Latest news with #Non-HispanicBlack
Medscape
14-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Fast Five Quiz: Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment Issues
Breast cancer care has made remarkable strides in recent years, with advancements in imaging, targeted therapies, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and personalized medicine leading to improved survival rates. Despite these innovations, the management of metastatic and advanced breast cancer remains complex, with treatment-related complications posing significant challenges. From cardiotoxicity to issues such as fatigue, neuropathy, and bone loss, understanding these potential effects is essential for optimizing patient care. As survival rates improve, addressing these challenges becomes even more critical in ensuring long-term well-being. How well do you understand the treatment complications of metastatic and advanced breast cancer? Take this quick quiz and test your knowledge. Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) targeted therapies are associated with a higher risk for treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity, particularly in causing cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction during and after treatment. Anthracycline-based and HER2-targeted therapies pose significant risks of cardiovascular toxicity, including heart failure, making them a major concern for long-term breast cancer survivors. Although antibody-drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitors are being rapidly developed and used alongside traditional chemotherapy, their cardiovascular toxicity risks remain less well understood and appear to be lower compared with HER2-targeted treatments. Additionally, sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have shown promise in cardioprotection rather than contributing to cardiovascular toxicity. Learn more about HER2-targeted therapies. A key complication associated with whole-brain radiotherapy is neurocognitive decline. Whole-brain radiotherapy can cause long-term impairments in verbal learning, memory, executive function, and verbal fluency, primarily due to hippocampal dysfunction. Stereotactic radiosurgery can affect verbal learning, memory, fine motor coordination, and executive function. Meningitis, seizures, and hemorrhage are complications more commonly associated with surgical treatment of brain metastases, not whole-brain radiotherapy. Learn more about brain metastasis in metastatic breast cancer. According to a comprehensive analysis, non-Hispanic Black patients with late-stage breast cancer had higher rates of chemotherapy-related complications compared with non-Hispanic White patients. This includes higher rates of cardiomyopathy, diarrhea/enteritis, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, neuropathy, lung disease, pain, dehydration/hypovolemia, rash, and infusion reactions. Non-Hispanic Black patients also had higher rates of cardiovascular toxicities such as acute myocardial infarction and pneumonitis. Non-Hispanic White patients had higher rates of being diagnosed with psychological issues, although non-Hispanic Black patients had higher rates of cognitive decline and dementia. There were no significant differences in overall immune-related toxicities between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White patients. These racial disparities in breast cancer treatment-related adverse events might be due to non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White patients receiving different treatments. Non-Hispanic Black patients have a higher probability of receiving adjuvant therapy, whereas non-Hispanic White patients have a higher probability of undergoing curative-intent breast cancer surgery and being prescribed endocrine therapy. Learn more about breast cancer treatment protocols. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that although various postoperative complications can occur, seroma is the most frequently reported. It involves the accumulation of fluid at the surgical site, which can lead to discomfort, delayed wound healing, and, in some cases, infection. Other complications, such as hematoma, surgical-site infection, and chronic neuropathic postoperative pain, are also recognized but occur less frequently. Learn more about surgical treatment of breast cancer. Calcium channel blockers are preferred for managing cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction in patients with advanced breast cancer and hypertension, due to their cardiovascular benefits. Calcium channel blockers, particularly in combination with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, provide superior cardiovascular outcomes compared with beta-blockers and diuretics in hypertensive patients undergoing cardiotoxic chemotherapy. They effectively reduce blood pressure variability and arterial stiffness, contributing to improved cardiovascular health. Although diuretics are commonly used to manage hypertension and heart failure, they do not provide the same protective cardiovascular benefits as calcium channels blockers or renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in this specific patient population. Although statins might reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, their efficacy in preventing cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction remains controversial due to conflicting results from major clinical trials. Beta-blockers are used for heart failure management but are not the preferred antihypertensive agents in patients undergoing cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Learn more about signs and symptoms of hypertension.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
30% of maternal deaths happen after 6 weeks—but most are preventable
A new JAMA Network Open study published April 2025 confirms a new troubling trend: from 2018 to 2022, pregnancy-related deaths rose by nearly 28% in the U.S., hitting 32.6 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2022. While the numbers are sobering, experts say the vast majority of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable—and that's where the real story begins. Researchers analyzed 6,283 deaths tied to pregnancy over a five-year span and found persistent and preventable causes: Cardiovascular conditions were the top killers, but mental health disorders and drug- and alcohol-related causes were major drivers of deaths after delivery—what's known as late maternal death. These later deaths (which occur 43 days to 1 year postpartum) accounted for nearly a third of pregnancy-related fatalities. In fact, 30% of maternal deaths occur after six weeks postpartum—a clear indicator that current postpartum care models are missing the mark. The biggest increase in death rates was among moms aged 25–39, the age group that births the majority of American babies. If the U.S. could match the rate of the best-performing state (California), nearly 2,679 lives could've been saved. That's 2,679 moms who didn't need to die. Related: 84% of pregnancy-related deaths in the US are preventable, CDC says The disparities are as devastating as ever. The study found that: American Indian and Alaska Native women had the highest mortality rate—106.3 per 100,000 births, nearly four times higher than white women. Non-Hispanic Black women followed, at 76.9 deaths per 100,000, about 2.8 times the rate of white women. These aren't just 'health statistics'—they're the legacy of a system that continues to underserve, underprotect, and undervalue the lives of mothers of color. Related: Maternal deaths are dropping—but Black moms are still at the highest risk The report also included a state-by-state breakdown that paints a sobering picture: Alabama and Mississippi topped the list for the highest mortality rates—nearly 59 deaths per 100,000. California came in with the lowest rate at 18.5 per 100,000. Why? Likely because of strong statewide maternal health programs, better access to Medicaid, and more equitable care practices. This underscores a troubling reality: where you give birth in the U.S. can significantly shape your maternal health outcomes. The new study is a massive wake up call—and a call to action. Too many new moms are falling through the cracks after they leave the hospital. The report highlights that postpartum care (or the lack of it) is a glaring gap, especially for women managing chronic conditions, mental health challenges, or who just don't have access to regular primary care. The solutions are simple, but not politically easy: Expand access to Medicaid postpartum coverage beyond 60 days. Fund community-based doula and midwife care. Ensure every new mother gets intensive support from her providers and community after she gives birth (not just before). Address racial bias in medical settings head-on. Integrate mental health screening and support into postpartum checkups. And yes—make paid leave and affordable childcare the default, not a dream. Because every mom deserves more than just survival—she deserves support, dignity, and care that continues long after delivery.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is a stroke, and who is most at risk?
(NewsNation) — A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. When that happens, parts of the brain become damaged or die. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a stroke can lead to lasting brain damage, long-term disability and even death. The two types of stroke are ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. A transient ischemic attack, sometimes called a mini-stroke or a warning stroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is usually blocked for no more than five minutes. What are the silent symptoms of heart disease? Most strokes are ischemic strokes, caused by blood clots or other particles blocking the blood vessels to the brain. Plaque buildup in blood vessels can also cause blockages. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures, causing the leaked blood to put large amounts of pressure on brain cells and leading to damage. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death for Americans and a leading cause of long-term disability. Each year, approximately 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke — 610,000 of which are first-time strokes. About 185,000, or nearly one in four, of those cases are people who have had a previous stroke. While strokes affect people from all backgrounds, risks vary by race and ethnicity. The risk of having a first-time stroke is nearly twice as high for non-Hispanic Black adults as the risk for white adults. Non-Hispanic Black adults and Pacific Islander adults have the highest death rates from stroke. Does high cholesterol cause heart disease? A report from the CDC shows strokes are increasing in Americans under 65. From 2011 to 2013 compared with 2020 to 2022, stroke prevalence in the U.S. increased by nearly 8% among adults 18 to 64 years old. The increase has been paralleled by those in obesity and high blood pressure in the same age group. Both conditions have been linked to an increased risk of stroke. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lawmakers, advocates push for bills to make cancer diagnosis, treatments affordable
Rep. Kathleen Fogarty, a South Kingstown Democrat, speaks about her recent cancer diagnosis while advocating for a bill to expand access to diagnostic mammograms at the Rhode Island State House on April 1, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Breast cancer is among the most common cancer diagnoses in Rhode Island, making up about 13% of diagnoses each year as well as 7% of all cancer deaths. Early detection can make a difference. South Kingstown Democratic Rep. Kathleen Fogarty is sponsoring a bill that she hopes will make mammograms, which can help with early detection, more accessible and affordable by prohibiting insurers from levying out-of-pocket costs for the diagnostic tests. 'Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and leading killer of Black women,' Fogarty said. 'Despite a lower incidence rate, Black women have a 38% higher mortality rate than white women, which I think is just disgraceful. So we really need to help out all women.' According to the state health department, more than 91% of women diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time live at least five years after being diagnosed. Fogarty knows firsthand the value of early detection. 'I will share with you that I was just diagnosed with early uterine cancer, and I am actually going in tomorrow for surgery,' Fogarty told the crowd gathered in the State House Library on Tuesday. 'So when doctors tell you, if you have any bleeding in your postmenopausal, make sure you go back to your doctor, because that's what I did.' Fogarty shared her experiences as a featured speaker at the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocacy day at the statehouse. 'I had a sister who's a nurse who stayed on top of me, and hopefully we're going to get it early enough, but tomorrow I go in for surgery,' Fogarty continued. 'I am with all of you in your fight against cancer here in Rhode Island.' Uterine cancer, when detected early, has a five-year survival rate of 95%, according to the National Cancer Institute. Averaged across different demographics and stages of disease severity, over 80% of diagnosed patients live for at least five years from diagnosis. Still, disparities exist in how cancer is diagnosed and treated, something Fogarty pointed to in her remarks. The same applies to other forms of cancer, too. Uterine cancer mortality rates, for instance, decreased for decades until rising across all demographic groups, according to a 50-year, population-based analysis published in 2023 in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women ages 30 to 39 had the highest annual increases, at 3.3% and 3.8% respectively, in uterine cancer mortality from 2001 to 2018, the study noted. Fogarty's bill — along with its twin in the Rhode Island Senate, Bill S0197 by Providence Democratic Sen. Sam Zurier, is one of three lobbied for by the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network in Rhode Island this year. The ACS estimates that 7,500 Rhode Islanders will receive cancer diagnoses this year, and it predicts 2,100 people in the state will die from the disease. 'We should be making it easier, not harder, for Rhode Islanders to afford medications, screenings, treatments that they need,' Ryan Timothy Strik, ACS CAN's government relations director in Rhode Island, said Tuesday. A third bill, this one from East Providence Democratic Sen. Robert Britto, would essentially force insurance companies to deduct copay assistance payments from patients' deductibles for medications. That would help Paul Adam, an American Cancer Society volunteer who told the crowd about his experience with the expensive biologic drugs. Biologics are derived from living organisms and often carry special handling and storage requirements. They have been a major driver of pharmaceutical development in the past two decades, and are used in a variety of hard-to-treat conditions, from cancers to autoimmune disorders like arthritis — an ailment for which Adam said he gets two shots once monthly. The drugs also tend to be expensive: Adam said his copay is $2,400 until his deductibles are met. 'Fortunately, I've been able to benefit from copay assistance, which essentially covers my copay in full,' Adam said. 'However, my insurance company stepped in. Without notice, they stopped applying my copay assistance to my deductible, all because it was coming from a third party.' Drug manufacturers have long offered copay assistance programs to offset the cost of the expensive drugs they manufacture. Insurers have retaliated in recent years by leveraging tools like copay accumulators. A 2024 review in the Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy broke it down like this: Under a manufacturer assistance program, an insurer might pay $16,000 and the manufacturer $8,000 for a drug that costs $24,000 a year. With a copay accumulator in place, the cost might be split evenly between patient, manufacturer and insurer, at $8,000 apiece. This is the third year Adam has rallied for the bill. 'I find myself with significant medical debt after three years, and more recently, had to go without my medication for six months,' Adam said. 'People shouldn't have to choose between paying their bills, putting food on the table and affording medications or screenings or treatments.' Cancer doctors have also expressed dissatisfaction with the pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) used by insurers to dispense and manage prescriptions for specialty drugs like biologics or newer cancer treatments. In a 2024 survey from Oncology News Central, 50% of the oncologists surveyed said they strongly supported legislation that would regulate PBMs ability to deliver cancer drugs. All three bills have been heard in committee hearings in their respective chambers as of Tuesday, and all three have been held for further study, as is standard practice for bills when first introduced. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Millions Of Americans Could Get Up To $1,000 A Year Under New Retirement Match Program
A new federal retirement savings program could boost wealth by up to 12% for eligible Americans, with single women and minorities standing to gain the most, according to a Morningstar report last month. The Saver's Match program, launching in 2027, will replace the current Saver's Credit and could benefit 21.9 million Americans, the Employee Benefits Research Institute reports. The program offers up to $1,000 in annual federal matching contributions for retirement savings. Single taxpayers earning up to $20,000 annually, or joint filers making up to $40,000, can receive a 50% match on retirement contributions up to $2,000. Reduced benefits extend to single filers earning between $20,000 and $35,000. Don't Miss: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —? Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?. The program particularly benefits single women, who could see retirement wealth increases of up to 13.13%, according to Morningstar. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Americans could experience gains of 14.57% and 12.10% respectively. 'It's a great tool to help incentivize savings and build on the principles of behavioral finance,' Spencer Look, associate director of retirement studies at Morningstar Retirement, told CNBC. 'Even if people only qualify for a partial match, this is free money to get from the government for retirement.' The new program improves upon the current Saver's Credit, which only 5.7% of taxpayers claimed in 2021, according to Internal Revenue Service data. Unlike its predecessor, the Saver's Match doesn't require tax liability to claim benefits. Trending: Workers in industries prone to retirement income shortfalls, including agriculture and retail, are projected to see larger wealth increases compared to other sectors. The program deposits matching funds directly into qualified retirement accounts. Successful implementation will require coordinated promotion between the Treasury Department and retirement plan sponsors to reach eligible participants, Morningstar researchers said. The long-term impact of the matching contributions could be substantial. A 22-year-old investing $2,000 annually with an 8% return could accumulate roughly $835,000 by retirement at age 67. Adding the maximum $1,000 match would increase the annual contribution to $3,000, potentially growing the retirement savings to $1.25 million. 'Seemingly small amounts of money may not feel like they'll make a huge difference. But they do when they can compound and add up over time,' Look told CNBC. Read Next: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they're on pace — Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Millions Of Americans Could Get Up To $1,000 A Year Under New Retirement Match Program originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
