Summer days at the beach, pool or in the garden can lead to accidental sunburn if we’re not careful, which may increase the odds of several common types of skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) down the line. “Protecting the skin from sun damage is important because UV radiation is the most significant and modifiable environmental risk factor for developing skin cancer,” says Michael Christopher, MD, board-certified dermatologist. When it comes to skin cancer prevention, we’re sharing the strategies that really work.

4 skin cancer prevention tips experts swear by

We know you know this, but it bears repeating: Avoiding indoor tanning beds and regularly applying sunscreen (even on cloudy days) are two crucial steps that should be part of everyone’s skin cancer prevention routine. Aside from those smart moves, there are other ways to help protect against excess sun exposure: 

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Eat red fruits and veggies

Red foods such as tomatoes, watermelon and peppers contain a nutrient called lycopene, which studies have found helps protect skin from UV-ray damage. Dr. Christopher says eating these foods can’t replace sunscreen, of course, but their antioxidant properties can be beneficial to skin. “UV radiation creates oxidative stress in the skin, and some antioxidants may reduce UV-related damage,” he explains. (Bonus: Check out how lycopene supports weight loss.)

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Wear sunscreen—even under clothing

Regular clothing only offers minimal protection against the sun’s rays, and the UPF in sun shirts may lose effectiveness after repeated washing. That’s why it’s important to wear sunscreen even under clothing. Two sunscreen options we like: Peach & Lily Sun Cover Mineral Sunscreen is a great option for your face—it fights oxidative stress and inflammation—while Vacation Classic Whip Glow SPF 30 gives your body a radiant shimmer.

Also smart: Choose more protective fabric when you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. “A thin white cotton shirt (bleached cotton) allows significantly more UV radiation to reach the skin than an unbleached cotton shirt, which contains natural components that provide UV protection such as pectin, pigment, wax and lignin,” Dr. Christopher points out. Synthetic materials such as polyester and darker colors also provide more protection and aid in skin cancer prevention.

Avoid sneaky sun damage

Dr. Christopher says it’s important to wear sunscreen every day to avoid unintentional damage while driving, getting the mail or walking the dog. “I see patients who get sunburned not because they spent the day at the beach, but because they were outside longer than expected,” he says. 

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These 5 Types of Foods Help Slash Your Breast Cancer Risk Naturally

When it comes to preventing breast cancer, the foods we eat aren’t always top of mind. In fact, a Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine survey found that only 28 percent of women mentioned eating a healthy diet as a preventive strategy— and 72 percent said they’d never received information on nutrition and breast cancer from […]

Treat bad burns

Applying topical fluorouracil (a prescription medication) to badly sun-damaged skin helps keep burns from advancing into something more serious. “Numerous studies have shown its efficacy at reducing actinic keratosis (precancerous growths), as well as reducing the formation of squamous cell carcinoma in the treatment areas,” Dr. Christopher says. Studies show applying this prescription treatment option to damaged skin for up to four weeks delivers the benefit. 

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Colon cancer used to feel like a worry for later—something to think about decades down the road. Not anymore. An estimated 158,850 Americans will be newly diagnosed with colon cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society, and the disease is now the leading cause of cancer death among Americans under 50, up from the fifth leading cause in 2005. Here’s the good news: Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when caught early. A little knowledge—and a willingness to schedule that screening you’ve been putting off—can truly save your life. Here’s everything you need to know about colon cancer screenings and how to stay healthy.

When to start colon cancer screening

Major health organizations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society, now recommend that average-risk adults begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. That’s a shift from the previous guideline of 50, updated in 2021 in response to rising cases in younger adults.

Some women need to start even earlier. Douglas K. Rex, MD, a clinical gastroenterologist with Indiana University Health, says those with a close relative diagnosed with colon cancer, a family history of colorectal cancer or an advanced colon polyp under age 60 should “begin colonoscopy at age 40, or 10 years younger than the age at which the relative was diagnosed, whichever occurs first.”

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Women with long-standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s colitis often need a colonoscopy every one to three years, depending on how extensive their disease has been.

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7 Early Signs of Colon Cancer Every Woman Over 40 Should Know

Cases of colon cancer are rising fast, especially in younger adults—and the earliest warning signs are surprisingly easy to brush off. Just ask the family of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who died on February 11 at age 48 from colorectal cancer, or health writer Alexandra Frost, who was diagnosed with stage 3 […]

Colon cancer symptoms you shouldn’t brush off

Colon cancer often develops silently, which is exactly why screening matters so much. But certain symptoms warrant a call to your doctor right away:

• Blood in your stool, whether dark or bright red
• Changes in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea or changes in stool shape
• Chronic abdominal pain, bloating or cramping
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained fatigue or iron deficiency anemia

“Blood in the toilet bowl, in any amount, deserves attention,” Dr. Rex says. “Even blood only on the toilet paper should be discussed with a doctor.”

When to worry about colon polyps

If your doctor finds polyps during a colonoscopy, take a deep breath. Polyps are common, and most never cause problems. But because polyps are the precursors of nearly all colon cancers, removing them is the key to prevention. “People often don’t realize how routine polyps are,” Dr. Rex says. “We see them in nearly half of adults over 45, and most never produce symptoms.”

After removal, polyps are sent to a pathologist to determine whether they’re harmless or precancerous. The findings, plus the size and number of polyps, guide when you’ll need your next colon cancer screening. Women with one or two small precancerous polyps typically return in seven to 10 years. Larger polyps require closer follow-up—sometimes within six months to a year.

Colonoscopy vs. Cologuard: Which colon cancer screening is right for you?

When it comes to choosing a screening method, colonoscopy remains the gold standard—especially for those with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. “A colonoscopy is clearly better,” confirms Anish A. Sheth, MD, chief of gastroenterology at Penn Medicine, Princeton Medical Center. “It’s better at picking up polyps, and it has a much longer track record.”

Cologuard, the at-home stool DNA test, is over 90 percent effective at detecting colon cancer and very large polyps. But it’s only about 30 percent effective at finding smaller polyps that can lead to tumors. “If you’re in your 40s or 50s and have never had a colonoscopy before, [Cologuard] just isn’t good enough to buy you the 10-year [peace of mind] you would get from a colonoscopy,” Dr. Sheth says.

Cologuard may make sense for low-risk adults age 75 and older who’ve had clean colonoscopies, or for those who can’t undergo the procedure for medical or personal reasons. “We always say that the best screening test is the one a patient will actually do,” Dr. Sheth emphasizes.

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Nervous About Colonoscopy Prep? A Doctor Explains What To Really Expect

You already know how important it is to get screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 45, and the recent tragic passing of beloved actors Catherine O’Hara, 71, and James Van Der Beek, 48, from the disease has brought that reality into stark relief. But before you can get the procedure, you need to prep. […]

5 ways to lower your colon cancer risk

Lifestyle changes—along with regular screenings—can meaningfully reduce your odds of developing colon cancer. Doctors recommend these strategies:

• Eat more fiber and fewer ultra-processed foods. Aim for at least 25 grams of fiber daily from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit red meat to about 18 ounces per week and avoid processed meats.
• Move your body. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity weekly, combining cardio and strength training.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess body fat, especially around the waist, can drive hormonal and inflammatory changes that promote tumor growth.
• Know your family history. A close relative’s diagnosis could mean you need earlier or more frequent screenings for colon cancer.
• Limit alcohol and quit smoking. Both can damage DNA and raise cancer risk throughout the digestive tract.

“Colon cancer is one of the few cancers we can truly prevent,” says Amar Rewari, MD. “Genetics may set the blueprint, but your lifestyle writes the script.”

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Cases of colon cancer are rising fast, especially in younger adults—and the earliest warning signs are surprisingly easy to brush off. Just ask the family of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who died on February 11 at age 48 from colorectal cancer, or health writer Alexandra Frost, who was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer at 37 after dismissing her symptoms as a diet issue. Knowing the signs of colon cancer could quite literally save your life. Here’s what every woman should watch for.

What colon cancer is—and who’s at risk?

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, the lower part of the digestive system. According to the American Cancer Society, 108,860 Americans are currently fighting the disease, and 53,450 of those are women. It’s the number two leading cause of cancer death in the nation behind lung cancer, and experts predict it will become the leading cause for people under 50 by 2030.

That’s why major health organizations now recommend that average-risk individuals begin regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45 rather than 50, says David D. Clarke, MD, board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology and affiliated with Oregon Health & Science University. (Learn more about Cologuard vs. colonoscopy screenings.)

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The trend in younger adults is especially troubling. “We know colorectal cancer has been increasing in young people, and it is not exactly clear why,” explains Peter Stanich, MD, gastroenterologist with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Part of this is likely due to increasing obesity and changes in diets over time, but many people are still investigating the cause.”

Cases in the 20-to-39 age group have increased by two percent every year since the mid-1990s, and by 2030, cases in younger adults are expected to nearly double.

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Doctors Reveal the Sneaky Early Cancer Symptoms Women Often Miss

Cancer specialists say it’s not at all uncommon to overlook or dismiss early warning signs of several common cancers, from uterine and ovarian to colon and lung. Doctors have always stressed that early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes—but many warning signs of cancer can mimic everyday complaints like bloating, fatigue and back pain. So, what […]

7 early warning signs of colon cancer

According to Lynn Durham, EdD, CEO of Georgia CORE (Center for Oncology Research and Education), women shouldn’t ignore these seven symptoms, which can be early signs of colon cancer:

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Difficulty passing gas
• Chronic fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anemia
• Blood in stool
• Stool that’s oddly narrow or pencil-thin

Risk factors include:

• Family history of colon cancer
• Chronic dehydration
• Carrying extra belly fat
• Smoking 
• Eating lots of red and processed meats

If a close relative was diagnosed with colon cancer, Durham recommends getting screened 10 years before their diagnosis age.

James Van Der Beek’s early signs of colon cancer

Before his death, James Van Der Beek was outspoken about the symptom that almost slipped past him: a change in bowel habits. He initially blamed his morning coffee.

“I thought, I probably need to change my diet a little bit. Maybe I need to stop drinking coffee. Maybe I need to not put cream in the coffee. And then I finally took that out of the diet, and it didn’t improve, and I thought, all right, I better go get this checked out,” he told People magazine in November 2024.

His diagnosis came during a colonoscopy in August 2023. What made it more shocking? He was otherwise the picture of health. “I was so healthy, was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I was doing the cold plunges, and the saunas and the intermittent fasting and all of it,” he shared on the Today show in December 2025. His message to others: “Get tested, talk to your doctor.”

It’s all too easy to dismiss signs of colon cancer

Health writer Alexandra Frost, diagnosed with stage 3 cancer at 37, missed the same early warning sign James Van Der Beek did—and for the same reason.

“When I first had changes in bowel habits, I blamed my diet. I figured I needed to skip Friday night pizza and drinks with my friends, and that maybe I’d become a bit lactose intolerant. So, I played with my diet a bit and wrote it off,” Frost said.

She didn’t seek help until severe stomach pain sent her to the ER, where doctors found a large tumor in her digestive tract—despite no family history of cancer.

“We see this all the time,” says Avni Desai, MD, gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “Many people assume bowel changes are due to something they ate, stress or a new medication. Rectal bleeding is often blamed on hemorrhoids, even if it’s been going on for months or longer.”

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Colon cancer affects women, too!

What women need to know

Dr. Desai’s rule of thumb: “If bowel changes or bleeding last more than a few weeks—especially if they don’t improve with simple diet changes—it’s time to check in with a healthcare provider.”

The message from both of these stories is the same: “When colorectal cancer is caught early, it’s highly treatable and often curable,” Dr. Desai says. “Screening saves lives.”

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Cancer is always scary, but few diagnoses carry as much weight as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Accounting for 10 to 15 percent of all types of breast cancer cases, this form is notoriously aggressive. The good news is that it’s often curable if caught early, and the latest advances are giving hope to millions of women in later stages of the disease. Keep reading as a top oncologist details the most exciting new treatment options as well as breakthroughs that are making her optimistic for the future. 

What is triple negative breast cancer?

TNBC is defined by what it is not rather than by what it is, says Sara A. Hurvitz, MD, FACP, a leading oncologist and director of the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. “The majority of breast cancers express proteins called hormone receptors—estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR),” she explains. “Up to three-quarters of breast cancers use these receptors to grow when hormones like estrogen are present. Because of that, we can often treat these cancers with medicines that block hormones or stop them from reaching the cancer cells.”  

“Triple negative breast cancer is different. These cancer cells don’t have ER or PR, and they also don’t have extra amounts of another protein called HER2. This protein is found on many normal cells in the body, but in about 15 percent of breast cancers, there’s too much of it, which drives the cancer to grow. When HER2 is present at high levels, we can use treatments that target it.”

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In other words, because TNBC lacks these three key markers—estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and HER2 overexpression—there are fewer targets for therapies to home in on, making it harder to treat.

Unfortunately, this is an aggressive form of breast cancer that tends to grow quickly, says Dr. Hurvitz. “We also think there are different subtypes within TNBC, but haven’t been able to fully subclassify it yet. Our hope is that a better understanding of what is driving various types of TNBC will lead to new targeted therapies.”

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Menopause, Breast Cancer and HRT: A Leading MD Explains the Facts

There has been no lack of discussion over the years about the link between menopause and breast cancer—particularly whether menopause and its treatment options are breast cancer risk factors. And while the two share commonalities such as prominence increasing with age and hormones being an important factor, it’s important to separate myth from fact.  Understanding […]

3 groups more susceptible to triple negative breast cancer

While this invasive breast cancer can affect anyone, there are a few groups that tend to be at higher risk, says Dr. Hurvitz:

Younger women (typically under 40) 

TNBC affects younger women, but the cancer may go undetected on routine imaging because younger women have denser breast tissue, she explains. “Mammograms may be less effective at picking up cancer in dense breast tissue, which is why I advise women to be aware of any changes in their breasts and to let their doctor know if they have a family history of any kind of cancer, not just breast cancer.”

If a woman has a family history of ovarian cancer, melanoma, pancreatic cancer or prostate cancer, for example, those could all indicate a genetic factor that could increase their risk of breast cancer, she adds. “Knowing one’s family history is really helpful in determining how early a person should start screening for breast cancer and other cancers.”

Black women

“Although Black women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than white women, they have a higher risk of developing triple negative breast cancer,” she says. In fact, Black women are diagnosed with TNBC at about twice the rate as white women.

Women with a genetic predisposition

Mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene occur in about 10 to 15 percent of all breast cancers, Dr. Hurvitz explains. “People who carry a BRCA1 mutation have a higher chance of developing TNBC. So there may be a genetic component, but most people with TNBC do not have this mutation.”

Triple negative breast cancer treatment options

As you know, the best defense against any cancer is early detection, and that’s especially true for TNBC because it tends to be aggressive. The good news is it can be cured if caught early, assures Dr. Hurvitz. “That’s why knowing one’s family history and following the breast cancer screening guidelines is important.” Here, she shares a few of the leading treatments—including the newest options that are increasing the survival rate for triple negative breast cancer.

Chemotherapy

The traditional treatment for triple negative breast cancer is chemotherapy, which works by killing cells as they divide. “It’s a relatively non-specific therapy, but it is often effective against aggressive cancers that divide quickly like TNBC,” Dr. Hurvitz explains.

Immunotherapy 

“In the past five years or so, we’ve begun using immunotherapy to ramp up the immune system to recognize and attack breast cancer,” she says. “It’s been a major advance, improving survival in both advanced disease and in early-stage, potentially curable cases.”

Antibody-drug conjugates 

“More recently, a class of drugs called antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has been developed. These treatments pair an antibody that targets a specific protein on cancer cells with a chemotherapy drug. The antibody helps deliver the chemotherapy directly to the cell,” says Dr. Hurvitz. It’s currently approved for patients with late-stage disease. It’s not yet approved for early-stage breast cancer, but it’s being studied.”

She notes that emerging research highlights the powerful one-two punch of immunotherapy combined with ADCs—often described as a “Trojan horse” approach.

“The immunotherapy is paired with an ADC called sacituzumab govitecan, which targets a protein called c found at higher levels on cancer cells than on normal cells,” explains Dr. Hurvitz. “The antibody homes in on Trop-2 and delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor, releasing the drug where it’s needed. At the same time, the immunotherapy activates nearby immune cells, helping them recognize the cancer as foreign and attack it.”

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What Is Stage 0 Breast Cancer, and What Are the Signs Women Should Know?

When you or someone you know is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be daunting and overwhelming. One term you may have heard is “stage 0 breast cancer.” But what does it really mean? And how is it different from other stages of breast cancer? Before anything else, it’s important to remember that you have […]

The bottom line on treating triple negative breast cancer

“I expect that, over time, these therapies will translate into longer survival and perhaps even more cures,” says Dr. Hurvitz. “We know in many cases immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates don’t just help control the disease, but also extend how long patients live.”

“Looking ahead five to 10 years, we may even see patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer living meaningfully longer. With additional immune-based and ADC strategies on the horizon—designed to target tumors more precisely and with less toxicity—there is real reason for optimism.”

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If you’ve been getting a mammogram every year and recent headlines are making you second-guess yourself, take a breath. The latest medical guidance says you’re probably doing just fine, and you may actually be able to screen less often without any added risk.

On April 17, 2026, the American College of Physicians (ACP) released new guidelines recommending that all average-risk women ages 50 to 74 get a screening mammogram every two years. If you’ve already been screening every other year, you’re aligned with the latest evidence. If you’ve been going annually, this is worth a conversation with your doctor, not a reason to worry.

Why the conflicting advice on mammogram guidelines feels so frustrating

Here’s why it’s confusing: Different medical organizations keep landing in different places. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that average-risk women start screening at age 40 and get a mammogram every two years through age 74. The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend annual screening starting at 40. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms between ages 45 and 54, with women 55 and older switching to every other year or continuing annually.

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That’s at least four different sets of recommendations. No wonder it’s hard to keep track. But here’s what’s worth holding onto: The two groups that base their guidance on the broadest reviews of clinical evidence, the ACP and the USPSTF, both land in the same place for women 50 to 74. Every two years.

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New FDA Rule on Dense Breasts: MD Explains What It Means for Cancer Risk

At your next routine mammogram, your report will include results on a new risk factor for breast cancer: dense breast tissue. New Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations now require mammogram facilities to notify patients if they have dense breast tissue—and understanding breast density is important for overall health. This big step aims to empower […]

The number that makes the case for biennial mammograms

The every-two-years recommendation comes down to a tradeoff most women don’t hear enough about: false positives.

Women who get annual mammograms face a 50 to 60 percent chance of receiving a false positive result over 10 years. That means callbacks, follow-up imaging and sometimes biopsies, all for something that turns out not to be cancer. Those experiences are stressful, time-consuming and often avoidable.

Screening every two years significantly reduces that false positive risk while still catching cancers early enough to make a real difference. And you’re not in the minority if that’s your schedule:about 80 percent of U.S. women aged 50 to 74 already undergo biennial mammography.

What if you’re between 40 and 49?

For women in their 40s, the ACP’s guidance is more personal. Rather than a blanket recommendation, it says screening decisions in this age group should be made individually with a doctor. The reasoning is that harms like false positives, over-diagnosis and over-treatment may outweigh the uncertain benefits for average-risk women in this decade of life.

That doesn’t mean skip screening. It means the right answer depends on your personal risk factors, family history and what you and your doctor decide together.

What women with dense breasts should know

If you’ve been told you have dense breast tissue, the ACP says 3D mammography may be considered as a supplement, while advising against routine MRI or ultrasound for average-risk individuals. It’s worth asking your doctor directly whether additional screening makes sense for your situation.

“As a gynecologist, for women with dense breast tissue, my next step is usually ordering a supplemental, radiation-free breast ultrasound. Supported by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, this extra step catches more cancers than a 3D mammogram alone,” says Prudence Hall, MD, a traditional gynecologist and surgeon turned pioneer in regenerative medicine. “Why not jump straight to an MRI? While MRIs have the highest detection rates, they are costly and require injecting a contrast dye. An ultrasound is a fantastic, minimally invasive starting point.”

After 74, mammogram guidelines shift

For women 75 and older, the ACP found no clear mortality benefit from continued routine screening, with increased risk of over-diagnosis. The guidance recommends discussing whether to stop screening with your doctor, particularly for those with a life expectancy under five years. This isn’t a signal to stop caring about breast health. It means the risk-benefit calculation becomes more individual, and that conversation with your provider matters more than ever.

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Docs Say This $40 Upgrade Could Help Catch Breast Cancer Sooner

Breast cancer screenings can feel like a lot to manage. But here’s what matters most: Catching breast cancer early through the right screening can be truly lifesaving. In fact, the American Cancer Society reports that when breast cancer is detected in its earliest stage—before it spreads beyond the breast—women have a 99 percent chance of […]

The bottom line on the new mammogram guidelines

Whatever your age, the most important thing is that you’re getting screened. If you’re 50 to 74, at average risk and going every two years, the latest evidence backs you up. If you’ve been going annually and want to know whether that’s still necessary, bring it up at your next appointment. Asking that question isn’t being reckless. It’s being informed.

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A clinical trial linking vitamin D to better breast cancer outcomes when being treated with chemotherapy is giving women something concrete to bring to their next doctor’s appointment. The study, published in Nutrition and Cancer and making headlines this week, found that women who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily during chemotherapy were dramatically more likely to see their tumors disappear completely.

Researchers at Botucatu School of Medicine at São Paulo State University followed 80 women 45 and older undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (a type of treatment prior to surgery to remove cancerous tumors). Among those receiving vitamin D, 43 percent achieved complete remission compared with 24 percent in the placebo group—a 79 percent relative increase in full response. Researchers are calling for larger trials before the protocol becomes standard care, but the early signal is hard to ignore.

Why vitamin D and chemo may work so well together

Scientists have long suspected vitamin D does more than just bolster bone health. Researchers now believe it may act as a “chemosensitizer,” helping cancer drugs work more effectively in tumor tissue. A 2024 meta-analysis found adequate vitamin D levels were linked to a 22 percent reduction in nonresponse to chemotherapy and a 35 percent reduction in disease progression risk—broader support for what this new trial suggests.

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Worth noting: While this study didn’t test whether vitamin D stops breast cancer from forming, the Sister Study found that women with the highest 25-D levels were associated with 21 percent lower breast cancer risk. The TriNetx study (another study addressing the issue) with 73,659 menopausal women found that women with 25-D less than 20 had a 45 percent greater risk of developing breast cancer.

The latest Nutrition and Cancer study also did not report whether 25-D improves outcomes once chemotherapy has already begun. However, a large study of 3,995 women showed that women with invasive breast cancer who have sufficient levels of 25-D, compared to those with low levels, consistently have better overall survival rates.

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Hair Loss or Brittle Nails? 9 Sneaky Signs of a Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is the unsung hero of the vitamin world. Not only does it support immune health and keep our brains and muscles working properly, it also activates calcium to keep our bones strong and healthy. But vitamin D isn’t naturally occurring in many foods, and vitamin D deficiency symptoms can often be so subtle […]

The deficiency problem most women don’t know they have

Nearly two-thirds of Americans have insufficient vitamin D levels, and women are among the highest-risk groups. Risk climbs with darker skin tones, limited sun exposure, obesity or absorption issues.

The tricky part is that symptoms—fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, mood changes and frequent illness—are easy to attribute to aging or a busy season of life. Beyond the cancer research, vitamin D also supports calcium regulation, brain health and immune function, which is why so many women are already supplementing daily.

“When I prescribe D3 for my patients, I recommend that 25D is combined with the hormone K2,” says Prudence Hall, MD, a pioneer in regenerative medicine. “This activates the proteins that deliver calcium to the bones rather than depositing it in the arteries.”

How much vitamin D do you need?

Per the NIH, the recommended daily allowance is 600 IU for adults through age 70 and 800 IU after that. Most Americans fall short of even that baseline. The 2,000 IU dose used in the trial sits above the standard RDA, but well within what researchers describe as safe and effective for correcting deficiency. The NIH’s safe upper limit is 4,000 IU per day for adults.

If you’re already taking a daily D3, it’s worth checking your label. Many over-the-counter softgels contain 1,000 to 5,000 IU per capsule, and a standard multivitamin may add another 400 to 800 IU on top—meaning two everyday habits can quietly stack.

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The Best Time To Take Vitamin D: A Common Habit Could Disrupt Your Sleep

If you’ve been taking your daily vitamin D supplement whenever it’s convenient—maybe with dinner or right before bed—you might want to rethink your routine. It turns out timing matters more than most of us realize. Even more surprising? Taking it at the wrong time of day might be affecting your sleep. We asked doctors to […]

Vitamin D3 vs. D2—and the test worth asking for

Two forms typically show up on supplement shelves: D2 (ergocalciferol), which is often plant-derived, and D3 (cholecalciferol), the form your skin produces from sunlight. Most clinicians prefer D3 for raising blood levels efficiently.

The most useful next step is to ask your doctor for a simple blood test for 25-hydroxyvitamin D. This tells you whether your current routine is working, insufficient or unnecessary. Levels below 20 ng/mL and up to 30 ng/mL are considered deficient levels. Functional medicine advocates for higher levels in the range of 50 to 80 ng/mL. From there, you and your doctor can decide whether supplementing with vitamin D3 daily makes sense for you. Generally, a daily dose of 2,000 to 4,000 IU is needed to maintain adequate 25D levels. 

An important note: If you’re in active cancer treatment, don’t adjust your supplementation without first consulting your oncology team. Vitamin D affects calcium metabolism and can interact with certain medications, so dose decisions belong with a doctor who knows your full health picture.

You might walk right past them in your backyard without a second thought, but those bright yellow dandelions popping up through the grass could hold a remarkable secret. New research suggests that dandelion root extract may be a powerful fighter against breast cancer cells—and the findings are genuinely exciting for those of us who love incorporating natural remedies into our wellness routine. We break down what the research shows about the potential benefits of dandelion tea for breast cancer protection.

Benefits of dandelion tea for breast cancer

The results of this new study are striking and offer real reason to pay attention. When scientists treated human breast cancer cells with dandelion root extract, up to 85 percent of the cells died, according to a study published in the journal Biology. New cancer cell growth was significantly reduced, and the cells stopped dividing, slowing the spread of cancer.

Researchers explain that dandelion root works by blocking cell growth signals that tell cancer cells to grow and survive. The extract essentially cuts off the communication lines that cancer cells rely on to keep multiplying.

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If You’ve Never Tried Oregano Tea, You’re Missing Out on a Slew of Health Benefits

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What this dandelion tea for cancer study means for you

Before you start stocking up on dandelion root tea, it’s important to keep these anti-cancer findings in perspective. This research was conducted on cancer cells in a laboratory setting, not in human participants. Promising lab results don’t always translate directly to the same outcomes in the human body, and more studies—including clinical trials—would be needed to confirm whether drinking dandelion root tea could have similar cancer-fighting effects in people.

That said, the effects of dandelion root on cancer cells in this study are still significant. The fact that study showed it blocked signaling pathways and killed cancer cells is a compelling starting point for future research. For women already drawn to incorporating natural foods, teas and supplements into their health routines, dandelion root tea represents exactly the kind of discovery worth paying attention to—a simple, accessible option backed by emerging science. (Discover doctor-backed cancer-fighting foods.)

How to add dandelion root tea to your routine

Dandelion tea has an earthy, slightly nutty flavor, and it pairs beautifully with a touch of honey or lemon. It’s widely available at most grocery stores, health food shops and online retailers. It’s one of the more affordable herbal teas on the market, making it an easy and budget-friendly addition to your wellness toolkit.

If you’d like to give anti-inflammatory dandelion root tea a try, here are a few practical tips to get started:

• Look for organic dandelion root tea at your local grocery store or health food shop
• Consult your doctor before adding any new herbal supplement to your routine, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions
• Start with one cup a day and see how your body responds
• Enjoy it warm for a cozy, soothing ritual or brew it iced for a refreshing twist

Wellness

These 5 Types of Foods Help Slash Your Breast Cancer Risk Naturally

When it comes to preventing breast cancer, the foods we eat aren’t always top of mind. In fact, a Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine survey found that only 28 percent of women mentioned eating a healthy diet as a preventive strategy— and 72 percent said they’d never received information on nutrition and breast cancer from […]

The bottom line on the benefits of dandelion tea for cancer

Science continues to reveal the remarkable potential hidden in the plants around us. While we wait for further studies to explore how these findings apply to real-world health outcomes, there’s something wonderfully empowering about knowing that a simple cup of tea brewed from a humble backyard plant could be part of a bigger wellness picture. So go ahead—put the kettle on.

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What if you could protect yourself from several different types of cancer with foods you already love? We often hear that food is medicine, but some superfoods are better than the rest at staving off serious illnesses such as cancer. So we turned to nutrition expert Joel Fuhrman, MD, author of countless best-selling health books including Super Immunity and Eat for Life, to find out his favorite cancer-fighting foods. Turns out he has an easy way to remember the top picks in his anticancer nutrition protocol. Read along to learn his simple acronym and discover exactly why these foods should be added to your plate.

Can certain foods really reduce your cancer risk?

The science says yes. After poring through the data over the years, Dr. Fuhrman discovered “some foods are more protective than others.” You just have to know which ones to pick. And when you do, the payoff can be huge for your health. In fact, six foods proved more beneficial than the rest. “Hundreds of scientific studies document that these foods prevent cancer and also prolong lifespan in people who have cancer,” he assures.

Meet Dr. Fuhrman’s 6 favorite cancer-fighting foods

Ready to hear the doctor’s go-to grocery list for longevity? In his work as a leading nutritarian, Dr. Fuhrman made up an acronym to help people remember the healthiest plant foods to buy and eat. Simply remember the word: G-BOMBS. That stands for: greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries and seeds.

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Let’s take a deep dive into this super delicious, healthy list to learn why these foods are the cream of the cancer-fighting crop.

Greens

“The foods with the strongest evidence supporting anticancer and longevity-promoting effects are green vegetables, particularly leafy green cruciferous vegetables,” says Dr. Fuhrman.

The color is key here. These vegetables’ chlorophyll—the same thing that turns leaves green—is known to fuse to cancer-causing chemicals and block them from being digested and absorbed. This natural protective mechanism helps keep harmful compounds from entering your system.

That’s not all. A compound called sulforaphane, found in green cruciferous veggies and microgreens like broccoli sprouts, is considered one of the most protective plant nutrients on the planet by activating the body’s cellular clean-up function.

To get the benefit: Reach for broccoli, cabbage, kale and arugula.

Beans

Fiber-rich beans support a healthy gut microbiome, which is known to boost your immune system in profound ways. But there’s more: When beans are properly fermented in the gut during digestion, they create compounds called short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, prized for its anticancer effects. In studies, butyrate slows cancer cell growth and flips a switch that essentially tells colon cancer cells to self-destruct, meaning every serving of beans you eat is actively protecting you.

To get the benefit: Dr. Fuhrman recommends beans, peas and lentils. Fermented soy, preferably non-GMO, is also good for women.

Onions

The allium family of vegetables is a superstar. Credit goes to the sulfur and quercetin, powerful compounds that research shows can cause cancer cells to shrink and immunity to soar. Research found that people who ate the most garlic and onions had a 73 percent reduction in ovarian cancer risk and an 88 percent lower risk of esophageal cancer. And garlic is known to help protect against gastric cancer.

To get the benefit: Eat a variety of onions, plus scallions, leeks, shallots and garlic.

Mushrooms

These superstars have compounds on their cell walls that can influence immunity and even activate so-called “natural killer” cells—immune cells designed to seek out and destroy sick cells.

Mushrooms are cancer-fighting foods that also inhibit the growth of abnormal cells by blocking their blood supply. Here’s some proof from a PLoS One study: Women who ate 20 grams of healthy mushrooms per day slashed their breast cancer risk by 60 percent.

To get the benefit: Reach for white, cremini, portobello, shiitake and oyster mushroom varieties. Dr. Fuhrman also recommends eating only cooked or dehydrated mushrooms for optimal health and easy digestion.

Berries

Berries are rich in antioxidants and other flavonoids like resveratrol that are known to dial down inflammation. Research shows that unchecked inflammation in the body is the root of most diseases. “Even dehydrated berry gels and powders have shown positive results in cancer prevention trials in people with both precancerous and cancerous conditions,” Dr. Fuhrman adds.

To get the benefit: Enjoy any berries, plus cherries, citrus and pomegranate.

Seeds

The research on this cancer-fighting food is clear: “Daily consumption of nuts and seeds has been associated with a reduced risk of death from cancer,” reports Dr. Fuhrman.

Why? Plant compounds called lignans are believed to help reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers. Eating as little as two ounces of walnuts a day for just two weeks is shown to help suppress breast cancer, for example. And women with breast cancer who ate more lignan-rich foods (like flaxseeds) had a 71 percent decreased mortality over 10 years, finds research published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.

To get the benefit: Reach for walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds and chia seeds.

How to incorporate cancer-fighting foods into your routine

Dr. Fuhrman suggests eating a wide variety of G-BOMBS foods daily, adding some to each meal. “You are the cure,” he reminds.

He makes this call to action to protect your life: “Every day when we sit down to eat, we have a choice. We can either eat foods that help our bodies and minds, or we can eat foods that harm us and increase dangerous health risk factors.”

Bottom line: We know cancer is scary. But there is empowering news and hardworking experts trying to spread the information that can save lives. We really have a lot of control over what we eat. “Our bodies are powerfully resistant to disease when provided with an optimal diet and micronutrient excellence!” Dr. Fuhrman encourages.

When Cheryl Ladd took the stage at a PaleyFest panel on April 6 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Charlie’s Angels, she had something deeply personal to share with the world. The beloved actress, 74, revealed during the panel discussion that she had previously battled an aggressive form of breast cancer, a diagnosis she kept private until now. Her message to women was both simple and urgent: “If you find a little something in your breasts… do not ignore it.”

Cheryl Ladd’s breast cancer was ‘aggressive’

Ladd was joined onstage by former Charlie’s Angels costars Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith when she shared the news of her breast cancer battle. The special panel reunited three of the show’s stars to mark the milestone anniversary of the series that first aired on ABC in 1976. But amid the warmth and nostalgia of the celebration, Ladd spoke honestly about breast cancer, a disease that she said had impacted multiple lead actresses from the show.

“Mine was an aggressive form,” the actress said, according to People.

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Her decision to share her diagnosis publicly was driven by a desire to help other women—especially knowing how deeply cancer has touched the Charlie’s Angels family. Both Jackson, 77, and Smith, 80, have also previously been diagnosed with breast cancer. Original Charlie’s Angels star Farrah Fawcett died at age 62 in 2009, three years after she was diagnosed with anal cancer. 

Smith recalled the moment she learned of Ladd’s diagnosis. “When Cheryl called me, the first thing I did was send her my wigs. She was so brave,” Smith said.

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Cheryl Ladd’s husband supported her during her breast cancer battle

Opening up about the physical and emotional toll of her breast cancer treatment, Ladd described what it was like to face an aggressive form of the disease and lose her hair along the way. She spoke with raw honesty about one of the most difficult experiences of her life—and about the person who stood by her side through every moment of it.

“I was bald. It was a humbling experience and yet I have a wonderful husband… he was there for me at every turn,” Ladd said during the panel. “Eventually I started to get little sprouts of hair. It was a long, long, hard road, but you just get on with it.”

Ladd also credited her “wonderful doctors” with helping her overcome her illness, and urged women not to ignore changes in their breasts.

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Beauty Guru Laura Geller, 67, Shares Her Breast Cancer Story and Advocacy Work

Laura Geller, 67, didn’t plan to go public with her breast cancer story. The beauty entrepreneur initially kept quiet, convinced her early-stage diagnosis didn’t warrant attention compared to others facing harder battles. But her friends pushed back—and their encouragement changed everything. Now cancer-free and advocating for others through her work with the Dubin Breast Center […]

Ladd on the enduring legacy of Charlie’s Angels

Charlie’s Angels aired for five seasons on ABC from 1976 to 1981 and later spawned a hit movie reboot starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu. In an exclusive 2019 interview with Ladd, the star opened up about the empowering message behind the original show.

“Isn’t it interesting how intimidated men in the press and in general were by the show? They had to put it down in some way,” she said. “I mean, okay, we were young women who wore bathing suits and that was part of the draw, but they missed the whole other part. The part of empowered and highly intelligent women.” 

“Women who had to act on their feet and make quick decisions and look after each other,” she added. “I always say we were like three grown up girl scouts, but that was a good, powerful image for young women. Of course, I didn’t realize how powerful it was for women to kind of break out and be the person they wanted to be, and that it was inspirational to so many young women.”

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For generations of fans, William Shatner has always projected a kind of indestructibility that has beautifully mirrored his most famous on screen role of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. Whether commanding the bridge of the Enterprise, stepping onto a convention stage or literally heading into outer space well into his 90s, he’s remained a visible, active presence in pop culture.

Which is precisely why, over the past couple of weeks, a wave of alarming social media posts claiming the 95-year-old actor was suffering from terminal brain cancer spread so quickly—and why they hit fans as hard as they did. The problem (actually, it’s more like relief) is that none of it was true. And Shatner himself has now stepped in to set the record straight in no uncertain terms.

The claims were specific enough to be frightening: that Shatner had “stage 4 brain cancer,” that he was “dying,” that he had only a short time left. In some versions, the posts were accompanied by images showing him frail or hospitalized—images that, in reality, had been artificially generated. The source of much of this misinformation was traced to a Facebook page operating under the name “The Beanstalk Functions Group,” which presented itself as a legitimate business while posting sensational celebrity stories designed to drive clicks. And for many fans scrolling quickly through their feeds, the posts looked convincing enough to believe—and to share.

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The wrath of Shat!

The first indication that something was seriously wrong didn’t come from a news outlet, but rather from Shatner’s own family. As he explained in a Facebook post, the rumor had already reached the next generation before he even had a chance to address it publicly.

“My daughter,” he posted, “came over to tell me that her daughter heard that I had brain cancer. She took this photo and sent it to me to upload to prove I’m not ill. The people who are ill are those that are spreading these ridiculous stories. I’m fit as a fiddle. You don’t have to worry. This is getting insane.” 

Shatner followed up with a second, more detailed post—one that pulled back the curtain on exactly how these stories were being created and circulated: “I wanted to put this out yesterday but given the day and the possibility that it would look like a joke, I waited for today. There is a page on facebook that is using AI to create horrible fake news stories about me. The page is by The Beanstalk Functions Group which is allegedly an Event Planner in South Africa. They have created stories that say I have stage 4 brain cancer, was in some kind of fight with Erika Kirk and that I’m dying. All their stories are monetized. Most of the stories use an AI image of me. Facebook Support will not remove the page. Each story is accompanied by a website link in the post that is hosted on Next.js where some of you may have seen my post to the CEO of that company on X asking him to remove these fake stories.

“None of these stories are true,” he continued, “but they apparently seem genuine enough for fans to repost them across social media and send messages of support to me and my family all while the culprits behind the account make money. This is the downside of AI and yellow journalism. While it can be a wonderful tool in the right hands; it can be used as a weapon in the wrong hands.”

Part of what gave these claims traction is that, at a glance, they didn’t seem entirely implausible. Shatner is 95. He has dealt with real health issues in the past, including a successful battle with melanoma. There have also been recent, legitimate reports of a minor medical scare and a shoulder injury requiring surgery. In other words, there was just enough truth around the edges to make the fiction feel believable, which is how these types of stories tend to work. 

Celebrity death hoaxes are nothing new—Shatner himself has been the subject of them before. But what’s changed is the technology behind them and the speed at which they spread. The addition of AI-generated imagery, combined with monetized clickbait structures, has created something more sophisticated than the old rumor mill—these posts more often look like they’re part of a news cycle than they ever have before. And once they begin circulating, the emotional response from fans—whether it be concern, grief or nostalgia—does the rest.

Still boldly going

But insofar as William Shatner is concerned, it seems like nothing is holding him back. In the past few weeks he’s been heralding his Wrath of Khan tour, in which he accompanies screening of the 1982 Star Trek film to reflect on its making and legacy; the fact that for charity he’s gotten involved with  artist Tim Wakefield and his art studio Soundwaves Art  to turn the sound waves of Star Trek’s theme song into beautiful abstract artworks, for which he autographed a limited-edition; he’s continuing to work on a heavy metal album(!) and then there’s this:

In other words, at 95 William Shatner is showing no signs of slowing down and is continuing to live long and prosper. And his fans wouldn’t have it any other way!