LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Breastfeeding Causes a Surge in Immune Cells that Could Prevent Cancer
A new study offers insight into how breastfeeding may help protect against breast cancer by activating specialized immune cells that remain in breast tissue for decades. Researchers found that women who had breastfed had higher levels of CD8+ T cells—immune “guards” that may attack abnormal or cancerous cells—potentially reducing the risk of aggressive breast cancers. These findings deepen understanding of the biological mechanisms behind breastfeeding’s long-observed protective effects and may inform future prevention and treatment strategies.
While the decision to breastfeed is personal and not always possible, this research underscores the importance of continued investigation into maternal health and cancer prevention. Read more from New Scientist here.
How Doctors Used Stories, Science and Social Media to Regain Trust Around Tylenol
When misinformation spread online linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) responded swiftly with a mix of science, empathy, and storytelling to rebuild public trust. The organization empowered its 128,000 members with plain-language, evidence-based materials and encouraged them to communicate directly with patients and media.
AAFP’s strategy combined rapid media statements, physician interviews, op-eds, and social media partnerships—including Instagram collaborations with relatable experts—to reach worried parents. By blending credible science with real voices and human stories, AAFP strengthened confidence in both the data and the doctors delivering it—an approach that resonated deeply with families. Read more from PR Daily here.
mRNA COVID Vaccines May be Helping Some Cancer Patients Fight Tumors, Researchers Say
Recent preliminary research suggests that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may offer unexpected benefits for some cancer patients by enhancing their immune response to tumors. A study of nearly 1,000 advanced lung and skin cancer patients at MD Anderson found those who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within 100 days of starting checkpoint inhibitor therapy lived substantially longer than unvaccinated patients.
Researchers propose that the mRNA mechanism “activates immune cells” and may sensitize tumors that otherwise evade immune detection. While further rigorous studies are planned, these findings highlight the potential of mRNA technology to complement cancer immunotherapy, extending beyond its original infectious disease role. Read more from PBS here.
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PHCC Offers New Graphics and Messaging for the 2025-26 Respiratory Illness Season
Public Health Communication Collaborative (PHCC) offers new social media graphics and messaging for public health communicators to support community preparation for the 2025–26 respiratory virus season, running November through April. Available in English and Spanish, these resources help explain respiratory virus prevention, updated vaccine eligibility, and the importance of COVID-19 and other vaccinations for both children and adults.
Step-by-step guides make it easy to encourage community members to find, schedule, and attend vaccine appointments. Early, clear communication can help reduce severe illness, increase vaccination coverage, and strengthen community resilience throughout the upcoming respiratory virus season. Find PHCC’s resources here.
New Blood Test Detects HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer 10 Years Early
A new federally funded study demonstrates that a liquid biopsy called HPV-DeepSeek can detect HPV-associated head and neck cancers up to 10 years before symptoms appear. HPV causes roughly 70% of these cancers in the U.S., yet no screening test previously existed. Using whole-genome sequencing and machine learning, HPV-DeepSeek identifies microscopic fragments of HPV DNA in the blood with high sensitivity and specificity, potentially enabling earlier, less intensive treatment and improved outcomes.
Researchers are now validating these findings in a larger, blinded study. The work highlights opportunities for earlier cancer detection and innovation in public health screening strategies. Read more from Harvard here.
CDC’s Flu Vaccination Recommendations Published
CDC has released its 2025–26 flu vaccination recommendations, urging everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated, ideally by the end of October, though efforts should continue while flu viruses circulate. Updates include FDA approval of FluMist for self- or caregiver administration and expanded use of Flublok for ages 9 and up.
ACIP advises single-dose, thimerosal-free formulations for children, pregnant women, and adults. Three vaccines remain preferentially recommended for adults 65+: Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok, and Fluad. Annual flu vaccination is critical to reducing illness, hospitalization, and death, with health care providers playing a key role in patient education. Read more from CDC here.
Mississippi Declares Public Health Emergency Over Rising Infant Mortality Rate
The Mississippi Department of Health has declared a public health emergency in response to alarming infant mortality rates, with 9.7 deaths per 1,000 births in 2024—the state’s highest rate in over a decade and more than 60% above the national average. Since 2014, more than 3,500 Mississippi infants have died before their first birthday.
State health officials outlined strategies including expanding prenatal and postpartum care, addressing maternity care deserts, increasing access to community health worker programs and home visits, and promoting safe sleep education. Public health leaders stress that improving maternal health and protecting access to care are essential to reducing infant deaths. Read more from CNN here.
