#HealthPolicy

A major new report brings much-needed relief to the global cancer community, revealing that advanced cancer diagnoses in the United States—which spiked during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic—have now returned to levels seen before the global crisis. Published Monday in the journal Cancer, the study offers a broad analysis of U.S. cancer statistics, addressing widespread fears that disruptions to screening during the pandemic would drive a lasting increase in late-stage cancer cases and, ultimately, higher death rates (AP News).

Depression has reached record highs in the United States, with new research from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealing a stark increase in prevalence and persistent disparities in access to treatment. Drawing data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, the recent survey—conducted between August 2021 and August 2023—sheds light on both the growing scale of the problem and the obstacles many face in seeking help. As similar trends emerge in Thailand and across Asia, the findings carry important lessons for the Kingdom and the broader region amidst evolving mental health challenges.

The global women’s health sector is witnessing an unprecedented boom, with its market value projected to soar from US$250-300 billion in 2023 to an estimated US$500 billion by 2030, according to an analysis published by BDA Partners on April 21, 2025. This rapid expansion—averaging an impressive 10% annual growth rate—signals not just increased investment in reproductive health but also heightened interest in a diverse spectrum of conditions affecting women, presenting significant opportunities and challenges for countries like Thailand aiming to boost healthcare equity and quality for women nationwide (BDA Partners).

A major hospital network in New York’s Hudson Valley has agreed to overhaul its mental health services amid findings of serious care lapses during a state investigation—a move being closely watched by healthcare advocates internationally, including in Thailand, as systems globally grapple with post-pandemic gaps in psychiatric care (Gothamist). The action underscores both ongoing struggles in mental healthcare access and increasing government pressure for reform in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptions.

A groundbreaking study has revealed that individuals who use cannabis heavily enough to require emergency hospital care are at a significantly elevated risk of developing dementia within five years, sparking debate among health experts and the public at large, including in Thailand. According to the research, which involved more than six million Canadians, nearly 5% of those admitted to emergency departments or hospitals due to cannabis-related issues were diagnosed with dementia within five years. Alarmingly, this figure rose to 19% within ten years after such incidents, highlighting a concerning new link between cannabis use and long-term brain health (Local 12, The New York Times, CNN, JAMA Neurology).

A groundbreaking new study has identified N-cadherin, a protein molecule, as a key trigger for the differentiation of neural stem cells, paving the way for potential breakthroughs in treating brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. This promising research, recently reported by Medical Xpress (source), suggests that manipulating N-cadherin activity could help regenerate brain tissue, offering renewed hope for individuals living with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or the effects of stroke.

A new research report has found that students who use dating apps are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, raising concerns among educators and health professionals about a hidden danger in the digital age of romance. The study, highlighted by Frontiers in November 2024, adds fresh urgency to Thailand’s ongoing efforts to improve sexual health education and digital literacy among young people Frontiers in Public Health.

With dating apps becoming an integral part of modern student social life, especially in university settings across Thailand and globally, this news holds significant implications. Thai students are among the world’s most digitally connected, with Gen Z leading trends in smartphone and app usage. Yet, with greater access to platforms that facilitate rapid connections often come greater health risks, including unprotected sex, multiple partners, and a higher likelihood of encountering sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the new research, these risks are statistically higher among students active on dating apps.

A major new study has raised eyebrows around the world by suggesting that up to 5% of all cancers may be linked to the use of computed tomography (CT) scans—a powerful and commonly used medical imaging tool. While these results have set off alarm bells among patients and healthcare providers, leading experts caution that the numbers come with significant uncertainties. The findings, first reported by Ars Technica, have triggered fresh debate about the delicate balance between medical necessity and risk, shining a spotlight on how medical technology shapes health outcomes in Thailand and globally.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serving as the U.S. Secretary of Health, has ignited debates concerning vaccines through his recent actions which, according to critics, undermine confidence in vaccination programs. During his Senate confirmation hearings, Kennedy claimed to be a vaccine proponent. However, his subsequent initiatives—from halting funding for vaccine hesitancy research to redirecting resources away from novel vaccine development—suggest otherwise.

The National Institutes of Health has ceased funding numerous projects aimed at understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) canceled an advertising campaign designed to promote flu vaccinations. Kennedy has publicly doubted the impartiality of CDC scientists, claiming severe conflicts of interest—a statement many experts debunked as misleadingly inaccurate.

A critical mental health program designed to support Massachusetts children and teenagers grappling with severe mental health issues faces potential termination due to budgetary constraints. Slated for significant cuts in Governor Maura Healey’s budget proposal, this program’s potential closure is raising concerns among stakeholders about its impact on vulnerable youth.

The Intensive Residential Treatment Program, at risk along with its 72 total beds for young children and adolescents, focuses on long-term treatment and holistic family healing. A mother, whose child benefitted from the program, moved by sharing her experience, credits it with saving her child’s life. Her child, now 25, has overcome severe challenges like suicidality, self-harm, and trauma through the program’s intensive support, which she believes was pivotal in changing their life trajectory. “In-patient hospital stays were short-term, mostly focused on stabilization,” she explained. In contrast, the program offered prolonged support, crucial for sustainable recovery and mental stability.