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NTU Singapore scientists invent a coin-sized device to rapidly isolate blood plasma for diagnostics and precision medicine

Researchers at NTU Singapore have created a chip that can directly isolate blood plasma from a tube of blood in just 30 minutes, removing over 99.9% of blood cells and platelets. The device, called ExoArc, enables high-quality plasma for disease screening and research, improving diagnosis accuracy and reducing waiting times.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Nano·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 21, 2024

Colorectal cancer screening in Araba (Basque Country)

The study found that 90.98% of participants obtained a definitive result from colorectal cancer screening, with 31.71% being normal and 5.49% having non-neoplastic polyps. The results suggest the importance of primary care physicians in promoting secondary prevention and informing the population about the program.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalCancer Screening and Prevention·DateMar 19, 2024

U.S. could cut cervical cancer cases & deaths by up to 20% if more patients got follow-up after screening, study suggests

A new study suggests that removing barriers to cervical cancer screening, surveillance, and diagnostic procedures can save lives and reduce disparities. If every eligible person gets the full screening and follow-up tests recommended, up to 23% fewer people would be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 20% fewer would die from it.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Cancer deaths plummet in middle-aged people

A study by Cancer Research UK reveals that mortality rates have dropped by 37% in men and 33% in women, with significant reductions in cervical cancer and lung cancer. However, cancer cases are on the rise overall, and researchers warn of an immense challenge ahead to maintain progress.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024

Clinical study of a blood test shows 83% accuracy for detecting colorectal cancer

A clinical study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a blood test can detect colorectal cancer in 83% of people confirmed to have the disease. The test, which analyzes circulating tumor DNA, offers an alternative to current screening options for patients who may decline traditional methods.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2024

Next generation stool DNA test has best detection rate of noninvasive colorectal cancer screening tools

A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that a next generation multi-target stool DNA colorectal cancer screening test detects 94 percent of colorectal cancers, outperforming other noninvasive tests. The test has the best detection rate for both colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous polyps.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 13, 2024

Most survivors of childhood cancer don't get the tests needed to detect serious long-term adverse effects

A study found that up to 87% of childhood cancer survivors are not following recommended screening guidelines, leaving them vulnerable to late effects such as heart disease and certain cancers. The lack of awareness and barriers to adherence may contribute to this low rate, highlighting the need for improved support and education.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2024

BU researcher examines clinicians’ attitudes towards major changes from the 2020 ACS Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

New research by Boston University School of Medicine found that while few clinicians have adopted the 2020 ACS cervical cancer screening guidelines, most are open to change if supported by scientific evidence and recommended by professional organizations. The study identified logistical issues and concerns about missed detection as bar...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCancer·TypeSurvey·DateMar 5, 2024

Unlocking health: How In Our DNA SC is pioneering genetic screening for South Carolinians

A statewide genomic screening program enrolls first 20,000 participants, providing information on genetic risk factors for diseases such as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The program aims to empower communities to understand the value of research and increase participation rates among underrepresented groups.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Families of men with fertility problems show distinct patterns of increased risk for several types of cancer

Men with low sperm count or none have a higher risk of developing cancer, including at younger ages, compared to fertile men. Families of azoospermic men have a significantly increased risk of five cancers, while families of oligozoospermic men have a higher risk of colon, bone and joint, and testicular cancers.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

UNC Lineberger named as a national research hub for NIH cancer screening study

The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has been selected as a national research site for the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Screening Research Network. The network will conduct large-scale studies using emerging cancer screening technologies to identify effective and accurate methods for early detection and prevention. The ...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2024

Stemming colorectal cancer in Latin America

A recent study reveals the lack of colorectal cancer screening programs in low-middle-income countries, but successful implementation in high-middle-income Latin American nations. High-middle-income countries achieved high uptake of screening, with over 75% receiving colonoscopies following positive stool test results.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 20, 2024

Health care inequities behind shorter life spans for Inuit from Nunavik, Quebec, with lung cancer

Researchers found that Inuit residents in Nunavik had shorter survival rates for lung cancer compared to Montreal residents, despite similar disease stages. The study attributes this disparity to chronic under-resourcing of healthcare services and lack of Inuit representation in healthcare provision.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Detecting breast cancer through a spit test

A new hand-held device screens for breast cancer biomarkers from a tiny spit sample, offering quick and efficient results. The portable tool distinguishes between healthy tissue, early cancer, and advanced cancer in a small group of women.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology B Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures Processing Measurement and Phenomena·DateFeb 16, 2024

Would you prefer a mammogram, MRI, or saliva on a test strip?

Researchers have developed a hand-held biosensor that can detect breast cancer biomarkers from saliva with high accuracy and efficiency. The device is portable, reusable, and cost-effective, making it an excellent choice for communities or hospitals without access to advanced technologies like MRI.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology B Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures Processing Measurement and Phenomena·DateFeb 13, 2024

Reducing harmful health screenings and overtreatment in older adults

Researchers at Northwestern University found a significant decrease in screenings for prostate cancer and urinary tract infections after implementing point-of-care alerts. The study showed a 9% reduction in PSA screenings and a 5.5% reduction in urine testing, with minimal changes in overtreatment of blood sugar.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2024

Persons diagnosed with PCOS face 8-fold increase in suicide risk

A study of 18,000 women found those diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were 8 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to control group. This increased risk is attributed to higher likelihood of psychiatric conditions such as depressive disorders and anxiety disorders associated with PCOS. Researchers emphasize the ne...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateFeb 5, 2024

Researchers leverage AI to develop early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer

Researchers have developed an AI-driven test that accurately diagnoses ovarian cancer in women clinically classified as normal, improving detection of early-stage disease. The test uses machine learning and blood metabolite information to assign a probability of disease presence or absence, offering a more clinically informative approach.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGynecologic Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 29, 2024

Breast cancer test may make bad chemotherapy recommendations for Black patients

A study found that the 21-gene breast recurrence score test may underestimate chemotherapy benefits for young Black women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The researchers recommend lowering the test's cutoff point to ensure accurate treatment recommendations for all patients regardless of race or ethnicity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateJan 29, 2024

Obesity and alcohol are contributing to increases in bowel cancer rates among young adults

Experts predict a significant increase in bowel cancer death rates among young adults in the EU and UK, driven by rising obesity and heavy alcohol consumption. Death rates are predicted to rise by 26% in men and nearly 39% in women in the UK, with similar increases seen in Italy and other European countries.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2024

Metastatic breast cancer treatments have aided decline in deaths, Stanford Medicine-led study finds

A Stanford Medicine-led study found that advances in treating metastatic breast cancer are responsible for nearly one-third of the decrease in annual deaths from breast cancer between 1975 and 2019. This decline is attributed to improved treatments, which have enabled women with metastatic disease to live longer than ever.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Signed orders sent via mail nearly doubled liver cancer screening rates

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that mailing signed orders to patients with cirrhosis led to a significant increase in liver cancer screenings. The study involved over 500 patients and showed that 55% completed their screening within six months, compared to just 27% in the control group.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalHepatology Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 22, 2023

Perspective on management of LDCT findings on low-dose computed tomography examinations for lung cancer screening

The IASLC Early Detection & Screening Committee published a perspective outlining key components of LDCT screening regimens. The report emphasizes the need for data-driven management systems, quality assurance assessments, and multi-disciplinary clinical management to maximize benefits of early detection and treatment.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 20, 2023

Lung nodule program provides benefits patients ineligible for lung cancer screening

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that adopting a lung nodule program can increase early lung cancer detection for patients not eligible for traditional screening. The study revealed significant differences in stage at diagnosis and overall survival rates between young, elderly, and screened cohorts.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023

Mammogram rates increase when patients schedule themselves

Researchers found that patients who scheduled their own mammograms through an online patient portal had a 13 percentage point increase in screening completions. This simple intervention doubled the number of mammogram completions, resulting in approximately 4,500 more people getting screened.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2023

Improving prediction of advanced breast cancer among women of different races and ethnicities

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that regular screening is not enough to prevent advanced breast cancer diagnoses, particularly among women of color who are overweight or obese. The researchers recommend primary prevention strategies to reduce the number of advanced cancer diagnoses.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

More than 10% of samples from a stool-based colorectal cancer test may be unsatisfactory

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that over 10% of fecal immunochemical tests used for routine colorectal cancer screening contained unsatisfactory samples. This led to fewer than half of patients completing follow-up testing within 15 months. The authors suggest potential solutions to improve comp...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateNov 15, 2023