https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/ysph/news-rss/?keywordId=284&orgId=109082&title=Recent+News A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Yale School of Public Health en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Fri, 15 May 2026 10:18:10 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-experts-wish-you-knew-about-colon-cancer/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/what-experts-wish-you-knew-about-colon-cancer/ March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In this 3 Essential Questions feature, Yale School of Public Health’s Dr. Caroline Johnson and Dr. Sunny Siddique answer your key colon cancer questions. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5752430 https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5752430 Federal health officials have backed away from an effort to more heavily regulate indoor tanning. YSPH epidemiologist Susan Mayne says a survey of people with skin cancer revealed many had frequented indoor tanning beds, particularly young women. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/school-news-feb-2026/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/school-news-feb-2026/ YSPH launches the Future of Health Innovation Hub, a Yale team leads water study in East Palestine, Ohio, what to know about the new childhood vaccination recommendations — and more. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-cancer-centers-crtec-hosts-cancer-research-discovery-program/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-cancer-centers-crtec-hosts-cancer-research-discovery-program/ On February 6, 2026, YCC CRTEC welcomed students from Hill Regional Career High School to our Cancer Research Discovery Program (CRDP), a day designed to introduce them to careers in cancer research and medicine. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.prevention.com/health/a70195181/walking-lowers-cancer-risk-study/ https://www.prevention.com/health/a70195181/walking-lowers-cancer-risk-study/ Exercise, such as walking, might lower cancer risk due to its impact on inflammation, metabolism, and immune function, says Dr. Melinda Irwin, Ph.D., M.P.H., a noted cancer researcher and associate dean of research at the Yale School of Public Health. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/epidemiologist-dr-magdalena-cerda-joins-ysph-as-chair-of-the-department-of-chronic-disease-epidemiology/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/epidemiologist-dr-magdalena-cerda-joins-ysph-as-chair-of-the-department-of-chronic-disease-epidemiology/ Dr. Cerdá is widely recognized for her national leadership in social epidemiology, particularly for her groundbreaking work on intersecting epidemics involving substance use, violence, and other chronic diseases. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:30:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/aging-and-cancer-joint-retreat-report/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/aging-and-cancer-joint-retreat-report/ The Aging and Cancer Research Joint Retreat, in October 2025, brought together researchers, clinicians, and community leaders to address the growing challenges of cancer care in an aging population. Co-hosted by Yale Cancer Center and the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, the retreat will result in a Cancer & Aging Research Alliance. Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-researchers-uncover-potential-new-insights-into-colorectal-cancer-surge/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-researchers-uncover-potential-new-insights-into-colorectal-cancer-surge/ Yale School of Public Health researchers have found that reduced levels of a certain metabolite in younger cancer patients may be associated with early-onset colorectal cancer. Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.medpagetoday.com/hematologyoncology/othercancers/118569 https://www.medpagetoday.com/hematologyoncology/othercancers/118569 A study by YSPH Professor Michaela Dinan and colleagues finds that for older, long-term cancer survivors, age, comorbidities, and prior cardiovascular disease events, and not chemotherapy, were the primary drivers of late cardiovascular disease events. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/11/15/ultra-processed-foods-polyps-colorectal-cancer/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/11/15/ultra-processed-foods-polyps-colorectal-cancer/ YSPH Assistant Professor Leah Ferrucci says a new study linking processed foods and colon polyps could open up new areas of research into early-onset colorectal cancer. Sat, 15 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/alum-provides-a-does-of-skincare-prevention/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/alum-provides-a-does-of-skincare-prevention/ A suntan dispenser on the YSPH campus is a convenient reminder to apply sunscreen to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, and that sun protection is an indispensable part of public health. Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/11/03/incarcerated-people-gaps-exist-quality-cancer-care https://news.yale.edu/2025/11/03/incarcerated-people-gaps-exist-quality-cancer-care A new Yale study investigates the quality of cancer care among those diagnosed with cancer during or immediately after incarceration. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:00:00 Z https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a69060779/breast-cancer-weight-gain-glp1/ https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a69060779/breast-cancer-weight-gain-glp1/ YSPH's Dr. Melinda Irwin, PhD, MPH, discusses the association between excess weight and breast cancer and how metabolic changes driven by GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic or Zepbound may help reduce risk. Tue, 28 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/10/28/study-reveals-demographic-disparities-uptake-colorectal-cancer-screenings https://news.yale.edu/2025/10/28/study-reveals-demographic-disparities-uptake-colorectal-cancer-screenings A new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health shows that the use of colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical tests has decreased, while stool DNA test use has increased among privately insured adults. Tue, 28 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-finds-reduced-opioid-prescribing-for-some-patients-with-cancer/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-finds-reduced-opioid-prescribing-for-some-patients-with-cancer/ An analysis of opioid use and prescriptions for more than 10,000 Connecticut patients with cancer found modest decreases in both new and additional painkiller prescribing from 2016 to 2020, as reported Sept. 22 in Cancer. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:00:00 Z https://www.statnews.com/2025/09/10/chronic-disease-deaths-lancet-study-finds-america-lagging/ https://www.statnews.com/2025/09/10/chronic-disease-deaths-lancet-study-finds-america-lagging/ Chronic disease-related deaths often happen years or decades after a person first becomes ill. If deaths were already speeding up in 2019, that’s worrisome, says Dr. Xiaomei Ma, interim chair of the YSPH Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/boosting-access-to-kidney-cancer-treatments/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/boosting-access-to-kidney-cancer-treatments/ YSPH's Dr. Michaela Dinan spent six years studying treatment barriers to new oral medications for kidney cancer patients. Her findings are now cited in updated treatment guidelines published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://theconversation.com/children-living-near-oil-and-gas-wells-face-higher-risk-of-rare-leukemia-studies-show-252994 https://theconversation.com/children-living-near-oil-and-gas-wells-face-higher-risk-of-rare-leukemia-studies-show-252994 In this commentary, YSPH environmental epidemiologist Nicole Deziel and Lisa McKenzie from the University of Colorado discuss their research on the associations between children living near oil and gas wells and an increased risk of leukemia. Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/how-exercise-increases-cancer-survival/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/how-exercise-increases-cancer-survival/ The results of a recently concluded international clinical trial provide the strongest clinical evidence to date that regular physical activity can help keep cancer at bay and prolong life. YSPH Associate Dean of Research Dr. Melinda Irwin, PhD, MPH, discusses the findings and what they mean for cancer patients. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/national-cancer-research-month-with-dr-jeffrey-townsend/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/national-cancer-research-month-with-dr-jeffrey-townsend/ In honor of National Cancer Research Month, Dr. Jeffrey Townsend shares why his research is focused on cancer. Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/genetic-test-underused-in-cancer-care/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/genetic-test-underused-in-cancer-care/ A new study by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health finds that broad genomic profiling, an emerging oncology tool that can help identify targeted therapies for cancer patients, remains widely underused—even among certain cancers for which the test is explicitly recommended. Tue, 06 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/older-women-may-benefit-from-regular-mammograms/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/older-women-may-benefit-from-regular-mammograms/ A new study by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health finds an association between older women continuing to get regular mammograms and earlier stage cancer at diagnosis and lower rates of breast cancer mortality. Mon, 05 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/suppressing-key-enzymes-could-improve-lung-cancer-treatment-effectiveness/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/suppressing-key-enzymes-could-improve-lung-cancer-treatment-effectiveness/ Blocking proteins that cause cancer cells to mutate and resist treatment could significantly improve outcomes for some patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer, according to a new Yale study. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.prevention.com/health/a64540042/study-walking-lowers-cancer-risk/ https://www.prevention.com/health/a64540042/study-walking-lowers-cancer-risk/ New research finds that a simple daily habit could lower your risk of 13 types of cancer. Specifically, researchers found that walking regularly and getting a certain number of steps could make a difference. YSPH Associate Dean of Research Dr. Melinda Irwin comments. Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/early-life-exposure-to-air-and-light-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-pediatric-thyroid-cancer/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/early-life-exposure-to-air-and-light-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-pediatric-thyroid-cancer/ A new study led by researchers at Yale University suggests that early-life exposure to two widespread environmental pollutants— small particle air pollution and outdoor artificial light at night—could increase the risk of pediatric thyroid cancer. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.newsweek.com/cancer-survivor-kitchen-items-never-use-again-expert-2023436 https://www.newsweek.com/cancer-survivor-kitchen-items-never-use-again-expert-2023436 Newsweek spoke to Dr. Nicole Deziel, researcher at Yale Cancer Center and associate professor of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/these-are-the-top-cancer-risk-factors/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/these-are-the-top-cancer-risk-factors/ It’s National Cancer Prevention Month, which is held in February to promote healthy choices and encourage cancer screenings. Dr. Melinda Irwin, deputy director of the Yale Cancer Center joined WTNH's Good Morning Connecticut at 9 a.m. discuss the top cancer risk factors are and what research has shown may reduce cancer risk. Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2025/01/20/unmasking-alcohol-yale-experts-debate-alcohols-cancer-risk-and-labeling-implications/ https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2025/01/20/unmasking-alcohol-yale-experts-debate-alcohols-cancer-risk-and-labeling-implications/ The News spoke with Yale experts about the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendations for raising awareness about alcohol’s cancer risk. YSPH Professor Vasilis Vasiliou comments. Mon, 20 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.courant.com/2025/01/04/ct-cancer-expert-on-u-s-surgeon-general-on-alcohol-and-cancer-risk-cutting-back-makes-sense/ https://www.courant.com/2025/01/04/ct-cancer-expert-on-u-s-surgeon-general-on-alcohol-and-cancer-risk-cutting-back-makes-sense/ Oncologists with Yale Cancer Center are praising a report released by the Office of the Surgeon General that seeks to add a warning label on alcoholic beverages showing the direct link between drinking and fatal cancers. YSPH Professor Vasilis Vasiliou comments. Sat, 04 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-database-documents-sex-differences-in-cancer-biology-risk-factors-and-treatments/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-database-documents-sex-differences-in-cancer-biology-risk-factors-and-treatments/ A groundbreaking new database could lead to vast improvements in precision oncology by documenting sex-based differences in cancer treatment efficacy, biomarkers, risk factors, and microbial influences across 71 cancer types. The database — created by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health, Yale School of Medicine, and international collaborators — addresses a significant gap in current research and demonstrates how biological sex can comprehensively impact cancer onset, progression, and therapeutic outcomes. Tue, 10 Dec 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/deziel/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/deziel/ Yale School of Public Health Associate Professor Dr. Nicole Deziel, an expert on environmental contaminants, discusses the health concerns surrounding fracking in this report. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/liver-cancer-screening-new-tool-improved-detection/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/liver-cancer-screening-new-tool-improved-detection/ Hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer, is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Screening efforts for this cancer focus on individuals diagnosed with viral hepatitis or those known to have irreversible liver scarring, or cirrhosis. Due in part to increasing rates of obesity, another major risk factor is emerging, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), but factors associated with MASLD are not included in current screening practices. In response, researchers at Yale have developed and validated a new risk score for hepatocellular carcinoma that considers these factors. Their work, “Risk Score for Hepatocellular Cancer in Adults Without Viral Hepatitis or Cirrhosis” was published on November 6, 2024, in JAMA Network Open. Fri, 08 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://som.yale.edu/story/2024/startup-stories-filling-cancer-care-gap https://som.yale.edu/story/2024/startup-stories-filling-cancer-care-gap After surviving breast cancer, Yale School of Public Health alumna Hil Moss ’22, founded Oncovery Care to help patients like her navigate the remission period.  Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/thyroid-cancer-diagnoses-declined-significantly-during-covid-19-pandemic/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/thyroid-cancer-diagnoses-declined-significantly-during-covid-19-pandemic/ A new multi-institutional study has found there was a dramatic decline in thyroid cancer diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns about a potential wave of more advanced cancer cases in the future. Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/unraveling-the-metabolic-landscape-of-colorectal-cancer/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/unraveling-the-metabolic-landscape-of-colorectal-cancer/ A new study from the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) offers fresh insights into our understanding of colorectal cancer (CRC) that challenge the conventional right-sided and left-sided classifications of the disease. Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/dr-cary-gross-on-yale-cancer-answers-health-equity-and-cancer-prevention/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/dr-cary-gross-on-yale-cancer-answers-health-equity-and-cancer-prevention/ On October 6, 2024, Dr. Cary Gross spoke with Dr. Eric Winer on Yale Cancer Answers. Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/999933?st=fpf_login&scode=msp&socialSite=facebook&form=login&icd=login_success_fb_match_fpf https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/999933?st=fpf_login&scode=msp&socialSite=facebook&form=login&icd=login_success_fb_match_fpf Dr. Melinda Irwin, the Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Epidemiology, Associate Dean of Research at the Yale School of Public Health, and Deputy Director of the Yale Cancer Center, discusses how diet and exercise during and after cancer treatment can impact personal health on this episode of the InDiscussion: Cancer Survivorship podcast. Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/physical-exercise-prevents-nerve-damage-during-cancer-chemotherapy https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/physical-exercise-prevents-nerve-damage-during-cancer-chemotherapy Dr. Melinda Irwin, deputy director of Yale Cancer Center and the Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Epidemiology and associate dean of research at the Yale School of Public Health, who was also not involved in the study, told Medical News Today that the study’s results were “practice-changing,” notably because of how easy it can be to implement physical activity. Fri, 19 Jul 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ambient-heat-during-pregnancy-linked-to-increased-risk-of-childhood-cancer/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ambient-heat-during-pregnancy-linked-to-increased-risk-of-childhood-cancer/ Yale School of Public Health researchers evaluate the association between exposure to hot temperatures during pregnancy and the risk of cancer in children. Wed, 03 Jul 2024 22:30:00 Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/13/pennsylvania-fracking-children-illnesses https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/13/pennsylvania-fracking-children-illnesses Pennsylvania families worry about rising cases of rare cancer with fracking well pads near their homes and stalled House bills. YSPH Associate Professor Nicole Deziel shares her insights. Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:00:00 Z https://salud-america.org/7-things-you-should-know-about-brain-tumors/ https://salud-america.org/7-things-you-should-know-about-brain-tumors/ YSPH Professor Dr. Elizabeth B. Claus, MD, and the International Low-Grade Glioma (LGG) Registry that she leads are mentioned in this article, which provides resources for people who are impacted by a tumor diagnosis. Among the LGG resources are a map-design by YSPH student Wanjing Chen, 'MPH '24, (biostatistics), showing where registry participants reside. May is National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Thu, 02 May 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/21/opinion/pfas-cancer-forever-chemicals.html?partner=calculated https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/21/opinion/pfas-cancer-forever-chemicals.html?partner=calculated On April 10, the Environmental Protection Agency announced the first federal mandate to limit the level of six PFAS in tap water. Going forward, water systems where they are detected will be required to remove them. A recent Yale School of Public Health study looked into the relationship between PFAS and colorectal carcinoma. Sun, 21 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/cancer-topics/general-oncology/does-fracking-cause-cancer/ https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/cancer-topics/general-oncology/does-fracking-cause-cancer/ The process of fracking involves known carcinogens, and fracking has been linked to cancers in children and young adults, but it remains unclear whether fracking causes cancer. YSPH Associate Professor Nicole Deziel provides insight on the issue. Fri, 12 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.newsweek.com/woman-shocked-diagnosis-after-finding-lump-1836458 https://www.newsweek.com/woman-shocked-diagnosis-after-finding-lump-1836458 Dr. Melinda Irwin, the Deputy Director at the Yale Cancer Center, has explained that, while the stress itself may not cause the cancer, people may take up smoking, become less active, and drink more alcohol to try and cope with it, all of which may have disastrous consequences. Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAUaSucDUDg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAUaSucDUDg Dr. Megan L. Ranney, dean of the Yale School of Public Health, joined CNN International's Quest Means Business on February 5, 2024, to talk to Paula Newton about King Charles III's cancer diagnosis and treatment. Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsr-Rz0goJ8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsr-Rz0goJ8 Dr. Xi Chen, an Assistant Professor of Public Health at the Yale School of Public Health, speaks to CGTN's Mike Walter about an expected sharp rise in cancer cases and China's efforts to address the problem. Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/prostate-cancer-treatment-new-tool/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/prostate-cancer-treatment-new-tool/ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States. Unfortunately for American men, prostate cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers. The Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) Consortium sought to give physicians and other medical professionals guidance on how to determine treatment in patients with prostate cancer. Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/people-who-stop-drinking-alcohol-lower-their-cancer-risk https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/people-who-stop-drinking-alcohol-lower-their-cancer-risk Dr. Vasilis Vasiliou, Yale Cancer Center researcher and director of the Yale Superfund Research Center, not involved in the research, explained: “Acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol, the primary component of alcoholic beverages, is classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), indicating sufficient evidence for its cancer-causing potential. Acetaldehyde is metabolized fast in the liver except in some Asians with genetic defects in acetaldehyde metabolizing enzyme (ALDH2).” Wed, 10 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.verywellhealth.com/bright-light-exposure-at-night-cancer-risks-8419209 https://www.verywellhealth.com/bright-light-exposure-at-night-cancer-risks-8419209 “Bright light exposure at night can suppress the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and possesses anti-cancer properties, thereby potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer,” Yong Zhu, PhD, the assistant director of the Yale Cancer Center for Global Cancer Epidemiology, told Verywell. Thu, 04 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/analyzing-how-cancer-mutations-interact-may-improve-targeted-therapies/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/analyzing-how-cancer-mutations-interact-may-improve-targeted-therapies/ A new method from the Yale School of Public Health offers a way to analyze how mutations interact with each other to alter tumor development. The innovation should make it easier to develop targeted therapies that anticipate the evolutionary path of a cancer, then corner and eradicate it. Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z