Infectious diseases have dominated this year’s health headlines: bird flu, mpox, Eastern equine encephalitis — and of course, the coronavirus. But while dangers from new and emerging pathogens are very real, there has also been good news on the health front.
By Leana S. Wen
Self-collection tests for cervical cancer screening.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that around 13,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year. More than 4,000 women die of the disease annually.
Early diagnosis is crucial. However, as a recent study found, 60 percent of patients with cervical cancer did not receive recommended screenings before their diagnosis.
One reason for putting off screenings is the perceived discomfort associated with speculums, the medical tool used in cervical exams. That’s why it’s a good thing that, in May, the Food and Drug Administration approved a method for women to use cotton swabs to test themselves. At the moment, patients still need to have an order from their doctor for this test, and they must still go into the office or clinic to use it. But home tests are being evaluated and might become available soon, too.
Women who are already seeing their gynecologist or primary-care physician for regular cervical exams should continue doing so, but these self-tests could reach many women who otherwise are not getting screened.
A blood test for colon cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second-most common cause of cancer death in the United States. Yet, 1 in 3 people who should get tested have never received any screening.
Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis, but for people who are putting off the exam, a new blood test offers a convenient alternative. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows it detected more than 87 percent of early-stage cancers.
In July, the FDA approved this test, which can now be added on to routine blood draws at doctors’ offices.
Needle-free epinephrine
As soon as next month, people at risk for severe allergic reactions could be prescribed needle-free epinephrine.
For years, these individuals have been carrying around Epi-Pens, which require intramuscular injection. Not everyone is comfortable with these devices, and they pose a particular challenge for bystanders not trained in needle use.
Last month, the FDA approved an epinephrine nasal spray for treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions that is comparable to the injections. It will soon be available in pharmacies and will offer a sound alternative not only for patients but also for community members such as school administrators who want to have epinephrine on hand but would prefer not to use needles.
AirPods that can function as hearing aids
Last year, I wrote about how hearing aids can dramatically improve well-being by cutting the risk of falls, decreasing cognitive decline and reducing depression and social isolation. Research published this year in the journal Lancet concluded that wearing hearing aids lowered the risk of early mortality by 24 percent.
Unfortunately, uptake is dismal. Only 1 in 3 older adults who could benefit from the devices actually use them.
The good news is that some are now being sold over the counter. I am particularly enthusiastic about the FDA’s approval last week to allow Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 to double as a hearing aid.
After downloading a software update, users will be able to use AirPods to take a hearing test. If they are found to have mild or moderate hearing loss, the devices can function like a clinical-grade hearing aid to reduce background noise and boost conversational sounds.
People loath to admit that they have difficulty hearing might be willing to give these AirPods a try, which could have marked benefits for their health down the line.
Pig-to-human organ transplants
Two terminally ill patients received pig kidneys this year, one at Massachusetts General Hospital and other at NYU Langone Health. The organs had been genetically modified to be more compatible with humans, reducing the chance of the human immune system attacking the transplanted organ.
Both individuals died, though one death is believed to be unrelated to the new organ. This follows the experience of two people who received transplanted pig hearts at the University of Maryland, both of whom also died weeks after the surgery.
These patients have given a remarkable gift to advance science and help humankind. Right now, more than 100,000 Americans are on the transplant waiting list. Many will die because there are far fewer donors than people in need of organs. Animal-to-human transplantation could save countless lives, and I expect there will be more attempts with courageous human volunteers soon.
This last innovation is the furthest from prime time. More research needs to be done on all of them, and there are still many unanswered questions: How much they will cost? Will they will really improve access? Nevertheless, these and other breakthroughs symbolize the sincere aspiration and real progress underway to advance well-being.
Which of these innovations are you the most hopeful for? What else am I missing? Please write to me; I’d love to hear from you.
