The health landscape in 2025 has been marked by significant advancements alongside notable setbacks. Notable breakthroughs in treatments for conditions like Huntington’s disease and infertility emerged, while the decision against mass prostate cancer screening has raised concerns. This article explores the highs and lows of health news from the past year.
Significant Breakthroughs in Medical Research
One of the most significant developments came from British doctors who reported a pioneering treatment for Huntington’s disease, a genetic disorder affecting approximately one in 12,500 individuals in the UK. Researchers at University College London and the pharmaceutical company uniQure announced in September that their experimental gene therapy, known as AMT-130, could potentially slow the progression of the disease by an impressive 75 percent in clinical trial participants. Study leader Professor Sarah Tabrizi hailed the results as “truly a game-changing result,” opening new avenues for treatment options.
Weight-loss medications also dominated health discussions in 2025. The demand for injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy surged, with prescriptions reportedly doubling to 2.7 million between 2024 and 2025. The National Health Service (NHS) began rolling out Mounjaro through general practitioners, although access remains limited, with plans to reach only 200,000 patients over the next 12 years. This has led to increased private demand, with over 1.5 million patients seeking these treatments. Research from Israel’s Clalit Health Services found that individuals using GLP-1 medications had a 41 percent lower risk of cancer compared to those achieving similar weight loss through surgery.
Emerging Technologies and Concerns in Healthcare
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Oregon Health and Science University revealed in September their ability to grow human embryos using DNA from skin cells. This research, which remains in its early stages, suggests the possibility of creating babies without biological mothers, raising ethical and scientific discussions. The study was halted due to legal restrictions on embryo development, but it hints at future possibilities for addressing infertility.
Cancer screening also witnessed advancements, particularly with the introduction of life-saving bowel cancer screening, known as FIT testing. Starting in January, the NHS lowered the age for screening from 60 to 50, making it available to around four million additional individuals. This change was championed by the Sun’s No Time 2 Lose campaign, which received support from cancer advocate Dame Deborah James before her death in 2022.
Additionally, a study funded by Cancer Research UK indicated that regular exercise could be more effective than medication in preventing cancer relapse. Dr. Julie Gralow, president of the American Society for Clinical Oncology, stated that an exercise programme significantly reduced the risk of cancer recurrence, demonstrating the importance of physical activity in recovery.
While these advancements are promising, mental health remains a critical concern. A report by the campaign group Health Equals indicated that individuals aged 16 to 24 are now twice as likely to experience mental health issues compared to previous generations. Additionally, 23 percent of adults reported high levels of anxiety, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
The state of dental health in the UK also remains troubling, with a recent report revealing that tooth decay levels have reverted to figures not seen in decades. The Adult Oral Health Survey found that 41 percent of adults exhibit signs of tooth decay, a significant increase from 28 percent in 2009. Dr. Nigel Carter of the Oral Health Foundation warned that without immediate action, the current generation could suffer from poorer oral health than their predecessors.
Adding to the year’s challenges, government advisers recently decided against initiating mass testing for prostate cancer. This decision has drawn criticism, especially from advocacy groups and public figures like Sir Chris Hoy, who called for targeted blood PSA tests for men over 45 with high-risk factors. Only a limited number of individuals with BRCA risk genes will be eligible for testing, leaving many at risk without access to early detection.
In conclusion, the health news of 2025 encapsulates a mix of hope and concern. Breakthroughs in gene therapy and weight-loss medications offer new avenues for treatment, while ongoing challenges in mental health, dental care, and cancer screening highlight the need for continued focus and action in public health initiatives.
