Stand Up To Cancer

In the wake of this week's news that the US Preventative Services Task Force has revised its recommendations on screening mammography - more on that in a different entry to come - a new report indicates that only 25% of adults aged 50 to 64 in the US are getting their recommended cancer screenings. "This is really looking at untapped opportunities to improve the health of adults," said the report's co-author. "It really talks about broadening the use of these potentially lifesaving preventive services."
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/11/19/too-few-older-adults-get-recommended-screenings.html

Meanwhile, the debate over the new screening recommendations rages on. Though the USPSTF stresses that it is not telling women under 50 not to receive mammograms but rather encouraging them to talk to their doctors about it, groups like the ACS have been quick to speak out against the recommendations, which they say have the potential to impact Medicare reimbursement as well as reimbursement from private payors.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/19/earlyshow/health/main5710326.shtml

The parents of an 11-year-old girl who passed away from cancer in August have taken Capitol Hill by storm. Their daughter, who appears to have been a victim of a "cancer cluster" seen in their hometown of Clyde, Ohio, inspired them to fight to be sure the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Act receives its $30 million in annual funding. "It's been a long day, but it's been very worthwhile," said Warren Brown. "Has anyone committed to saying the $30 million will be there? No. Are there some intimations the money will be there? I would say yes."
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091119/NEWS16/911199971

According to fresh research from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, smoking-related bladder cancer is on the rise. You read that right: not lung, but bladder cancer. Dartmouth Medical School has observed that the risk of developing smoking-related bladder cancer has increased in New Hampshire since the 90s. An accompanying editorial points out that this could be the result of changes in the contents of cigarettes over the years.
http://professional.cancerconsultants.com/oncology_main_news.aspx?id=44306

Finally, an engineering researcher at University of Florida has designed a "micro-endoscope" to detect the early warning signs of cancer in the body. The device can see beneath the surface of tissues to reveal abnormal groups of cells or unusual growth patterns before cancerous growths become visible. The engineer says the endoscopes could also be used to assess how well treatment is going and could help in surgical planning.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119121304.htm

That's all for this week, but check back next Thursday for more news you can use!

--Cat