Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
In Major Shift, Older Men With Average Risk Of Prostate Cancer Urged To Get Screened Every 2 Years
Stat: Prostate Screening Guidelines Updated By American Cancer Society
In a major change to screening guidelines, the American Cancer Society recommended on Thursday that American men between ages 50 and 69 at an average risk of prostate cancer should test their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood levels every two years. The prior guidelines, released in 2010, left testing for average-risk men to their discretion, after assessing cancer risk with a physician. (Merelli, 11/12)
More news about cancer —
The Hill: Joe Biden Says He Didn't Hide Cancer Diagnosis While President
Former President Biden said in an interview published Wednesday he did not hide his aggressive stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis while he was in the White House, adding he would not have sought a second term had he been diagnosed early. People magazine released an interview with the 46th president ahead of the release of his upcoming memoir, “Promise Me, America,” set to be published by Hachette Book Group on Nov. 17. The outlet asked Biden about what he described as the public’s “cynical twist” of his diagnosis — referring to how some people accused him of hiding his illness while in office. (Mancini, 11/11)
Los Angeles Times: Cancer Institute Backed By Larry Ellison Plans Major Layoffs In Los Angeles
The Ellison Medical Institute — a cancer research center funded by tech mogul Larry Ellison — will cut a chunk of its staff in a couple of months. The Los Angeles-based research center, led by its founding chief executive and oncologist, David Agus, plans to permanently lay off 88 employees in January, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filed Nov. 4. (Chakarian, 11/12)
ScienceDaily: Scientists Discover A Common Sugar May Help Cancer Cells Break Free And Spread
Scientists have uncovered a surprising way that fructose, a sugar commonly found in sweetened foods and drinks, may help aggressive ovarian cancer spread. Researchers discovered that cancer cells surviving chemotherapy release fructose that weakens the bonds holding neighboring tumor cells together, making it easier for cancer to spread. High dietary fructose levels and cholesterol-lowering statins also produced concerning effects in preclinical experiments. (11/11)
Newsweek: Ovarian Cancer Is Often Found Late—Scientists Uncover Hidden Early Warning
Researchers have found a way to detect an early warning sign of advanced ovarian cancer which is typically invisible to normal imaging methods. Experts at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian found that one blood marker could help clinicians identify whether a patient has serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma, a microscopic, non-invasive lesion that develops in the lining of the fallopian tube, which is an early sign of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. (Laws, 11/12)
News-Medical: New Surgical Approaches Aim To Improve Stomach Cancer Outcomes
Sometimes innovation in cancer care means developing something entirely new. Other times, it means returning to an old idea with the knowledge and tools to make it work better. (11/12)
The Washington Post: Breast Cancer Treatment Can Weaken Bones. Here’s How To Protect Them
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Oncology found that breast cancer patients were more likely to develop osteoporosis or break a bone than those who hadn’t. (Felton, 11/13)
Also —
KCCI: Iowa Young Adult Cancer Rates Rise, Registry Says
More Iowa young adults are getting a cancer diagnosis. This year, the Hawkeye State was named No. 2 in the country for those aged 20 to 39 getting the disease. (Behnke, 11/12)
Iowa Public Radio: UI Study Finds Pesticides In Water, Leaves And Indoor Dust
A University of Iowa study provides new insights into the ways pesticides move through Iowa’s environment. The researchers detected common farm chemicals in samples from streams and rivers in northeast Iowa. They also found pesticides in leaves from Iowa City and indoor dust from homes across the state. A growing body of research suggests exposure to certain pesticides increases risks for adverse health outcomes, including cancer, neurological disorders and hormone disruptions. (Cramer, 11/12)
