Articles tagged with Cancer Screening
A recent study found that people who underwent lung cancer screening were motivated to quit smoking. The study suggests that cancer screening may present an opportunity for health-care providers to offer smoking cessation resources.
Commentaries question the benefit of early breast cancer screening for women aged 40-49, citing higher mortality rates among screened women. Experts highlight possible biologic explanations and the importance of informed consent, while also warning of potential harms such as false positives and overtreatment.
A recent study found that men aged 55-74 who received regular prostate cancer screenings every 4 years had a low rate of interval cancers. The screening procedure showed an 85.5% high sensitivity rate for detecting cancers, suggesting that very few aggressive prostate cancers escape screening.
A recent study found that North American mammographers are more likely to interpret mammograms as abnormal, leading to higher rates of false positives and unnecessary follow-up procedures. The study analyzed data from 32 community-based screening programs in North America and compared outcomes with those in other countries.
Researchers found no benefit to regular screenings for women without risk factors after a hysterectomy. The cost of screenings per year of life saved can be up to $12 million, highlighting the need for more targeted screening strategies.
Researchers Peter Sasieni and Jack Cuzick argue that starting mammographic screening at age 47 can save more life-years than current guidelines. They claim that the incidence rate of breast cancer is as great in women aged 48-49 years as it is in those aged 50-54 years, making earlier screening a viable option.
A new test using ProPSA detected prostate cancer at lower PSA levels, identifying more aggressive forms of the disease. The test improved detection of early aggressive cancer in men who may not have been caught until it was too late.
A study suggests that extending screening intervals could reduce lead-time bias and overdetection rates associated with prostate cancer screenings. The research estimates a potential 60-90% increase in prostate cancer incidence, highlighting the need to weigh benefits against risks.
A study of 54 BRCA-positive women found that MRI improved sensitivity in detecting breast cancer, but a significant number had abnormal exams that were later determined not to be cancerous. No woman developed cancer within 12 months of a normal MRI exam.
A study reviewed the records of 367 high-risk women who underwent MR imaging screening and found that 59 required biopsies, with 17 cases revealing new cancers not detected on mammograms or physical exams. The majority of detected cancers were ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS), an early stage of breast cancer.
A study found that sigmoidoscopy screening significantly reduces distal colorectal cancer incidence, with a four-fold reduction in incidence for individuals who had ever had a screening. This reduction was sustained for more than 15 years, supporting longer screening intervals.
Despite preferring virtual colonoscopy due to its less invasive nature, patients generally dislike the bowel preparation required for both tests. The study found that most patients reported little pain or difficulty with either procedure, but many expressed discomfort with the advance bowel preparation.
A new computerized survey has been developed to identify cancer survivors who are in greatest need of psychological counseling. The study found three key risk factors associated with psychological distress: dissatisfaction with physical appearance, poor physical health, and treatment with cranial radiation.
The session addresses heart disease in postmenopausal women, including sub-clinical atherosclerosis predictors and prevention measures. It also explores sarcopenia and frailty in older women, discussing muscle mass loss and body composition changes that contribute to disability.
A study found that recent radiologists interpreted screening mammograms more accurately than those with less training, while facilities with higher diagnostic volume showed improved accuracy. The researchers suggest additional studies to clarify the complex relationship between radiologist experience and mammogram interpretation.
Researchers found that mice with a specific gene (Hic1) developed cancers at an older age, depending on their sex. Female mice developed lymphomas and sarcomas, while male mice developed epithelial cancers. The study provides evidence of epigenetic problems leading to cancer in mice.
The study analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) between 1980 and 2001, revealing increases in cancer screening test usage since 1987. Key factors influencing screening use include age, sociodemographic status, healthcare source, and knowledge of cancer risk factors.
The SCORE trial shows that sigmoidoscopy screening can reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, with a high yield of advanced lesions and early cancers. The procedure is relatively safe, with low rates of perforation and hemorrhage.
Screening for colorectal cancer is vital for early detection, with a significant reduction in mortality rates associated with early detection. Current techniques like colonoscopy are effective but expensive, prompting the need for alternative methods.
As new genetic components are identified, clinical services must adapt to cope with the increasing demand. The role of genetic information in managing inherited cancers is becoming increasingly important, enabling tailored therapies for individual patients.
Research found that approximately 20% of the breast cancers detected by screening mammography were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and the rate of DCIS diagnoses per 1000 mammograms increased with age. Mammograms were also more sensitive at detecting DCIS than invasive breast cancer.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that 20% of mammogram-detected breast cancers are in situ lesions with unknown aggressiveness. The research highlights the need for further understanding of DCIS to identify which cases may progress to invasive cancer.
A study found that visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and HPV DNA testing are less expensive alternatives to traditional Pap smear screening for cervical cancer in developing countries. VIA, performed every 5 years in women ages 35-55, was the least expensive approach and saved the most lives.
The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST) is a randomized, controlled study aiming to determine the effectiveness of spiral CT scans versus chest X-rays in reducing deaths from lung cancer. Participants will receive annual screenings for three years and their health will be monitored until 2009.
Researchers develop surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI) for identifying potential biomarkers of early stage breast cancer. The study achieved high sensitivity and specificity, suggesting SELDI may lead to the discovery of additional biomarkers.
A study finds that PSA testing led to a 29% and 44% overdiagnosis rate among white and black men, respectively. The increased incidence was partly due to unnecessary biopsies and side effects from treatment.
Researchers argue that the NY-ELCAP program cannot determine if screening saves lives due to a lack of control group. The study may harm participants, lead to overdiagnosis and make it harder to learn the true effect of spiral CT screening.
Only 60.5% of US adults are fully protected against diphtheria and 72.3% against tetanus, with disparities among age groups and ethnicities. Reorganizing physician practices to prioritize preventive services can increase immunization rates.
The grant will allow Rush to increase awareness among African-American men aged 50+, who are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer. The organization plans to conduct free screenings and refer patients to local doctors or Rush after diagnosis.
A recent study by ECCO-the European CanCer Organisation suggests that a significant proportion of interval breast cancers may be detectable during screening, potentially improving detection rates. The researchers reviewed 723 mammograms and found that 27% of previously undetected cancers could have been detected during screening, corre...
Innovative programs addressing infant mortality, cancer screening and management, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and immunization show promise. Community-based initiatives, including churches, prisons, and barber shops, are key to building trust and addressing socio-economic factors contributing to health disparities.
A study found that hormone replacement therapy use is associated with a higher risk of dense breasts and interval cancers. Women who had used HRT were more likely to have dense breasts and cancers detected between screenings.
Evidence suggests PSA screening may not significantly reduce prostate cancer mortality rates. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings and provide clarity on the effectiveness of PSA screening at a population level.
A study found that women are more likely to get regular cancer screenings if they have a well-organized primary care system. Women in private HMOs were also more likely to receive regular screenings compared to uninsured or underinsured women.
A study found that two forms of bias in cause-of-death classification affect the results of randomized trials on cancer screening. Sticky-diagnosis bias biases against screening, while slippery-linkage bias biases in favor of screening. The authors suggest using all-cause mortality to accurately assess the value of screening.
A Dartmouth study found biases in cancer screening trials that may have overestimated its benefits, suggesting a need for alternative mortality analysis methods. The research recommends using all-cause mortality alongside disease-specific mortality to ensure accurate assessment of screening's value.
Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have developed a new cell-based approach for anticancer drug discovery, which identified 39 new compounds selective for yeast cells with faulty DNA repair enzymes. This approach is adaptable to high-throughput screening methods and complements target-based screening, potentially...
A retrospective study found that 87% of smokers who underwent low-dose CT scanning for lung cancer screening reported an increase in motivation to quit. Twenty-three percent of participants quit smoking after screening, with a median time between screening and quitting being six months.
Screening for colorectal cancer could lead to a 20% reduction in mortality rates, but its effectiveness depends on various factors. The UK government has set up pilot centres to evaluate the potential of faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) as a screening method.
Prostate cancer screening is a contentious issue due to its potential impact on quality of life and the need for well-informed decision-making. The article highlights the limitations of current research, including the lack of data on risk-benefit analysis and the importance of avoiding unnecessary anxiety and treatment.
Research suggests that bowel cancer screening strategies targeting solely individuals with a family history may have limited impact on reducing mortality from colorectal cancer. In fact, the study found that around 85% of bowel cancers develop in people without a family history, highlighting the need for more widespread screening.
A new test combining a vinegar solution with an HPV test accurately detects precancerous lesions and reduces false positives among African women, potentially saving thousands of lives. The test could be easily administered at home or in clinics, making it a game-changer for cervical cancer screening in developing countries.
A study found that nearly one-third of primary care physicians do not discuss cancer screenings with their patients, citing lack of time and language barriers. The survey also revealed that many doctors would make decisions independently of patient preference, and some were less likely to discuss controversial tests like PSA measurements.
Idun Pharmaceuticals recreates key apoptosis reaction to understand mechanism of programmed cell death. The company screens new drugs modulating apoptosis using the assay, aiming to treat cancers, heart attacks, and strokes.
A new study from UCSF found that postmenopausal women with normal Pap smear results may not need annual screening, as the benefits are small and the risk of false-positive testing is high. Researchers also discovered that hormone replacement therapy did not significantly affect cervical cellular abnormalities.
A new study by UCSF/SFVAMC researchers found that mammography is equally effective in detecting breast cancer in women with and without a family history. The study analyzed data from over 389,000 women and showed that mammography detects nearly 85% of cancers in women aged 50-69, regardless of family history.
Healthcare personnel working in poorly ventilated general hospital rooms were at risk for sero-conversion of tuberculosis. Improving ventilation to at least two air exchanges per hour can help prevent this risk. Additionally, a program using an educational videotape and brochure increased colon cancer screening rates among patients.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers shows that watching a videotape explaining colon cancer procedures can increase screening rates by at least 15%. This could lead to significant reductions in deaths from colorectal cancer, with over 47,000 Americans dying annually.
A study found that women aged 52-69 who do not receive regular mammograms or Pap smears cite similar barriers to screening, including fears about embarrassment and inaccurate tests. The researchers recommend tailored interventions to address these misconceptions.
Randomized trials demonstrate the effectiveness of mammography programs in reducing breast cancer mortality. The studies showed that recall rates after first and subsequent screens were 9.5% and 4.6%, respectively. Additionally, organized breast cancer screening programs can provide more comprehensive monitoring for at-risk populations.
Mayo Clinic researchers developed a new, non-invasive DNA test that detected 91% of colorectal cancers and 73% of polyps. The test shows promise for reducing unnecessary colonoscopies and costs associated with colorectal cancer screening.
A mathematical model suggests that one-time colonoscopy at age 55 can significantly reduce colorectal cancer mortality. The study found that this strategy is cost-effective and can achieve up to 50% reduction in CRC mortality, depending on compliance.
Women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention don't need regular uterine biopsies to detect early endometrial cancer. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a more effective indicator of the rare but curable condition.
Two studies found that common screening techniques for tamoxifen-induced endometrial cancer are ineffective. Tissue biopsies and transvaginal ultrasound screenings detected few abnormalities and led to unnecessary procedures. Patients should be reassured and monitored for abnormal vaginal bleeding instead.
A study found that physician encouragement and accurate information about colorectal cancer risks increased women's willingness to undergo screening. Women who were urged by their physicians to be screened had a substantially higher rate of recent screening, with 64% participating in the previous two years.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that current PSA screening strategies should be changed. Testing men at ages 40 and 45, and then every two years after age 50, may prevent more deaths than waiting until age 50.
A study found that breast cancer mortality was almost identical in two groups of women aged 50-59, one receiving annual mammograms and the other physical examinations alone. Effective and regular breast physical examinations with breast self-examination may be an alternative to annual mammograms for this age group.
A US study found that women with recent normal Pap smear results have a similar low rate of significant cellular abnormalities regardless of the time interval between screenings. The study suggests that some women may not need to be screened annually, and that less frequent screening may be safe for low-risk women.
Two studies found sigmoidoscopy detects few cancerous growths and none in asymptomatic patients with polyps, supporting the use of colonoscopy for regular screening. The research suggests that colonoscopy should be done every 5-10 years for people over 50 to save lives.
A study found that inner-city physicians provide fewer cancer screenings and preventive services compared to higher-income communities. The researchers identified four main barriers: lack of training, time constraints, office support, and insurance reimbursement issues.