shoroghafoor

Colorectal cancer is a serious and prevalent disease, and while overall cases are decreasing, a troubling trend is emerging: it's on the rise in people under 50. In fact, incidence rates are increasing by about 2% annually in this younger population, with a corresponding 1% rise in the death rate each year.
So why is this happening? While researchers don't have a single answer, experts like Dr. Doug Corley, chief research officer for The Permanente Medical Group, point to a few potential culprits, including increased rates of obesity, lack of exercise, and changes in our gut bacteria.
The Power of Screening: A Critical Tool
The good news is that we have a highly effective tool to combat this trend: screening. The reason overall colorectal cancer rates are falling is because older adults are getting screened. These tests find and remove precancerous polyps before they can become cancerous, drastically reducing the risk of developing the disease.
The American Cancer Society now recommends that people at average risk for colon cancer start screening at 45 years old, a change from the previous recommendation of 50. This shift is critical, and raising awareness about this lower age is more important than ever. Dr. Corley emphasizes just how impactful screening is, noting that timely, regular screenings can decrease the risk of death from colon cancer by about 50%.
Beyond the Colonoscopy: New Screening Options
For many, the idea of a colonoscopy can be daunting. The bowel prep and sedation required can be barriers to getting screened. That's why alternative screening methods are so important.
Kaiser Permanente, for example, has had great success by offering patients a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). This non-invasive, at-home test looks for small amounts of blood in the stool. Because it's so convenient, it can increase screening rates, especially among younger people who may not be seeing a doctor regularly for other health issues.
It's important to remember that the FIT screening is not a replacement for a colonoscopy for everyone. A positive FIT test requires a follow-up colonoscopy, and those with a higher risk of colorectal cancer—such as a close family member with the disease—should still opt for a colonoscopy from the start.
Still, offering both options is a game-changer. A recent study co-published by Dr. Corley found that people who had at least one FIT screening within the previous five years were about one-third less likely to die from colorectal cancer.
The takeaway is clear: whether through a colonoscopy or an at-home test like the FIT, getting screened is the most effective way to protect yourself from this deadly disease.
Ready to take control of your health? Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and which screening option is right for you.

Global and Regional Trends: According to UNICEF and WHO data from 2023, the global IMR was approximately 27 per 1,000 live births, down from 63 in 1990. In developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, rates are higher. Sub-Saharan Africa had an IMR of about 49 per 1,000 live births, and South Asia around 32 in 2023. For comparison, high-income countries average around 3–5 per 1,000.
Key Causes: Major causes of infant mortality in developing countries include:
Neonatal issues (40–60% of deaths): Premature birth, birth asphyxia, neonatal infections, and congenital anomalies. About 75% of neonatal deaths occur in the first week, with 1 million newborns dying within 24 hours.
Post-neonatal deaths: Malnutrition, infectious diseases (pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria), and inadequate healthcare access. Malnutrition alone is a factor in over half of under-five deaths in some regions.
Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, low maternal education, and lack of access to clean water or sanitation exacerbate risks. For instance, a 10% increase in GDP per capita can reduce IMR by about 5 deaths per 1,000 in developing countries.
Disparities: The risk of infant death in the highest-mortality country (e.g., Afghanistan, estimated at 101.3 per 1,000 in 2024) is about 60–65 times higher than in the lowest-mortality countries (e.g., Japan at 1.9). Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for a disproportionate share of deaths, with a child born there over 10 times more likely to die than one in a high-income country.
Is It a Crisis in 2025?
The term "crisis" depends on context, but several factors highlight ongoing urgency:
Stagnation in Progress: The rate of IMR reduction has slowed since 2015, dropping from 3.7% annually (2000–2015) to 2.2% (2015–2023). This threatens Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets to reduce IMR to 12 per 1,000 by 2030. UNICEF estimates 60 countries, many in developing regions, will miss this target without urgent action.
Emerging Threats: Conflicts, economic instability, and fragile health systems are reversing gains in some areas. For example, posts on X highlight acute malnutrition crises in places like Gaza and Sudan, where children face starvation risks, indirectly worsening IMR.
Inequities: Wealth and education disparities mean poorer households face higher IMR. In Sub-Saharan Africa, studies show poorer populations have disproportionately higher mortality rates, with neonatal deaths (first 28 days) being particularly stubborn at 26 per 1,000 in 2023.
Preventable Deaths: Most infant deaths are preventable with low-cost interventions like vaccinations, improved maternal care, and nutrition programs. Yet, 2.3 million newborns died in 2023, many in low-resource settings due to unequal healthcare access.

The world is grappling with multiple, overlapping humanitarian crises of staggering proportions. From the devastating conflict in Gaza to the civil war in Sudan and the prolonged crisis in Yemen, millions are facing starvation, violence, and displacement on an unimaginable scale. These are not isolated incidents but interconnected emergencies demanding urgent global attention.
Gaza: A Population on the Brink of Famine
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a humanitarian crisis of historic severity. The numbers tell a harrowing story:
* Over 90% of the population has been displaced, forced from their homes in a relentless conflict.
* 100% of the population faces high levels of acute food insecurity, meaning every single person is struggling to find food.
* A terrifying 20% of the population is at catastrophic levels of food insecurity, on the verge of famine.
* Despite the desperate need, aid delivery is a life-threatening challenge, as highlighted by a recent incident near Rafah where eight people were tragically killed near an aid distribution site.
Sudan: The World's Largest Humanitarian Crisis
Sudan is now the epicenter of the world’s largest humanitarian disaster. A brutal civil war has pushed a nation of millions to the brink of collapse.
* More than half the country's population—over 30.4 million people—requires urgent humanitarian aid.
* Over 12 million people have been displaced, creating a massive refugee crisis that has overwhelmed neighboring countries.
* Famine has been officially declared in parts of Darfur, where recent attacks on refugee camps have resulted in hundreds of deaths, escalating a crisis already beyond comprehension.
Yemen: A Decade of Despair and Starvation
After nearly ten years of relentless conflict and economic collapse, Yemen remains one of the world's most severe and under-reported humanitarian crises.
* 17.1 million Yemenis—nearly half the population—are food insecure, with basic survival a daily struggle.
* 4.5 million people have been internally displaced, while the economy has collapsed, plunging a staggering 83% of the population into multidimensional poverty.
* The delivery of life-saving aid is constantly hampered by ongoing violence and a critical shortage of funding, leaving millions in a state of chronic vulnerability.

Despite producing enough food to feed every person on the planet, our world faces a staggering hunger crisis. In 2024, a devastating 673 million people—more than 8% of the global population—went hungry. This isn't just a number; it's a crisis fueled by conflict, climate change, and economic instability that leaves communities shattered and futures uncertain.
The numbers are alarming:
* Nearly 2.3 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity, meaning they lacked consistent access to enough nutritious food.
* Over 295 million people in 53 countries suffered from acute hunger. In places like Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti, the situation is catastrophic, with 1.9 million facing starvation.
* The crisis is worst in Africa, where one in five people—more than double the global average—is hungry. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are epicenters of undernourishment and child malnutrition.
The Drivers of Despair
This crisis isn't accidental. It's a direct result of systemic issues that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.
* Conflict is the primary cause. It drives 70% of acute hunger, displacing families, destroying crops, and cutting off access to essential resources.
* Climate change is a relentless threat. Extreme weather events like droughts and floods are devastating agricultural communities, turning arable land into dust and washing away harvests.
* Economic inequality creates a divide where healthy diets are a luxury. In low-income countries, a staggering 71.5% of people can't afford a nutritious meal, compared to just 6.3% in high-income nations.
These factors create a vicious cycle. They hit women and girls the hardest, as they often face higher rates of food insecurity and malnutrition. The UN’s goal of achieving Zero Hunger by 2030 is currently off-track, with projections showing that 582 million people will still be undernourished.
How We Can Make a Difference
The good news is that we have the power to change this. We can fight back against hunger by focusing on transformative solutions.
* Support Sustainable Agriculture: Investing in resilient farming practices helps communities withstand climate shocks and ensures a stable food supply.
* Address Systemic Inequity: We must tackle the root causes of hunger, from gender inequality to climate vulnerability, to build a more just and food-secure world.
* Increase Humanitarian Aid: Organizations like the World Food Programme face a critical funding gap. Your support can provide immediate relief to those on the brink of starvation.
Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement. By raising awareness and supporting organizations on the front lines, we can turn the tide on this global crisis.

A recent visit by a US special envoy to Gaza has sparked renewed debate and scrutiny over the humanitarian crisis, as the UN and Human Rights Watch release damning reports on civilian deaths. Envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, toured a US-backed food distribution center, but their visit coincides with disturbing allegations from global watchdogs.
The Crisis Unfolds
The UN rights office in the Palestinian territories has reported a staggering death toll, with at least 1,373 people killed while seeking aid since late May. Of these, 859 were killed near US-backed food sites, while 514 died along aid convoy routes. The report highlights the extreme danger faced by desperate civilians trying to secure food for their families.

Adding to the outcry, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Israeli military of using starvation as a "weapon of war." The organization claims Israeli forces are not only "deliberately starving Palestinian civilians" but also "gunning them down almost every day" as they seek food.
A Divisive Conversation
The situation has prompted strong reactions globally. Award-winning Israeli author David Grossman has gone as far as to call his country's actions in Gaza "genocide," a term he says he uses with a "broken heart." Meanwhile, in Europe, Finnish President Alexander Stubb has indicated he is ready to recognize a Palestinian state, following similar pledges from countries like France and Canada. This move is seen as an attempt to "breathe new life into the peace process."
During his visit, Witkoff held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing war, the delivery of aid, and efforts to free remaining Israeli prisoners. The US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which hosted the envoys, posted on its social media account that it was an "honor" to have Witkoff and Huckabee visit as they delivered their 100-millionth meal.
This complex and evolving situation in Gaza continues to draw international attention and concern.