Most common health care topics of 2025

Overview: Learn about the top-searched health care topics of 2025 and how MercyOne can help you with your health concerns.

Google’s Year in Review published the top searches of 2025. Our experts elaborate on your most-searched health care topics for the year.  

Cancer

The cause of cancer can be many things: genetics, smoking/vaping, drinking alcohol, diet or how you take care of yourself. But cancer can also develop in healthy individuals, which is why it’s so important to take precautionary steps like screenings and yearly physicals.

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes diagnoses in Iowans are growing at an alarming rate. To reverse the growing trend, take preventative measures like exercising 150 minutes each week; eat a balanced diet rich with whole grains, lean proteins and vegetables; manage your stress through mindfulness, sleep and social support; and lose weight if you’re overweight.  

While diabetes is a public health concern in Iowa, you can make changes through early detection, lifestyle changes and access to evidence-based care. By taking control of your health, it could reverse the course of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Learn more about diabetes by learning the facts behind the myths.  

Stroke

Some causes of stroke you can’t control, like your medical and family history, but a common misconception about strokes is they can’t be prevented.  

Knowing the biggest risk factors can help you shape your lifestyle. Those risk factors include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, smoking, a history of transient ischemic attacks, lack of physical activity, high cholesterol and obesity. See if you’re at risk for having a stroke.

By managing your lifestyle and working with your primary care provider about your concerns, you can live a healthier life.  

Sleep

Are you having trouble going to sleep or finding yourself waking up at the same time in the middle of the night? You could have a sleep disorder. There are many treatment options to try to help with your sleep schedule, including medications from your provider, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or bright light therapy.

Your body could also be fluctuating from your hormones, mental health or lifestyle. Talk to your primary care provider to see if you need to see a sleep specialist.  

Pain

Depending on where and how often you’re feeling pain, it may be time to see a specialist. Your primary care provider can refer you to a specialist if you’re experiencing chronic pain—persistent pain that typically lasts beyond three to six months. This type of pain may be caused by accidental tissue injury or inflammation or can be caused by anatomical changes to your spine that compress, pinch or irritate nerves.  

You don’t have to live with the pain; you can find resolutions through pain management’s treatment and procedures.  

MercyOne is here to help you through your health concerns. Find a location near you to assist with your needs.