A new policy paper highlights key areas for advancing data-driven policymaking to curb the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), setting the stage for a more effective and equitable healthcare in Europe. This work has been jointly developed by Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (JACARDI), Joint Action Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases (JA PreventNCD), and the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe). 

New research delivers a timely reminder this holiday season: even moderate drinking can raise your risk for several cancers. A review of 62 studies of up to 100 million adults, found that both how often and how much you drink matter – especially for breast, colorectal, liver and digestive cancers. What you drink also matters – beer and white wine were linked to higher risks in some cases. Added dangers rose for certain racial and socioeconomic groups and from smoking, low activity, infections and poor diet. 

Colorectal cancer is considered a disease of old age, but young adults are increasingly affected. The research network “PerMiCCion”, led by Prof. Gianni Panagiotou at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) and the University of Jena, is investigating why this is the case and what role the microbes in the gut play. The consortium, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), is entering a second four-year funding phase. The project will receive a total of more than four million euros over eight years.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis (APCO) have today launched The APCO-IOF Asia Pacific Regional Audit: Epidemiology, Costs and Burden of Osteoporosis In 2025. This key report presents the most comprehensive assessment to date of the burden of osteoporosis and fragility fractures across 22 countries and regions, revealing both the magnitude of the challenge and the opportunities for timely, collaborative action.

A multicenter study across Japan found that ICU patients receiving more intensive rehabilitation regained independence faster after critical illness. Among 121 patients on mechanical ventilation, higher rehabilitation dose and mobility levels were linked to a lower risk of delayed recovery. The findings highlight that purposeful, early mobilization can improve outcomes and shorten recovery for ICU survivors.