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A new study suggests taking a simple at-home screening test could make a meaningful difference in colorectal cancer survival

• People who participated in colorectal cancer screening had a 43% lower risk of dying from the disease.

• Researchers followed more than 376,000 people in Sweden for up to 14 years.

• The findings highlight the potential lifesaving benefits of actually completing a screening test when one is offered.

Colorectal cancer screening may be more powerful than some people realize. New research from researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Ume University in Sweden suggests that people who participate in screening could have a substantially lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer.

The study looked at Swedens StockholmGotland screening program, where adults ages 60 to 74 are offered screening every two years. The process is relatively simple: People receive a kit at home, collect a stool sample, and send it in to be checked for small amounts of blood that aren't visible to the naked eye. If blood is detected, additional testing, usually a colonoscopy, is offered.

A previous evaluation of the programme showed that those who received an invitation to screening had a 14 per cent lower risk of dying from the disease, researcher Johannes Blom said in a news release. We have now been able to show that the mortality is significantly lower than that among those who actually take part in the screening.

How researchers studied screening

Researchers examined people who were invited to participate in the StockholmGotland screening program between 2008 and 2012. They compared this group with a control group made up of people who were either invited to screening later or weren't invited during the study period.

Because not everyone who receives an invitation actually completes the test, the researchers used statistical methods to account for factors that could affect the comparison. This included accounting for people in the control group who were eventually offered screening and people who received an invitation but chose not to participate.

The study ultimately included 376,511 people, and researchers tracked participants for as long as 14 years. During that time, 1,668 colorectal cancer deaths were recorded.

The results could encourage more people to get screened

The researchers found that simply being invited to screening was associated with a 26% lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer. But the difference was even larger among people who actually participated: Their risk of dying from the disease was 43% lower.

That distinction is important because roughly one-third of people offered screening in the program did not submit a sample.

Although screening is offered free of charge and the test is simple to carry out, around a third of people do not submit a sample, Blom said. Our study highlights the importance of taking part in colorectal cancer screening, and shows that it can actually save lives.

The researchers note that their findings rely on statistical adjustments, so some uncertainty remains. Still, the results suggest that participating in colorectal cancer screening could make a meaningful difference in the risk of dying from the disease.

For consumers, the takeaway is fairly straightforward: If you're offered a colorectal cancer screening test, completing it may be an important step toward detecting potential problems and reducing the risk of dying from colorectal cancer.

Trauma experts want every new vehicle to include the technology

• Automatic crash notification systems can alert emergency responders even when people in a vehicle cant call for help.

• Advanced systems can send crash details that may help EMS estimate how serious injuries could be.

• Trauma experts want the technology to become a standard, no-cost feature in all new vehicles.

When a serious car crash happens, every minute can matter. But people involved in a collision may be unconscious, disoriented, or otherwise unable to call 911 themselves. Thats where automatic crash notification, or ACN, systems could play an important role.

ACN technology can automatically alert emergency responders after a serious crash and provide information such as the vehicles location and the timing of the collision. Some systems can also establish two-way communication between the vehicle and an emergency operator.

Now, members of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma are calling for ACN as well as more advanced automatic crash notification, or AACN, technology to become standard, no-cost safety features in all new vehicles. Their paper was published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

Seat belts and air bags are standard because they are safety features, not luxury services. Automatic crash notification should be treated the same way, lead author Theresa L. Chin, M.D., MPH, FACS, said in a news release.

In a serious crash, the system can tell EMS where the crash happened and provide early signs of the severity of the crash and potential for significant injury. That can help the right resources start moving sooner, especially in rural communities where help may be farther away.

Researchers reviewed whats already known

Rather than conducting a new experiment with drivers or crash victims, the authors reviewed existing research on how ACN and AACN systems may affect patient outcomes. They also examined the challenges involved in putting these technologies into wider use.

The authors looked at how crash notifications could help emergency medical services respond more quickly and how additional vehicle information could help responders prepare before they reach the scene. AACN systems can transmit details such as changes in speed, rollover events, air bag deployment, and whether restraints were in use. That information can help responders estimate the likelihood of serious injuries.

The paper also considered issues surrounding how crash information gets from vehicles to 911 centers and emergency responders, as well as the need for more consistent standards across automakers.

What automatic alerts could mean for drivers

The authors argue that faster notification could help emergency responders determine what resources are needed, including advanced life support, air medical transportation, extrication equipment, or transportation directly to a trauma center. That could be particularly useful in rural areas, where emergency help may have farther to travel.

The paper also points to previous National Highway Traffic Safety Administration modeling that estimated AACN technology could potentially save 360 to 721 lives each year.

For consumers, one of the biggest takeaways is that the authors don't think access to this technology should depend on whether someone pays for a connected-car subscription. They note that some manufacturers currently tie crash notification to paid services, meaning the feature may stop working when a trial or subscription ends.

The trauma experts are calling for automatic crash notification to be treated more like a seat belt or air bag: a built-in safety feature that's available when it's needed, without an additional fee.

Apple's first foldable iPhone starts at $1,999, while the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max also come with higher prices

• Apple unveiled its latest gadget lineup on Wednesday, September 9, headlined by its first foldable iPhone, the $1,999 iPhone Duo.

• The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max aren't getting any cheaper, starting at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively.

• Before buying Apple's latest gadgets, consider older models, competing trade-in offers, carrier promotions, and refurbished devices to potentially save hundreds.

Apple just gave consumers plenty of shiny new reasons to open their wallets.

The company unveiled its latest lineup on Wednesday, September 9, including new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

But the biggest headline from the event is the foldable iPhone Duo which opens up to a 7.6-inch display, the largest screen ever offered on an iPhone. With a starting price tag of $1,999, though, it costs roughly the same as a premium Apple laptop.

And Apple's more traditional new iPhones aren't exactly bargains either. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 $100 more than last year's starting prices.

So heres what's new, and more importantly, how you can avoid paying full price.

What Apple actually announced

Here's a quick look at some of the biggest products Apple unveiled Wednesday:

• iPhone Duo: Apple's first foldable iPhone and the star of the show. It starts at $1,999 and opens book-style to reveal a much larger display.

• iPhone 18 Pro: Starts at $1,199, $100 more than last year's Pro, and features Apple's new A20 Pro chip, upgraded cameras, and expanded AI capabilities.

• iPhone 18 Pro Max: Starts at $1,299, also up $100, with the A20 Pro chip along with camera, battery, and AI improvements.

• Apple Watch Series 12: Apple's newest mainstream smartwatch gets upgraded health and fitness features, including improvements to heart-rate and recovery tracking.

• Apple Watch Ultra 4: The company's high-end rugged watch also gets upgraded sensors and health and fitness features.

• AirPods 5: Start at $129, with noise cancellation now available at that price. A $149 version adds wireless charging and on-stem volume controls.

That's a lot of new Apple gear, and potentially a lot of money. Before you rush to preorder anything, here are seven ways to potentially keep more of that money in your pocket.

1. Apple's best deal today? Don't buy anything

This one definitely wasn't mentioned during Apple's presentation.

Before dropping $1,999 on an iPhone Duo, or buying any of Apple's other new gadgets, ask yourself one question: What will this new device let me do that my current one can't?

If your iPhone still gets software updates, the battery is healthy, and the camera does everything you need, another year of ownership could be the biggest Apple discount you'll find.

And if battery life is the only thing making your phone feel old, compare the price of replacing the battery with the cost of buying a $1,000-plus new phone.

Apple's job is to make the device you already own suddenly feel outdated. Your job is to figure out whether it actually is.

2. Let someone else buy Apple's newest model

Here's another easy way to save after an Apple event: Buy yesterday's technology.

The newest iPhones will get all the attention, which can make older models much more interesting to bargain hunters. However, you may find that last year's iPhone does 90% of what you actually need for hundreds of dollars less.

And don't assume Apple itself will have the best deal. Be sure to check wireless carriers and major retailers as they start making room for Apple's newest devices. Older inventory can be where some of the best deals emerge after a new generation arrives.

3. Make the carriers fight for your business

If you're determined to buy one of Apple's new iPhones, don't preorder until you've compared carrier promotions.

Trade-in and switcher deals can potentially knock hundreds of dollars off a new phone.

But don't let a giant "FREE iPhone" headline make the decision for you. Some of the biggest discounts require a qualifying trade-in, adding a new line, switching carriers, or signing up for a more expensive unlimited plan.

Your discount may also arrive as monthly bill credits spread out over two or three years. That means the number you really need to compare isn't just the price of the phone. It's the total cost of your wireless service over the entire promotion.

A free iPhone isn't much of a bargain if you're paying an extra $40 every month for a plan you don't need.

4. Don't automatically trade your old iPhone to Apple

Sure, Apple Trade In is convenient. But that doesn't necessarily mean it'll get you the most money.

Before handing over your old iPhone, get several quotes. Specifically, compare Apple's offer with your wireless carrier and reputable phone-buying services. If you're willing to put in more effort, check what comparable phones are actually selling for on resale marketplaces.

If selling your old phone yourself gets you an extra $150, that's effectively another $150 off your new one.

Just be careful when selling directly to another person. Understand the marketplace's seller protections and don't hand over or ship your phone until you understand exactly how you'll be paid.

5. Check Apple's refurbished store before buying new

There's another section of the Apple Store that's easy to overlook: Certified Refurbished.

These aren't simply random used gadgets someone returned. Apple says its refurbished products undergo full functional testing and come with a one-year warranty.

The catch is inventory, or the lack thereof. You won't always find the exact model, storage capacity, or color you want.

But if you're shopping for an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch and don't need the latest and greatest, be sure to check Apple's refurbished inventory before paying full price.

6. Have a college student in the family? Don't miss this

This one is particularly timely as most colleges and universities are back in session. Apple's 2026 college promotion runs through Sept. 24, giving eligible shoppers another couple of weeks to take advantage.

The promotion combines Apple's education pricing with Apple Gift Cards on certain Macs and iPads. Eligible purchases include a $150 Apple Gift Card with a MacBook Pro, $100 with a MacBook Air, and $100 with an eligible iPad Air or iPad Pro.

And the program isn't only for students. Parents purchasing for eligible college students also qualify, along with faculty and staff at qualifying educational institutions.

If someone in your family qualifies, be sure to check the Education Store before paying the regular Apple Store price.

7. Don't pay hundreds for storage you won't use

This is where an already expensive Apple product can get really expensive. It's easy to configure a new iPhone and think, "I better get more storage just in case I need it."

Instead of guessing, grab your current iPhone and go to Settings General iPhone Storage. At the top of the screen, you'll see exactly how much storage you're using and what's taking up the most space.

If you've owned a 256GB phone for three years and you're only using 100GB, there's probably little reason to spend significantly more for 512GB on your next phone.

The same strategy applies when configuring a Mac or iPad. Buy the storage you realistically need, not the storage you imagine you might need someday.

Don't let Apple Event excitement make the decision

Apple events are designed to make new technology look irresistible.

The cameras get better. The chips get faster. The screens get bigger, and now they have an iPhone that folds. Exciting stuff for Apple fans, even if Samsung beat it to the punch with the Galaxy Fold way back in 2019.

And suddenly the perfectly good iPhone in your pocket starts to feel like it belongs in a museum.

Before you rush out and pre-order something, give yourself a day to compare Apple's trade-in value, carrier promotions, refurbished products, and prices on older models.

Because with Apple's newest iPhone pushing the $2,000 mark, taking a little time to shop around has never made more sense.

The new Instacart-powered service lets shoppers combine eligible prescriptions with groceries

• Kroger shoppers can now add eligible prescriptions to the same delivery order as their groceries, potentially including popular GLP-1 medications.

• The service reaches more than 2,200 Kroger pharmacy locations across nearly all of the company's grocery banners.

• Not every prescription qualifies, so GLP-1 users will need to check whether their medication and location are eligible for delivery.

Imagine ordering chicken, vegetables, and coffee from Kroger and having your GLP-1 prescription show up in the same delivery.

That's now possible for some shoppers.

Kroger has launched a new service that lets customers combine groceries and eligible prescriptions into a single delivery order through Instacart.

That could be particularly convenient for the millions of Americans taking GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound, which typically require regular refills.

Instead of making a separate trip to the pharmacy, eligible customers may be able to have their medication arrive alongside their weekly groceries.

Exactly how it works

When an eligible prescription is ready for pickup at a Kroger Pharmacy, Kroger will send the customer a notification.

Customers can then sign-in to the Kroger website or app and add groceries to their prescription delivery. Or you can add the prescription to a grocery order you've already started.

The medication is still filled and verified by Kroger pharmacy staff. Once the order is ready, an Instacart shopper picks up the groceries and packaged prescription and delivers everything to the customer's home.

Kroger says prescriptions are placed in tamper-resistant packaging.

Customers can also choose to have the prescription handed directly to them or left at their door.

Can you get Wegovy or Zepbound delivered?

Potentially, but don't assume your GLP-1 automatically qualifies.

Kroger says prescription delivery eligibility depends on factors including the medication, delivery location, and state and local regulations.

One potential wrinkle for GLP-1 users is temperature. Popular injectable GLP-1 drugs are normally refrigerated, although manufacturers allow them to remain at room temperature for limited periods.

That means someone taking Wegovy, Zepbound, or another GLP-1 should check their Kroger pharmacy account to see whether their specific prescription is eligible. You'll also need to be enrolled in Kroger's My Prescriptions service and Online Pay.

Why this could matter for GLP-1 users

GLP-1 drugs have become an increasingly routine part of life for Americans using them for obesity and diabetes. But getting them can still mean another pharmacy trip every time a prescription is filled.

Kroger's new system essentially turns that pharmacy run into part of your regular grocery order.

There's another interesting connection: GLP-1 medications can significantly change how much and what people eat.

Kroger has previously said it is watching how GLP-1 use changes customers' shopping habits, as people taking the drugs tend to purchase fewer calories and may shift toward foods higher in protein and other nutrients.

Now the retailer has an opportunity to put the medication and the groceries those customers buy into the same delivery.

What does delivery cost?

Kroger didn't announce a special delivery fee specifically for combining prescriptions and groceries.

But it's worth noting that Boost by Kroger Plus members can receive free delivery on eligible grocery and prescription orders, according to the company.

Other shoppers should check the delivery fees displayed when placing their order.

For GLP-1 users who already get their prescriptions filled at Kroger, the bigger appeal may simply be convenience. Your next refill could arrive with the very groceries you're buying to go along with it.