Skin Cancer Archive

Women live longer than men. However, that longevity gap in the United States has increased to 5.8 years, the largest gap since 1996, according to a 2024 study. Why the widening gap? Researchers believe that in many cases, women are better than men at addressing certain health needs that contribute to longer lives, such as losing excess weight, quitting smoking, getting regular skin check-ups, and not ignoring mental health issues.

A 2025 research review found that adhering to the DASH diet-which emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy products-is linked to a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, and brittle or cracked fingernails are common nail problems that affect older adults. They can make hands and feet unsightly and sometimes even painful. Treating these problems and preventing them from returning often takes a trial-and-error approach, diligence, and patience. Strategies include a combination of home remedies, over-the-counter medication, and good hygiene and grooming habits.

With age, people develop brown spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Women are more likely than men to invest money and time to look younger. Sun protection and a variety of skin care products can help, including those containing alpha-hydroxy acids, retinols, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures can also ease signs of aging. These include injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) or hyaluronic acid, laser treatments, and chemical peels. Skin care and treatments should be customized to each person.

Spray-on sunscreens can be as effective as lotion-based sunscreens for protecting skin from harmful ultraviolet light. People using sunscreen sprays should make sure skin appears wet and shiny where they've sprayed and rub the product in before it dries.

In a 2025 study of about 900 people treated for colon cancer (followed for an average of eight years), people who took part in a supervised exercise program for three years had about 30% better odds of surviving, compared with people who weren't in the program.

Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder characterized by frequent, irresistible impulses to pull hair from the scalp or anywhere else on the body. It often results in embarrassing bald patches that people with the condition try to conceal. About one in 50 people has trichotillomania, and women are diagnosed and treated for it more often than men are. People with the disorder may pull hair when faced with stressors such as tension, loneliness, or fatigue. Among people who eat pulled hair, complications such as hairballs can be life-threatening.

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.