American Cancer Society Updates Guidelines For Lung Cancer Screenings
People ages 50 to 80 who smoke now or used to smoke and have at least a "20 pack-year" history of smoking should get an annual low-dose CT scan, the group says. A "pack-year" is defined as equal to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for a year.
Stat:
Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines Updated For Cigarette Smokers
Most lung cancer screening guidelines hinge on how much people smoked tobacco and when they last smoked, but the American Cancer Society now says it doesn’t matter how long ago they quit. On Wednesday, the ACS released guidance recommending that anyone with a significant smoking history get an annual low-dose CT scan for lung cancer. (Chen, 11/1)
NPR:
Lung Cancer Screening Should Reach More People, American Cancer Society Says
In 2023, ACS researchers estimate 238,340 new cases of lung cancer (117,550 in men and 120,790 in women) will be diagnosed. By the time people are symptomatic, treatment options can be limited, so screening offers a better chance for new treatments to succeed. ... The expanded screening recommendations "could make a real difference in saving lives," says Dr. Robert Smith, who leads early cancer detection science at ACS and is the lead author of the screening guideline report. (Noguchi and Webber, 11/1)
Also —
Los Angeles Times:
Alex Trebek Fund Will Target Pancreatic Cancer Research
The Alex Trebek Fund launched Wednesday to support research into pancreatic cancer, the type of cancer the longtime “Jeopardy” host died from in 2020. ... “Alex knew that knowledge equaled power. He was a man that really loved to know things and stayed very curious,” Jean Trebek said in the statement. “Since Alex was all about the right answer, I think it’s very fitting that this fund is now established in his name. It’s a way for the community that loved him to put resources directly into the hands of scientists working tirelessly to fight a disease shrouded by many unknowns.” (Valdez, 11/1)
Military.com:
The Air Force Is Investigating Cases Of Rare Pediatric Brain Cancers. This Isn’t The First Time.
The Air Force has been investigating cases of rare pediatric brain cancers diagnosed in three military children at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico to determine whether the disease is more widespread in the region than previously reported or is occurring at higher rates than average. Epidemiologists from the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine began assessing cases of diffuse midline glioma, or DMG, and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or DIPG, at Cannon and in the surrounding area in January after concerns arose among families who have lived on the installation, according to a press release last week from the 27th Special Operations Wing. (Kime, 11/1)
Fox News:
Cervical Cancer Drug Raises Survival Rate By 30% Compared To Chemotherapy: ‘Game-Changer’
Better care for cancer patients may be on the horizon. A new prescription medicine for treating cervical cancer has been showing positive results in clinical trials. In phase 3 global trials, TIVDAK (tisotumab vedotin) was linked to a 30% overall reduction in the risk of death compared to chemotherapy. (Stabile, 11/2)
