News in Numbers

February 4, 2023, marked World Cancer Day. The World Health Organization has predicted the global cancer burden will increase to about 30 million new cases by 2040, with the greatest increases occuring in low- and middle-income countries.

This February marks American Heart Month. According to the CDC, one person dies every 33 seconds in the United States from heart disease. Statistics show more women die from heart disease compared to men.

Patients in England can now receive treatment for seven common conditions at 10,625 pharmacies. Highly trained pharmacists will be able to assess and treat patients for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.

In a new report, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) estimate that closing the male-female health gap could boost global GDP by at least $1 trillion a year by 2040, through greater workforce participation, fewer lost hours, and higher productivity. Every dollar invested in these efforts could generate $3 in economic growth.

In 2022-23, a total of 1.93 million women aged 50 to 70 (64.6%) attended NHS breast screening appointments (within six months of invitation) out of the 2.98 million invited to book a check-up – an increase in uptake on 2021-22 (62.3%).