Articles tagged with Cancer Policy
A new study from the University of Michigan found significant language-based disparities in patients' access to cancer care. English-speaking callers were able to get information on next steps 94% of the time, while Spanish-speakers and Mandarin-speakers were only connected at 38% and 28% respectively.
A new fund to fast-track patient access to potentially valuable new medicines may incentivise the pharmaceutical industry to develop high-priced drugs for rare diseases with weak clinical evidence. The NHS England Innovative Medicines Fund risks disincentivising the generation of essential evidence if not implemented appropriately.
Researchers found a 19% annual increase in Medicaid-insured cancer patients participating in publicly funded clinical trials after the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion. The study shows that targeted policies can increase access to health care and cancer clinical trials for those with Medicaid insurance.
Patients with cancer who live in rural Pennsylvania counties are more likely to receive complex surgeries at high-volume hospitals due to their perceived better outcomes. However, for less complex surgeries, rural patients are less likely to opt for high-volume hospitals despite potential benefits from centralization.
A computational genetic model has been developed to predict individual genetic risk of developing breast cancer based on a woman's genetic profile. The model uses data from a large-scale international study and identifies women at high risk, who may benefit from earlier and more frequent screening.
A new tool has been developed to quantify public knowledge of blood cancer symptoms, revealing notable gaps in awareness. Nearly 70% of people were unaware of night sweats as a symptom, while unexplained weight loss and bleeding were most recognized. The tool also explores patient enablement and its impact on seeking medical help.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that state laws allowing medical cannabis use did not reduce prescriptions for opioids or other therapies for chronic non-cancer pain. The results challenge previous studies suggesting a link between medical cannabis laws and reduced opioid prescribing.
State palliative care laws are associated with an increased likelihood of dying at home or in hospice among decedents from cancer. Passage of these laws may be an effective policy intervention to increase the number of seriously ill patients who experience their death in such locations.
The European Society of Endocrinology, ESE Foundation, and other partners mark the second European Hormone Day to promote better understanding of hormone roles and encourage change in health policy. The 'Milano Declaration' calls for stronger inclusion of endocrine health perspective in European policies.
A study of 415,000 US female breast cancer deaths from 2011 to 2020 found that Black women should start screening earlier than previously recommended. Health policy makers and clinicians may consider an alternative approach with race- and ethnicity-adapted age recommendations for breast cancer screening.
A Tulane University study found that areas with paid sick leave mandates experienced significant increases in breast cancer (4%) and colorectal cancer (6-8%) screenings among private sector employees. The findings suggest that non-monetary barriers to healthcare access can have a meaningful impact on health outcomes.
The study estimates the global economic cost of cancers to fall around $25.2 trillion in international dollars by 2050, accounting for 0.55% of global GDP. Lung cancer is identified as the type with the highest economic burden, followed by colon and rectum cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia.
The ESMO Asia Congress 2022 will focus on the latest scientific and clinical advances in oncology, with a special emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. Media representatives can register for coverage through the official media registration form.
A new report by the European Groundshot Commission highlights current and future challenges in cancer research across Europe. The authors estimate that approximately one million cancer diagnoses were missed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine poses a significant threat to clinical trials and workforce gaps.
A new study reveals that smoking is the main cause of preventable cancer and death in England, with socio-economic disparities in cancer incidence attributed to smoking prevalence. If everyone had the same smoking prevalence as the least deprived quintile, over 5,000 cases per year could have been prevented.
Late-breaking results at ESMO Congress 2022 reveal a strong association between air pollution and non-small cell lung cancer, with exposure to particulate matter linked to increased risk. The research underscores the need for environmental sustainability in oncology, particularly in cancer prevention and early detection.
Two large studies found a link between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased risks of cardiovascular disease, bowel cancer, and death. The findings support policies limiting ultra-processed foods and promote eating unprocessed or minimally-processed foods for improved public health.
A new UCL-led study found that most British adults support stricter tobacco regulations, including banning sales near schools and raising the legal age to 21. The survey of over 1,700 adults in England and Scotland showed strong majority support for these policies.
A new study by the American Cancer Society reports nearly 123,000 cancer deaths due to cigarette smoking in the US, resulting in over two million Person-Years of Lost Life (PYLL) and $21 billion in annual lost earnings. The losses were disproportionately higher in states with weaker tobacco control policies.
Researchers found lower stages of breast cancer in women aged 40-49 compared to those aged 50-59, with a significant decrease in stage 4 cases. This suggests that early detection through regular mammograms can lead to better health outcomes and survival rates.
Cancer incidence is projected to double in SSA by 2040, with 1.4 million cases per year expected without rapid interventions. Women are more affected by cancer than men in the region, with breast and cervical cancers among the most common types.
Canada's cancer rates are declining overall, but new cases and deaths are on the rise due to an aging population and growing numbers. Despite this, efforts in cancer prevention, screening, early detection, and treatment have led to improved survival rates for those diagnosed with cancer.
A new study suggests that while breast density knowledge may be increasing due to existing state laws, there is still room for improvement. The study found that most women with non-dense breasts did not correctly know their own density, and that lower education was associated with a lower chance of accurately knowing one's own density.
Researchers found that modeling studies have been assuming colonoscopies are more accurate than they really are, detecting fewer small adenomas. However, colonoscopy still appears effective in finding precursors of cancer.
Dr. Philip D. Greenberg has been elected as the American Association for Cancer Research President-Elect for 2022-2023. He will work to harness advances in cancer research and translate them for patient benefit, with a focus on addressing disparities in minority engagement.
The NCCN Annual Conference focuses on the cancer patient journey, featuring state-of-the-art practice algorithms, updates to clinical guidelines, and new therapies. Leading experts present treatment recommendations for various cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.
The study reveals a narrowing gap between cancer profiles in China and the USA, with converging trends in lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. China's cancer burden is expected to rise, while the US has seen reduced rates since the 1990s due to effective prevention strategies.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that half of all women will experience at least one false positive mammogram over a decade of annual breast cancer screening with 3D mammography. The risk of false positives is lower for women screened every other year, and non-dense breasts also show a lower false positive risk.
A Spanish national registry study found that over half of diagnosed lung cancer patients undergo biomarker testing, with a significant increase over the last five years. Nearly half of patients with positive test results received targeted treatment.
A consensus reached by a lung clinical community highlighted international disparities in management and outcomes of patients with lung cancer. The roadmap provides key actions to homogenize practices, facilitate earlier diagnosis, and offer equitable access to care.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) announced its newly elected class of Fellows of the AACR Academy, recognizing distinguished scientists who have propelled innovation and progress against cancer. The 2022 class consists of 33 luminaries from various scientific disciplines.
A new study found that cervical cancer incidence is increasing in low-income US counties, while plateauing in high-income counties. The study analyzed data from 2000 to 2018 and estimated trends by county-level household income and smoking prevalence.
A new study found significant increases in HPV-associated anal, oropharyngeal, and vulvar cancer in the US, particularly in low-income counties with high smoking rates. The increases were slower in higher-income areas.
New studies from Michigan Medicine researchers aim to remove financial barriers for patients who receive abnormal test results, enabling them to complete the diagnostic process. The findings suggest that removing cost barriers could save lives by increasing screening uptake, particularly among women and underserved populations.
The ESMO-WHO collaboration developed an evidence-based methodology for evaluating national medication formularies, helping Kazakhstan update its list of essential cancer medicines and treatment protocols. The approach resulted in increased budget allocation to cancer care and improved access to high-quality treatments.
A study investigated the common use of extended radiation therapy for patients with metastatic cancer nearing the end of life. Despite guidelines advising against this practice, researchers found that it is still used in many cases. The study aims to shed light on this treatment approach and its implications for patient care.
Pediatric clinicians play a crucial role in ensuring access to critical resources for children with chronic medical conditions or special education needs. Clinicians should address school-related challenges and provide support to help these patients keep up academically with their peers.
Researchers are part of a five-year global study examining the behavioral and long-term health impacts of different regulatory approaches to e-cigarettes and other new nicotine products among youth and adults in seven countries. The study aims to inform US public policy based on evidence, maximizing population health.
A recent study published in JNCCN found that 33 out of 81 studies lacked transparency on censoring, which can introduce bias and affect trial results. The researchers emphasize the need for improved transparency and reporting in clinical trials to ensure patients and clinicians make informed decisions.
A recent study by NTU Singapore has found a strong link between increasing air pollution and the rise of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer. The study also discovered that declining smoking rates are associated with lower incidence of lung squamous cell carcinoma.
A study published in JNCCN found that 45% of people with cancer prefer telemedicine over in-person visits, while general patient satisfaction scores are equally high. The research also revealed that patients preferred video conferencing over audio-only appointments and that telemedicine can reduce treatment-related costs.
The new ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline provides comprehensive guidance on diagnosing, staging, and treating patients with metastatic breast cancer. The guideline incorporates recent clinical trial data to inform treatment choices, taking into account tumour biology and emerging targeted therapies.
A study found that only a third of public health policies had been fully implemented globally by 2020, with low-income countries and those with high corporate influence showing slow progress. The researchers suggest that corporate influence cancelled out the positive relationship between democracy and implementation, highlighting the n...
Two new studies examine rising cancer drug spending in the US, finding that many patients receive treatments with no documented overall survival benefit. The studies suggest that the combination of regulatory, pricing, and reimbursement policies contributes to wasteful healthcare spending.
The FIRSTMAPPP trial found that sunitinib significantly prolongs progression-free survival in patients with malignant pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. The study demonstrated the efficacy of sunitinib as a treatment option for this rare cancer, which is commonly treated with old and toxic agents.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Bristol found that exposure to false tweets about e-cigarettes' harm can deter adult smokers from quitting. The study recruited 2,400 UK and US adults who were not using e-cigarettes and showed them different health-related information on Twitter.
A systematic review of epidemiological studies found that muscle strengthening exercises associated with aerobic activities can significantly reduce cancer mortality. The analysis suggested that strength training twice a week can protect against cancer, with the benefit being even greater when combined with aerobic activities.
A recent study by the American Cancer Society found a strong association between economic mobility and racial disparities in mortality in the US. The study suggests that structural racism has persisted with similar magnitude across generations, leading to increased death rates among Black individuals compared to their White counterparts.
A new WHO study found an association between alcohol consumption and a substantially higher risk of several forms of cancer, including breast, colon, and oral cancers. In Canada, alcohol use was linked to 7,000 new cases of cancer in 2020.
Researchers gathered data on prison cancer diagnoses to understand barriers in delivering quality healthcare. The study aims to improve prison cancer care through patient and public involvement.
A new University of Kentucky study will examine the effects of flavored tobacco product restrictions on health disparities among communities of color, low-income populations, and youth. The research aims to inform community leaders about how policies can help eliminate health inequities.
Researchers aim to develop a personalized approach to adaptive radiation therapy (ART) using computerized tomography (CT) technology. The goal is to balance the needs of patients, clinicians, and insurers by adapting treatment strategies in real-time.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that California's tobacco sales age increase from 18 to 21 has reduced smoking rates among 18-20-year-olds, but not non-daily smokers. The law change was associated with a decrease in 'daily' smoking prevalence, from 2.2% in 2016 to nearly zero in 2019.
A new study from Ohio State University reveals that women with high-risk profiles struggle to access genetic counseling and testing due to financial constraints. The research emphasizes the need for greater transparency in healthcare pricing and policies to eliminate barriers to early cancer detection.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly challenges cancer prevention and control in Africa, diverting resources away from cancer patients. However, this crisis also creates opportunities for innovation and improved access to cancer care.
A majority of hospitalized patients support eliminating processed meats from hospital menus to reduce cancer risk. Processed meat is linked to various health issues, including colorectal, stomach, and pancreatic cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
A recent survey by the American Cancer Society found that nearly 1 in 5 cancer patients are less likely to enroll in clinical trials during the pandemic. The top reason cited is fear of COVID-19 exposure. This could lead to reduced enrollment in trials already struggling to find patients.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a huge backlog of cancer treatments and research, with delays and cancellations reported across 18 countries. Oncology professionals are also facing burnout and wellbeing damage due to the pandemic's impact on their workload and job performance.
A UCLA-led study found that school HPV vaccine policies in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia significantly increased vaccination rates among adolescents. The expansion of such policies could lead to higher vaccination rates and reduced cancer risk, particularly for cervical, oral, and rectal cancers.
The European Parliament has launched a new report on radioligand therapy, highlighting its potential to improve targeted cancer care. The report identifies barriers to adoption and recommends increasing multidisciplinary care and boosting real-world data collection.