Health advancements and challenges have defined 2025, with remarkable breakthroughs in treatments juxtaposed against significant setbacks in preventive care. The year has prominently featured weight-loss injections, alongside groundbreaking studies in genetic therapy and a controversial decision regarding prostate cancer screening.
Groundbreaking Advances in Health
In a significant breakthrough, British researchers announced they have successfully treated Huntington’s disease for the first time. This genetic disorder, affecting approximately one in 12,500 individuals in the UK, leads to progressive nerve damage and is ultimately fatal. In September, scientists from University College London and the pharmaceutical firm uniQure revealed that their experimental gene therapy, known as AMT-130, could slow disease progression by an impressive 75 percent in a clinical trial involving twelve participants. Study leader Professor Sarah Tabrizi described the findings as “truly a game-changing result.”
The popularity of weight-loss injections has surged, with prescriptions for medications like Wegovy and Ozempic doubling from 2024 to 2025, reaching a total of 2.7 million in the UK. The NHS initiated the rollout of Mounjaro through general practitioners, although it is projected to take up to 12 years to reach 200,000 patients, primarily those with severe obesity. This delay has fueled private demand, which has skyrocketed to over 1.5 million paying patients. Studies indicate that these medications offer benefits beyond weight loss; a report from Clalit Health Services in Israel indicated that individuals taking GLP-1s had a 41 percent lower risk of cancer compared to those who lost weight through surgical methods. Additionally, research from Harvard University found these drugs halved the death risk for patients with heart failure.
Progress in Cancer Screening and Mental Health Concerns
The NHS has prioritized early cancer detection, an essential factor in improving survival rates. In January, the starting age for life-saving bowel cancer screening, known as FIT testing, was lowered to 50 years old. This change broadened eligibility to approximately four million additional individuals compared to five years ago, aligning with the goals of the Sun newspaper’s “No Time 2 Lose” campaign, which was supported by late columnist Dame Deborah James prior to her passing in 2022.
In another notable development, Dr. Julie Gralow, president of the American Society for Clinical Oncology, announced in June that regular exercise may be more effective than medication in preventing cancer relapse post-treatment. A study funded by Cancer Research UK revealed that bowel cancer patients engaging in a tailored exercise program had a 37 percent lower mortality rate over eight years than those who did not participate. Furthermore, the risk of cancer recurrence within five years decreased by 28 percent for those who maintained an active lifestyle.
On a more sobering note, mental health issues continue to escalate among younger populations. According to polling by the campaign group Health Equals, individuals aged 16 to 24 are now twice as likely to experience mental health problems compared to previous generations. Approximately 50 percent of this demographic is estimated to face challenges such as anxiety or depression, with the Office for National Statistics reporting that 23 percent of adults experience high levels of anxiety—an increase from figures recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic.
While advancements in health have been noteworthy, significant challenges remain, particularly in dental care. A recent survey indicated that tooth decay levels in England have reached a state reminiscent of conditions observed 30 years ago. The Adult Oral Health Survey found that 41 percent of adults show clear signs of tooth decay, a rise from 28 percent in 2009, with two-thirds exhibiting visible tooth damage. Dr. Nigel Carter from the Oral Health Foundation warned that without immediate action, a generation may face worse oral health than their predecessors.
Moreover, a ruling in late 2025 by government advisors against the initiation of mass prostate cancer screening has drawn criticism. Advocates, including Sir Chris Hoy, have called for targeted blood PSA tests for high-risk groups, including men over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer. Currently, only a limited number of men with BRCA risk genes will qualify for screening.
The dichotomy of progress and setbacks in health during 2025 underscores the ongoing challenges and triumphs faced by medical professionals and patients alike. As research continues and policies evolve, the landscape of healthcare is poised for further developments in the years ahead.
