Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
As Genetic Testing Improves, Experts Encourage Women To Retest For Cancer Risks
The Washington Post: Why Doctors Are Urging Women To Redo Early Genetic Tests For Cancer Risks
Tricia James was 27 when she first underwent genetic testing. Not only did she have a family history that put her at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer, but she had developed ovarian cysts. She was relieved to find out that she was negative for the gene mutation targeted by the test. Yet in fall 2025, nearly three decades later, doctors discovered Stage 3 ovarian cancer while James was in surgery for a hysterectomy. She got tested again, and this time, the same gene variation considered in 1996 came back positive. She was shocked. Retesting had never been suggested in the intervening years. (Halpert, 10/11)
More health and wellness news —
The New York Times: Why Ketamine Immobilizes Some Users
“The dose makes the poison,” as any toxicology student knows, describes the dangerously disparate effects that therapeutic compounds can have on health depending on the amount. With many drugs — whether fentanyl, Tylenol or over-the-counter laxatives — the line between healing and harm is sometimes measured in milligrams. This principle is especially important when it comes to ketamine, the powerful anesthetic and party drug that has become increasingly popular as a mental health treatment. (Jacobs, 10/10)
The Hill: Diet Soda Matched Water For Weight Loss In New Study
A recent study comparing British adults who drank either water or diet soft drinks while losing weight or maintaining their weight reached a surprising conclusion: There was essentially no difference between the two groups. Researchers at the University of Liverpool tracked nearly 500 overweight or obese adults over two years and assigned participants to consume either water or a set amount of nonnutritive sweetened soft drinks each day. (Ramsey, 10/12)
NPR: Sauna’s Potential Health Benefits Draw Scientists’ Interest
A group of international researchers is pushing to rigorously study the potential health benefits of sauna and other heat therapies. They hope to bring scientific legitimacy to the age-old practices. (Stone, 10/11)
CNN: AI Is Among 17 Potentially ‘Catastrophic Threats’ That Researchers Say Require Targeted Action
More than a dozen “interconnected catastrophic threats” pose significant risk to global health and wellbeing through the remainder of the 21st century, researchers say – including the potential for extinction. But targeted action from world leaders can help avoid worst-case scenarios. (McPhillips, 10/10)
Also —
The New York Times: RJ Mitte, Who Played Walter White’s Son On ‘Breaking Bad,’ Dies At 34; He Brought His Own Experience Of Living With Cerebral Palsy To The Role
RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White on “Breaking Bad,” died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas. He was 34. Mr. Mitte was born with cerebral palsy and brought his experience of living with the disability to the role of Walter White Jr., who was known as Flynn, on the Emmy-winning show. Mr. Mitte would go on to continue disability advocacy work, as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, and as president of the Mitte Foundation, an organization that supports philanthropic efforts and community initiatives in Brownsville. (Tumin, 10/12)
AP: Pope Leo XIV Is Set To Enter Rome Hospital For Lung Surgery
Pope Leo XIV was expected to be admitted to a Rome hospital Tuesday for the removal of a lung nodule, an operation that experts say will determine whether the lesion is malignant and if other treatment is needed. Leo has offered a rare level of transparency about the first publicly disclosed major health problem of his 17-month papacy. He revealed the discovery of the small, localized nodule during his Sunday noon prayer and announced that he would have it removed. (Winfield and Barry, 10/13)
