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Pioneering study shows that local volunteers increase early breast cancer detection rates in a low-income rural area

A pioneering study published in The Lancet Oncology found that local volunteers increased early breast cancer detection rates in a low-income rural area. The study showed that 70% of women screened were diagnosed with benign lesions or successfully treated for breast cancer, significantly improving long-term survival chances.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 30, 2013

Oncologist expands HPV research to anal cancer

A new study aims to determine the prevalence of abnormal anal cytology and high-risk HPV among women with a history of cervical pre-cancer or cancer. The researcher hopes to gather basic information to design larger studies that will analyze sensitivity and specificity of anal cytology and HPV testing.

Hispanics leery of health care providers, often avoid cancer screenings, Moffitt study shows

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.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateJan 9, 2013

Models developed from the PLCO may help identify at-risk patients for adverse smoking outcomes

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.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 26, 2012

PSA screening to detect prostate cancer can be beneficial to younger and at-risk men

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 7, 2012

Offering lung cancer screening as an insurance benefit would save lives at a relatively low cost

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.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 9, 2012

Embargoed news for Annals of Internal Medicine

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...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 2, 2012

20-year results from breast cancer screening program show a significant drop in deaths, limited harm and reasonable costs

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.

How cost effective are US cancer prevention services?

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.

SourceWiley·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateMar 20, 2012

Mass prostate cancer screening doesn't reduce deaths

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 6, 2012

Study sheds light on cancer burden in Australia

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.

SourceWiley·JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 8, 2011

Depression and anxiety not linked to delayed resolution of abnormal mammograms, Pap tests

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 22, 2011

Study finds less invasive CT colonography increases participation in colorectal cancer screening

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateNov 14, 2011

Fecal occult blood testing effective in colonoscopy screenings

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...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 9, 2011