epocrates

Trending Patient News: Week of February 16, 2026

February 20, 2026

Keeping you a step ahead is our priority. That's why we've gathered some of the top stories your patients might be seeing. Here are this week's highlights:

At what age should you be screened for colorectal cancer?

(NBC News)—Following James Van Der Beek’s death at 48, experts reiterate that most average‑risk adults should begin screening at age 45, noting rising diagnoses and mortality in people under 50 and the importance of earlier detection. Read more

'A new concern about weight loss drugs: What if they work too well?

(The New York Times)—Reports describe patients on GLP‑1 therapy experiencing unintended excessive weight loss, prompting clinicians to consider closer nutritional monitoring and individualized dosing adjustments. Read more

This behavior can be a turning point for families caring for a dementia patient

(NPR)—Wandering and “elopement”—when a person with dementia leaves a safe space and becomes lost—often mark the point when families realize home care is no longer sustainable, prompting urgent decisions about safety measures or memory‑care placement. Read more

AI medical advice may pose ‘dangerous’ risk—what to know

(Newsweek)—Recent evaluations have found that some AI tools offer inaccurate or potentially harmful health guidance, raising concerns about relying on them without clinical oversight. Read more

Does new prebiotic Pepsi soda have health benefits? What experts say

(Newsweek)—Experts note that although the soda contains added prebiotic fiber, the small amount included is unlikely to produce meaningful or measurable gut‑health benefits. Read more

GLP‑1 drugs may cause scurvy in patients

(The Hill)—Rare case reports suggest that severe appetite suppression from GLP‑1 medications may reduce vitamin C intake enough to trigger symptoms of deficiency. Read more

Content availability may vary; some sources may require payment or registration.

Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these articles are solely that of the publication and/or author and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of epocrates and athenahealth.