Articles tagged with Cancer Screening
A one-off bowel screening test can prevent more than half of potential bowel cancers from developing and reduce deaths by two-thirds. The test is effective in reducing cancer deaths for at least 17 years, according to a study published in The Lancet.
A new study from Germany found that MRI screening improved early diagnosis of breast cancer in women with an average risk of developing the disease. The study detected 60 additional cancers, including 40 invasive cancers, for an overall supplemental cancer detection rate of 15.5 per 1,000 women.
Early cancer diagnosis doesn't always result in longer life, as screenings come with built-in risks like false positives and missed diagnoses. Research suggests that frequent screening may not extend quality of life, but rather just delays the inevitable. The study's findings challenge the conventional notion that early detection is al...
A Danish cohort study found that breast cancer screening was not associated with a reduction in advanced tumors, but rather an increase in nonadvanced tumors and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The study estimates that approximately 1 in 3 invasive tumors diagnosed in screened women represent overdiagnosis.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) increased mammography use among all economic subgroups, including those with lower incomes. However, colonoscopy screening rates remained unchanged despite eliminating out-of-pocket expenses under the ACA. The findings suggest that other barriers to colonoscopy access may still exist.
A new study reveals that women with advanced kidney disease are at a higher risk of developing cancer, highlighting the importance of targeted screening strategies.
A special issue of Cancer Epidemiology shows that cancer registries in Kenya, Uganda, Colombia, India, and Barbados can provide valuable data for policy-making on cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The low cost of registration per person and economies of scale make them a viable option for resource-constrained countries.
A special issue of Cancer Epidemiology highlights the importance of cancer registration in resource-constrained settings, demonstrating cost savings through economies of scale. The study reviews cancer registries in Kenya, Uganda, Colombia, India, and Barbados, offering lessons for other countries with similar constraints.
A large-scale prospective study has generated new insights into patient perceptions and experiences with direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Despite modest cancer risks, most customers did not change their diet, exercise, or screening habits. However, men who received elevated prostate cancer risk estimates changed their supplement use...
A 15-year study of prostate cancer patients found little difference in mortality between those screened annually and those not screened. However, the data suggest that personalized screening strategies could identify men at higher risk of death from other diseases.
A new series published in The Lancet highlights the need for international efforts to end preventable deaths from breast and cervical cancer, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Cost-effective interventions, such as routine HPV vaccination and cervical screening, can significantly reduce mortality rates if implemented.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that less-intensive cervical cancer screening is needed among women who have been vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), as these women face a substantially lower risk of developing cervical cancer.
The study found improvements in some quality measures, such as recommended medical treatment and cancer screening, but worsened in others, like antibiotic use. Patient experience ratings also showed significant gains. However, deficits in care continue to pose serious health risks.
A new study reveals low rates of pregnancy screening among adolescent females with acute leukemia before receiving chemotherapy that can cause birth defects. The analysis found that adolescents with ALL had the lowest rates of pregnancy testing, and there was substantial variation in screening patterns across hospitals.
A study by Dr. Aisha Lofters and her team found that Muslim women were more likely to be up-to-date on breast cancer screening, despite living in low-income neighborhoods. This suggests that religious beliefs may play a role in health behaviors like cancer screening.
Studies suggest that population commitment, physician implication, and reassurance in screening can improve participation rates. A patient-centred approach in Australia improved screening participation by offering a combined cancer screening service. Additionally, nurse-led clinics can provide effective early diagnosis and prevention o...
A new report from UC Davis Institute for Population Health Improvement highlights areas where increased cancer screening and control efforts can save lives. Effective screening tests exist for several cancers, yet many Californians remain under-screened, leading to late-stage diagnoses and reduced treatment success.
A new study found that cancer screening guidelines for organ transplant recipients are inconsistent, varying in recommendations for skin and other types of cancer. Researchers highlight the need for more studies to inform guidelines involving transplant patients, oncologists, and cancer specialists.
A recent study by the University of California - Davis Health found that Hispanic men in California have lower rates of screening for colorectal cancer compared to white men. The study suggests that increased screening can help reduce the incidence and mortality rates of the disease among this population.
A team of researchers from the University of Sheffield has identified 788 biomarkers in blood that could be used to develop an early stage cancer screening test. The comprehensive list of relevant cancer blood biomarkers has been compiled through a systematic review of 4,000 studies published over the last five years.
A study of childhood cancer survivors found that most had no reported psychological symptoms, but those who did often experienced multiple symptoms and distinct profiles. The researchers emphasize the need for robust screening efforts and identification of appropriate treatments to help prevent behavioral, emotional, and social problems.
A study involving UT Southwestern researchers found that primary care visits lead to higher rates of colon cancer screening and better follow-up care, even in health systems promoting mail-in stool blood tests. This result underscores the importance of primary care physician visits in a virtual care era.
A clinical trial found that patient navigators increased the likelihood of low-income and ethnic minority patients receiving cancer screenings. The study showed that 32% of patients connected with navigators completed at least one overdue screening, compared to 18% in the control group.
A recent survey found that less than half of family physicians believe that lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) reduces lung cancer-related deaths. Despite the American Cancer Society's support for LDCT screening, many physicians are unsure about current recommendations.
Researchers are developing imaging biomarkers and optical imaging tools to screen for ovarian cancer, a 'silent killer' of women. The goal is to enable early detection and save lives.
A study of nearly 35,000 women found that those developing new-onset atrial fibrillation had an increased risk of cancer over a 20-year period. The risk was highest for colon cancer and persisted even after adjusting for other factors.
Researchers found a significant increase in colorectal cancer cases under 50 years old, with advanced stages at diagnosis. The study suggests healthcare providers need to be more vigilant in detecting symptoms in younger patients.
A study published in JAMA found that longer periods of film readers interpreting screening mammograms did not result in a reduced rate of breast cancer detection. The researchers investigated the impact of changing the order in which two experts examined digital mammograms on cancer detection rates, but found no significant difference.
A study published in JAMA found that adding tomosynthesis to digital mammography significantly increased cancer detection rates and reduced recall rates for women with dense breasts. The findings suggest that supplemental breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis may improve outcomes for women with varying levels of breast density.
A study by Nancy R. Kressin and colleagues found that dense breast notifications sent to women after mammography contain poor readability and understandability, potentially exacerbating disparities in breast cancer screening. Only three states' notifications met the recommended readability level of grades 7-8 or above.
A recent U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation suggests pairing smoking cessation with lung cancer screening to maximize benefits and reduce risk. This guideline aims to provide tobacco treatment in conjunction with lung screening to encourage smokers to quit.
Researchers found that high-risk lung cancer patients who are cleared of disease in their initial test do not need annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screenings. The study suggests that reducing the frequency of screening could save millions in healthcare costs and spare patients from radiation exposure and false positive results.
A Cancer Research UK study found that ethnic minority women in the UK are more likely to believe cancer is incurable and down to fate, which may explain lower attendance at cancer screenings. The study also found that fear of cancer and language barriers can affect attitudes towards cancer.
A recent study has found that most US cancer prevention guidelines do not provide sufficient information on benefits and harms, making it difficult for clinicians and patients to make informed decisions. The researchers analyzed data from various guidelines and found that 39% of recommendations were given comparable ratings, while 14.5...
A new study finds that most cancer screening guidelines do not adequately explain the risks and benefits of recommended actions, leading to unclear tradeoffs. Guidelines are often presented in a way that gives a false picture of the benefits and harms.
A new study found significant reductions in breast cancer screening outcomes after implementing digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), including lower patient recall rates and a decline in interval cancers. The study suggests DBT can be sustained over time with improved outcomes.
The report highlights the need for increased data collection and research on cancer risk, incidence, and prevalence in LGBT communities. It recommends collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) information to support targeted cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that 3D mammography improved cancer detection and reduced call backs over three years. Regularly scheduled 3D mammography imaging maintained these benefits, even after a patient's first screening.
Research suggests that adding a simple endorsement from a patient's GP practice to the invitation letter could increase the number of people taking the bowel cancer screening test by up to 40,000 annually. This would lead to an additional 61 cases of bowel cancer and 165 high or medium-risk polyps being detected each year.
Research by Michigan Medicine found that nearly 15% of colorectal cancer patients were diagnosed before age 50, often with more advanced disease. Younger patients had better survival rates due to aggressive treatment, suggesting the need for improved long-term survivorship resources.
A study of US data found that one in seven colorectal cancer patients is younger than 50 years old, often presenting with advanced stage disease. However, these patients tend to receive more aggressive therapy and have a slightly longer survival rate without recurrence.
New figures show that screening picks up the majority of bowel cancer cases at an early stage. Screening detected more than a third of bowel cancers at stage one and fewer than one in ten advanced to stage four. Patients whose cancers are picked up at an earlier stage have better chances of survival due to effective treatment.
Experts argue that cancer screening has never been shown to 'save lives' due to reduced overall mortality rates. Harms associated with screening, such as overdiagnosis and false positives, are significant concerns. The authors call for higher standards of evidence and consideration of harms in cancer screening.
A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that reduced prostate needle biopsies are associated with a higher risk of being diagnosed with high-risk disease. This could lead to delayed diagnosis and potentially avoidable cancer deaths. The study's findings highlight the need for balanced screening approaches and more effe...
Cardiovascular disease is prevalent among adult survivors of childhood cancer, presenting at an earlier age and causing substantial morbidity. The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need for systematic assessment and potential value of routine physical exams to identify cardiac abnormalities.
A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that virtual colonoscopy had higher detection rates than traditional methods like FIT and OC. The researchers concluded that combination of lower attendance and higher detection rate makes CTC a key factor for optimization of its role in population screening.
A recent study involving one million patients found that follow-up times for abnormal screening exams were shorter for breast cancer than for colorectal and cervical cancers. The study characterized cancer screening practice variation across seven centers and noted the potential barriers to timely follow-up, including patient inconveni...
A new study from University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that making colonoscopy available at no cost to eligible Medicare beneficiaries did not increase the number of people who regularly undergo the procedure. In contrast, routine mammography screenings significantly increased following the Affordable Care Act's mandate for lo...
Improved screening and detection efforts have reduced cancer incidence and mortality rates in several common types of cancer in high-income countries. However, many low-and middle-income countries have seen a rise in cancer rates due to factors such as lifestyle changes and inadequate screening or prevention measures.
A breast screening program has been shown to prevent subsequent invasive cancer in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a very early form of breast cancer. The study analyzed data from over 5 million women and found that increased prior screen detection of DCIS was associated with a reduction in invasive cancers.
A city-wide initiative in NYC increased colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy rates from 42% to 62% and eliminated disparities based on race/ethnicity. The program included public education, outreach to healthcare providers, and culturally tailored campaigns to boost awareness and overcome hurdles to effective screening.
Two studies found a decline in early-stage prostate cancer incidence and PSA-based screening rates among men 50 years and older following the 2012 USPSTF screening recommendations. The decline was most pronounced in younger men, with significant reductions in PSA screening rates observed between 2010 and 2013.
A new stool DNA test has been found accurate in screening for colorectal cancer among Alaska Native people, a population with one of the world's highest rates of the disease. The test detected significantly more screen-relevant neoplasms than traditional fecal occult blood testing methods.
New risk profiling approach aims to detect GI cancers, such as oesophageal adenocarcinoma, in early stages. The five-tier strategy involves lifestyle changes, non-invasive testing, and genetic analysis to tailor screening and prevention options for each individual.
A large study found that high-grade DCIS detection rates increase with age, particularly among women over 65. The study suggests that standard DCIS therapy may not be effective in this age group and highlights the need for more research on the effectiveness of screening.
The American Cancer Society recommends starting annual mammography screening at age 45 for average-risk women. Women between 40-44 can choose to begin annual screening. Clinical breast examination is no longer recommended due to lack of clear evidence on its effectiveness in detecting breast cancer.
A recent study found that premenopausal women who received annual mammography screenings had smaller and less advanced tumors compared to those who received biennial screenings. In contrast, postmenopausal women did not show significant differences in tumor characteristics regardless of screening frequency.
Research finds that 43% of patients experience heightened emotional distress before LDCT screening, with one-third experiencing ongoing distress after results are released. Distress monitoring and clinical intervention are crucial for supporting the well-being of patients undergoing lung cancer screening.
Current 20- to 29-pack-year smokers are at similar risk for lung cancer as 30+ pack-year former smokers who meet current guidelines. The study's findings suggest caution when recommending LDCT screening to this group due to untested assumptions and potential harms.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that all relatives of individuals with colorectal cancer are at increased risk for this cancer, regardless of their age. The risk is highest among young first-degree relatives under 50 years old.