Researchers found that restricting menthol flavor in cigarettes while making nicotine replacement therapy more available can decrease socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use. The study used an online platform to simulate the effects of policy changes on purchase behavior, showing that policies must consider interplay to be effective.
The Academic Payvider model enhances value-based care by fostering improved coordination, reduced insurance hassles, and increased staff attention. This joint approach between payers and providers aims to drive complex care down through innovative reimbursement structures.
The summit aimed to improve care for people with cancer by discussing knowledge gaps, societal stigma, and shifting policies. Experts emphasized the importance of education about sexual and reproductive health in cancer treatment.
A study published by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that ACA insurance expansions led to an increase in patients receiving care at accredited cancer hospitals in Pennsylvania. The study suggests that these expansions make a difference in improving access to high-quality cancer care, particularly for those living in areas wi...
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that school-entry requirements are linked to an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. The study showed that these requirements, currently only implemented in a few states, can lead to higher HPV vaccination rates among adolescents.
A simple blood test every five years is sufficient to screen low-risk men for prostate cancer, according to new research. Researchers found that only 0.13% of men with low PSA levels developed cancer after a decade.
A recent study found that only half of hookah packages included the required nicotine warnings, two years after federal regulation was implemented. The study led by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Dr. Jennifer Ross highlights the importance of warning labels in communicating health risks to consumers.
Almost a quarter of Australians with disabilities smoke, compared to 12.6% of the wider population. Targeted strategies are needed to address socioeconomic challenges, physical restrictions, and lack of trained professionals.
A new study from Harvard Medical School researchers found that prior authorizations for oral cancer drugs can lead to significant delays in patients' obtaining the medication, increasing the likelihood of discontinuation. The analysis of Medicare Part D claims data revealed an average delay of 10 days in refilling prescriptions after a...
A recent study published in JNCCN found that patients from underrepresented groups treated with first-line immunotherapy for advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) showed similar survival outcomes as their White counterparts. The study analyzed data from 248 patients and highlighted the need for more diverse patient representation...
Patients with breast cancer in conflict zones face significant barriers to treatment, including lack of standard procedures and funding for rebuilding capacity. This results in many patients being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, often with limited palliative care options.
A study of 185 women found that high neighborhood deprivation was associated with changes in DNA methylation and gene expression in Black women with breast cancer. This suggests a potential link between environmental factors and biological susceptibility to chronic diseases.
USC faculty members will lead a $20 million research initiative to inform government regulations on tobacco products and marketing, focusing on protecting young people from the harm of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products. The study aims to gather evidence to prevent harm and promote public health.
The study found that New York City's policy effectively reduced tobacco-related disparities, particularly in districts with lower income and greater proportions of non-Hispanic Black residents. By 2022, the city achieved more balanced levels of tobacco retail exposure across its communities.
A new report highlights the significant impact of gender inequality on women's experiences with cancer, including unequal access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The Commission calls for a more inclusive and responsive health system to address these disparities.
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.
SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2023
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.