Articles tagged with Cancer Policy
A commentary in the journal Gastroenterology argues that current policy harms low-income patients by not waiving their share of coverage costs for screening. The authors recommend waiving coinsurance and copay for diagnostic procedures associated with screening, as well as value-based and evidence-based benefit design.
A new American Cancer Society study found that combustible tobacco cigarettes cost less to purchase than equivalent amounts of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in 44 of 45 countries sampled. The price gap exists despite the fact that e-cigarettes are not yet widely subjected to comparable excise taxes as combustible cigarettes.
The report highlights the need for increased data collection and research on cancer risk, incidence, and prevalence in LGBT communities. It recommends collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) information to support targeted cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
A recent study involving one million patients found that follow-up times for abnormal screening exams were shorter for breast cancer than for colorectal and cervical cancers. The study characterized cancer screening practice variation across seven centers and noted the potential barriers to timely follow-up, including patient inconveni...
A major new Commission reveals that over three-quarters of people with cancer worldwide have no access to safe surgery, with the global economy facing potential losses of over $6 trillion by 2030. The shortage is worst in low-income countries, where as many as 95% of people with cancer do not receive basic cancer surgery.
Studies in the September Health Affairs issue reveal declining global mortality rates for heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, but increasing trends in diabetes, liver cancer, respiratory disease, and lung cancer deaths, particularly among women and in low- and middle-income countries.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has issued a new statement on tobacco control and smoking cessation, calling for increased taxes on tobacco products to reduce cigarette smoking. The organization also emphasizes comprehensive advertising and promotion bans and product regulation, including pack warnings.
A new study found that cancer survivors may face limited options for adoption due to agency policies, but a training program for oncology healthcare providers can provide valuable information. Cancer survivors often turn to adoption due to infertility caused by cancer treatments, but the process is long and costly.
A study of 1,949 women found that nearly half considered double mastectomy but only 37% knew it didn
A rapidly expanding elderly population is projected to face significant challenges accessing high-quality cancer care in Mexico due to diagnostic delays and financial burdens. The country's aging population is anticipated to experience a 75% rise in new cancer cases by 2030.
Countries with higher cancer spending have consistently lower cancer mortality rates, with a 17% decrease in amenable mortality. Increased spending on breast cancer treatment also leads to improved survival rates without significant cost increases, but more research is needed to contain costs.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center opinion argues that announcing the causality could save lives. The link between UV tanning and skin cancer is supported by eight out of nine criteria used to determine a causal relationship in disease, including strength of association, consistency of association, and temporality.
A recent study by Samir Soneji found that the US spends significantly more on cancer treatment than Western European countries, yet mortality rates have decreased only modestly since 1970. The study suggests that much of this spending may be unnecessary and not leading to significant quality-adjusted-life-year gains.
Researchers used the mortality-to-incidence ratio to identify global disparities in colorectal cancer screening and treatment. Countries with lower-than-expected ratios have strong national health systems with formal screening programs.
Researchers developed novel indicators to assess and quantify 'progress' and 'value' in cancer research. The PACE Continuous Innovation Indicators provide a visual representation of progress over time, helping identify gaps and needs.
Delayed cancer diagnoses are often caused by limitations in scientific knowledge and the delivery of healthcare, not poor professional performance. Despite this, policy initiatives focusing on GP referral times may be ineffective. Researchers advocate for better information about diagnostic challenges to improve diagnosis and care.
Researchers at UNC Health Care are testing the effect of physical activity calorie expenditure (PACE) labels on consumers' food decisions. The goal is to determine if labeling calories with equivalent exercise time can lead to reduced calorie consumption.
A partial smoking ban at a homeless shelter led to reduced expired carbon monoxide levels, indicating less smoking and/or secondhand smoke exposure. Residents supported the policy change, with most smokers believing it would improve resident health.
A Yale study found that patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who underwent conventional surgery had better long-term outcomes than those treated with radiosurgery. The study used Medicare billing records of 1,078 patients and found a significant difference in complications and mortality rates between the two groups.
A recent study found that states with higher Medicaid payments for office visits have more likely recipients to receive breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings. Eliminating asset tests can also increase the likelihood of receiving cancer screenings by helping low-income individuals remain enrolled in Medicaid.
The Lancet Oncology publishes a major new Commission examining the challenges to effective cancer control in China, India, and Russia. The report highlights disparities in access to cancer care, poor quality of data collection, and barriers to improving cancer care related to social, economic, and environmental factors.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that a faster and less expensive form of radiotherapy for treating prostate cancer may come with a higher rate of urinary complications. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a newer treatment option that can be completed in one to two weeks, compared to seven to nine weeks for intens...
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that cancer patients seeking information from non-clinician sources were more likely to receive PET scans. The study suggests that exposure to cancer-related information and promotional materials may drive the use of unnecessary imaging procedures.
A new American Cancer Society study reveals that uninsured adolescents and young adults are disproportionately diagnosed with late-stage cancer due to lack of insurance. The research suggests that expanding health coverage, such as the Affordable Care Act, can lead to fewer late-stage diagnoses and ultimately save lives.
Researchers from Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center analyzed cancer patients' statistics, finding higher costs associated with complications. The study found that even small increases in hospitalization costs could be substantial, with respiratory failure resulting in a cost increase of over 50% for all cancer resections.
A study by Penn State researchers found that US citizenship increases a woman's likelihood of receiving mammograms and cancer tests. Foreign-born non-citizens have significantly lower odds of being screened for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers compared to U.S.-born citizens.
The CEO Cancer Gold Standard program, developed by Johnson & Johnson, promotes workplace health promotion and industry practices that support cancer prevention and treatment. Employers can influence healthcare policies and reimbursement through data-driven decision making and the '5 Pillars' framework.
A new study found that regions near petroleum refineries and manufacturing plants releasing benzene have significantly higher non-Hodgkin lymphoma incidence rates. The risk of the disease decreases with increasing distance to these facilities.
Rural cancer survivors experience poorer health due to higher rates of smoking and lack of physical activity. The study found that 25% of rural smokers compared to 16% of urban smokers reported lower rates of regular exercise, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new UCI study found that assessing comorbidities can help target prostate cancer patients who may not benefit from a biopsy, potentially reducing unnecessary procedures. The study identified 20% of men as high-risk due to existing health conditions, suggesting alternative care options.
A new study estimates that LDCT screening for lung cancer can delay or prevent approximately 12,000 deaths each year in the United States. The potential benefits of widespread LDCT screening are significant, given that half of current smokers will die from smoking-related diseases.
Claudia R. Baquet, M.D., M.P.H., is being honored for her contributions to cancer health disparities research. She will deliver the third annual AACR Distinguished Lecture on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities.
High doses of beta-carotene, selenium, and folic acid have been shown to increase cancer risk in a recent study. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has warned that these supplements should not be taken beyond their recommended daily allowance.
According to Washington University public health researchers, more than half of all cancer is preventable through lifestyle choices and societal changes. The main obstacles to implementing these strategies include skepticism, short-term focus, intervening too late in life, research focusing on treatment rather than prevention, debate a...
A new study has found that cancer patients with breast, melanoma, testicular, and endometrial cancers are more likely to be referred to a specialist after just one or two consultations. In contrast, patients with less common cancers such as multiple myeloma, pancreatic, stomach, and ovarian cancer require three or more visits before re...
The updated guidelines emphasize the importance of creating social and physical environments that support healthy behaviors. The report includes recommendations for community action to accompany individual choices, highlighting the need for public policy and environmental changes.
A review of 1,181 women from five countries found that many struggled with returning to work due to unrealistic expectations, lack of support, and physical appearance judgments. Employers must educate themselves and provide better support and policies to tackle the culture of ignorance.
The Louisiana Tumor Registry will collaborate with state pediatric organizations and the pediatric oncology community to rapidly collect and report pediatric cancer cases. The new database will be a valuable tool for researchers and health professionals working to control cancer in children.
The report highlights the urgent need for simplified and integrated patient treatment pathways, new models of care with lower cost bases, and a whole new approach to expensive interventions. Radical action is required to make cancer care fair and affordable for all citizens.
A new study found that graphic cigarette package warning labels, including images of lung and mouth cancer, can significantly reduce demand for cigarettes. The experimental auction involved 404 adult smokers from four states, who bid on packs with different kinds of warning labels.
Researchers will study diet, weight, physical activity, and environment's impact on cancer and cancer survivorship. The goal is to reduce cancer-related deaths from obesity and improve treatments.
A recent study found that cancer survivors have lower employment rates (8-9%) and work fewer hours (3-6 hours/week) compared to their peers without a history of cancer. The researchers suggest that the findings may be attributed to factors such as changing priorities, employment discrimination, or inadequate workplace accommodations.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that cancer survivors in the US spend an average of $9,300 per year on medical expenses, significantly more than those who have never had cancer. The study also revealed gender and demographic disparities in healthcare spending among cancer survivors.
Global Bridges, a healthcare alliance for tobacco dependence treatment, is launching training in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The first training will engage 15 health care professionals from Jordan and focus on culturally appropriate tobacco dependence treatment.
A healthcare alliance has launched a training program in Mexico to address the significant rates of tobacco usage in Latin America. The program aims to enhance access to proven treatment methods and promote effective tobacco control policies across the region.
A recent U-M study reveals that cancer survivors are likely to experience pain at some point in their care, with 43% of racially diverse survivors experiencing pain since diagnosis. The study also found that women and blacks are more prone to chronic pain and disability due to pain.
A £4.7m Policy Research Unit will focus on improving cancer screening and diagnosis in the UK. The team from Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry aims to identify key symptoms that should prompt GPs to take action, with the goal of boosting survival rates and reducing mortality.
Despite high burden of disease, many cancers are preventable or treatable with generic drugs, education, and training. Initiatives like vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B virus can significantly impact cancer mortality. GTF.CCC aims to support existing initiatives and improve health systems in LMICs.
A leading international expert in vitamin D, Anthony Norman, recommends increasing daily intake to 2,000-4,000 IU for most adults to maximize health benefits. This could effectively eradicate rickets in infants and reduce the frequency of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune type-1 diabetes.
A study found that a 10% increase in cigarette pricing resulted in an 18.2% decline in smoking among individuals with alcohol, drug or mental disorders. This suggests that increasing tobacco taxes could be an effective way to curb smoking among vulnerable populations.
A new study found that increased Medicare payments for outpatient bladder cancer surgeries led to a significant rise in procedure numbers and overall healthcare costs. The study suggests that some Medicare policies may actually contribute to an increase in healthcare expenditures rather than reducing costs.
Researchers found substantial racial and ethnic disparities in cancer survival, particularly in more treatable cancers like breast and prostate cancer. The study suggests that social disadvantage contributes to these disparities, highlighting the need for targeted health policies and interventions.
A study found that nonprofits can be seen as endorsing corporations through CSR initiatives, potentially harming their brand. Nonprofits may use licensing agreements or cause-related marketing to partner with companies.
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) induces telomerase expression in both normal and malignant human cells, stimulating cell proliferation and immortalization. Additionally, a dietary supplement containing selenium, vitamin E, and beta-carotene reduces gastric cancer and overall mortality in individuals taking the supplements.
A new analysis finds that state policies meant to limit minors' indoor tanning use have had little impact, with the practice increasing in states without such policies. The study reveals five factors associated with indoor tanning use: age, gender, social attitude, parental involvement, and permission.
Dr. Jeanne Stellman urges government policy change to control carcinogenic chemicals in the workplace, citing years of wasted time examining the problem while few have championed efforts to regulate PCBs. Many hazardous chemicals remain unmonitored and unregulated, posing a significant threat to public health.
Smoke-free policies are reducing heart disease related to smoke exposure, prevalence of smoking in adults, and second-hand smoke exposure. These policies also increase smoke-free environments and have benefits for non-smokers.
Researchers explore ways to translate cancer prevention science into public health policy, highlighting the need for effective tobacco control measures. Boosting taxes, comprehensive advertising bans, smoke-free laws, and strengthening cigarette package warnings have been found to be effective in reducing tobacco consumption, but flawe...
Researchers at CAMH found that quitting alcohol can significantly reduce the risk of esophageal and oral cavity cancers, with risks decreasing rapidly after longer periods of abstention. However, stopping drinking did not immediately decrease the risk of head and neck cancer, with benefits seen only after 10 years of cessation.
A growing global cancer burden threatens low-to-medium resource countries due to limited health budgets and high communicable disease rates. Europe's successful cancer control policies demonstrate a viable approach that can be extended to these regions.