Articles tagged with Cancer Screening
The American Cancer Society recommends low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening for patients aged 55-74 with a 30-pack-year smoking history. A thorough discussion of benefits, limitations, and risks is essential before screening. Screening can reduce lung cancer mortality in high-risk groups.
A Moffitt study found Hispanics are nearly twice as likely to avoid cancer screenings due to fears and mistrust of medical professionals. The researchers suggest improving communication and building trust with patients is crucial for increasing screening rates, particularly among Hispanic and lower-income minorities.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that higher spending on breast cancer screenings does not result in improved outcomes for older women. The research team analyzed Medicare expenditures and screened female beneficiaries over two years, discovering substantial geographic variation in costs.
A recent study found that rural US residents are less likely to follow colorectal cancer screening guidelines due to the time required for travel and limited access to healthcare. The researchers also noted that lack of health insurance and primary care provider shortages contribute to this disparity.
Researchers have developed a simple breath analysis technique that can screen for colorectal cancer with an accuracy of over 75%. The method analyzes volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath, which are different in patients with cancer.
Researchers developed models from PLCO data to predict smoking status, finding that relapse and continued smoking are linked to demographic and tobacco-related characteristics. The models suggest variables like longer-term smokers, recent quitters, and pipe or cigar smokers are at higher risk for relapse.
A recent study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that increased use of colonoscopy screening may be responsible for the significant decrease in colorectal cancer incidence over the past decade. The study analyzed data from over 2 million patients and found a correlation between Medicare's extension of colonoscopy covera...
Researchers analyzed data from a national screening trial to understand characteristics of undetectable lung cancers. They found that these cancers were more common among males and those with a history of smoking, and were often small cell lung cancers at an advanced stage.
A systematic approach to improve screening rates for colorectal cancer resulted in a fourfold increase in screening among low-risk individuals. The protocol, which included introductory phone calls and mailed testing kits, saw CRC screening rates jump from 47 to 72 percent in three years.
A Swiss study found that colonoscopy with polypectomy significantly reduces colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. The screened group had 12 cases, while the non-screened group had 213 cases, resulting in lower cancer-related death rates.
A new study found that screening intervals between one and three years have similar outcomes for gastric cancer stages, but longer intervals lead to more advanced cancer at diagnosis. The researchers recommend a screening interval of every three years in high-risk regions.
A new study finds that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receive regular cancer screenings, including breast, cervical, and colon cancer tests, at similar rates to the general population. The study's results challenge previous research suggesting RA patients receive fewer cancer screenings.
A new study by Jason Purnell finds that nearly 70% of 2-1-1 callers needed at least one cancer control service, with greater need in Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. Callers were receptive to referrals for preventive services like mammography and HPV vaccination.
A computer-based algorithm can accurately predict seven-day heart failure mortality rates in emergency room patients. Researchers also found that childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for gastrointestinal cancers starting as early as 5.5 years after diagnosis.
The John Theurer Cancer Center will present research on multiple myeloma and leukemia, including combination therapies and salvage therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. The center's focus on bolstering its research program is part of its continued effort to provide comprehensive cancer care.
A survey of primary care doctors found that many resist stopping routine PSA testing due to patient expectations and malpractice concerns. Researchers are working on a decision-making tool to help doctors make informed choices about prostate cancer screening.
The USPSTF recommends against PSA-based screening for all men regardless of age, citing significant harms associated with the test. The Task Force concludes that the benefits of screening do not outweigh the risks, which include unnecessary treatments and life-long adverse effects.
A systematic review found that low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) screening can reduce lung cancer mortality rates among high-risk individuals. The study analyzed 8 randomized controlled trials and 13 cohort studies, with the National Lung Screening Trial demonstrating a significant benefit. However, potential harms of LDCT screen...
A web-based video instructional program significantly improves patient compliance with colonoscopy screenings, cutting no-show rates by up to 40%. The study found that patients who watched the video were more likely to arrive prepared and cancel appointments less frequently, leading to better outcomes for cancer detection and treatment.
Current colorectal cancer screening guidelines for individuals with first-degree relatives having precancerous colon polyps are not based on well-designed studies. A new systematic review calls for new research to measure the risk and identify modifying factors.
Research suggests that PSA screening can reduce deaths from prostate cancer in younger, healthy men. The benefit of screening is particularly significant in men with risk factors such as black ancestry or positive family history. Screening may be discontinued for elderly men with multiple comorbidities and limited life expectancy.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center found that lung cancer screening with low-dose spiral CT scans can detect early-stage disease and reduce cancer-related deaths. The study estimates that commercial insurers should consider providing this benefit to high-risk individuals, which could lead to significant cost savings.
A new study in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that mammography screening may lead to overdiagnosis of breast cancer, potentially causing unnecessary anxiety and altered quality of life. Meanwhile, an international network of experts proposes minimum standards for guideline development to ensure high-quality evidence-based care. Ad...
A new non-invasive technology, stool DNA (sDNA) testing, is being studied in a five-year clinical trial to detect colon cancer in its earliest stages. The test aims to improve colon cancer screening rates and decrease mortality from the deadly disease by complementing colonoscopy.
A new study found that lung cancers detected by annual CT screening grow as fast as those found with traditional methods, making early detection more effective. Non-small-cell lung cancer accounted for most cases, and solid nodules required less aggressive diagnosis and treatment.
A new study published in Radiology journal reveals that lung cancers diagnosed through annual rounds of computed tomography (CT) screening exhibit similar growth rates and cell-type distributions compared to those found in clinical practice. The findings suggest a less aggressive approach for diagnosis and treatment of sub-solid lesions.
A 20-year breast cancer screening program in the Netherlands showed a significant drop in deaths from the disease, with a 31% reduction in deaths among women aged 55-79. The program also found limited harm from false positives and over-diagnosis, with only 2.8% of all breast cancers diagnosed being over-diagnosed.
A new study published in The Milbank Quarterly found that US cancer screening services are less cost-effective than those in the Netherlands, despite conducting three to four times more screenings. Despite similar mortality rates, practical cost savings depend on how preventive services are implemented.
The American College of Physicians has released a guidance statement for colorectal cancer screening, emphasizing the importance of individualized risk assessment and recommending screening starting at age 50 for average-risk adults. A survey found that most physicians are confused by cancer screening statistics, with many relying on m...
A new study published in Radiology found that computed tomography (CT) colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, is an effective screening tool for colorectal cancer in adults over 65. The study analyzed data from 477 patients over 65 and found high diagnostic accuracy rates comparable to those for younger patients.
A recent study found that female cancer survivors have poorer health behaviors than women without a cancer history, including higher rates of smoking and weight gain. Researchers hope to capitalize on these 'teachable moments' to encourage healthier lifestyles among cancer survivors.
Repeated flexible sigmoidoscopy screenings increased the detection of colorectal cancer or advanced adenoma in participants by 26% and 34%, respectively. This improvement comes with a higher cost and increased need for diagnostic interventions.
A new, investigational colorectal cancer screening test developed by Mayo Clinic and Exact Sciences Inc. has shown highly accurate results in detecting precancerous tumors and early-stage cancer, improving the chances of better outcomes for patients. The test is noninvasive, patient-friendly, and requires no bowel preparation or diet c...
Researchers reassessed symptom indices to detect ovarian cancer early on, finding similar results to previous reports and a limited benefit in advancing diagnosis. The study highlights the challenges of detecting ovarian cancer early due to its biology, screening limitations, and clinical characteristics.
Research reveals obesity is associated with higher prostate cancer screening rates across all races/ethnicities and lower cervical cancer screening rates in white women. The study also found no correlation between weight and breast or colorectal cancer screening rates. Obesity was linked to lower rates of cervical cancer screening, par...
New research confirms that annual prostate cancer screening does not reduce deaths from the disease, even among men in their 50s and 60s with underlying health conditions. The study found that six years of aggressive screening led to more diagnoses of tumors but not fewer deaths.
Men in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial had no evidence of a mortality benefit from annual PSA testing compared to usual care. The study found a higher percentage of deaths from other causes among prostate cancer patients diagnosed with PSA screening, indicating over-diagnosis.
A new study by University of Florida psychologists Jennifer L. Howell and James A. Shepperd found that self-affirmation can break down resistance to medical screening by refocusing attention from a threat to overall wellbeing, resulting in increased willingness to undergo screenings and treatment.
The American Cancer Society has revised its guideline formation process to prioritize transparency, consistency, and scientific rigor. The new process involves a systematic evidence review, independent writing group, and clear articulation of benefits, limitations, and harms associated with cancer screening tests.
Cancer incidence rates have increased while deaths have decreased in Australia over the past quarter century. The study found that Indigenous Australians face higher death rates due to disparities in cancer diagnoses, treatments, and other illnesses.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that men are less willing to be screened for cancer despite having higher mortality rates. The study suggests that better health and cancer screening promotion among men can improve existing practices.
Research from Boston University School of Medicine found no association between depression and delayed diagnostic resolution after abnormal mammograms or Pap tests. Women with psychiatric disorders face disparities in cancer screening and outcomes, but this study suggests pre-existing depression is not a significant barrier to resolution.
The new guidelines recommend no routine mammography screening for women aged 40-49, and extend the screening interval to every 2-3 years for women aged 50-74. The task force also advises against routine clinical breast exams and breast self-exams in asymptomatic women.
A commentary by Michael Stefanek advocates for cancer screening reform to educate the public about potential harms and benefits. Conflicting guidelines and new technologies may lead to overtreatment or under-treatment, and false positives and negatives are a concern.
A new device developed at the University of Colorado Cancer Center uses gold nanoparticles to detect lung cancer in exhaled breath, distinguishing between small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer. The device has shown promising results in preliminary studies, with the potential to revolutionize lung cancer screening and diagnosis.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that CT colonography significantly increased participation in colorectal cancer screening, with a more than 50% increase compared to traditional colonoscopy. This non-invasive technique has the potential to positively impact overall patient outcomes and reduce complications and costs.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is more effective than guaiac fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) in colonoscopy screenings, increasing attendance and diagnostic yield while reducing false positives. FIT is also cost-effective and clinically beneficial for d...
A population-based analysis found that close relatives of women with breast cancer who don't carry the BRCA mutation have a similar risk to the general population. The study suggests they may not need extra cancer screening and preventive measures.
Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is an accurate predictor of colorectal cancer, but it remains inferior to colonoscopy for prevention. Yearly FIT screenings may allow treatment to follow closely on the heels of discovery, but practices with repeat testing over time perform poorly.
The UT Southwestern-Parkland PROSPR Center aims to optimize colon cancer screening among Dallas residents, particularly those lacking insurance or underinsured. The partnership seeks to develop a model for screening that can be used by public hospitals nationwide.
A new analysis found that women who inherit BRCA gene mutations develop breast and ovarian cancers at significantly younger ages than their female relatives in the previous generation. The study suggests that early age of diagnosis is crucial for providing effective counseling, screening, and treatment services.
The UT Southwestern program identifies families with a high risk of colorectal cancer through tumor testing. Up to 50 family members can be tested for the Lynch syndrome, which carries an 80% risk of developing colon cancer.
A low-cost, hand-held device called Gene-Z is being developed to detect cancer in resource-poor countries. The device monitors microRNAs and other genetic markers to diagnose cancer, providing an affordable solution to the lack of cancer screening resources in these countries.
A single flexible sigmoidoscopy screening between ages 55-64 is associated with lower colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. The study found that CRC incidence was reduced by 31% among those screened, and CRC mortality was significantly reduced by 38%.
Recent studies and guidelines suggest that traditional Chinese medicine may be effective in treating seasonal flu, while delayed surgery for hip fractures may not necessarily lead to poor outcomes. Additionally, new guidelines from the USPSTF recommend against bladder cancer screening in asymptomatic adults due to inadequate evidence. ...
A new urine-based test has been found to be more accurate than traditional prostate cancer screening methods, detecting the disease in 100% of cases while minimizing false positives. The PSA/SIA assay works by analyzing changes in PSA protein structure associated with cancer.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that physician-detected melanomas are thinner and more often detected in the early stage compared to patient-detected lesions. Physician-based screening was associated with a higher overall patient-detection rate, with most lesions found by patients due to changes in appearance.
Research found substantial changes in cancer family history between ages 30-50, leading to recommendations for earlier or more intense screening. Updates to family history should occur every 5-10 years to inform risk assessments and screening guidelines.
A study found that changes in family history of cancer can significantly alter screening recommendations, particularly for colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. For patients aged 30-50, the risk of increased cancer risk more than tripled for colorectal cancer and increased by 60% for breast cancer.
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has introduced a comprehensive lung cancer screening program to detect the disease early. With computed tomography (CT) scans, the program reduces lung cancer-specific mortality by 20%, improving health outcomes for high-risk individuals.