(NewsUSA) - November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to focus on the more than 380,000 babies born too early in the U.S. each year. For families whose little one arrives weeks or months earlier than expected, understanding advances in premature infant nutrition can help reduce complications during the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) journey.

Feeding Preemies Better 

For the smallest, most fragile preemies, nutritional advances over the past two decades have dramatically improved health outcomes. Today, babies born as early as 22 weeks can not only survive, they can thrive.

Premature babies need 20-40% more calories and protein than full-term babies. This is why doctors often add something called a nutritional “fortifier” to mom’s breastmilk or donor milk to provide the extra nutrition these babies need for healthy growth and development.

There are two types of fortifiers available: cow milk-based and breastmilk-based. In the U.S., both are labeled "human milk fortifiers," however only those from Prolacta Bioscience are made from 100% donor breastmilk, free from cow milk and corn syrup. This difference can be life-changing, especially for babies born weighing 2.75 pounds or less. Studies spanning the past two decades have shown that cow milk-based fortifiers increase the risk of serious complications, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially fatal intestinal disease.

Knowledge Drives Real Change

Multiple studies show fragile preemies fed fortifiers made from donor breastmilk have better outcomes, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays, compared to preemies fed cow milk-based products.   

What preemies are fed in the NICU doesn’t just matter today — it impacts tomorrow’s milestones. Most recently, an independent study evaluated the association between an exclusive human milk diet and motor function impairment at 3 years of corrected age. Read more about the published findings.

This is why leading advocates for premature infants and their families, such as the National Black Nurses Association, Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, NICU Parent Network, Project NICU, Once Upon a Preemie Inc., and many others support the adoption of breastmilk-based nutrition in the NICU for the smallest, most fragile preemies, particularly to address health disparities.  

Access to nutritional options can help reduce these disparities and improve outcomes for all premature babies, regardless of their background. Recent data points to the preterm birth rate among Black babies as 1.5 times higher than the rate among all other babies, and the infant death rate of Black babies is nearly twice the national average, according to the March of Dimes.

Parents Have a Choice in the NICU

This year alone, more than half of the Level 3 & 4 NICUs in the U.S. have used 100% breastmilk-based fortifiers for their smallest patients. If your baby is in a NICU that doesn’t provide this option, talk to your care team. Hospitals nationwide can order Prolacta’s breastmilk-based fortifiers for overnight delivery, even if they don't routinely offer them. Knowing your options helps ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need to grow strong and thrive. Use your voice, since your little one can’t use theirs.

(Mitch Jelniker) - Veterans face higher lung cancer risk from military exposures. Early screening and clinical trials save lives. Honor their service this month.

America’s heroes risked everything to protect our freedom, yet many remain unprotected from one of the deadliest threats they face at home: lung cancer. A simple, painless scan, a low-dose CT, can detect lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable. But despite its proven power to save lives, far too few Veterans are getting screened.

For those who served, this gap isn’t just a statistic; it’s deeply personal. Military service can mean exposure to asbestos, burn pits, radon, and other toxic substances that dramatically increase lung cancer risk. The Department of Veterans Affairs has committed to identifying and screening Veterans at risk, yet thousands still go without this potentially lifesaving test.

Let's ensure that “thank you for your service” also means protecting their health.

Air Force and Navy Veteran Donnita Butler knows firsthand the critical importance of early detection. A routine low-dose CT scan caught her cancer early, and she credits screening with saving her life.

“It’s a simple test that gave me more time,” says Butler. “I tell every Veteran I meet: if you qualify, get screened. It can save your life, too.”

Now, Butler is helping to lead a new mission to inspire others to participate in cutting-edge blood-based research that could revolutionize cancer detection. 

Scientists are developing simple blood tests that may one day identify lung cancer and other cancers through a single vial of blood.

These next-generation tests rely on biomarkers, which are molecular “fingerprints” from tumor cells circulating in the blood, that can also guide personalized treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies that are more effective and less toxic than traditional chemotherapy.

Veterans are once again at the forefront, volunteering for clinical trials that are accelerating this research. 

“Our Veterans are heroes in more ways than one,” says Dr. Drew Moghanaki, Chief of Thoracic Oncology at UCLA Health’s Department of Radiation Oncology. “By participating in studies and screenings, they’re not only protecting their own health but helping advance science for everyone.” 

Dr. Moghanaki and Donnita Butler are partnering with Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) through its Breath of Honor program, an initiative dedicated to increasing lung cancer screening among Veterans and raising awareness of clinical research opportunities. Together, they’re spreading the message that early action can mean the difference between life and loss.

“Tomorrow’s treatments are available today through screening and clinical trials,” says Dr. Moghanaki. “Veterans deserve access to both.”

Learn more to find out if you qualify for lung cancer screening, explore clinical trial opportunities, or learn more about LCFA's Breath of Honor program, visit LCFAmerica.org.

About LCFA

LCFA is dedicated to dramatically improving survival rates and quality of life for people diagnosed with lung cancer. Through funding innovative research, amplifying patient stories, and raising awareness, LCFA brings hope to the millions impacted by the world’s deadliest cancer. Learn more at lcfamerica.org.

(NewsUSA) - As the holiday lights go up and the to-do lists grow, parents everywhere are navigating a season that should feel joyful, but all too often doesn’t. According to KinderCare Learning Companies 2025 Parent Confidence Index, six in ten parents surveyed say, “I feel overwhelmed by the demands of being a parent.”

That’s a clear signal: parenting, even during the season of cheer, can feel like a pressure cooker. 

Here are five mindful strategies to help parents protect their mental health through the holidays, and one way KinderCare is stepping in to offer a meaningful gift for parents.

1. Trim the expectation tree

We often bring to the season an idea of “perfect” traditions, picture-worthy moments and magic. But the pressure to hit that mark is heavy. Give yourself permission to let some things slide. Try prioritizing one meaningful activity rather than every option on the list.

2. Schedule a pause

Between school concerts, errands, social obligations and caring for little ones, the days blur. Carving out even 15 minutes of quiet, such as coffee alone, a short walk or a few mindful breaths, can shift the tone. Treat this pause like an appointed meeting you can’t skip.
And if you can delegate some household tasks: ask a partner, family member or friend to give you a break.

3. Connect with your “village”

It’s not just you. More than half of parents say their friends’ mental health worries them. That means you’re part of a collective experience. Reach out to another parent, share the real talk and lean in together. A short check-in call, or even a quick group text chat, can help you realize you’re not alone.

4. Frame “good enough” as the new perfect

Holiday cards show smiling families; social media posts show ideal tablescapes. But behind the scenes, late bedtimes, meltdowns and mismatched socks are still real and still ok. When you accept that “good enough” is enough, you reduce your mental load. Your children don’t need you to be perfect. They just need you to be engaged, present and calm.

5. Gift yourself the gift of time

Arguably, the best gift you can offer yourself (and your children) is time. Time to recharge, time to reset, time to show up as your best self. That’s why KinderCare Learning Companies is offering something meaningful for busy families: a day of free care at select KinderCare Learning Center locations and Crème Schools nationwide now through December 31. This offer gives parents breathing room, whether to shop for and wrap gifts, finish tasks, rest, or simply enjoy being present.

A final holiday mantra

“Self-care is parenting care.” By protecting your own mental health, you’re actually giving your children a more grounded, peaceful parental presence, which means richer memories, more genuine joy and less invisible stress. With simpler expectations, intentional pauses, connection to fellow parents, acceptance of “good enough,” and that invaluable gift of time, you can steer your holiday season toward something heartfelt and sustainable.

Because beneath the glitter and hustle, what truly matters is presence. Peace. A parent who feels okay, rather than frantic.

(Diane Mulligan) - Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is among the most aggressive, deadliest forms of lung cancer, yet it’s still too often overlooked. For decades, treatment options were limited, offering little hope to those diagnosed with SCLC, until now.

In 2013, Congress passed legislation that mandated the National Cancer Institute create a scientific plan for treating patients with less than a 50% chance of surviving 5 years. This included SCLC. With this focus on research, SCLC, once considered a hopeless diagnosis because of its swift spread and resistance to standard treatment, is now seeing real momentum. Breakthrough research has increased the number of treatment options by 67% giving doctors new tools and patients new reasons to hope.

Because of research, treatments like the recently FDA-approved Tarlatamab belong to a class of drugs called bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), which harness the immune system to combat cancer. Another treatment, Lurbinectedin, slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.  There are also next-generation approaches, such as CAR T-cell therapy and antibody-drug conjugates, and many others, now in clinical trials. Clinical trials, once a last resort, are rapidly becoming a front door to tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

Early detection is critical. Screening is the best way to find SCLC early.

Wendy Brooks knows this firsthand. Wendy had a history of lung cancer in her family. She pushed hard to get screened, and her cancer was caught early, rare for this disease. Through two clinical trials, Wendy has kept the cancer confined to her lung and is living fully. She credits screening and participating in clinical trials with saving her life.

“I’m here today because of research,” Wendy says. “I want others to know there’s hope, and clinical trials can be a lifeline.”

Thoracic oncologist Dr. Jacob Sands echoes that optimism: “I have patients more than five years out from that initial diagnosis doing great, living their lives and not on treatment. And I’ll go as far as to say that I think some patients are cured of their incurable disease.”

Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) is raising awareness of the lifesaving power of early screening, new treatments, and the growing promise of clinical trials for people facing SCLC.

LCFA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating lung cancer through research, education, and awareness programs. Committed to improving patient outcomes, donations to LCFA fund innovative research projects, educational initiatives, and advocacy for increased resources for lung cancer research.

Donate today to fight Lung Cancer at LCFAmerica.org

**Image Captions: 
Wendy Brooks, Lung Cancer Patient (header image)
Dr. Jacob Sands, Thoracic Oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

(NewsUSA) - Do you ever notice a flutter in your chest? Feel unusually tired even after a good night’s sleep? Get winded from walking up the stairs when that never used to happen? These little signs might not feel like a big deal, but they could point to something more serious: atrial fibrillation, or AFib.

AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world, affecting more than 60 million people.¹ In the U.S. alone, over 12 million people are expected to be living with the condition by 2030.²

Yet, awareness remains surprisingly low. A nationally representative survey sponsored by Medtronic found that nearly half of Americans haven’t heard of AFib.³ Because symptoms can be mild or easy to brush off, many people don’t realize they may be at risk. But without proper diagnosis and treatment, AFib can lead to major health complications, including blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.⁴

Know the Symptoms of AFib

AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (called the atria) beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers. This disrupts the heart’s normal rhythm and reduces its ability to pump blood efficiently. Over time, this can strain the heart and affect overall health.

Common signs of AFib include:

• A fluttering or irregular heartbeat
• A sensation that the heart is racing or skipping beats
• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest discomfort or pressure

Because these symptoms can show up gradually, many people don’t connect them to a heart condition. In fact, according to the Medtronic-sponsored survey, one in four people said they wouldn’t take recurring symptoms like heart fluttering or fatigue very seriously, even if they lasted for months.

“The survey findings are a wake-up call—too many people haven’t heard of AFib or don’t recognize its symptoms as something worth acting on,” says Khaldoun Tarakji, MD, MPH, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of Cardiac Ablation Solutions at Medtronic. “By recognizing the early signs and talking with a healthcare provider, people have a better chance of managing AFib before it leads to more serious complications.”

Take Control with New AFib Treatments

Medications have long been the first choice for treating AFib, but they don’t work for everyone. In fact, about half of patients find that medications either don’t fully relieve their symptoms or cause unwanted side effects.^5-7

Newer, less invasive treatment options – like ablation procedures – are becoming more widely available, yet many people don’t know they exist.³ Despite their effectiveness, more than half of Americans have never heard of ablation procedures. One promising approach, called pulsed field ablation, uses short, controlled bursts of electrical energy to correct the heart’s rhythm without damaging nearby healthy tissue. This treatment can be used alongside medications or, in some cases, as an alternative.

If you’ve been experiencing ongoing fatigue, heart flutters, or shortness of breath, don’t ignore these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about what you’re feeling and explore all the treatment options that might help you feel better.

To learn more about AFib and pulsed field ablation, visit Medtronic.com/Afib.

References

1. Roth GA, Mensah GA, Johnson CO et al. Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors, 1990-2019: Update From the GBD 2019 Study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020;76:2982-3021.
2. Colilla S, Crow A, Petkun W, Singer DE, Simon T, Liu X. Estimates of current and future incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the U.S. adult population. Am J Cardiol. 2013;112:1142–1147.
3. Medtronic Data on File. Morning Consult. 2025. National Tracking Poll on Atrial Fibrillation Awareness. Sponsored by Medtronic. Online Survey, n= 2202. August 16–18, 2025.
4. Wolf PA, Abbott RD, Kannel WB. Atrial fibrillation as an independent risk factor for stroke: the Framingham Study. Stroke. August 1991;22(8):983-988.
5. Andrade JG. Ablation as First-line Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation. Eur Cardiol. 2023;18: e46. 
6. Al-Jazairi MIH, Nguyen BO, De With RR, et al. Antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with early persistent atrial fibrillation and heart failure: results of the RACE 3 study. Europace. 2021;23(9):1359-1368. 
7. Valembois L et al. Antiarrhythmics for maintaining sinus rhythm after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD005049.  

This content was published with support from Medtronic.

About the Medtronic-Sponsored Survey:

Medtronic engaged Morning Consult to conduct a nationally representative survey to gain insights into consumer perceptions and awareness of atrial fibrillation and related treatment options. The survey was deployed among 2,200 U.S. adults between August 16 and August 18, 2025, using an online survey.

(NewsUSA) - The cancer treatment landscape is undergoing a profound shift. Patients, healthcare providers and advocates are seeking alternatives that deliver both clinical efficacy and quality of life. At the forefront of this movement is GentleCure™, a proven, noninvasive treatment for the most common type of cancer, nonmelanoma skin cancer. 

Dermatologists nationwide are reporting a surge in patient awareness of GentleCure. Patients are increasingly drawn to this Medicare-covered, nonsurgical therapy that allows them to maintain their normal routines without interruption. More than 125,000 patients have been treated with GentleCure across 400 dermatology practices, with thousands more receiving treatment each day. Notably, over 70 practices have introduced GentleCure just this year, a clear signal of its growing role in dermatology.  

Aaron S. Farberg, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and editorial board member for leading medical journals, including Dermatology & Therapy and SKIN, affirms the trend. 

“At the five Texas practices for which I serve as Chief Medical Officer, we’ve seen a significant rise in patient demand for this noninvasive option,” Dr. Farberg notes. “While not every case of skin cancer is appropriate for GentleCure, thoughtful consultation with our board certified dermatologists ensures proper use and shared decision-making. For those treated, both the medical outcomes and patient satisfaction have been exceptional.” 

GentleCure harnesses Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT), a state-of-the-art combination of technologies designed to treat basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. 

Using low-level x-ray energy, GentleCure destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The precision comes from high-resolution dermal ultrasound imaging, which maps the cancer in real time and enables the provider to deliver exactly the right dose. Quick and painless treatment delivery is repeated over several weeks, with minimal impact on a patients’ daily lives. 

The therapy’s success is supported by 17 clinical studies, which document cure rates exceeding 99 percent, matched by equally high patient satisfaction scores. 

Demographic trends are amplifying the need for noninvasive skin cancer care. As the  population ages and life expectancy rises, the incidence of skin cancer continues to climb, particularly among those with extensive sun exposure. Many older adults also face health conditions that make surgery riskier. 

The statistics are sobering: 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each day, adding up to more than 3 million new cases annually. Against this backdrop, GentleCure provides a safe, effective, and patient-friendly alternative that aligns with the realities of modern dermatology care. 

The growing adoption of GentleCure reflects a broader cultural and clinical shift toward noninvasive, patient-centered oncology care. As practices continue to embrace this technology, they expand their treatment capabilities and empower patients with choice, comfort, and confidence in their care journey. 

For more information, visit GentleCure.com 

(NewsUSA) - We all want to look as vibrant as we feel, but sometimes our skin tells a different story. If you've ever felt that dreaded dryness, dullness, or loss of firmness—especially as we get older and lines and wrinkles begin to show—you're not alone. By our forties, cell turnover slows by up to 50%¹, weakening skin’s ability to produce natural Hyaluronic Acid. And it makes an impact—more than two-thirds of women over 40 report uncomfortably dry skin, with over 70% saying it's their top concern².

But what if the key to turning back the clock wasn't a complicated routine, but instead just a simple swipe? Meet the beauty innovators at RoC, who have rolled clinically proven, youth-boosting ingredients into convenient and incredibly effective stick formats. By massaging the serums into the skin in just seconds, it’s never been easier to achieve real results. This isn't just about skincare; it's about making a difference you can see and feel, with minimal effort.

Hydrate and Smooth

The foundation of any healthy complexion is moisture, and the new Hydration+ Replumping Serum Stick is designed to deliver it instantly. Inspired by in-office fillers, this powerhouse cooling stick is engineered to combat the natural slowdown of skin cell turnover that comes with age. Infused with pro-collagen, blue peptides, and a whopping seven forms of hyaluronic acid, it deeply hydrates skin beneath the surface in just seconds. The results? 100 hours of hydration to visibly smooth and plump lines, and dry skin symptoms such as flaking and dullness visibly reduced in just 1 week. 

Firm and Tighten

For those focused on firmness, RoC's cult-favorite Derm Correxion Firming Serum Stick is already a sensation, with one sold every 45 seconds, making it the #1 skincare launch this year³. Developed by both dermatologists and plastic surgeons for dramatic tightening results, this quick-absorbing formula combines retinol with THPE, a breakthrough firming ingredient for instant tightening of the skin. Together, they form a dynamic duo that visibly improves skin elasticity, leaving your skin tighter and smoother. In fact, in a clinical study, 94% of users saw visibly firmer skin after just four weeks.  The stick format allows users to effortlessly glide the product over the face, down the neck, to the chest, and even the back of hands, to target and tighten all signs of aging.

The true genius of these products is their versatility. No more guessing—just glide them directly onto your face, neck, or anywhere that needs a lift. They’re mess-free, portable, and perfect for a quick refresh on the go.

"It's a common challenge for my patients to find a routine they'll actually stick with," says Dermatologist Dr. Beibei Du-Harpur. "RoC's serum sticks are game-changing . They take powerful, dermatologist-recommended ingredients and make them incredibly easy to use. This kind of innovation helps bridge the gap between effective skincare and a busy lifestyle."

Both the Derm Correxion Firming Serum Stick and the Hydration+ Serum Stick are dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and free of fragrances and parabens, making them suitable for all skin types.

For a simpler path to younger-looking skin, visit rocskincare.com, Walmart, or Walmart.com.

(ProRx Pharma) - From hospitals to surgical centers, med spas to even your dentist’s office—chances are, you or someone in your family has already received medication from a compounding pharmacy without even knowing it.

But what exactly is a compounding pharmacy? And what makes some compounding pharmacies, known as 503B outsourcing facilities, so critical to modern healthcare?

A Brief Look Back

Compounding pharmacies have been around for centuries—long before mass-produced medications were the norm. In the earliest days of medicine, pharmacists prepared customized remedies by hand, adjusting dosages, ingredients, and formulations to suit individual patients. While much of pharmacy practice shifted to manufactured drugs over the 20th Century, the need for tailored treatments never disappeared.

In 2013, Congress passed the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA), creating a new category of compounding pharmacies: 503B outsourcing facilities. These facilities are authorized to compound large batches of medications in advance—often for use in hospitals and physician clinics—and are held to strict quality and sterility standards by the FDA.

Why It Matters to You

503B outsourcing facilities are behind the scenes of much of our healthcare system and the modern wellness journey. While you can’t pick up a prescription directly from one, the preparations they compound are frequently administered during medical procedures, inpatient stays, or outpatient visits.

Some common scenarios include:

· A child in the ER receives a weight-based dose of a pain reliever made by a 503B facility.

· An older adult undergoing eye surgery gets pre-filled syringes of anesthesia prepared in sterile conditions.

· A patient at a wellness clinic receives a compounded vitamin infusion tailored for their specific nutrient needs.

Unlike traditional “503A” compounding pharmacies, which prepare medications based on a specific prescription for one patient, 503B facilities are allowed to produce office-use medications in advance—making them vital to hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, infusion clinics, med spas, and even long-term care providers. Patients may receive medications prepared by a 503B outsourcing facility, but they do so only through their healthcare provider, since 503Bs are not permitted to serve patients directly.

Safety and Quality Come First

Not all compounding pharmacies are the same. 503B facilities must register with the FDA, follow Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and undergo regular inspections. These guidelines are designed to protect patients by ensuring preparations are sterile, precisely dosed, and free of contaminants.

When your healthcare provider suggests using a compounding partner, do your due diligence and ask questions, even visit the compounder’s website. Three questions you should ask:

1. Is the compounding pharmacy accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) or another recognized organization?

2. Is the pharmacy licensed in my state and do they follow guidelines for compounding?

3. Does the pharmacy regularly test for potency, sterility (if applicable) and contamination?

So the next time you or a loved one gets a procedure, an injection, or a specialty treatment, there’s a good chance a compounding pharmacy was part of the process—quietly working behind the scenes to keep you safe, healthy, and healing.

For more information about compounding pharmacies, visit https://prorxpharma.com.

(NewsUSA) - By Matt Werbach for the National Psoriasis Foundation 

If you are one of the 8 million people in the U.S. with psoriasis, no one needs to tell you about the challenges of living with the disease. You know the pain and itch. You know the social stigma and the judgmental stares. And if you’re like Brian, Ayesha, or Janene, you also carry the burden of various related diseases.  

There are so many shared challenges related to living with psoriasis that it becomes easy to imagine a common solution. But each person impacted by this disease – all 125 million worldwide – has their own unique set of genetics, lifestyle considerations, luck, and personal history. Let’s hear from three of them. 

Three Unique Journeys 

Regaining Control 

Brian Lehrschall spent 30 years managing his psoriasis with just about every treatment available. It was high blood sugar and the GLP-1 agonist he took to manage it that finally helped him improve his psoriasis symptoms, his treatment effectiveness, and his ability to enjoy life. 

Losing it All 

Ayesha Patrick’s hair was falling out in clumps. Psoriasis robbed her of her health, hair, and mental wellbeing. She regained her strength and persevered by helping other people of color feel supported through whatever psoriasis throws their way.  

“Something is Not Right” 

Janene Tirado was pouring margaritas for grateful golfers at a volunteer event when a rare form of psoriasis known as GPP appeared. Within hours, she was at the hospital with a fever, nausea, and small pustules spreading rapidly across her feet and lower legs. Proper treatment helped her move forward. Now, she shares her story so others might know the signs of GPP. 

August is Psoriasis Action Month – an annual opportunity to galvanize and empower the community of people impacted by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Every person experiences psoriatic disease in their own unique way, but it is together that we drive progress toward the vision of a world free from the burdens of psoriasis and PsA.  

For real stories, practical tips, and helpful tools to live your healthiest life with psoriasis or PsA, visit psoriasis.org/psoriasis-action-month. 

(Amy Leitman, JD, President of NTMir Contributor, USA Today) - For most Americans, the letters "NTM" don’t mean anything. But for tens of thousands of people across the country, they represent something serious: a chronic lung disease that’s often overlooked, misunderstood, and on the rise.

NTM, or nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease, isn’t contagious. But that doesn’t make it harmless. Caused by bacteria found in soil and water, NTM can lead to progressive lung damage, especially in people with underlying respiratory conditions. What’s most alarming is how easily it hides in plain sight—mimicking other illnesses, evading detection, and often going untreated for years.

As we approach World NTM Day on August 4, it’s time to bring this disease out of the shadows.

NTM lung disease isn’t rare anymore. Over the past few decades, researchers have tracked a steady increase in infections across the U.S., especially among people over 65 and those with structural lung issues like bronchiectasis or COPD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases are growing by 8% annually. Currently there are estimated to be more than 200,000 cases in the U.S. alone.

Certain regions are being hit harder than others. States like Florida, Hawaii, California, and Texas report disproportionately high rates, with urban hubs like Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City also seeing spikes. The combination of humid climates, aging populations, and exposure to aerosolized water from showers, hot tubs, or soil seems to provide the perfect conditions for the bacteria to thrive.

Still, it’s not limited to one geographic area. Wherever people are inhaling air from contaminated environments—and especially where structural lung conditions are common—NTM is a growing risk.

One of the most frustrating aspects of NTM is how easy it is to mistake it for something else. People often develop a persistent cough, fatigue, night sweats, or shortness of breath—symptoms that could point to any number of respiratory conditions. It’s not unusual for patients to be told they have bronchitis or asthma, and to be treated accordingly.

But when weeks turn into months, and standard treatments don’t work, it’s time to look deeper.

Diagnosis requires a chest CT scan and sputum cultures, but even then, identifying the right strain and choosing the right treatment takes time. The standard course involves multiple antibiotics taken for over a year, and in many cases, patients can be reinfected with another strain later on.

Behind the data are stories—some hopeful, some heartbreaking.

Diane, a retired teacher in Houston, spent more than two years bouncing between physicians. “I had a chronic cough I just couldn’t shake,” she says. “They thought it was allergies or maybe long COVID.” After finally seeing a pulmonologist who tested for NTM, she got her diagnosis. “I was relieved, but scared. I had never even heard of it.”

In Miami, Michael, 67, had a similar experience. “They told me it was COPD, and I believed them. But my energy kept getting worse.” It wasn’t until a specialist ordered a specific culture that the real cause came to light. “By then, my lungs were already in bad shape.”

These aren’t rare anecdotes—they’re reflective of a larger issue: too many patients are slipping through the cracks because NTM isn’t top of mind for most clinicians.

(*Stories are drawn from patient accounts shared with NTMir’s national support community. Names have been changed for privacy.*)

Every year, August 4 marks World NTM Day, an international effort to raise awareness about this under-recognized illness. The day offers an opportunity to elevate patient voices, educate health professionals, and encourage policy solutions to improve care.

This year, advocates are emphasizing five urgent needs:
1. Faster diagnosis.
2. More research for treatments.
3. Public awareness.
4. Research for ways to reduce exposure.
5. Support for patients.

The call to action is simple: If you’ve had a lingering cough or recurring respiratory symptoms, and especially if you already have a lung condition, ask your doctor whether NTM testing is appropriate.

NTM lung disease isn’t going away. But we do have reasons to be hopeful. New diagnostic tools are in development. Clinical trials are underway for more tolerable and effective medications. And groups like NTMir are building a stronger national patient registry to support research and care coordination.

What we don’t have—yet—is widespread awareness.

That’s where you come in. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, physician, journalist, or policymaker, you can help shine a light on this overlooked disease. Share a story. Ask questions. Start the conversation.

Because when it comes to NTM, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s a lifeline.

To learn more about nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease, and to get involved in World NTM Day on August 4, visit www.WorldNTMDay.org.