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The Subway That Took a Generation: Why the Eglinton Crosstown’s Delays Were Even Worse Than You Think

  Toronto has a long history of transit projects that drag on, but the Eglinton Crosstown LRT has become the city’s defining example of how complicated, political, and painfully slow building transit can be. Most people think of the project as something that started in the early 2010s and simply ran over schedule. The truth is far messier—and stretches back decades. A Project With Roots in the 1990s Long before shovels hit the ground in 2011, the idea of rapid transit along Eglinton was already alive. In the mid‑1990s, the TTC began digging tunnels for what was then called the Eglinton West Subway . Construction actually started—tunnels were being carved out under the street—until the project was abruptly cancelled in 1995. The partially built tunnels were filled in, and the corridor sat untouched for years. That early false start meant that by the time the Crosstown was revived as part of the Transit City plan in 2007, planners weren’t starting fresh. They were restarting a dr...

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Mysterious Cancer Epidemic: Rising Abdominal Cancers in Younger People

 

n a recent revelation, the Princess of Wales disclosed her diagnosis of cancer, sending shockwaves through the medical community. But what’s even more concerning is the emergence of a mysterious “epidemic” of abdominal cancers among younger individuals.

Leading doctors have observed a significant increase in under-45s presenting with cancers typically associated with older patients. These abdominal cancers defy the usual age patterns, affecting fit and outwardly healthy individuals. The urgency to understand the cause behind this trend has prompted scientists to investigate relentlessly.

Researchers grapple with confusion as they seek answers. While some suspect genetic factors, others explore changes in the gut microbiome. Here are some key points:

  1. Genetic Factors: Approximately one in a hundred people carry the BRCA gene, known for causing breast and ovarian cancers. Similarly, Lynch syndrome affects roughly one in 350 individuals, leading to bowel, womb, ovary, and pancreatic cancers. Improved survival rates mean more people carry these genes, potentially contributing to the rise in early-onset cancers.

  2. Gut Microbiome: Scientists now turn their attention to the gut microbiome. Dietary and environmental factors influence the composition of gut bacteria, which, in turn, affects inflammation levels. Chronic inflammation may elevate cancer risk.

Young patients, shocked by their diagnosis, grapple with the enormity of facing cancer at their age. Many have young children, adding to the emotional burden. Our thoughts are with the Princess and her family during this challenging time.

As the medical community races to unravel this mysterious epidemic, long-term studies are essential. Connecting dietary habits, gut health, and cancer risk remains a complex puzzle. But one thing is clear: we must act swiftly to understand and combat this rising tide of abdominal cancers.

Let us stand together in the fight against this enigmatic threat, supporting research, awareness, and early detection. 

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