Trending News Today: Suicide Risk Increases Within 1 Year of Cancer Diagnosis

A new study found that individuals with cancer are at an increased risk of suicide in the year following their diagnosis, Reuters reported. According to the article, the study researchers examined data on more than 4.6 million cancer patients, including 1585 patients who died by suicide within 1 year of their diagnosis. Overall, the data showed that the suicide rate was approximately 2.5 times higher than what would be expected in the general population, the article reported.

Aetna, CVS Health, and other health insurers have teamed up with IBM to create a blockchain network, Reuters reported. According to the article, the companies said in a statement that they intend to use blockchain technology for processing claims and payments and to maintain directories. Other companies involved in the project are Anthem, Health Care Service Corp, and financial services company PNC Bank, the article reported.

A recent study suggests that gum disease may be linked to the development of Alzheimer disease, The Hill reported. According to the article, the study found that the bacteria associated with gum disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, was also in 96% of the brains of individuals with Alzheimer disease in the study. The research team also developed a drug that they hope could be used to treat the disease and it is currently being tested in clinical studies, the article reported.