The cost of cancer treatment in the US has nearly doubled over the past two decades, with private insurance and Medicaid bearing a growing burden. Inpatient hospital admissions account for a smaller share of costs, while outpatient expenditures increase.
A new study found that breast cancer risk factors differ significantly among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women. In Hispanic women, known breast cancer risk factors were associated with only 7-36% of cases, compared to 62-75% in non-Hispanic whites.
A study found that terminal cancer patients spend most of their remaining lifespan on radiotherapy, but only 26% experience palliation or pain reduction. The authors conclude that radiotherapy is not tailored to individual patient needs, leading to excessive and often uncompleted treatments.
A new study reveals that Hispanics living in areas with low endoscopy capacity are less likely to undergo colorectal cancer screening. The study found a modest increase in screening rates as endoscopy capacity improved, suggesting that addressing local capacity constraints could help reduce disparities in screening.
African American patients with similar treatment settings as white counterparts show reduced mortality rates, highlighting the impact of institutional factors on cancer outcomes. The study suggests that where patients receive care may partly explain observed racial disparities.
A new study published in Cancer suggests that infertile men are 2.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer than fertile men. The research found no association between the number of children a man has and his risk for prostate cancer, but rather focused on male fertility as a potential risk factor.
A new study finds that cancer death rates have decreased significantly since the initiation of the 'war on cancer', resulting in a decline of 21% in men and 12% in women. For individuals under 75, this drop translates to approximately 2 million years of potential life gained.
A new study found that one in three early-stage breast cancer patients felt they didn't fully understand their genomic test result discussions, while a quarter experienced distress. The study suggests there is room for improvement in communicating cancer recurrence risks and treatment decisions with patients.
A large case-control study found that men with higher occupational sunlight exposure had a reduced risk of kidney cancer. Vitamin D, metabolized in the kidneys, may play a role in preventing some cancers.
A new survey finds that African Americans are more likely to hold misconceptions about lung cancer, which could interfere with prevention and treatment. The study suggests that tailored public health messages are needed to address these disparities.
A new study found that testosterone deficiency after chemotherapy or radiation therapy affects male cancer survivors' quality of life and energy levels. Young male cancer survivors with low testosterone may benefit from replacement therapy.
A new study found that increased Medicare payments for outpatient bladder cancer surgeries led to a significant rise in procedure numbers and overall healthcare costs. The study suggests that some Medicare policies may actually contribute to an increase in healthcare expenditures rather than reducing costs.
A new study found that women with medium or low income levels are more susceptible to anxiety and depression after being diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Women with financial hardship may benefit from psychosocial interventions designed to accommodate their unique needs.
The report highlights the need to increase support for Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, raise tobacco taxes, and provide comprehensive treatment for tobacco dependence. Decreasing tobacco advertising, promoting health warnings, and regulating products are also key recommendations to reduce tobacco use.
A new study by American Cancer Society researchers reveals that women with high breast density are at increased risk of cancer recurrence, up to 40% higher in those without radiation. Women with low breast density may not need additional therapies following surgery.
African-American women face obstacles to timely breast cancer care, with delays in follow-up exams leading to later detection and reduced survival. Despite disparities, programs like the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program show promise in addressing these issues.
Researchers found that a multivariable prediction model can accurately identify patients at low risk of recurrence, allowing for reduced chemotherapy treatments without compromising patient outcomes. The study suggests personalized medicine approach could improve cancer treatment decisions.
A Swiss study found that prostate cancer patients with lower incomes receive worse care and have a higher risk of dying from the disease. The research suggests that socioeconomic status plays a significant role in prostate cancer mortality, with poorer patients receiving less comprehensive treatment and more advanced stages at diagnosis.
A new study finds that the number of women opting for prophylactic mastectomies is rising, particularly among those with cancer in one breast. Despite limited information available, the surgery appears to be increasing, but its benefits and risks should be carefully considered.
The report finds Hispanic/Latino Americans have a unique cancer risk profile, with lower incidence rates for all cancers combined, but higher rates of stomach, cervix, liver, and gallbladder cancers. They also experience later stage diagnoses for many cancers, including breast and melanoma.
A recent meta-analysis published in Cancer found that depression is associated with a higher risk of death in cancer patients, with death rates up to 25% higher for those experiencing depressive symptoms. The study highlights the need for systematic screening and treatment of psychological distress in cancer patients.
A study by American Cancer Society found that many breast cancer patients are not receiving targeted therapies due to lack of testing. Inaccurate HER2 test results also affect treatment choices, highlighting the need for better testing practices.
The Tobacco Atlas estimates that tobacco use kills six million people annually, with two million cancer deaths projected by 2015. The global economy loses $500 billion due to tobacco use, mainly in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study found that unmarried cancer patients who are separated at diagnosis have poorer survival rates compared to widowed, divorced, and never married patients. The researchers suggest that the stress of separation may compromise an individual's immune system and lead to a greater susceptibility to cancer.
A new analysis reveals that adolescents and young adults with blood-related cancers have better long-term survival rates than those diagnosed in the 1980s. However, survival rates in this age group are still lower than those seen in younger children and some older adults.
A recent review suggests that using MRI before surgery to assess the extent of early breast cancer may not improve surgical planning or reduce follow-up surgeries. In fact, it could lead to more women being treated with mastectomy without evidence of improvement in outcomes.
A recent review suggests that limb-sparing surgery does not provide a significant benefit to patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas. The study found that early and late complications are more common with limb-sparing surgery, but some advantages were seen for higher surgical sites in the lower limb, such as the hip.
A new study published in the American Cancer Society's journal finds that young women with early-stage ovarian cancer can preserve future fertility by conserving at least one ovary or the uterus. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,800 patients and found those who conserved an ovary had similar survival rates for up to five years.
A new study found that most older long-term cancer survivors with an interest in diet and exercise actually have poor health habits. However, those who exercised regularly and followed a healthy diet experienced improved physical health and quality of life.
A recent study published in Cancer found that men with early stages of prostate cancer who delay radical treatment have acceptable levels of anxiety and distress. The study's results suggest that living with untreated cancer is not upsetting for many patients, but certain mental and physical factors can increase distress.
Researchers found that ultrasound outperforms symptom analysis in detecting ovarian cancer, with TVS performing better for malignancies. Racial disparities in colorectal cancer survival dissipate after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. Thyroid cancer incidence increases across all tumor sizes, suggesting screening is not ...
A recent study found that colorectal cancer incidence rates decreased significantly among whites aged 65 and over, but not among those in poorer communities. The researchers suggest that lack of access to healthcare may be the reason for this disparity. Colorectal endoscopic screening rates also increased among whites, but were lower a...
A large analysis found Caucasians are nine times more likely to be diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma than African Americans. Additionally, men are more likely to die from the disease than women among Caucasians. The study highlights racial and gender differences in incidence and survival rates.
People with schizophrenia are at a higher risk of dying from all causes, including cancer, due to factors like smoking and delayed diagnosis. Cancer mortality rates among schizophrenic patients are significantly higher than those in the general population, particularly for women.
A global study found colorectal cancer incidence rates for males and females increased in 27 countries between 1983 and 2002. The rise is attributed to Westernization and lifestyle changes, including obesity, physical inactivity, and diet.
A study found that many women with breast cancer use antioxidant supplements during treatment, which may have mixed effects on their health and survival. Researchers recommend further research to determine the impact of antioxidant supplementation on breast cancer outcomes.
A new review of cancer clinical trials reveals that women make up only 38.8% of patients enrolled, with a lower proportion in treatment-focused studies. Studies funded by government vs. private funds show a higher percentage of female participants.
Incidence rates of colorectal cancer are rising among young adults in the US due to increased obesity and unfavorable dietary patterns. Studies found a 1.5% annual increase in incidence rates from 1992-2005, with left-sided tumors being more common.
A new study found that younger men with advanced prostate cancer have a poorer prognosis than older men, despite having less aggressive tumors. The researchers suspect that young men may have biologically more aggressive forms of the disease.
A new study reveals that nearly one in four African American women with late-stage breast cancer refuse chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The authors emphasize the need for improved healthcare access and education to encourage treatment adherence. Further research is necessary to understand the factors contributing to this disparity.
The American Cancer Society and National Palliative Care Research Center have awarded $1.5 million in research grants to researchers studying ways to reduce suffering in seriously ill patients and their family caregivers. The studies aim to improve the quality of life for adults and children with chronic illnesses.
A new analysis of 1,534 cancer studies found that 29% had apparent conflicts of interest, with biases often favoring industry funding. Studies with industry ties were more likely to focus on treatment and report survival advantages.
A new study published in the American Cancer Society found that people living in urban areas are more likely to develop late-stage cancer than those in suburban and rural areas. The research suggests a need for more effective urban-based cancer screening and awareness programs, particularly for vulnerable populations.
A systematic review found that hospital volume is associated with short-term mortality rates for certain cancer types, but individual studies often fail to show this association. The review concludes that case volume may be an imperfect proxy for healthcare quality and highlights the need for more direct quality measures.
A new analysis finds that prostate cancer patients who undergo testosterone-lowering therapy are at higher risk of bone fractures and heart-related deaths. The study highlights the need for preventive measures and careful health scrutiny to mitigate these risks.
The American Cancer Society has awarded 143 national research and training grants totaling over $51 million to investigators at 83 institutions nationwide. The grants support groundbreaking research into the molecular genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology of cancer.
Researchers found racial disparities in cancer survival rates disappear when analyzing smaller geographic areas like neighborhoods. The study suggests that modifiable factors such as socioeconomic differences and access to medical care contribute to these disparities.
A study found that black patients with non-small cell lung cancer are 37% less likely to receive recommended surgery and 42% less likely to receive recommended chemotherapy than white patients. The disparity remains despite efforts to address inequalities in medical treatment.
Women with BRCA gene mutations strongly favor preventive mastectomy as the most effective way to reduce their risk and fears of developing breast cancer. The study found that over 80% of these women ultimately underwent the procedure, highlighting the significant impact of genetic testing on medical decision-making.
A study found that genetic variations in DNA repair genes can affect a person's risk of developing Hodgkin disease. Research suggests that differences in these genes could modify the risk of HD, with some individuals being up to four times more likely to develop the disease.