Articles tagged with Cancer Screening
New research from Harvard University finds that improvements in behavior and screening are primarily responsible for the decline in cancer mortality. Screening has proven especially effective in early detection of colorectal and breast cancer, while behavioral changes have had the greatest impact on lung cancer.
Experts warn that both John McCain's and Barack Obama's healthcare plans will be significantly impacted by the $700 billion bailout. McCain's plan would cut federal insurance for the poor, while Obama's plan proposes expanded coverage with standard benefits. The bailout is expected to diminish prospects for health reform.
A new approach to genetic testing for cancers in Australia could effectively halve deaths caused by an inherited form of bowel cancer. By testing tumors of young people with cancer, researchers can identify inherited genetic faults and prevent further cases.
Only about half of Medicaid recipients aged 50 and older receive recommended cancer screenings for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer. Despite access to primary care and full coverage, these rates are significantly lower than those in the general population.
Long-term cancer survivors are more likely to experience severe psychological distress than adults never diagnosed with cancer. Younger survivors aged less than 65 years old were particularly at risk, the study found. The research aims to raise awareness of psychosocial needs among long-term survivors and encourage routine screening.
A computer model analysis suggests that different cervical cancer prevention approaches offer varying trade-offs between minimizing cancer risk and false-positive test results. Combined cytologic and HPV testing leads to more referrals for colposcopy than other strategies, with a three-fold difference in referrals for the least and mos...
A nationwide study confirms virtual colonoscopy's accuracy in detecting colorectal cancers and pre-cancerous polyps as high as traditional colonoscopy. This minimally invasive procedure has been endorsed by the American Cancer Society, offering a safe and non-invasive screening option for millions of Americans.
A new study found that people with an initial negative colonoscopy have a very low risk of developing colorectal cancer within five years. Based on this study, rescreening may not be necessary sooner than five years after the initial screening. The study's findings confirm what many gastroenterologists already believed.
A new colorectal screening procedure, CT colonography, has been found to be highly accurate in detecting intermediate and large polyps. The study, which used virtual reality technology, compared the accuracy of CT colonography with conventional colonoscopy and found that it was comparable in its ability to accurately detect problems.
A large study found that rescreening average-risk individuals after a normal initial colonoscopy every five years is sufficient to determine the optimal screening interval. The study's findings contradict previous recommendations of 10-year screenings and may impact screening costs and individual follow-up rates.
The AGA Institute concludes that CT colonography is a viable colorectal cancer screening option, detecting 90% of large polyps. However, small polyps are less detectable, and radiation risks are still uncertain. Colonoscopy remains the definitive test for early detection and prevention.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed an interactive multimedia computer program to provide personalized education on colorectal cancer screening. The program aims to increase screening rates among Hispanic patients, who are less likely to receive screenings compared to non-Hispanic whites.
Regular breast cancer screening programs in developed countries show promise for reducing mortality in India. A new study estimates that annual or biennial clinical breast exams can lower mortality rates by 8.2% and gain life years at a cost-effectiveness of $1,135 per life-year gained.
A new analysis reveals that fewer than half of older patients with colorectal cancer receive the recommended screening schedule to detect any recurrence. The study found that some patients may not meet guideline standards due to other procedures, while others receive testing that goes beyond guidelines.
A study published by researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that only one-fifth of men under age 50 reported undergoing a PSA test in the previous year. Black men and men with a family history are disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for increased awareness and screening efforts.
A study found that one in five men in their 40s have undergone a PSA test within the previous year. Young black men are more likely than young white men to have been screened. The study also revealed that younger Hispanic men and those with higher household income and education level were more likely to undergo testing.
A study comparing two breast cancer screening strategies in Norway and Vermont found that both approaches were equally sensitive for detecting cancer, with similar age-adjusted screening detection rates. However, the recall rate for abnormal mammograms was lower in Norway, while the rate of interval cancers was higher in Vermont.
A combined analysis of European cancer incidence, mortality, and survival reveals encouraging trends. However, variations between countries in healthcare access and treatment policies reflect in different cancer rates.
A study found that certain mammography facility characteristics, such as breast imaging specialists and screening/diagnostic services, are associated with improved interpretive accuracy. The analysis of 44 facilities performed over 484,463 screenings revealed variations in cancer detection rates between locations.
A new study found that African Americans with a family history of colorectal cancer are less likely to be screened, contrary to expectations. Regular screening is crucial for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, which affects African Americans disproportionately due to their high incidence and mortality rates.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that retired firefighters are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer. The study, which tested 1,286 active and retired San Francisco firefighters, found two cases of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) among the participants.
A nationwide study found that regular cervical cancer screening reduces incidence rates in all ages, particularly among younger women. However, imperfect population coverage and inadequate follow-up programs remain major risk factors, highlighting the need for improved screening programs.
Indigenous Polynesian populations face higher cancer mortality rates due to factors like smoking, obesity, and limited access to screenings. Screening programs for breast cancer cover less than half of Pacific women compared to European New Zealanders.
A new study by the American Cancer Society found that female African American patients tend to overestimate their level of cancer screening. The study compared self-reported data with medical records and found significant discrepancies for some procedures, affecting estimates of screening rates.
Researchers found unsuspected treatable tumors in Li-Fraumeni syndrome patients using full-body PET/CT scanning. The study suggests that periodic scans could catch more tumors at a curable stage, but further studies are needed to confirm the benefits and risks.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a new medical imaging technology that can detect early stages of colon cancer without a biopsy. The technique uses a short protein attached to fluorescent beacon to identify cancerous cells, allowing doctors to pick up the earliest possible cancers.
A new study found that improved biopsy techniques have reduced the correlation between prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and positive biopsy results in men with a normal digital rectal exam. The study suggests that PSA tests are less useful for prostate cancer screening, highlighting the need for new diagnostic markers.
A new study found that uninsured patients are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage cancer compared to those with private insurance. The study, which analyzed over 3.5 million cancer patients, also showed that Medicaid-insured patients face similar risks, particularly for cancers with early detection methods.
A study found that healthcare providers play a significant role in patients' likelihood of being screened for colorectal cancer. Patient barriers such as concerns about payment and fears of detection also impact screening rates. Interventions targeting both providers and patients are necessary to boost screening rates.
Researchers have developed a smaller endoscope that can take high-quality color pictures in confined spaces, potentially saving lives by detecting treatable conditions before they turn into cancer. The device is designed for low-cost screening and doesn't require anesthesia or sedation.
Researchers found serum PG levels in Chinese are significantly skewed from normal distribution and influenced by factors such as age, sex, gastric mucosa lesions, and H pylori infection. The PG I/II ratio is a better indicator for atrophic lesions on gastric mucosa than either PG I or II alone.
A new study found that immigrant patients in the US are less likely to report a family history of cancer, which may impact access to cancer prevention and screening services. The study's findings suggest that immigrants' cultural norms and communication barriers may inhibit reporting of family health histories.
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries are not receiving adequate colorectal cancer screening, with only 25% meeting guidelines. The investigation highlights the need for continued efforts to promote screening and reduce mortality from this common disease.
Bowel cancer screening has significantly reduced emergency admissions and death rates in a UK pilot study. The study found that the number of emergency operations required halved, and the number of patients dying within 30 days also fell.
Researchers aim to determine who is at risk for colorectal cancer and tailor screening tests accordingly. Dr. Thomas F. Imperiale advocates for more targeted approaches, such as using easily accessible factors like age and family medical history.
Researchers found that screeners are more accurate in visual searches when allowed to correct their choices, but errors rise for rare targets. The study suggests improving airport security and cancer screening by addressing execution errors and perception issues separately.
Researchers questioned the effectiveness of PSA velocity as a prostate cancer screening tool due to inconsistent study results and potential biases. Despite initial hopes that it could reduce unnecessary biopsies, PSA velocity is often used in men with low PSA levels, increasing the number of referrals.
Researchers found that personalized behavioral intervention services significantly improved colorectal cancer screening rates in primary care practices. The tailored interventions resulted in increased screenings among patients who were not up-to-date with guidelines, with rates reaching as high as 48%.
A third of prostate biopsies detected cancer, with the risk increasing with each subsequent biopsy. Gene variants influencing innate immunity also linked to improved or poorer lung cancer survival in white patients. Brain tumor stem cells susceptible to a cancer-killing virus, offering new treatment hope.
Studies show that up to 50% of patients with advanced cancer suffer from major psychiatric disorders, including adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. Effective communication, emotional support, and screening can help manage these conditions, reducing psychological distress and improving quality of life.
Existing technology and resources can solve cervical cancer's global burden, especially in developing countries. The disease disproportionately affects women worldwide, particularly in regions with limited resources.
A study found that men screened every two years had more detected cancers than those screened every four years, but aggressive cancer detection rates remained the same. The results suggest that more frequent screening may detect smaller, clinically insignificant cancers.
A multicenter study compared screening methods in high-risk women, finding that MRI accurately identifies tumors missed by mammography and ultrasound. The study suggests that women at high risk for breast cancer can benefit from undergoing screening MRI to detect more cancers.
Researchers identified promising biomarkers in urine samples, including one linked to liver and ovarian cancer. The goal is to create a simple, fast, and noninvasive test for early detection, potentially avoiding painful procedures.
Johns Hopkins scientists discovered blood-dwelling proteins CCSA-3 and CCSA-4 that accurately identify colon cancer and precancerous polyps. The researchers were 100% accurate in identifying existing cancers and correctly identified individuals with advanced precancerous polyps, suggesting a potential less invasive screening test.
Two new studies find that the uninsured and people with certain types of public health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced cancer compared to those with private insurance. The strongest predictors of advanced disease were health insurance status and type, according to the studies published in CANCER journal.
A quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing high-grade vulval and vaginal lesions that can lead to cancers. The vaccine reduced the risk of all high-grade vulval and vaginal lesions by 49% in a population of sexually active young women.
A new study reveals that mammography rates have declined significantly in the US between 2000 and 2005, with a notable decrease among women aged 50-64 and higher socioeconomic levels. The decline in screening rates coincides with a reduction in reported breast cancer incidence, raising concerns about potential impact on mortality rates.
A lung cancer screening regimen has been found to identify patients with early-stage cancer, allowing for curative treatment. The study suggests that annual repeat screenings can detect lung cancer at its earliest stage, resulting in a high proportion of patients having no evidence of metastases.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that patients who received regular preventive health exams were more likely to get recommended cancer screenings. The study showed that colon cancer screenings and prostate-specific antigen tests increased by three times in the checkup group compared to those without a checkup.
Hispanics are the fastest growing minority population in the US, with socioeconomic and lifestyle differences contributing to preventable cancer deaths. A global initiative on cancer education and early detection could reduce mortality rates among this population.
A study found that computed tomography (CT) screening increased the rate of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, but did not reduce the risk of advanced lung cancer or death. CT screening resulted in a 10-fold increase in lung cancer surgeries, which may be insufficiently beneficial to justify the morbidities.
Men who receive false-positive prostate cancer results experience heightened anxiety about their risk of developing the disease and report issues with sexual function. The study emphasizes the importance of discussing the pros and cons of screening with patients to minimize adverse effects on quality of life.
A new immunochemical fecal occult blood test (I-FOBT) shows promise in increasing colon cancer screening rates by being more accurate and convenient than traditional methods. The test uses antibodies to detect human blood in stool, eliminating dietary restrictions and allowing for personalized positivity thresholds.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that stool DNA testing can detect colorectal cancer with 88% accuracy, regardless of its stage or location. This non-invasive screening test offers a patient-friendly alternative to traditional colonoscopy.
A new study reveals that a specific set of symptoms and their frequency/duration can distinguish early ovarian cancer from other causes, making it a potential rapid and cost-effective screening tool. The symptom index was found to be 57% sensitive for early disease and 80% sensitive for advanced cancer.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered an antibody that can differentiate between normal and altered forms of the PCNA protein in breast cancer cells, offering new hope for early detection of the disease. The discovery has also shown promise for identifying other types of cancer.
A study published in Radiology found that virtual colonoscopy is an accurate screening method for colorectal cancer. The procedure was shown to be safer, faster, less costly, more convenient, and just as effective as optical colonoscopy in detecting polyps and cancers.
A new screening tool called the pedigree assessment tool (PAT) effectively identifies women at risk for hereditary breast cancer, outperforming another commonly used tool in assessing individual patient risk. The PAT was 100% sensitive in identifying high-risk patients with potential BRCA mutations.
The study found that CAD increased cancer detection by 13.3% in screening-detected cancers and 14.2% for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).CAD also improved recall rates and reduced false negatives, with the greatest impact on symptomatic patients.