Chinese University Of Hong Kong

This study tests whether a telemedicine system can safely replace regular doctor visits for people with well-controlled high blood pressure. About 364 participants will either use a home blood pressure monitor and get automatic medication refills, or continue seeing their doctor …

This study tests whether thiazide diuretics (water pills) can lower blood pressure in people on peritoneal dialysis for end-stage kidney disease. About 40 participants with high blood pressure will take the medication and have their blood pressure, weight, and body fluid levels m…

This study tests a simpler, lower-cost version of IVF called CAPA in-vitro maturation (IVM) for women with infertility or those needing to preserve their eggs (e.g., before cancer treatment). Unlike standard IVF, it uses less medication and has fewer health risks. The study will …

This study tests a 3-year program for Chinese adults with both type 2 diabetes and obesity (diabesity). The program includes medical treatment, counseling, an AI chatbot, and peer support to help with weight loss and improve physical and mental health. Researchers aim to enroll 2…

This study tests whether an oral medication called Vonoprazan works as well as the standard high-dose IV acid-reducing drugs to prevent rebleeding in people with bleeding stomach ulcers. About 594 adults who had an endoscopy to stop bleeding will be randomly assigned to one of th…

This study compares two surgical methods for repairing a torn aorta, a life-threatening emergency. Half of the 72 participants will receive standard surgery, while the other half will also get a special stent designed to reduce the risk of future tears and aneurysms. The goal is …

This study tests a minimally invasive procedure called TIF for people with chronic heartburn and regurgitation (GERD) who don't get relief from medication. It involves 20 Asian adults and aims to see if the procedure safely reduces symptoms and the need for daily pills. Participa…

This study tests whether quickly adjusting cholesterol-lowering medications based on frequent blood tests helps more people with heart disease reach their cholesterol goals. About 1,000 adults with high cholesterol and heart disease will have their treatment fine-tuned at a speci…

This study tests whether dapagliflozin, a diabetes medication, can prevent serious liver complications like liver cancer or liver failure in people with chronic hepatitis B and diabetes. About 412 participants will take either the drug or a placebo daily for up to 5 years. The go…

This study is testing a new way to treat solid tumors in the abdomen (like in the stomach, liver, or kidney) using a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a heat probe. The goal is to see if this procedure is safe and works well for people who cannot have surgery. About 30 adults…

This study compares two procedures for people whose upper stomach bleeding continues after initial treatment. One uses a special clip placed during endoscopy, the other uses X-ray-guided embolization to block the bleeding vessel. About 236 adults will be randomly assigned to one …

This study tests a new robotic system with an extra arm for stomach cancer surgery. Ten adults with newly diagnosed stomach cancer will have their surgery using this robot. The goal is to see if the robot is safe and can complete the surgery without switching to other methods.

This study tests whether a newer, ultrasound-guided endoscopic procedure can better prevent repeat bleeding from enlarged veins in the stomach or esophagus compared to standard endoscopic treatments. The trial enrolls 84 adults with liver cancer who have recently had such bleedin…

This study tests whether adding targeted radiation (SBRT) to standard immunotherapy (atezolizumab plus bevacizumab) can improve survival in people with advanced liver cancer that has spread into the main portal vein. About 40 adults with this aggressive condition will receive the…

This study tests whether adding local ablative therapy (like radiation) to the drug osimertinib can better control advanced EGFR-mutant lung cancer. About 64 adults with 3 or fewer remaining active tumor sites after initial drug treatment will be randomly assigned to continue osi…

This study tests whether a mobile app that sends personalized messages and lets smokers with cancer choose their own quit schedule can help them stop smoking more effectively than standard advice. About 1,448 smokers with cancer in Hong Kong will take part. The goal is to see if …

This study is testing a procedure called EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for people with pancreatic tumors that cannot be removed by surgery. A thin needle is passed through an endoscope into the tumor and uses heat to destroy cancer cells. The goal is to see if this tre…

This study tests whether a procedure called endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is better than starting with antibiotics for people with mild to moderate gallbladder inflammation who are too high-risk for surgery. About 110 very high-risk patients will be …

This study tests a new medication for a rare type of diabetes caused by a gene change. About 44 adults with this condition will take the drug or a placebo in two separate periods. The goal is to see if the drug lowers blood sugar levels and improves daily glucose control.

This study tests a new brace that uses MRI to guide real-time correction of spine curvature in teens with scoliosis. Ten participants aged 10-16 with mild curves will try the system to see how quickly and effectively it works. The goal is to improve bracing by making it more prec…

This study looks at a way to help young women and girls with cancer keep their ability to have children. Doctors will freeze a piece of their ovary before cancer treatment starts. Later, after treatment, the tissue can be put back into the body. The goal is to see if this method …

This study tests whether adding a collagen scaffold during surgery for a torn Achilles tendon helps people recover better than standard surgery alone. About 48 adults with a recent Achilles rupture will be randomly assigned to get either the scaffold or usual repair. Researchers …

This study looks at whether giving clot-busting drugs (thrombolytics) is safe and helpful for people who have a stroke while taking blood thinners like apixaban or rivaroxaban. About 260 participants will be enrolled within 4.5 hours of stroke symptoms. The goal is to see if this…

This study compares two minimally invasive procedures to remove small stomach tumors called GISTs. About 136 adults with tumors between 1 and 3.5 cm will be randomly assigned to one of two endoscopic techniques. The goal is to see which method removes the entire tumor more comple…

This study looks at whether people with heart disease who take daily aspirin should stop or continue it before a colonoscopy. Stopping aspirin might raise the risk of heart problems, but continuing it could increase bleeding during the procedure. About 2,500 participants will be …

This study compares two treatments—methotrexate and a TNF inhibitor (adalimumab biosimilar)—to see which better prevents joint damage in people with early psoriatic arthritis. About 108 adults with active disease for less than 2 years will be randomly assigned to one of the two t…

This study tests whether adding targeted radiation (SBRT) to spots where liver cancer has started growing again can help patients continue benefiting from immunotherapy. About 30 adults with advanced liver cancer that has progressed in a few places while on first-line immunothera…

This study offers female cancer patients a way to preserve their fertility. Doctors freeze a piece of ovarian tissue before cancer treatment starts, then transplant it back after treatment ends. The goal is to help these patients become pregnant naturally. The study tracks surgic…

This study tests if doing wall squats (a type of isometric exercise) can lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. About 390 adults who do not exercise much will be randomly assigned to do wall squats or stretching exercises for 24 weeks. Their blood pressure will be trac…

This study tests whether baricitinib, a JAK inhibitor, can help repair bone damage (erosion) in people with active rheumatoid arthritis. Sixty adults with active RA and at least one bone erosion will receive either baricitinib or a placebo for 24 weeks. The main goal is to see if…

This study is testing a new blood test called HerResolve™ to see if it can accurately detect endometriosis in women aged 18 to 49 who have symptoms like pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding. Currently, diagnosis often requires a surgical procedure called laparoscopy. The study will c…

This study tests a new, fast MRI method to measure liver scarring (fibrosis) without needing a needle biopsy. The scan takes less than 8 seconds while you hold your breath. Researchers will compare the new MRI results with standard tests in 200 adults to see if it can catch early…

This study tests a real-time AI system that helps doctors measure the size of polyps found during colonoscopy. Accurate sizing is important because polyps larger than 10 mm have a higher risk of becoming cancer. About 278 adults getting a colonoscopy will join, and the AI's measu…

This study tests a wireless capsule (HemoPill®) that people swallow to detect active bleeding in the upper digestive tract. About 193 adults with signs of bleeding (like black stool or vomiting blood) will take the capsule before a standard endoscopy. The goal is to see if the ca…

This study is testing whether an artificial intelligence (AI) system can more accurately diagnose aortic regurgitation, a heart valve condition, compared to standard manual methods. About 540 adults with confirmed aortic regurgitation will have their echocardiograms analyzed eith…

This study tests whether a high-resolution MRI can detect subtle brain lesions that standard scans miss in people with focal epilepsy. About 66 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy will receive both a standard and a high-resolution MRI. The goal is to see if the advanced scan im…

This study tests a new lab method that looks for TB DNA in fluid around the lungs. It aims to diagnose tuberculous pleurisy more accurately than current tests, reducing the need for invasive procedures and speeding up treatment. Researchers will study 400 adults with new-onset pl…

This study aims to see if artificial intelligence (AI) can help detect lung cancer early in non-smokers who have a parent, sibling, or child with lung cancer. About 3,000 people aged 50-75 who have never smoked will get a low-dose CT scan and blood test. The AI will help doctors …

This study is testing a new blood and urine test that looks for tiny bits of TB bacteria's DNA (called cell-free DNA) to see if it can quickly and accurately diagnose active tuberculosis (TB) and monitor how well treatment is working. The test is non-invasive, unlike current meth…

This study looks at a new skin test (C-TST) to find hidden tuberculosis (TB) in people with rheumatic diseases like arthritis. About 100 adults who are about to start strong medications (biologics) will get both the standard TB skin test and the new one on different arms. The goa…

This study tests whether giving emergency room visitors a health screening and personalized advice can help them adopt healthier lifestyles and prevent non-communicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes. About 1,172 adults in Hong Kong who have at least one unhealthy habit…

This study tests whether a digital sleep platform can prevent insomnia in adults who currently have only mild sleep problems. About 1,016 adults across 18 districts in Hong Kong will receive a stepped-care program that offers different levels of support based on their sleep sever…

This study tests whether a GLP-1 drug (a type of diabetes medication) can prevent the progression of cerebral small vessel disease, a condition that damages tiny blood vessels in the brain and can lead to stroke, dementia, and mobility issues. About 110 Chinese adults aged 55–80 …

This study tests whether an online self-help platform called JCTH+ can improve mental health for university students in Hong Kong. About 1,684 students with moderate to severe anxiety or depression will use the platform alongside usual services. The goal is to see if the platform…

This study tests a mobile health app designed to help children ages 9-16 who recently finished cancer treatment manage symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and pain. About 150 children and their primary caregivers will use the app with personalized nurse support for 12 weeks. The goal…

This study tests whether personalized lifestyle coaching can help older adults manage long-term muscle and joint pain. 268 participants will work with a health coach to set goals, while a comparison group receives usual care. The goal is to reduce pain intensity and improve daily…

This study compares two approaches to manage severe pain in people with inoperable pancreatic cancer. One group receives an early nerve block (celiac ganglion neurolysis) during an endoscopic ultrasound, while the other group follows standard care starting with painkillers. The g…

This study tests an internet-based program that teaches skills to help adult smokers quit or cut down on smoking while also managing stress, anxiety, and depression. About 60 Hong Kong Chinese smokers who want to quit and feel psychological distress will take part. The program is…

This study tests a 12-week dance and movement program for stroke survivors who have weakness on one side of the body. The goal is to see if it helps them take part in daily and social activities more easily, and improves balance, walking, confidence, and quality of life. About 16…

This study tests a new device called SpydrBlade Flex for a procedure called POEM in people with achalasia, a condition that makes swallowing difficult. The device uses radiofrequency and microwave energy to cut muscle in the esophagus, helping food pass more easily. Researchers w…

This study tests a new, non-invasive treatment called transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) for people with early Alzheimer's disease. TPS uses gentle, focused sound waves to stimulate the brain, aiming to improve memory and thinking. The study will involve 40 adults aged 60-90 an…

This study tests a nurse-led program called Dreamcatchers to help children aged 6 to 12 with cancer sleep better. The program teaches relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and good sleep habits to both children and their caregivers. The goal is to see if this approach is pr…

This study tests a Chinese-language online therapy for social anxiety disorder in Hong Kong adults. It compares standard therapist-guided treatment with a more affordable coach-guided self-help version, and a waitlist group. The goal is to see if the coach-guided approach works j…

This study tests whether listening to music during a first-trimester abortion procedure can lower pain and anxiety. About 176 women will be randomly assigned to either listen to their favorite songs through headphones or receive standard care. Researchers will measure pain and an…

This study tests a soft robotic glove designed to help people who have had a stroke regain movement in their wrist and hand. Sixty participants will use the glove during 20 training sessions, and the glove uses muscle signals to assist with tasks. The goal is to see if this robot…

This study tests whether an 8-week mindfulness program (MBCT-L) can improve the mental health and teaching skills of 160 school teachers in Hong Kong. Teachers will learn meditation and awareness techniques to reduce stress and anxiety, and researchers will measure changes in the…

This study compares two surgeries for macular holes, a common cause of vision loss. The new method uses a tissue flap without a gas bubble, while the standard method uses a gas bubble. 180 adults with macular holes will be randomly assigned to one surgery. The goal is to see if t…

This study tests whether a fun, group-based music training program can help underprivileged children aged 8-12 who are at risk for depression and anxiety. The program uses games to teach musical instruments, aiming to build resilience and reduce emotional distress. Researchers wi…

This study looks at whether whole-body vibration therapy can reduce knee pain in people who have had ACL reconstruction surgery. About 50 adults aged 18 to 60 with ongoing knee pain after surgery will use a vibrating platform for 8 weeks. The goal is to see if this therapy improv…

This study tests a program that uses storytelling and skills-building to help young adults (ages 18-64) who have had a stroke feel more connected and independent in their communities. 208 participants will be randomly assigned to the program or usual care. The goal is to improve …

This study tests whether a 12-week sitting Tai Chi program can improve thinking, arm movement, balance, and mood in people who have had a stroke and still have memory or thinking problems. About 176 participants (88 stroke survivors and their caregivers) will either do the Tai Ch…

This study tests whether a genetic test can help doctors choose the best anti-nausea medicines for Chinese women with early breast cancer undergoing their first chemotherapy. About 200 participants will be randomly assigned to either receive a personalized anti-nausea plan based …

This study tests whether nunchaku exercises can reduce pain and improve movement in middle-aged and older adults with frozen shoulder. Fifty participants will do either nunchaku or standard exercises for 12 weeks. Researchers will check shoulder function before, during, and after…

This study tests whether High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), a non-invasive treatment, works as well as surgery (myomectomy) for easing symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain from uterine fibroids. About 112 women aged 18 to 50 will be randomly assigned to one of the two tre…

This study tests whether a device called acu-TENS, which sends mild electrical pulses to acupuncture points without needles, can reduce pain during a procedure to treat early pregnancy loss. About 108 women will be randomly assigned to receive either real acu-TENS or a sham devic…

This study tests a nerve block (intertransverse process block) to see if it helps adults recover better and have less chronic pain after open-heart surgery. About 96 people having elective heart surgery will receive either the block or a placebo. Researchers will measure recovery…

This small study tests a special supplement called SCV09, which combines probiotics and prebiotics, in 30 people with Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to see if it can improve troubling behaviors like agitation or mood changes. Participants take the supplement for a period while …

This study tests whether a lower dose (2.5 mg) of a clot-busting drug called tPA works as well as the standard dose (10 mg) for people with serious lung infections that aren't clearing up. About 30 adults will be randomly assigned to one of the two doses, given directly into the …

This study tests whether a diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can help people recover faster after lung surgery. MCTs are fats that bypass the lymphatic system, potentially reducing fluid buildup and shortening hospital stays. The trial will enroll 210 adults undergoi…

This study tests whether bright light therapy can ease depression in teenagers (ages 12-19) who tend to stay up late. 90 participants will receive either bright light or a dim placebo light. The goal is to see if the therapy improves mood and sleep without medication.

This study tests whether a device that sends gentle magnetic pulses (PEMF) can reduce pain and improve function in people with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy—a common overuse injury causing heel pain and stiffness. About 200 adults with ultrasound-confirmed tendon thickening a…

This study is testing whether a virtual reality (VR) therapist powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can help reduce symptoms of depression. The researchers will enroll 60 young adults with mild to severe depressive symptoms. Participants will either receive a single session of…

This study tests three online mental health programs—guided therapy, self-guided therapy, and mindfulness—against a waitlist group. About 320 adults with moderate to severe anxiety or depression will participate. The goal is to see which approach best reduces symptoms and improve…

This study tests a new robotic system designed to help surgeons remove kidney stones. The robot controls the surgical tools and can even perform some steps on its own with AI guidance. The trial will enroll 15 adults with small kidney stones to see if the robot can complete the s…

This study tests whether a gentle electrical stimulation device (acu-TENS) can cut pain by half during an egg retrieval procedure. 144 women will be randomly assigned to receive real acu-TENS or a fake device. Researchers will measure pain, stress, and satisfaction before, during…

This study tests a new type of stent (a small tube) placed using an endoscope to drain bile from the liver into the stomach in people with bile duct blockage caused by cancer. The procedure is for patients who cannot have standard ERCP drainage. The goal is to see if the stent is…

This study looks at how radiation therapy affects tumor DNA that floats in the blood of people with liver cancer. Researchers want to see if changes in this DNA can help doctors know if the treatment is working, without waiting for scans. The study will involve 15 adults with liv…

This study uses a new type of MRI scan (T1rho) to measure brain tissue in healthy adults. The goal is to understand what normal brain scans look like. No drugs or treatments are given. 30 healthy volunteers aged 18 and older will participate.

This study follows 500 adults with asthma in Hong Kong who are on step 4 or 5 of standard treatment (medium-to-high dose inhalers or biologics). Over 2 years, researchers will check how well their asthma is controlled and how often they have flare-ups or hospital stays. The goal …

This study follows 100 cancer patients aged 0-50 who chose fertility preservation before treatments that could harm their ability to have children. Researchers will review medical records to see which factors affect the success of these fertility-saving methods. The goal is to be…

This pilot study tests whether a flexible scope can be used under local anesthesia (awake) to monitor for cancer recurrence in the upper urinary tract. Ten adults who had kidney-sparing surgery for upper tract urothelial carcinoma will undergo the procedure in an outpatient setti…

This study looks at how bacteria and viruses living in the airways of adults with asthma are linked to different types and severities of the disease. Researchers will collect samples from 140 adults to understand these connections. The goal is to find new ways to prevent or treat…

This study compares two advanced techniques used when doctors have trouble reaching the bile duct during a procedure called ERCP. About 188 adults with difficult bile duct access will be randomly assigned to one of two methods: an endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous technique…

This study is testing a new robotic system, the Medtronic Hugo™, for surgery on chest cancers. About 50 adults will have their tumor removal surgery using this robot. The goal is to see if the robot is safe and works well for these procedures.

This study looks at how COVID-19 protection changes within households in Hong Kong. Researchers will measure antibodies from vaccines and past infections in about 1,350 people. The goal is to understand how household immunity patterns evolve over time.

This study looks at how genes are linked to different types and severities of asthma in Chinese people. Researchers will collect DNA and health data from 2,000 asthma patients to find common genetic variants. The goal is to better understand asthma in this population, not to test…

This study tests a 6-week online program that combines personal skill-building with inclusive volunteering to help young stroke survivors (ages 18-64) improve their ability to work. 160 participants will be randomly assigned to either the program plus usual care or usual care alo…

This study is tracking 350 adults with severe stroke caused by a blocked large artery in the brain. Researchers want to see how well a procedure called endovascular thrombectomy (which removes the clot) works in real-world hospitals across Asia-Pacific, not just in controlled cli…

This study is a global registry that collects health information from adults with severe asthma. The goal is to track how patients respond to treatments and understand the disease better. By gathering data from many people, researchers hope to improve care and develop better trea…

This study looks for new ways to treat stomach cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Researchers will collect tumor tissue, blood, and fluid samples from 100 patients to analyze genes and proteins. The goal is to find better treatment targets and test drugs on la…

This study aims to build an AI system that predicts the best rehabilitation approach for each stroke survivor. Researchers will collect data from 400 participants aged 65-80 who had a stroke 1-6 months ago and have moderate-to-severe arm weakness. The AI will analyze brain scans,…

This study looks at the shape and features of fatty deposits (plaques) in brain arteries that may break loose and cause a stroke. Researchers will compare plaques from people who have had a stroke with those who have not, using advanced imaging. The goal is to find early warning …

This study tests whether a new 3D MRI technique can better show tiny facial nerve branches inside the parotid gland in people with parotid tumors. About 50 adults will get this special MRI before surgery. The goal is to see if clearer nerve images can help surgeons avoid injuring…

This study is testing a new, less risky method to measure pressure in the liver's blood vessels using an endoscope with ultrasound. The goal is to see if this measurement can help predict serious problems like bleeding or fluid buildup in people with chronic hepatitis and cirrhos…

This study aims to understand if COVID-19 vaccines have any impact on brain health. Researchers will use MRI scans to look at the brains of 500 healthy adults in Hong Kong, comparing scans taken before and after vaccination. The goal is to provide clear, evidence-based informatio…

This study tests an 8-week online program designed to help working-age stroke survivors start their own business. Researchers want to see if the program increases self-employment rates, confidence, and life satisfaction. About 156 participants who have been out of paid work for a…

This study looks at whether a special ultrasound test (EUS-PPGM) can predict how well varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus) respond to banding treatment in people with cirrhosis. Researchers will measure pressure in the liver's blood vessels before and after treatment. They w…

This study is testing whether growing a patient's tumor cells in the lab (called organoids) can help doctors choose the most effective drugs. Researchers will take a small biopsy from 40 people with advanced liver or colorectal cancer that no longer responds to standard treatment…

This study aims to find out which factors—like hormone levels, follicle growth, and sperm quality—are linked to successful pregnancy after intrauterine insemination (IUI). Researchers will track 3000 couples undergoing IUI and measure outcomes like clinical pregnancy and live bir…

This study looks back at medical records of 360 adults in Hong Kong with severe asthma who received biologic therapy. Researchers want to understand which biologics are used, how well they control asthma, and if they reduce flare-ups. The goal is to see how these treatments work …

This study aims to understand how much women know about common gynecological problems like PCOS, endometriosis, miscarriage, and infertility, and how they seek help. Researchers will compare patients and the general public in Hong Kong to find gaps in knowledge and barriers to ca…

This study aims to develop a standardized framework for clinical guidelines on herb-drug interactions. Researchers will survey and interview 40 experts, including Chinese medicine practitioners and healthcare policymakers, to identify key components and barriers to sharing these …

This study creates a global registry to collect information on robot-assisted stomach cancer surgery. Researchers will track surgical techniques, complications, and recovery in 200 patients across multiple countries. The goal is to understand how to perform this surgery safely an…

This study compares two ways to take prostate biopsies in men with suspicious MRI findings: one where the doctor mentally fuses the MRI with live ultrasound, and another using special software to overlay the images. The goal is to see which method more accurately detects aggressi…

This study will follow 1000 adults with type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease to understand how these conditions progress over time. Researchers will collect health data and blood samples to find markers that predict serious liver problems. The goal is to improve monitoring and…

This study looks at past health records of 100,000 adults aged 40 and older with COPD in Hong Kong. Researchers will use machine learning (a type of computer program) to find patterns that predict who is likely to be readmitted to the hospital or die within a year. The goal is to…

This study is following 5,000 adults in Hong Kong who either have a brain disease (like stroke or dementia) or are at high risk. Researchers will collect medical records and survey data over time to identify what factors lead to brain diseases. The goal is to find ways to keep br…

This study is creating a registry of 800 adults aged 18–50 with type 2 diabetes and obesity (diabesity) in Hong Kong. Participants receive health checks at the start and again after 3 years to track complications like eye, kidney, and heart problems. The goal is to better underst…

This study tests a new AI system called AI-ENDO that helps doctors perform a type of keyhole surgery (ESD) to remove early-stage growths in the food pipe, stomach, or bowel. The AI works in the background at first, then later gives real-time guidance on a second screen. The goal …

This study looks at how plaque buildup in brain arteries changes over one year in people who have had a stroke. Researchers will use special 3D X-ray images to measure plaque shape and size at the start and after 12 months. The goal is to better understand how these plaques evolv…

This study aims to find better treatments for childhood leukemia by analyzing the genetic makeup of each child's cancer. Researchers will test how different drugs work on the cancer cells in the lab. The goal is to match high-risk patients with safer, more effective targeted ther…

This study is creating a biobank of blood, spinal fluid, and tissue samples from 500 Chinese adults—including stroke patients, their families, and healthy volunteers. Researchers will use these samples to study the genetics of stroke and related blood vessel diseases, hoping to f…

This study is building a large collection of human biological samples and health data to help scientists understand diseases better. It will collect samples from up to 10,000 people, including both healthy individuals and those with conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diab…