Cancer Archive

In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid washes backward into the esophagus. This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, an acidic or metallic taste in the mouth, hoarse voice, chest pain, dry cough, post-nasal drip, or trouble swallowing. Symptoms can overlap with those of several other conditions. These include hiatal hernia, functional dyspepsia, eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal spasms, or heart attack. Distinguishing GERD from other conditions may involve various tests, including an endoscopy to view the esophagus lining.

The digestion process slows as one ages, causing digested food to take its time moving along the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach through the intestines. The longer food stays in the digestive tract, the more opportunity there is for gas to be produced and build up, resulting in bloating. Recurrent bloating also can be caused by people's reactions to certain foods, especially those that contain sugars called FODMAPs. Adjusting one's diet to avoid trigger foods and taking over-the-counter remedies can help prevent and manage problem bloating.

The surge in heat waves and extreme heat poses serious health risks for everyone but is a particular worry for older adults. What can you do to manage heat-related risks, especially if you have existing health conditions or take certain medications?

In the summertime, one of the chief contributors to symptom flares of lung problems is hot air, especially if it's also humid, stagnant, or very dry. Such weather might narrow the airways, making it much harder to breathe normally. This might occur because hot air irritates the nerves, widens blood vessels near the lungs, or causes people to breathe faster. To avoid breathing difficulty, doctors advise people with lung disease to follow strategies such as keeping their inhalers handy and staying in air-conditioned spaces.

In a 2025 study of more than 85,000 people (average age 63), followed for six years, those who were the most active-even if they were simply doing light-intensity activities-had a 26% lower risk for cancer, compared with those who were least active.

Wildfire smoke contributes greatly to poor air quality, and as wildfires become more frequent due to climate change and drier conditions, more of us and more of our communities are at risk for health harms. Here are ways to cope.

If possible, everyone should prepare for the possibility of needing support services or long-term care in older age, even if it's not yet needed. Ways to prepare include designating a health care proxy and power of attorney; writing advance directives for health care preferences; investigating potential housing options (such as assisted living facilities) and support services (such as a health aide) well in advance; downsizing belongings, including one's home; and meeting with a financial planner to figure out how to tackle caregiving expenses.

A 2025 study suggested that boosting dietary calcium intake may reduce the odds of developing colorectal cancer, while drinking more alcohol may raise risks for the disease.

A small randomized controlled trial published in February 2025 suggests that eliminating oligosaccharides from the diet might be enough to ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, as opposed to eliminating all the categories of food known as FODMAPs.

If you've ever had food poisoning caused by Salmonella bacteria, you know it's unpleasant but typically goes away within two to three days. You may not know that these bacteria sicken more than a million people in the US each year - and can be deadly for some. You can take steps to avoid getting sick.