Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Global cervical cancer vaccine roll-out shows it to be very effective in reducing cervical cancer and other HPV-related disease, but huge variations between countries in coverage

The global cervical cancer vaccine roll-out has shown significant effectiveness in reducing HPV-related diseases. However, there are huge variations in coverage between countries, with high-income nations leading the way and many low- and middle-income countries lagging behind. Globally, only 44% of girls have received at least one dos...

Innovative primary care program blending virtual with in-person options connects locals to family physicians

The innovative Integrated Virtual Care (IVC) program successfully connected residents with family physicians in Renfrew County, addressing the rural shortage of primary care providers. Over 2,800 unique patient appointments were conducted, with 70% done virtually, offering comprehensive team-based primary care.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCanadian Journal of Rural Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 18, 2024

Researchers identify new genetic risk factors for persistent HPV infections

Researchers have identified new genetic variants linked to susceptibility of cervical cancer-causing virus, raising the risk of getting cervical cancer from high-risk HPV infection. The study found polygenic risk scores to determine likelihood of having prevalent or persistent HPV infections.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2024

U.S. could cut cervical cancer cases & deaths by up to 20% if more patients got follow-up after screening, study suggests

A new study suggests that removing barriers to cervical cancer screening, surveillance, and diagnostic procedures can save lives and reduce disparities. If every eligible person gets the full screening and follow-up tests recommended, up to 23% fewer people would be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 20% fewer would die from it.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Cancer deaths plummet in middle-aged people

A study by Cancer Research UK reveals that mortality rates have dropped by 37% in men and 33% in women, with significant reductions in cervical cancer and lung cancer. However, cancer cases are on the rise overall, and researchers warn of an immense challenge ahead to maintain progress.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024

Women with high-risk HPV and metabolic syndrome have almost three times risk for mortality, York University researchers find

Researchers at York University found that women with both high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and metabolic syndrome are at a significantly higher risk of mortality. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 individuals and found that those with both conditions had a 2.6 times higher risk for mortality than those without either condition.

SourceYork University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2024

Ethnic disparities in cancer mortality in the capital and northeast of the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Cancer kills more Black people than White individuals in the Barretos region, whereas in São Paulo city, it is the opposite, according to a study published in Cancer Causes & Control. The disparity is most pronounced for breast and cervical cancer among Black women.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCancer Causes & Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2024

Obesity and alcohol are contributing to increases in bowel cancer rates among young adults

Experts predict a significant increase in bowel cancer death rates among young adults in the EU and UK, driven by rising obesity and heavy alcohol consumption. Death rates are predicted to rise by 26% in men and nearly 39% in women in the UK, with similar increases seen in Italy and other European countries.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2024

Actively monitoring cervical lesions linked to heightened long term risk of cervical cancer

A recent study published in The BMJ suggests that actively monitoring abnormal cells on the cervix rather than removing them immediately may be associated with a higher long-term risk of cervical cancer. Women who underwent active surveillance had a nearly fourfold higher risk of cervical cancer after 20 years compared to those who rec...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2023

7 countries, 1.3 million lives lost – the devastating impact of tobacco revealed

A new study funded by Cancer Research UK reveals that smoking tobacco causes 20.8 million years of life loss each year, with four preventable risk factors contributing to over 30 million years of life lost annually. The study suggests that action on a global scale could save millions of lives from preventable cancers.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

Gender-neutral HPV vaccination best at preventing cervical cancer

A study published in Cell Host and Microbe found that gender-neutral HPV vaccination is effective in preventing cervical cancer by inducing a stronger herd immunity. The vaccine protects against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of all HPV-related cervical cancers, and also provides cross-protection against low-risk types.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2023

Women with physical disabilities are less likely to be screened for cervical cancer than women without disabilities

Research by George Mason University found that women with physical disabilities have lower cervical cancer screening rates, highlighting the need for improved access to preventive health services. The study's findings also reveal disparities in screening rates among different types of disabilities.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 30, 2023

Cancer's sweet Achilles heel

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has found that a deficiency in the enzyme B4GALT3 inhibits tumor growth in mice. The study shows that reduced glycosylation on T cell surfaces correlates with increased CD8+ immune cells infiltrating tumors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

Better use of existing drugs increases cervical cancer survival and reduces recurrence

The INTERLACE trial found that a short course of induction chemotherapy prior to chemoradiation significantly improves survival and reduces recurrence in locally advanced cervical cancer patients. The study results show a 35% reduction in recurrence, with 80% of patients alive and 73% without cancer return or spread after five years.

SourceUniversity College London·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 22, 2023

Improving follow-up of abnormal cancer screening results

A multilevel primary care intervention, including electronic health record reminders and patient outreach, improved timely follow-up of overdue abnormal cancer screening test results for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer. The intervention was found to be effective in reducing missed screenings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 10, 2023

Pharmacists can improve access to life-saving vaccines

Researchers found that using electronic prompts during appointment scheduling for seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines can identify willing participants for HPV and shingles vaccines. Only 30% of those booking for these vaccines were already vaccinated against HPV, presenting a significant opportunity for targeted campaigns.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Pharmacists Journal / Revue des Pharmaciens du Canada·DateOct 2, 2023

New test shows promise for detecting hard-to-find cervical cancers

Scientists at Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center have developed a novel HPV test that detects cervical adenocarcinoma and its precursor lesions with high sensitivity. The test assesses methylation levels in cervical tissue samples, offering a more accurate detection method for this common type of cancer.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2023

Team from Korea University medicine explores ways to overcome cisplatin resistance and alleviate pain in cancer treatment

Researchers from Korea University Medicine have discovered a potential therapeutic target for overcoming cisplatin resistance and neuropathic pain in cervical cancer. By inhibiting TRPV1, they found that resistant tumors became vulnerable to cisplatin, improving the outlook for patients.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

DNA test could broaden access to cervical cancer screening

Rice University engineers developed a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. The test, which requires just two pieces of equipment and delivers results in 45 minutes, has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans study finds diet contributes to risk of HPV-related cancer

A new study published by LSU Health New Orleans found that a diet high in fruits, dark-green vegetables, and beans can significantly lower the risk of genital high-risk-HPV infection, which is associated with cervical cancer. The research also showed that women who eat healthily tend to practice other healthy behaviors.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Cervical cancer screening doubles when under-screened women are mailed testing kits

Researchers found mailing HPV self-collection tests and offering assistance improved cervical cancer screening nearly two-fold among low-income women. Screening uptake increased to 72% among women who received mailed HPV kits, compared to 37% for those with scheduling assistance alone.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 11, 2023

HPV self-collection kits increase screening among under-screened, under-served women in North Carolina

A Phase 3 trial found that mailing HPV self-collection kits and scheduling assistance increased cervical cancer screenings among under-screened, underserved women. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach in breaking down access barriers to screening.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 11, 2023

THE LANCET PUB. HEALTH: Mailing at-home HPV sampling kits nearly doubles cervical screening uptake among hard-to-reach populations, US clinical trial suggests

A US-based clinical trial found that mailing high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) sampling kits to low-income, under-screened women increased cervical cancer screening uptake by nearly double. The study used intensive community outreach campaigns and mailed HPV kits with effective help scheduling in-person appointments.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 11, 2023

Six-fold increase in rural cancer screenings with remote outreach

A new study found that remote outreach involving interactive education and follow-up support via telephone increased breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening rates among rural women. The combination of a remotely delivered interactive DVD and patient navigation services resulted in a six-fold increase in screenings.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2023

The utilization of atezolizumab as a primer for chemoradiation results in promising immune system alterations for women with locally advanced cervical cancer

The NRG-GY017 trial found that atezolizumab improved 2-year disease-free survival rates (79% vs. 59%) and pathologically complete or partial responses (69% vs. 40%) for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. The study also showed a favorable immune response, including positive PD-L1 scoring and T-cell receptor clonal expansion.

New smoking cessation intervention helps patients with cervical cancer precursor or cervical cancer quit smoking

A new smoking cessation intervention, MAPS, has been shown to increase smoking abstinence rates in patients with cervical cancer or precancerous disease by over two-fold. The study found that extended treatment and sustaining the program may be necessary for long-term abstinence.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 16, 2023