Latest KFF Health News Stories
Spread of Breast Cancer Linked to Newly Identified Gene
Many cancer deaths are caused by the spread of the cancer to other areas and not by the original tumor. Researchers found that some patients have a greater genetic predisposition to the disease spreading. Meanwhile, new data on immunotherapy drugs targeting cancer proteins show promising results.
Opinion writers delve into these public health issues.
California Child’s Bird Flu Infection Resembles Strain Sickening Dairy Cows
The H5N1 case, confirmed by the CDC, is still perplexing as the child was not known to have been exposed to sick livestock or infected animals. Additional public health news is about listeria, norovirus, heart disease, dengue, and more.
Senate Scrutiny Escalates For Dr. Oz, RFK Jr. Health Agency Nominations
Senate Democrats want answers from Dr. Mehmet Oz — who has been tapped to lead the agency that manages Medicare and Medicaid — on his previous support for eliminating traditional Medicare in favor of privatization. Also, Republican swing votes remain uncommitted on the nomination of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run HHS.
After UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Slaying, Empathy For Suspect Sparks Debate
Since Luigi Mangione was arrested Monday, people have taken to social media and the streets to vent frustration about the health insurance industry — and in some corners to express support for him. Meanwhile, what to do if your insurance claims are denied.
Democrats Work To Safeguard Reproductive Health Info From Data Brokers
Measures at state and national levels would ban brokers from selling health and location data that could be used to track patients seeking abortion care, The 19th reports. Also, despite broad abortion restrictions, most U.S. women aren’t seeking family planning services, the CDC has found.
Eat More Plant-Based Foods, According To Dietary Guidelines Advisory Panel
A report, published Tuesday, suggests eating less red and processed meats, and consuming less added sugars, sodium and saturated fat, to promote health and prevent disease. Also in the news: inflammatory foods may be linked to rise in colon cancer; not all sugar consumption is equal; and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Arizona Reports 2 Bird Flu Cases; California Has Possible 2nd Youth Infection
In other state health news: Idaho’s abortion ban heads to federal appeals court; North Carolina school nurses assist in Helene recovery; Ohio county see’s shocking increase in child fatalities; and more.
CareMax Bankruptcy Could Mean 530 Employee Layoffs, If Deal Proceeds
The Miami-based senior care provider filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month and has entered an agreement to sell to an affiliate of Revere Medical. If the deal goes through, 530 employees may be looking for new jobs. Other industry news includes: cancer therapy startup; AI in medicine; and more.
Early Myeloma Treatment May Prevent It From Turning Cancerous, Study Finds
Johnson & Johnson submitted to the FDA trial data that it hopes will lead to the first approved treatment for smoldering myeloma. Also in the news: 3D mammograms gain popularity; companies want to study GLP-1s for use in Parkinson’s treatment; and more.
Popularity Of Weight Loss Drugs Fuels Rise In Skin-Tightening Surgeries
Other public health news is on: food safety tips amidst outbreaks; fentanyl in dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico; and more.
Supreme Court Won’t Hear PhRMA Appeal Of Arkansas’ Contract Pharmacy Law
The drug industry’s application for a hearing was declined by the Supreme Court Monday. Arkansas’ law allows hospitals to use contract third-party pharmacies while participating in the federal 340B discount program. Other states have similar laws.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
AI Has The Ability To Save Kids’ Lives — And The Capacity To Cause Harm
The New York Times looks at technology that tries to detect self-harm, suicidal ideation, when students type concerning words on school-issued systems, and then alerts officials. On the flip side, NPR reports on a lawsuit that contends chatbots’ encouragements can turn dark, inappropriate, or even violent.
Nobel Laureate Group Details Reasons Why RFK Jr. Should Not Lead HHS
“Placing Mr. Kennedy in charge of DHHS would put the public’s health in jeopardy and undermine America’s global leadership in the health sciences,” more than 75 laureates wrote in a letter to senators. Meanwhile, despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s criticism of the industry and history of vaccine skepticism, pharma is staying silent about the nomination.
NYC Police Charge UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting Suspect With Murder
When arrested Tuesday in Pennsylvania, it’s reported that Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a 26 year-old from Maryland, was carrying a 3D-printed ghost gun and a manifesto citing anger with corporate America, including UnitedHealthcare. New York City police have charged Mangione with murder in the shooting of that company’s executive Brian Thompson.
After ACA, Number Of Uninsured Americans Dropped By Half: Survey
The Commonwealth Fund 2024 Biennial Health Insurance Survey found that 8 percent of Americans had no health insurance in 2023. It also found that 3 in 5 underinsured adults said they avoided care because of the cost. Separately, a Gallup poll finds that 62% of Americans think it’s the government’s job to make sure everyone has health care coverage.
First Edition: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Abortion Access In Missouri Still In Limbo, Awaiting Judge’s Ruling
Although a constitutional amendment to roll back the state’s abortion ban passed, it does not override any specific state laws, leaving Planned Parenthood’s plans to offer abortions at the mercy of the judge. Also: opioid settlement funds; methadone clinics fraud complaints in New York, and more.
