Articles tagged with Cancer Policy
A recent study found that Medicaid patients diagnosed with late-stage cancer have significantly poorer survival rates than those diagnosed earlier. The median survival was 18 months for late enrollers compared to 38 months for early enrollers and non-Medicaid patients.
A study found that state-mandated reimbursement policies were associated with an increase in phase II clinical trial enrollment, but not overall or phase III enrollment. The authors suggest that knowledge and attitudes about trials held by physicians and patients play a greater role in participation than state mandates.
A South African doctor is criticizing the government's prioritization of arms deals over women's health, citing a lack of investment in breast cancer care. The doctor urges developed countries to apply political pressure to help build better breast cancer care in Africa.
A study found that delaying chemotherapy until disease progression was equivalent to immediate treatment in overall survival and specific survival rates. Patients aged over 70 had a higher chance of not requiring chemotherapy after 10 years.
A state-by-state analysis found that states with more extensive tobacco control policies had significantly lower youth smoking rates. Desirable legislation included enforcement of smoking age restrictions and photo ID requirements.
A study by Westwood Squibb Center for Dermatology Research found that Medicare policies contradict medical practice for treating actinic keratoses, which can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. In most cases, doctors prefer to remove lesions immediately, but Medicare won't reimburse doctors who do so on the first visit.