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Screening for prostate cancer may not reduce men's risk of death

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that screening for prostate cancer does not necessarily prolong survival. The research, which included over 72,000 veterans, showed that even men who received screenings were not at lower risk of death from prostate cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2006

Screening chest x-ray detects early-stage lung cancers at high rates, study results show

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that screening chest x-rays can detect early-stage lung cancers at high rates. The study involved 77,465 participants and showed a significant reduction in lung cancer mortality among current smokers, with a detection rate of 6.3 cases per 1000 individuals.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 20, 2005

Study looks at factors influencing African-American women's decisions to join cancer screening trial

African-American women who joined a cancer screening trial had better understanding of cancer and early detection, motivated by loved one's experience with cancer. The study suggests targeted strategies to improve recruitment, including providing health benefits and informing physicians about clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 1, 2005

Low colon cancer screening rates leaves a million New Yorkers at risk

A study of 9,802 NYC residents found that nearly half are not undergoing timely screening for colon cancer, with lower uptake among African-Americans, women, and those with limited access to healthcare. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions to increase screening rates in poor and uninsured communities.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 25, 2005

Largest study to date reveals baseline findings for flexible sigmoidoscopy

The largest study to date provides valuable insights into flexible sigmoidoscopy screening among 154,942 participants aged 55-74. Findings show that women are more likely to decline FSG than men, while non-acceptance increases with age in women. The rate of cancer detected was 2.9 per 1,000 individuals screened.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2005

Polls finds many Americans believe cancer myths

A national survey found that nearly half of Americans believe misconceptions about cancer, including that surgical treatment spreads the disease. The study suggests that public education interventions are needed to address these misconceptions among vulnerable populations.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJun 27, 2005

Study examines influence of celebrity endorsements of cancer screening

A telephone survey found that celebrity endorsements increased awareness and likelihood of certain cancer screenings, including mammography, PSA testing, and sigmoidoscopy. The study highlights the complex decision-making process around cancer screening, suggesting a need for celebrities to inform rather than persuade the public.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 3, 2005

Prostate cancer screening practices examined

A massive study is examining prostate cancer screening practices to determine their impact on death rates. The study follows 75,000 men, half of whom are screened and half receive conventional care, allowing researchers to compare survival rates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2005

Fewer false alarms when mammographers have greater experience screening healthy breasts

A study of over 1.2 million mammograms found that experienced physicians detected cancer with higher accuracy and had lower rates of false positives. The research suggests that raising the minimum annual volume requirements for qualified mammographers could improve the overall quality of screening mammography in the US.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 1, 2005

Patients with cancer detected on screening mammography undergo less toxic treatment

Women diagnosed with breast cancer through physical examination are more likely to undergo chemotherapy and mastectomy compared to those detected by screening mammography. The study found that cancers detected by mammography were smaller and had lower rates of lymph node spread, allowing for less-toxic treatment options.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 27, 2004

Doctors can improve colorectal cancer screening rates

A UCLA study of 22,343 adults aged 50+ in California found that 54% had a recent CRC test, with disparities seen among Latinos, women, and those without insurance or continuity of care. Improving access to screening through policies and education programs can help address these gaps.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 25, 2004

Barriers preclude rural women from breast cancer screening

A study found that African-American and Native American women had less information and more inaccurate beliefs about breast cancer screening compared to Caucasian women. Women cited pain, embarrassment, and lack of time as major reasons for not getting screened, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 25, 2004

Study examines reasons for late-stage breast cancers

A study found that late-stage breast cancer cases were often associated with an absence of screening, followed by absence of detection or a potential breakdown in follow-up care. Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those without a family history of breast cancer were more likely to be in the absence-of-screening group.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 19, 2004

Cancer survivors' other medical problems poorly managed

A recent study found that cancer survivors are less likely to receive recommended medical care for their chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. The authors conclude that cancer patients' other medical issues may be ignored due to a focus on the prior malignancy.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 13, 2004

Women starting mammography on time, but failing to follow up

A study of 72,417 women found that many began mammography between ages 35-40 and delayed follow-up. Women without insurance or a primary care doctor faced longer delays in starting screening. The authors suggest encouraging prompt return to screening may be more critical than initial start.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 13, 2004

Lifesaving potential of mammograms lost due to underuse

A study found that only 6% of women received ten mammograms, and disparities in usage were seen among Hispanic, African-American, and Asian women as well as those from lower economic status. Regular mammograms significantly reduce breast cancer death risk, highlighting the need for improved screening adherence.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJun 21, 2004

Treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ varies widely in United States

The study found that 97.5% of patients with DCIS underwent surgery, but there is a wide variation in treatment approaches, including the use of mastectomy, radiation therapy, and axillary dissection. The incidence of DCIS increased by 73% between 1992 and 1999, highlighting the need for standardized treatment recommendations.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 16, 2004

Race may be a factor in treatment of rectal cancer patients

A recent study found racial disparities in the delivery of care to black and white rectal cancer patients. Black patients were diagnosed at a younger age and had more advanced disease, leading to differences in treatment outcomes. The study suggests that improved access to state-of-the-art surgical care for minority patients with recta...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateFeb 9, 2004

North American mammographers prone to more false positives, study finds

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.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 16, 2003

Plea to lower age for mammography screening in the UK

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 17, 2003