Wildfires are complicating cancer care: Study
Wildfires and other climate-induced weather extremes are posing an increased threat to cancer patients by shifting their treatment trajectories and access to care, a new study has determined.
Patients recovering from lung cancer surgery within an active wildfire zone required longer hospital stays than those in areas that had no such blazes, scientists reported in the study, published on Wednesday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
These lengthier stays could be due to the reluctance of health care providers to discharge patients to a hazardous environment, housing instability or safety issues — or due to the unavailability of routine post-op care, staff shortages or shuttered rehab centers, according to the study.
'There are currently no guidelines for protecting the health and safety of patients recovering from lung cancer surgery during wildfires in the United States,' lead author Leticia Nogueira, scientific director of health services research at the American Cancer Society, said in a statement.
'In the absence of guidelines, clinicians might resort to improvisational strategies,' Nogueira added, noting that doing so serves to 'better protect the health and safety of patients during wildfires.'
The complex nature of post-operative recovery from lung cancer procedures coupled with wildfire disasters pose considerable threats to patient health, beyond exposure to smoke, the authors stressed.
For example, they pointed to factors like water and soil contamination, evacuation orders while handling mobility and cognitive challenges, disruptions in pharmacy and grocery hours and changes in transportation accessibility.
Nogueira and her colleagues studied data available via the National Cancer Database for individuals 18 years or older who received a lobectomy or pneumonectomy for stages 1 to 3 lung cancer between 2004 and 2021.
They then evaluated differences between the length of stay for wildfire-exposed patients — those hospitalized in a Presidential Disaster Declaration area between the dates of surgery and discharge — and unexposed patients treated at the same facility during a non-disaster period.
The results revealed that patients exposed to a wildfire disaster had hospital stays that were on average two days longer: 9.4 days in comparison to 7.5 days.
That two-day difference, which applied to patients across all stages of cancer, could take a toll on U.S. health care systems, as hospital stays nationwide cost about $1,500 per day, according to the study.
As climate change continues to intensify and extend wildfire season, the researchers urged health care institutions to adapt and improve their clinical and disaster preparedness strategies for specific patient populations. These tactics, the authors continued, must also account for environmental influences.
'This study is just the tip of the iceberg showing how extreme weather may be impacting patients with chronic illnesses,' senior author Amruta Nori-Sarma, deputy director of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Center for Climate Health and the Global Environment, said in a statement.
'As the wildfire season gets longer and more intense, and wildfires start affecting broader swathes of the U.S. population, health care providers need to be ready with updated guidance that best protects their patients' health,' Nori-Sarma added.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
How AI Is Helping Cancer Patients: Saving Lives And Money
Medical technology concept. Medical doctor. getty Cancer treatment is costly. The average cost of cancer care in the U.S. is around $150,000 per patient—more than four times the cost of treatment for other common health conditions, according to AARP. The American Cancer Society projected that In 2025, more than 2 million people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with cancer, with over 618,000 deaths projected. With these high costs, artificial intelligence (AI) is offering new solutions that are not only saving lives but also making cancer care more affordable. Early detection is one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer treatment costs. When cancer is caught in its earliest stages, treatments tend to be less aggressive and more affordable. At The Christ Hospital, AI has significantly improved lung cancer detection. 'Nearly 70% of lung cancer cases are now found at stage I or II, well above the national average of 46%,' said Seth Howard, executive vice president of research and development at Epic. 'In just six months, over 60 patients started treatment earlier, significantly improving their chances of survival.' By diagnosing cancer earlier, AI allows doctors to offer more cost-effective treatment options, which helps lower the financial burden on both patients and healthcare systems. ArteraAI is another example of how AI is transforming cancer care. Their AI technology is helping doctors determine which cancer treatments are best for their patients, preventing unnecessary therapies. 'AI is the most transformative tech we've had in a long time,' said Andre, founder of Artera. 'The impact AI has had on the healthcare system is as powerful as computers have had on the healthcare system. With the ArteraAI Prostate Test, we can personalize treatments, reducing unnecessary costs while improving outcomes.' The ArteraAI Prostate Test is fully reimbursed by Medicare under its established payment rate, meaning no out-of-pocket costs for eligible Medicare patients. This makes prostate cancer care more affordable and reduces financial strain during treatment. Surgery is often a key part of cancer treatment. Proprio, a company that has developed AI-powered surgical technology, provides surgeons with real-time data during operations, reducing the need for traditional imaging like CT scans and X-rays. This technology allows for faster surgeries, less strain on hospital staff, and quicker recovery times, which ultimately lowers the cost of care for patients. Another breakthrough demonstrating AI's transformative potential in cancer care is AION Biosystems' TempShield device. A recent study showed that TempShield, an AI-powered wearable thermometer for oncology patients, can reduce mortality rates by an astonishing 90% among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and inpatient hospital stays by 79%. This innovation addresses a crucial, yet often overlooked, fact: more than 50% of cancer deaths are preventable because they result from infections like pneumonia rather than cancer itself. If you spot a temperature spike (and hence an infection) early and treat it, you save lives. TempShield's continuous temperature monitoring provides clinicians with alerts up to 72 hours before symptoms of infection appear, enabling earlier intervention. 'The real danger in cancer care isn't just the disease—it's the complications we miss,' said Sam Barend, CEO of AION Biosystems. 'TempShield is a game-changer: small, simple, and affordable, and it's helping save lives by catching infections before symptoms appear—just like the blood glucose monitor did for diabetes.' AI is revolutionizing cancer care, not only improving outcomes but also making treatment more affordable. Early detection, personalized treatment, and more efficient surgeries all contribute to lowering the financial burden on patients while providing better care. With innovations like the ArteraAI Prostate Test and TempShield, AI is making cancer care smarter, more accessible, and more cost-effective for patients across the globe. As AI technologies continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly play an even greater role in both saving lives and reducing the financial strain of cancer treatment.
Black America Web
3 days ago
- Black America Web
The Color Of Health: The Power Of Early Checkups And Why Black Men Shouldn't Wait To See A Doctor
Source: creative services / other When it comes to health, early detection often means the difference between life and death. For Black men in particular, routine checkups and annual screenings are more than just good practice—they are critical. Despite ongoing advancements in medicine, Black men continue to face some of the highest rates of chronic illness and early mortality in the United States. Regular health screenings can play a crucial role in closing that gap. Statistically, Black men are more likely to develop and die from conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers, particularly prostate and colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, Black men have the highest cancer death rate of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. Luckily, many of these illnesses are preventable or manageable when caught early. Yet, studies show that Black men are less likely than other groups to get regular medical checkups and their yearly screenings. According to Dr. Samantha Somwaru, a family medicine physician, the reasons range from lack of access to healthcare and financial barriers to systemic racism, mistrust of the medical system, and cultural stigma around showing vulnerability. 'As a family physician, I come across many people who don't utilize preventive screenings for various reasons, but some of them truly have limited barriers to getting good care,' Dr. Somwaru explained during a 2023 interview with the Mayo Clinic. 'Racial and social disparities are some examples that continue to exist and affect the entire country, especially the Black population. Each must be examined and addressed to reduce health disparities and save lives.' She also pointed out that accessibility is a major barrier. Scheduling routine screenings isn't always simple. It often requires reliable transportation, health insurance, health literacy, time off from work, and family support. When these resources are lacking, patients are far less likely to seek preventive care. Routine medical visits can help identify risk factors long before symptoms show up. Many chronic conditions and cancers, such as hypertension, diabetes, or prostate cancer, often develop silently in their early stages, making regular screenings and lab tests critical for early detection when treatment is most effective. Preventative care during these visits also reduces the risk of serious illness, as doctors can offer vaccines, suggest lifestyle changes, and recommend proactive treatments. For those already managing chronic conditions, ongoing medical attention helps maintain stability and avoid complications. Regular checkups also provide a safe space to address mental health concerns, something that's often overlooked, especially among Black men, due to cultural stigma. These appointments can be a gateway to therapy, support services, and broader wellness. Seeing a doctor early and often shouldn't be a last resort. It's a form of self-respect and empowerment. Reframing healthcare as a proactive, strength-based step—rather than a reaction to sickness—can help dismantle generational barriers to care. Thankfully, community health initiatives, Black-led health organizations, and trusted voices in Black communities are increasingly stepping up to encourage regular screenings and doctor visits among Black men. For example, the Annual Black Men's Wellness Day, held in various cities, is a community event that focuses on raising awareness about health issues disproportionately affecting Black men and providing free screenings. It's a huge step forward, but real change also starts on an individual level with one person deciding their life and well-being are worth prioritizing. If it's been a while since your last visit to the doctor, it's important to come prepared with key topics to discuss—especially if you want to take a proactive approach to your health. Start by asking about your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar, as these are vital indicators of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions that often go unnoticed in their early stages. If you're over 40 or have a family history of cancer, be sure to request screenings for prostate and colon cancer, which are more treatable when caught early. It's also a good idea to check in on your mental health and share any mood changes, sleep issues, or stress you may be experiencing, as your primary care provider can help connect you with mental health support if needed. Don't forget to review your vaccine status and ask about any recommended boosters or preventative shots. Lastly, take the opportunity to discuss your daily habits, such as diet, exercise, alcohol use, and smoking. Small lifestyle adjustments can have a big impact on your long-term health. Black men, don't wait for a wake-up call. Early checkups aren't just about avoiding illness, they're about reclaiming control, protecting families, and breaking cycles. Don't wait until something feels wrong. Go to the doctor, ask the hard questions, and advocate for your health because your life depends on it. SEE MORE: Why We Need Culturally Competent Doctors The Color Of Health: Changing The Narrative Around Mental Health In The Black Community SEE ALSO The Color Of Health: The Power Of Early Checkups And Why Black Men Shouldn't Wait To See A Doctor was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Former president's diagnosis pushes prostate cancer discussion center stage
TUPELO – Dr. Benjamin Hinton has no problem recommending men have a PSA blood test annually. The test looks for prostate-specific antigen in the blood. "It is entirely reasonable," said Hinton, a radiation oncologist with North Mississippi Medical Center Radiation Oncology. "Prostate cancer in the vast majority of men presents with no symptoms until in an advanced stage." The American Cancer Society offers age recommendations to be considered regarding PSAs: * Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years * Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes Black men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65). * Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age). An argument against annual PSA tests is that it can render a false positive, which causes anxiety. An elevated PSA may signify cancer, but it doesn't always. The prostate is a reproductive gland in men that is prone to develop cancer. Considering the recent diagnosis of former President Joe Biden with Stage 4 prostate cancer, there has been more talk of the cancer and more information proffered. Biden's cancer upon diagnosis, had spread to his bones. Reports that Biden had not had a PSA since 2014 are disconcerting, especially to oncologists. "I find that puzzling," Hinton said. "But his diagnosis has brought prostate cancer to the forefront." Thanks to improved diagnostic tools, the discovery and treatment of prostate cancer has also improved. "Thirty years ago, doctors treated everyone with high PSA numbers," Hinton said. "In fact, in the '80s and '90s, historically, doctors probably over-treated prostate cancer. Some were treated who didn't need it." Things have changed. "With a new diagnosis, there is active surveillance," Hinton said. "There is a watch-and-wait approach… and there are advanced molecular studies that further stratify which cancer needs treatment and which does not." Active surveillance is a strategy involving regular checkups and tests to track changes in the cancer and intervene with treatment if it progresses. The type of treatment relies on the stage of the prostate cancer. The more aggressive cancer, obviously, will receive the most aggressive treatment. That may include radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and other treatments. Prostate cancer kills more men in the U.S. than any other type, Hinton said. "Normally, men have less interaction with physicians than women," he said. "There are no babies, Pap smears, mammograms, so they likely see doctors much less frequently." When caught early, the cure rate for prostate cancer is very good — 90-plus percent, Hinton said. Prostate cancer screening offers early detection which allows earlier treatment. Earlier treatment offers the potential for better outcomes and a higher chance for a cure. Whether the results eventually present peace of mind or a plan of action, the PSA is a crucial part of men's health care. "And with prostate cancer, you may not know you have it unless you go looking for it," Hinton said.
