Research in Ontario found that 23% of people with de novo metastatic breast cancer died within 6 months of diagnosis, with factors including older age, chronic illness, and housing marginalization contributing to early death. Access to a primary care provider was associated with lower odds of early death and improved outcomes.
The Safe Social Media Act aims to protect children's physical and mental health through digital safety rules and a regulator. The proposed act includes a Digital Safety and Data Protection Commission and temporarily restricts accounts for children under 16 until platforms meet enforceable standards.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that 5% of practising physicians report disabilities, with mental health, visual, and mobility disabilities being the most common. The research emphasizes the importance of accessible work environments and equitable policies to promote the well-being and retention of p...
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that Black people in Canada are at a higher risk of severe maternal morbidity, including life-threatening conditions, compared to White people. The study analyzed data from 1.5 million births and found a 66% increased risk of severe complications among Black people...
A new analysis in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that permanent standard time is the preferred choice for health, as it preserves morning light and aligns with human circadian biology. This can lead to improved sleep, mood, and overall health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, adolescents, and...
People experiencing homelessness often face cognitive impairment due to various factors such as fetal alcohol syndrome, childhood trauma, and substance use disorders. To address this, experts recommend 24-hour supervision, brain rehabilitation, and structured care, akin to dementia support.
Working with engineered stone can lead to silicosis, a lung disease, as seen in a 47-year-old man who developed lung nodules after 10 years of exposure. The case highlights the need for regulatory reform, mandatory surveillance, and proactive worker education in industries using engineered stone.
The guideline provides new research-based tools and practical strategies to help health system leaders, healthcare providers, and individuals reduce vaccination distress. It emphasizes choosing coping strategies before and/or during vaccination, framed around the CARD system, an evidence-based tool developed by several authors.
A 5-year study in BC found that decriminalization reduced police encounters for drug possession by 39% without changes in overdose deaths or hospitalizations. The partial recriminalization period also saw declines in drug-related hospitalizations and overdose deaths, but similar trends were seen in other parts of Canada.
Research reveals systemic racial barriers to blood donation among Black Canadians, rooted in restrictive policies and individual experiences of racism. The study aims to increase awareness and improve communication with Black communities to increase donor representation and meet the need for specific blood types.
A new study reveals that burnout is pushing emergency physicians to leave the specialty or reduce clinical hours, exacerbating a crisis in Canadian healthcare. The study found that 10% of emergency medicine physicians had left the specialty, and women and younger physicians reported higher rates of burnout.
A case study in eastern Ontario highlights the importance of considering tick-borne diseases as part of the infectious workup. Anaplasmosis, a growing public health concern in Canada, can cause symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, and gastrointestinal distress.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that older adults discharged from hospital with a new prescription for sedatives are at increased risk of falls, further need for acute hospital care, and death within 30 days. The study looked at over 1.86 million adults aged 66 years and older and found a 20% hig...
Lecanemab is approved to treat early Alzheimer's disease, but its clinical benefits are modest. The treatment carries serious adverse effects and requires resource-intensive monitoring with MRI scans.
A fatal rabies case in an 11-year-old boy underscores the risks of human contact with bats, even without visible bites or scratches. Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial to prevent death from rabies if administered promptly after exposure.
The article explores ways clinicians can deliver care tailored to each patient's unique needs, priorities, and identities. Research highlights the importance of considering life transitions in supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer.
A study of Canadian physicians reveals that the hiring process for resource-intensive jobs is often opaque and biased, favoring those with connections over those from diverse backgrounds. The research highlights the need for transparency and equitable access to employment opportunities among physicians.
Hantavirus and Ebola virus disease are two deadly infectious diseases that require rigorous infection and prevention control (IPAC) practices. Both diseases present with similar early symptoms and can be treated effectively with proper precautions.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that female patients with traumatic brain injuries are 26% less likely to be admitted to specialized trauma centers than males. This disparity persisted even after adjusting for factors like age, severity of injury, and other health conditions.
A study of 551,706 pregnancies in Ontario found that 8% were not screened for syphilis at all, while 79% were screened in the first trimester. The authors suggest that relying solely on traditional prenatal care models may not be sufficient to reach populations facing barriers to accessing care.
Climate change is driving disease emergence in Canada by affecting survival and geographic distributions of pathogens, vectors, and animal reservoir hosts. Physicians should be aware of climate-sensitive diseases and advise patients to take precautions.
Research in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that babies born to mothers with endometriosis are at a higher risk of congenital anomalies. The study included over 1.4 million births and found an increased risk of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genital, and musculoskeletal anomalies as well as neoplasms and tumours.
The new recommendations provide a practical approach for clinicians to initiate conversations about alcohol use and identify potential problems earlier. The guidelines update offer easy-to-use tables with tips on reducing alcohol use, helping clinicians focus on patients' unique needs while saving time when circumstances allow.
A recent survey found that 72% of youth aged 13-17 use AI companions and 52% report regular use, highlighting the need for robust safeguards. Well-designed chatbots can normalize help-seeking, reduce isolation, and offer coping strategies, but poorly designed ones can cause harm.
A Canadian study found gaps in how physicians were monitored and sanctioned for sex-based misconduct, with complaints often not reported on regulatory websites. The researchers suggest a national registry listing incidents by type and outcomes could help address the issue.
Research from Alberta reveals that survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers are at double the risk of developing most types of later cancers. Lymphoma and breast cancer were found to be the most common subsequent cancers after an initial diagnosis, with breast, colorectal, and lung cancers making up 43% of cases.
The study projects that cancer rates in Canada will be high in 2026, with declines seen in some cancers like colorectal and leukemia. However, death rates from pancreatic cancer are increasing.
Inuit communities in Nunavik, Quebec, are facing a devastating tuberculosis epidemic, with rates 1000 times higher than non-Inuit populations. The study's findings highlight the need for increased healthcare resourcing and community-led initiatives to address this crisis.
Canada's health system would bear the burden of medical care in major armed conflicts, and lacks a coordinated command structure and surge capacity. A national framework with three pillars – sustained clinical readiness, dual-use capacity, and formal coordination – is proposed to address this vulnerability.
The new brain–heart clinical practice guideline provides a holistic approach to managing chronic diseases by integrating neurologic and mental health evidence with cardiovascular guidance. The guideline aims to improve the management of patients with concurrent brain and heart diseases, which often co-occur and share similar risk factors.
A large study found that Asian mothers experience a 1.5-fold higher rate of obstetric trauma, while Black immigrant and refugee mothers have a 20-30% higher risk. The study also found that immigrants with shorter duration of residence had higher initial risk of obstetric trauma, which declined with increasing time in Canada.
A study extending pregnancy monitoring from conception to 6 weeks postpartum found nearly 10,000 cases of severe maternal complications in Canada each year. This reveals significant cases were previously missed, emphasizing the importance of postpartum care and timely interventions.
New prescriptions for stimulants among adults with ADHD more than doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the largest increases among younger adults. The trend is driven by improved recognition and treatment of ADHD in adulthood, as well as increased access to care and virtual health services.
Hospital admissions for child maltreatment declined by 31% during the initial lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions were lifted. However, rates of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) increased by 80% after the 16-week period of restricted healthcare access.
A new guideline published in CMAJ advises hospitals to implement 21 recommendations to increase environmental sustainability in operating rooms. The guidelines include reducing energy use, using reusable devices, developing recycling programs, and rethinking disposal of unused supplies.
A large study of over 12 million people in Ontario found that psychosis rates are increasing in more recent generations, with higher rates among younger individuals. The study suggests that factors such as substance use, socioeconomic stress, and negative childhood experiences may contribute to these rising trends.
A large-scale study found that adhering to the EAT–Lancet planetary health diet was significantly associated with a reduced risk of incident CKD. The diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, and limited consumption of added sugars and fats.
A recent editorial cautions that Canada's health systems may struggle to cope with the influx of patients during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The article highlights concerns about overburdened hospitals and emergency departments, as well as the need for a national plan to bolster capacity and train personnel.
Healthcare professionals in Canada assess applicants for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) using a careful and individualized approach. They consider the patient's life circumstances, support networks, and personal preferences when determining eligibility. The assessment process is often legally and morally complex, requiring provider...
A reduced pledge by Canada to the Global Fund could lead to decreased success in controlling tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in the country. The authors of an editorial urge Canada's government to invest in improving social determinants of health and implement disease-specific suggestions to address these pressing global health issues.
Research shows that 77% of severely injured children are transported or transferred to pediatric trauma centers, highlighting the need for improved access and evidence-based strategies. Variability in access exists across Canadian provinces, with some areas having higher access than others.
A new Canadian guideline published on World AIDS Day aims to support the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV infection. The guidelines include easy reference tables with recommendations on medication regimens, indications, and monitoring.
A recent study found that more adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer received palliative care between 2018 and 2022 compared to previous studies. However, the researchers also noted challenges in providing quality palliative care, including stigma and high-intensity end-of-life care.
A case study in CMAJ describes successful ovarian tissue preservation in a young woman with Hodgkin lymphoma, highlighting the need for improved access to fertility preservation services. The 'hub-and-spoke' model presented offers a potential solution to overcome geographical barriers and improve patient outcomes.
A qualitative study found that physician responses to patient expectations contribute to pay gaps among Canadian physicians, particularly women, racialized, and immigrant physicians. Researchers suggest adjusting compensation models for extra time required for certain care types and examining fee schedules for underpaid services.
Researchers developed two risk prediction models to estimate the risk of death and illicit drug overdose in patients discharged against medical advice. Multimorbidity, heart disease, cancer, homelessness, and opioid use disorder were strong predictors of death and overdose, respectively.
Provincial partnerships with corporate-provided virtual care programs raise concerns about access, quality of care, and data privacy. Governments must ensure healthcare standards are met, protect patient data, and maintain transparency around contracts and profits. The authors advise caution before introducing corporate entities in the...
A study of almost 10 million patients in Ontario found that those living over 30 km from their family physician were more likely to visit the emergency department for nonurgent reasons and had fewer visits with a family physician. The distance also negatively impacted preventive screening for certain cancers.
Youth opioid use in Canada is increasing, with emergency department visits and deaths rising by 369.2% from 2013 to 2021. Effective treatments such as opioid agonist therapy, psychological therapy, and substance use disorder programs are scarce due to long wait-lists and private funding.
A study published in CMAJ shows a decline in opioid dispensing between 2018 and 2022, but regional variations remain. The authors highlight the need for coordinated national strategies to address differing implementation of prescribing guidelines.