Closing in on a cure for cancer? 

More and more studies are discovering relationships between what factors may increase the likelihood of certain cancers developing. Furthermore, reports show that new inventions meant to fight cancer as well as the startups developing them have increased by 70% since 2015. It seems like only a matter of time before a new breakthrough study or treatment method/technology turns the tide against the age-old fight against cancer. Here are some interesting stories we are following.  

• The bacteria in your mouth could be the catalyst for Colorectal Cancer. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a bacterium that can infiltrate your digestive tract and develop into colorectal cancer as it spreads. Researchers say that the F. nucleatum infiltrates one’s bloodstream through built up plaque and gum disease. In the battle against Colorectal Cancer, researchers believe promoting good oral hygiene is essential not just for better oral health, but also for preventing the potential of colorectal cancer. 
• Moderna’s new breakthrough mRNA vaccine reduces the risk of recurrence and death of late-stage Melanoma, a deadly cancer, by 49% and further spread by 65%. Combined with Merck’s intravenous cancer immunotherapy injection “Keytruda”, Moderna’s new vaccine works in combination with it in treating late-stage skin cancers. The vaccine’s mRNA technology is the same used in Moderna’s Covid vaccine and trains the immune system to attack cancer cell mutations. The FDA gave the vaccine breakthrough therapy designation, and the drugmakers are eager to enter late-stage trials. 
• Cancer detection and treatment methods are rapidly evolving for the better.  Multi-cancer early detection tests (MCED) offered by solutions such as Grail can detect more than 50 early-stage cancers; intravenous treatments that normally take an hour to administer can now be performed instead with new methods like the “seven-minute cancer jab (injection)”, drastically saving time and energy for both the patient and doctor. 

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 5 people develop cancer during their lifetime, with 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women dying from cancer. As cancer cases tick upwards year after year, so do valuable discoveries and groundbreaking solutions in the cancer landscape. Therefore, employers should take the initiative in preparing for the “when” instead of the “if” by developing a comprehensive cancer strategy that includes innovative cancer solutions.