Thousands of women facing a higher risk of breast cancer are set to receive aid through a risk-reducing drug, now approved for use by the NHS. The state-funded health service made the announcement on Tuesday (7), marking a significant step in preventing the disease.
Anastrozole, a long-standing breast cancer treatment has been licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a preventive measure, raising hopes of averting numerous breast cancer cases in England.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence initially suggested Anastrozole as a preventive choice in 2017.
The off-patent drug (meaning more than one company can make it) demonstrated through trials, significantly reduces the disease's occurrence by nearly 50 per cent in post-menopausal women facing increased risks.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, so I'm delighted that another effective drug to help to prevent this cruel disease has now been approved,” said health minister Will Quince.
“We've already seen the positive effect Anastrozole can have in treating the disease when it has been detected in postmenopausal women and now, we can use it to stop it developing at all in some women. This is a great example of NHS England's innovative Medicines Repurposing Programme supporting the development of new ways for NHS patients to benefit from existing treatments,” he said.
Around 289,000 women at moderate or high risk of breast cancer could be eligible for the drug, and while not all will choose to take it, it is estimated that if 25 per cent do, around 2,000 cases of breast cancer could potentially be prevented in England, while saving the NHS around GBP 15 million in treatment costs.
“This is the first drug to be repurposed though a world-leading new programme to help us realise the full potential of existing medicines in new uses to save and improve more lives on the NHS. Thanks to this initiative, we hope that greater access to anastrozole could enable more women to take risk-reducing steps if they'd like to, helping them live without fear of breast cancer,” said NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard.
The treatment is taken as a 1mg tablet, once a day for five years. Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor, which works by cutting down the amount of the hormone oestrogen that a patient's body makes by blocking an enzyme called “aromatase.”
The most common side effects of the medicine are hot flushes, feeling weak, pain/stiffness in the joints, arthritis, skin rash, nausea, headache, osteoporosis, and depression.
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme.
“The extension of anastrozole's licence to cover it being used as a risk-reducing treatment is a major step forward that will enable more eligible women with a significant family history of breast cancer, to reduce their chance of developing the disease,” said Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive at the Breast Cancer Now charity.
The UK's Medicines Repurposing Programme was set up in 2021 and is hosted by NHS and supported by the government to build on the innovation in medicines repurposing seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, when tocilizumab, an arthritis drug, and dexamethasone, a widely available steroid, was repurposed as treatments for coronavirus.
A new community-led initiative has been launched in the UK to provide culturally sensitive support for South Asian women navigating midlife and menopause.
The Sattva Collective, founded by certified Midlife and Menopause Coach Kiran Singh, officially launched on 14 May 2025 as a registered Community Interest Company (CIC). It is the first initiative in the UK focused specifically on the experiences of South Asian women during what Singh describes as a “deeply personal and often stigmatised” phase of life.
“South Asian women are navigating physical, emotional, and identity shifts in silence – often without the language, space, or support to talk about it,” Singh said. “The Sattva Collective is here to change that. We are reclaiming midlife as a powerful, transformative time – and doing it together.”
The name 'Sattva' is drawn from Sanskrit, referring to clarity, balance, and inner peace – values reflected in the collective’s approach.
The organisation will offer a range of services throughout the year, including:
Monthly community meet-ups in local cafés
Educational workshops on hormone health, mental well-being, and cultural stigma
An annual flagship Midlife Summit launching in January 2026
Public awareness campaigns and digital resources
One-to-one and group coaching sessions
Singh, who is of Indian heritage, aims to address the gaps in both mainstream and cultural conversations around menopause. According to her, many South Asian women face barriers to accessing support due to stigma, lack of awareness, and limited representation in public discourse.
The Sattva Collective is now preparing to roll out its 2025 programme and is actively seeking funding, sponsorship, and community partners to expand its reach and resources.
Describing midlife as “not a crisis, but a calling,” Singh hopes the initiative will empower more women to speak openly about their health and experiences, while building a supportive community.
Further details about upcoming events and resources will be made available through the collective’s official channels in the coming weeks.
Bella Hadid’s return to the Cannes Film Festival was anything but quiet. This year, the model showed up ready to challenge the red carpet rules without actually breaking them.
With new restrictions in place like no sheer fabrics, no visible nudity, no dramatic trains or bulky silhouettes, fashion-watchers wondered if Bella, known for her daring Cannes looks in the past, would tone it down. Instead, she found a clever way around the rules.
Her choice for the opening ceremony? A sleek black Saint Laurent dress with a high slit that climbed nearly to her hip. It was revealing but not banned. The asymmetrical cowl neckline and bare back added to the drama without crossing any lines. Paired with barely-there strappy heels, emerald statement earrings, and a ring, the outfit managed to be both understated and provocative.
Earlier in the day, she’d already turned heads arriving at Hotel Martinez in a white corset top and matching bootcut trousers, another Saint Laurent nod. Her honey-blonde updo, oversized sunglasses, and vintage accessories made it clear that Bella wasn’t here to just blend in.
And while the Met Gala missed her this year, Cannes got the full Hadid effect.
The model’s new hair colour, a shift from brunette to a summery honey blonde, felt like a fresh chapter. Soft waves framed her face, complementing the dark, moody tones of her red carpet outfit. Makeup stayed simple with smokey eyes, matte skin, and nude lips. No theatrics, pure elegance and confidence.
The most impressive part of it all? She managed to follow every rule while still standing out. While some stars played it safe under the stricter dress code, Bella turned the limits into a challenge. No sheer panels? Try bold cut-outs. No dramatic trains? Go for shape-hugging minimalism with impact.
Fashion at Cannes has always been about pushing boundaries. This time, Bella Hadid did it with precision, walking the tightrope between compliance and creativity.
No loud rebellion. Just quiet defiance in heels.
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These terms provide insight into how Gen Z views the world around them
Language is constantly evolving, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the lexicon of Gen Z. As the first generation to grow up fully immersed in social media, their language is influenced by memes, viral videos, and digital culture. With 2025 underway, several Gen Z slang terms have already become ubiquitous, appearing in everyday conversations, on social media platforms, and even in mainstream media. Here are 11 slang terms that have already peaked this year.
1. Delulu
"Delulu," short for "delusional," is one of the most prominent slang terms of 2025. It’s used to describe someone who holds unrealistic beliefs or makes outlandish claims. The term was catapulted into the spotlight after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used it in Parliament to describe his political opponents, referring to them as being "delulu with no solulu," which translates to "delusional with no solution." The term has since been widely adopted by young people, particularly in online communities. It’s now frequently used to poke fun at someone’s exaggerated or disconnected views on social media.
2. Rizz
"Rizz" is a shorthand for "charisma," and it refers to someone's ability to charm others, especially in romantic or flirtatious situations. The term has become an essential part of Gen Z's dating vocabulary, with phrases like "He's got mad rizz" or "She’s rizzing up everyone" becoming commonplace. This term is closely tied to the growing trend of online dating and relationship dynamics, where charm and social media persona play a significant role.
3. Sigma
The "sigma" personality is the opposite of the well-known "alpha" personality. A sigma is characterised as someone who is independent, self-sufficient, and doesn’t conform to societal expectations or norms. Unlike alpha males or females who thrive on social dominance, sigmas prefer solitude and operate outside of traditional social hierarchies. The term has gained traction in online spaces where young people are increasingly gravitating towards self-reliance and non-conformity.
4. Brain Rot
"Brain rot" is used to describe the state of being mentally overwhelmed or exhausted from consuming excessive amounts of digital content. It's particularly prevalent in discussions about binge-watching shows or scrolling endlessly through social media. Gen Z often jokes about being "brain rotted" after spending hours watching TikTok or scrolling through Instagram, highlighting how easy it is to become consumed by the constant flow of information and entertainment available online.
5. Yassified
A term that’s gained massive popularity in recent years, "yassified" refers to someone or something that has been enhanced or transformed, usually with excessive editing or glamorisation. It's often used in the context of social media influencers or celebrities who post photos heavily edited to enhance their appearance, or when someone gets an over-the-top makeover. The term ties into the beauty standards and image-consciousness that are amplified by social media platforms.
6. Mid
"Mid" is shorthand for "middle," but it’s used to describe something that’s considered average, underwhelming, or unimpressive. If something is labelled as "mid," it means it doesn’t stand out or live up to expectations. For instance, "That movie was so mid" or "The party was mid." It’s a dismissive term often used to critique various aspects of popular culture, from films to food.
7. Unhinged
"Unhinged" describes behaviour that is wild, unpredictable, or completely out of control. It is often used to describe actions that are erratic or exaggerated, whether in response to an emotional outburst or a spontaneous, irrational decision. For example, "She’s being unhinged right now" or "His unhinged rants are all over social media." The term conveys a sense of complete abandon, often in a humorous or dramatic context.
8. Flex
To "flex" is to show off, often by flaunting one's achievements, possessions, or status. While it originally referred to physical muscles, the term now is mostly used to describe the act of boasting about something materialistic, like a new car, an expensive handbag, or a lavish holiday. Gen Z regularly uses the term in a tongue-in-cheek manner, both to express pride in their accomplishments and to call out others for excessive boasting. For instance, "She’s just flexing her new sneakers."
9. Drip
"Drip" refers to someone's fashion style, particularly when it’s on point. It’s a term used to describe clothing, accessories, or overall aesthetics that are stylish, trendy, or eye-catching. The phrase "That outfit is straight drip" is common in Gen Z conversations, especially on platforms like Instagram, where style and image are paramount.
10. Ghosting
While not a new term, "ghosting" remains a central part of Gen Z's vocabulary. It refers to the act of suddenly cutting off all communication with someone without any explanation, particularly in romantic or social situations. The rise of online dating apps and social media interactions has made ghosting a widespread phenomenon, and it’s frequently discussed in the context of online relationships.
11. Caught in 4K
To be "caught in 4K" means to be caught in the act of doing something wrong or embarrassing, with undeniable evidence. It’s a digital-age version of "caught red-handed," with "4K" referring to the high-resolution quality that captures every detail. The term has been widely used on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, especially in viral videos where individuals are caught doing something questionable.
Bonus: Period
"Period" has taken on a new life in Gen Z slang, becoming a definitive way to end a statement. While the word traditionally marks the end of a sentence in grammar, in Gen Z slang, "period" is used to emphasise that a point has been made without room for debate or disagreement. It's akin to saying "end of story." Often, you'll see the term extended to "periodt" for extra emphasis, as in "That’s the best song ever, periodt!" It’s a confident, assertive way of making a statement and has found its place in conversations on social media and in real-life discussions.
As the year progresses, it’s likely that these expressions will continue to evolve, with new phrases quickly emerging to replace those that have already reached their peak. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing lexicon, and one that reflects the rapid pace of life in the digital age.
A nationwide recall of five eye care products has been issued in the United States after concerns were raised about their sterility and manufacturing standards. BRS Analytical Services, LLC, the manufacturer of the affected products, has urged consumers to stop using them immediately due to potential safety risks.
The recall, shared in a press release by healthcare distributor AvKARE, affects more than 1.8 million cartons of eye drops. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified multiple violations during a recent audit, including failures to meet Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards.
CGMP regulations set the minimum requirements for the manufacturing, processing, and packaging of drug products to ensure their safety, quality, and efficacy. The FDA stated there is a “lack of assurance of sterility” in the recalled items, which could pose serious health risks to users.
The following products have been included in the recall:
Artificial Tears Ophthalmic Solution
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Gel 1%
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution
Lubricant Eye Drops Solution
Polyvinyl Alcohol Ophthalmic Solution
Although the company has not specified the exact health risks, it warned that the products are of “unacceptable quality” and that “it’s not possible to rule out patient risks resulting from use of these products.”
The recalled products were distributed from 26 May 2023 to 21 April 2025. Consumers in possession of any of the affected items are advised to discontinue use immediately and either return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them safely.
Customers are also encouraged to complete and submit the recall notice form, including the “Quantity to Return” section and their contact details. These can be sent via fax or email to AvKARE, even if the products are no longer in their possession.
The FDA has categorised the recall as a Class II, meaning there is a reasonable probability that use of the products could result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, or that serious harm is unlikely but possible.
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This may influence future decisions on treatment options for obesity patients
Eli Lilly announced on Sunday that its weight-loss drug, Zepbound, outperformed Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in a head-to-head trial, showing superior results across five weight-loss targets, including waist circumference reduction.
This trial, the first of its kind comparing the two widely used obesity medications, offers Eli Lilly a competitive advantage as it aims to secure broader insurance coverage in the rapidly growing obesity drug market, which is projected to exceed $150 billion annually by the next decade.
The results revealed that Zepbound helped nearly 25% more participants achieve a weight loss of over 15% compared to Wegovy. In addition, Zepbound demonstrated a more significant reduction in waist circumference, with an average decrease of 18.4 cm. In comparison, Wegovy participants saw an average reduction of 13 cm.
Novo Nordisk, in a statement sent via email on Monday, pointed out that the weight loss achieved by Wegovy in this trial was lower than what was observed in a 2021 trial with a similar dose. However, the company emphasised that Wegovy is the only GLP-1 agonist medicine approved to prevent major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, a critical benefit for patients with obesity. Novo also mentioned that a trial with a higher dose of semaglutide, Wegovy's active ingredient, conducted earlier this year, showed greater weight-loss results.
Lilly had previously reported in December that its obesity drug had already surpassed Wegovy, with patients treated with Zepbound losing 47% more weight than those who received Wegovy. These findings were also shared in a press release and presented at the European Congress on Obesity.
The timing of the trial results coincides with a recent decision by CVS Health to exclude Zepbound from some of its reimbursement lists, preferring Wegovy instead. This move highlights the ongoing competition between the two pharmaceutical giants in the obesity treatment space.
Zepbound mimics two gut hormones to support weight loss, while Wegovy relies on a single mode of action. In separate trials, Lilly's Zepbound helped patients lose more than 22% of their body weight after 72 weeks, while Wegovy led to a 15% reduction in weight after 68 weeks.
The growing competition in the weight-loss drug market is also impacted by another Eli Lilly medication, Mounjaro, which has shown positive results for diabetes and weight loss. With these advancements, Eli Lilly is positioning itself as a major player in the obesity treatment landscape.
These results reflect the growing rivalry in the weight-loss drug market and may influence future decisions on treatment options for obesity patients.