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Smart contact lenses for cancer diagnostics and screening

Scientists have developed a smart contact lens that can capture and detect exosomes, nanometer-sized vesicles found in bodily secretions, which hold promise for cancer diagnostics. The lens was designed to bind to antibodies capturing exosomes found in tears, offering a potential platform for non-invasive cancer screening.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Why do men face a higher risk of most types of cancer than women?

A recent study published by Wiley suggests that biological sex differences are the primary reason for higher cancer rates in men compared to women. The study analyzed data from 171,274 males and 122,826 females aged 50-71 years and found that incidence was lower in men only for thyroid and gallbladder cancers.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateAug 8, 2022

Clinical trial reveals strategy for increasing shared decision-making by physicians and older patients about colorectal cancer screening

A recent clinical trial led by Massachusetts General Hospital validated a strategy for increasing shared decision-making about colorectal cancer screening in older patients. Brief physician training plus reminders resulted in patients reporting higher quality conversations, with more discussing their preferences and having more options...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2022

Intensive telephone-based cessation counseling results in improved smoking quit rates

A national, randomized trial found that intensive telephone-based cessation counseling resulted in a two-fold greater cigarette quit rate than minimal counseling and nicotine replacement. The study also showed significant benefits for people with higher nicotine dependence and those who engaged more with the counseling.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

Eligible younger Americans less likely to meet recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines and face greater disparities

Researchers found eligible younger Americans (45-54) are less likely to meet recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines due to work, family, insurance, and healthcare barriers. These disparities may worsen as the age group is expanded under new USPSTF recommendations.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateJun 29, 2022

Eligible younger U.S. adults less likely to meet recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines and face greater disparities

A study found that younger U.S. adults are less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer despite being eligible under new guidelines, with greater disparities observed across race, ethnicity, income, education, and insurance coverage. Screening participation increased over time but was smallest among individuals age 50-54.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateJun 29, 2022

New lung-cancer screening guidelines reduce disparity

The US Preventive Task Force's revised guidelines have increased the proportion of African Americans screened for lung cancer, a move expected to lead to more lives saved. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 800 patients and found that those eligible under the new criteria had a significantly higher rate ...

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 15, 2022

AGA releases evidence-based principles to guide creation of national colorectal cancer screening approach

The American Gastroenterological Association has released a series of evidence-based position statements guiding the creation of a national colorectal cancer screening approach. The goal is to eliminate barriers and reduce mortality by ensuring equitable access to CRC screening programs for all individuals.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·DateJun 14, 2022

Preliminary study shows minimally invasive diagnostic biomarker strategy successful in detecting early esophageal cancer

A minimally invasive device combined with molecular biomarkers has shown a 90% success rate in detecting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the predominant subtype of esophageal cancer. Early detection is crucial to improve survival rates, as symptoms often become apparent too late for effective treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGastroenterology·DateMay 18, 2022

Benefits of PSA prostate cancer screening found to be more favorable than previous estimates, especially for blacks

New research suggests that PSA screening has remarkably favorable tradeoffs, particularly for Black men, who disproportionately bear the burden of prostate cancer mortality and morbidity. The study's findings support the use of PSA screening for high-risk groups, including Black men, and highlight the need to revise clinical guidelines...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNEJM Evidence·DateMay 15, 2022

Researchers find favorable tradeoffs of PSA screening for prostate cancer

Research suggests that PSA screening can prevent a significant number of prostate cancer deaths, with lower numbers than previously estimated. The study's findings support the benefits of PSA screening, especially for young healthy men and Black men, who have historically been underrepresented in clinical trials.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2022

Delays in surgery for advanced esophageal cancer result in significantly worse survival than early surgery

Patients with stage II/III esophageal cancer who received delayed surgery had a relative survival rate that was almost half that of patients who underwent early surgery. Early-stage cancer patients did not experience significant differences in survival rates between those who received immediate versus delayed surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 12, 2022

New study examining women’s breast density knowledge suggests opportunities for improvement

A new study suggests that while breast density knowledge may be increasing due to existing state laws, there is still room for improvement. The study found that most women with non-dense breasts did not correctly know their own density, and that lower education was associated with a lower chance of accurately knowing one's own density.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 25, 2022

ESMO Breast Cancer Congress 2022

The ESMO Breast Cancer Congress 2022 event will present more than 200 studies on various aspects of breast cancer, including new treatments and innovative clinical practices. The congress will be held onsite in Berlin, Germany, and online, offering a platform for breast cancer specialists to share knowledge and improve patient outcomes.

Accounting for genetic factors that cause normal variations in PSA levels may improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection

A study suggests that accounting for genetic factors causing normal variations in PSA levels could improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection. By analyzing data from over 95,000 men, researchers identified a polygenic score that accounted for 7.3-8.7% of variation in baseline PSA levels and was not associated with prostate cancer.

Five eminent female cancer researchers receive the Victoria's Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers 2022 Meritorious Awards, in partnership with Pelotonia & AACR

The Victoria's Secret Global Fund for Women's Cancers has awarded five female researchers for their groundbreaking work on breast and gynecologic cancers. The recipients will receive a $100,000 honorarium and be invited to participate in a broader women's cancers grant program.