Jen Tidman

Feb 26, 2024 | elsevier.com | Jen Tidman

In the United States, a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people at any given time, and in the European Union, if it affects fewer than one in 2,000 people. While each rare disease affects a relatively low number of people, however, they have a huge collective impact, with an estimated 36 million individuals in the EU alone grappling with rare diseases. Also known as orphan diseases, they affect individuals across age groups, races and genders.

Jan 2, 2024 | elsevier.shorthandstories.com | Jen Tidman |Ann-Marie Roche |Joe Mullen |Alison Bert

The search for cures has never been more pressing. With over 9,000 rare diseases afflicting millions of people worldwide, the toll on patients and their families immeasurable. Add to that the growing burden of cancer: About one in five people develop cancer in their lifetime, but the majority of countries do not cover basic cancer care as part of health services for all citizens, according to the World Health Organization.