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.
Daily Mail
05-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
New study reveals how higher taxes are linked to lower cancer deaths
How much you're spending on taxes could influence your risk of cancer, a study suggests. Researchers found a link between states with high tax rates and a reduction in deaths caused by cancer. For every additional $1,000 generated through tax revenue per person each year, the death rate from cancer decreased by up to four per cent. Revenue link: A new study suggests paying higher taxes lowers the risk of dying from cancer and improves the chance of getting screened for the disease High tax states such as New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey had some of the lowest mortality rates in the country, while those with less income tax including Mississippi, Tennessee and and Kentucky were among the worst. The researchers say the reason is high tax states are more likely to offer screening and other tests to catch cancer at earlier stages. For every additional $1,000 in tax revenue, cancer screening rates generally increased by up to two per cent, the study found. The researchers - from Ohio State University, Emory University in Atlanta and University of Verona in Italy - said better outcomes for states that pay more taxes could be because those taxes are funding screening method like mobile testing sites. The researchers wrote: 'Designing tax systems based on high tax revenue and progressive policies may present one aspect of a multifactorial approach to improve cancer-related outcomes, thus mitigating persistent cancer health care inequalities in the US.' The study, published Friday in JAMA Network Open, combed through data from the US Census Bureau and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy to calculate the average tax revenue per person in each state and how much rates have changed over time. Tax revenue was calculated from 1997 to 2019. The researchers also evaluated cancer mortality data from 1991 to 2021 using CDC databases. Cancer screening rates were calculated from 2020 to 2022. The average cancer mortality rate for 2021 was 174 deaths per 100,000 white Americans. In the non-Hispanic Black population, however, the mortality rate jumped up to 206 per 100,000. Kentucky had the highest overall cancer mortality rate at 205 per 100,000 people, while Utah's rate was lowest at 133 deaths per 100,000 people. Over the course of 23 years, the average national state tax revenue per person per year was $4,432. New York had the highest tax revenue per person at $8,400 with Connecticut and New Jersey following closely behind at $7,100 and $6,800, respectively. All three states had a cancer mortality rate of 160 to 168 per 100,000 people, below the national average. The lowest tax revenue was found in Alabama ($3,300), with Tennessee ($3,400) and Mississippi ($3,500), South Carolina ($3,500) and Idaho ($3,500) following. Mississippi had the second highest cancer mortality rate at 201 per 100,000 people. Rates in Tennessee and South Carolina were 193 and 184 per 100,000 people, respectively. The researchers found that for every $1,000 tax increase, cancer mortality for all cancers decreased by two percent on average. The decrease was even greater, three percent, for white individuals. For cancers with recommended screening such as colon and breast cancer, each $1,000 tax increase per capita was associated with a four percent decrease in mortality rate. This increased to five per cent for white populations. The researchers said this could be due to increased tax amounts funding state health initiatives and screening measures. These may include mobile testing sites, subsidizing the cost of transportation to a screening test or offering financial incentives for screening. Utah, however, had the lowest cancer mortality rate but also ranked among the lowest in taxes at $3,800 per capita per year. While the researchers did not provide an explanation for this, the lower risk of death could be due to less prevalence of common risk factors. In 2022, the latest data available, Utah had the nation's lowest smoking rate at seven percent. Smoking is responsible for about nine in 10 cases of lung cancer, which causes the most deaths of any other cancer in the US. Additionally, 12 per cent of adults in Utah binge drink, which is considered four or more drinks in one sitting for women and five for men. This is the lowest percentage in the U.S. Alcohol has been shown to increase levels of hormones such as estrogen, a main driver of breast cancer. It also damages cell DNA, leading cells to grow out of control, raising the risk of them becoming cancerous. The lack of smokers and drinkers may be due to Utah's high percentage of Mormons, a religious group that shuns both habits. More than half of Utahns identify as Mormon. The researchers wrote: 'These evidence-based screening programs represent successful state-level initiatives and should highlight how government allocation of revenue can advance health care and cancer prevention goals.' However, there were no notable differences between tax increases and cancer death for minority populations. This suggests increased screening measures have not reached minority groups. There were several limitations to the research, including the data showing an association between taxes and cancer rather than a direct cause.
Daily Mail
05-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Disturbing new study reveals how everyday number all adults use can be early indicator of CANCER
How much you're spending on taxes could influence your risk of cancer, a study suggests. Researchers found a link between states with high tax rates and a reduction in deaths caused by cancer. For every additional $1,000 generated through tax revenue per person each year, the death rate from cancer decreased by up to four percent. High tax states like New York, Connecticut and New Jersey had some of the lowest mortality rates in the country, while those with less income tax like Mississippi, Tennessee and and Kentucky were among the worst. The researchers say the reason is high tax states are more likely to offer screening and other tests to catch cancer at earlier stages. For every additional $1,000 in tax revenue, cancer screening rates generally increased by up to two percent, the study found. The researchers - from Ohio State University, Emory University in Atlanta and University of Verona in Italy - said better outcomes for states that pay more taxes could be because those taxes are funding screening methods like mobile testing sites. However, there were outliers. Utah, for example, had the lowest cancer mortality of any US state and was also among the lowest tax states. Utah's lower cancer rates could be in part due to a lower prevalence of tobacco and alcohol, both of which are shown to cause cancer, and other lifestyle choices in the heavily religious state. The researchers wrote: 'Designing tax systems based on high tax revenue and progressive policies may present one aspect of a multifactorial approach to improve cancer-related outcomes, thus mitigating persistent cancer health care inequalities in the US.' The study, published Friday in JAMA Network Open, combed through data from the US Census Bureau and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy to calculate the average tax revenue per person in each state and how much rates have changed over time. Tax revenue was calculated from 1997 to 2019. The researchers also evaluated cancer mortality data from 1991 to 2021 using CDC databases. Cancer screening rates were calculated from 2020 to 2022. The average cancer mortality rate for 2021 was 174 deaths per 100,000 white Americans. In the non-Hispanic Black population, however, the mortality rate jumped up to 206 per 100,000. Kentucky had the highest overall cancer mortality rate at 205 per 100,000 people, while Utah's rate was lowest at 133 deaths per 100,000 people. Over the course of 23 years, the average national state tax revenue per person per year was $4,432. New York had the highest tax revenue per person at $8,400 with Connecticut and New Jersey following closely behind at $7,100 and $6,800, respectively. All three states had a cancer mortality rate of 160 to 168 per 100,000 people, below the national average. The lowest tax revenue was found in Alabama ($3,300), with Tennessee ($3,400) and Mississippi ($3,500), South Carolina ($3,500) and Idaho ($3,500) following. Mississippi had the second highest cancer mortality rate at 201 per 100,000 people. Rates in Tennessee and South Carolina were 193 and 184 per 100,000 people, respectively. The researchers found that for every $1,000 tax increase, cancer mortality for all cancers decreased by two percent on average. The decrease was even greater, three percent, for white individuals. For cancers with recommended screening like colon and breast cancer, each $1,000 tax increase per capita was associated with a four percent decrease in mortality rate. This increased to five percent for white populations. The researchers said this could be due to increased tax amounts funding state health initiatives and screening measures. These may include mobile testing sites, subsidizing the cost of transportation to a screening test or offering financial incentives for screening. Utah, however, had the lowest cancer mortality rate but also ranked among the lowest in taxes at $3,800 per capita per year. While the researchers did not provide an explanation for this, the lower risk of death could be due to less prevalence of common risk factors. In 2022, the latest data available, Utah had the nation's lowest smoking rate at seven percent. Smoking is responsible for about nine in 10 cases of lung cancer, which causes the most deaths of any other cancer in the US. Additionally, 12 percent of adults in Utah binge drink, which is considered four or more drinks in one sitting for women and five for men. This is the lowest percentage in the US. Alcohol has been shown to increase levels of hormones like estrogen, a main driver of breast cancer. It also damages cell DNA, leading cells to grow out of control, raising the risk of them becoming cancerous. The lack of smokers and drinkers may be due to Utah's high percentage of Mormons, a religious group that shuns both habits. More than half of Utahns identify as Mormon. The researchers wrote: 'These evidence-based screening programs represent successful state-level initiatives and should highlight how government allocation of revenue can advance health care and cancer prevention goals.' However, there were no notable differences between tax increases and cancer death for minority populations. This suggests increased screening measures have not reached minority groups. There were several limitations to the research, including the data showing an association between taxes and cancer rather than a direct cause.
Observer
02-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
Breast cancer is becoming less deadly for younger women: US study
Young US women with breast cancer are not dying from the disease as often as a decade ago, researchers reported at the American Association for Cancer Research 2025 meeting in Chicago. From 2010 to 2020, breast cancer deaths among women ages 20-49 declined significantly across all breast cancer subtypes and racial and ethnic groups, with marked declines starting after 2016, according to an analysis of data from the national Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry. Overall, the breast cancer death rate in this age group fell from 9.70 per 100,000 women in 2010 to 1.47/100,000 in 2020. The decline was sharper after 2016, likely due to advancements in treatment options, greater uptake of precision medicine, and expanded access to care and screening in women ages 40-49, study leader Adetunji Toriola of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis said in a statement. While breast cancer mortality declined in every racial and ethnic group, non-Hispanic Black women had the highest rate in both 2010 (16.56/100,000) and 2020 (3.41/100,000). Non-Hispanic white women had the lowest rates in 2010 (9.18/100,000) and 2020 (1.16/100,000). 'We have made tremendous advances in reducing mortality from breast cancer in young women but there are still opportunities for improvements, especially in relation to eliminating disparities,' Toriola said. 'We must continue to perform impactful research to ensure a further reduction in breast cancer mortality, including research into understanding the tumour biology and molecular mechanisms driving carcinogenesis and treatment response in younger women.' GLP-1 DRUGS MAY CURB ATRIAL FIBRILLATION GLP-1 drugs that are used to treat diabetes and have become wildly popular for weight loss, may also be useful for controlling the common heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation, researchers reported at the Heart Rhythm 2025 meeting in San Diego. Researchers looked at more than 2,500 patients with type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation and obesity at 170 US Veterans Affairs medical centres. Those who were receiving a GLP-1 drug experienced a 13% reduction in major AF-related events during a median follow-up of three years, compared to patients receiving other medications for their diabetes. AF-related events included hospitalisations for the disorder, need for electroshock therapy to reset the heart rhythm, and ablation procedures to heat heart tissue in order to create scars that interrupt the electrical signals causing the arrhythmia. Researchers did not identify the drugs being taken but common examples of GLP-1 medicines for diabetes include Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, Rybelsus and Victoza, and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Trulicity. Because patients were taking low doses of GLP-1 drugs, rather than higher doses used for weight loss, the results suggest the arrhythmia benefits are independent of any weight-loss benefit, the researchers noted. The study was not designed to prove the GLP-1 drugs caused the reduction in AF events. But study leader Dr Varun Sundaram of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University said, 'Given the growing obesity epidemic and the rising prevalence of atrial fibrillation,' it lays the foundation for a new approach to treating AF if larger trials confirm the potential benefits. — Reuters
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Breast cancer is becoming less deadly for younger women, US study finds
London: Young U.S. women with breast cancer are not dying from the disease as often as a decade ago, researchers reported at the American Association for Cancer Research 2025 meeting in Chicago. From 2010 to 2020, breast cancer deaths among women ages 20-49 declined significantly across all breast cancer subtypes and racial and ethnic groups, with marked declines starting after 2016, according to an analysis of data from the national Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. Overall, the breast cancer death rate in this age group fell from 9.70 per 100,000 women in 2010 to 1.47/100,000 in 2020. The decline was sharper after 2016, likely due to advancements in treatment options, greater uptake of precision medicine, and expanded access to care and screening in women ages 40-49, study leader Adetunji Toriola of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis said in a statement. While breast cancer mortality declined in every racial and ethnic group, non-Hispanic Black women had the highest rate in both 2010 (16.56/100,000) and 2020 (3.41/100,000). Non-Hispanic white women had the lowest rates in 2010 (9.18/100,000) and 2020 (1.16/100,000). "We have made tremendous advances in reducing mortality from breast cancer in young women but there are still opportunities for improvements, especially in relation to eliminating disparities," Toriola said. "We must continue to perform impactful research to ensure further reduction in breast cancer mortality, including research into understanding the tumor biology and molecular mechanisms driving carcinogenesis and treatment response in younger women." GLP-1 DRUGS MAY CURB ATRIAL FIBRILLATION GLP-1 drugs that are used to treat diabetes and have become wildly popular for weight loss, may also be useful for controlling the common heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation, researchers reported at the Heart Rhythm 2025 meeting in San Diego. Researchers looked at more than 2,500 patients with type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation and obesity at 170 U.S. Veterans Affairs medical centers. Those who were receiving a GLP-1 drug experienced a 13% reduction in major AF-related events during a median follow-up of three years, compared to patients receiving other medications for their diabetes. AF-related events included hospitalizations for the disorder, need for electroshock therapy to reset the heart rhythm, and ablation procedures to heat heart tissue in order to create scars that interrupt the electrical signals causing the arrhythmia. Researchers did not identify the drugs being taken but common examples of GLP-1 medicines for diabetes include Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, Rybelsus and Victoza, and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Trulicity. Because patients were taking low doses of GLP-1 drugs, rather than higher doses used for weight loss, the results suggest the arrhythmia benefits are independent of any weight-loss benefit, the researchers noted. The study was not designed to prove the GLP-1 drugs caused the reduction in AF events. But study leader Dr. Varun Sundaram of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University said, "given the growing obesity epidemic and the rising prevalence of atrial fibrillation," it lays the foundation for a new approach to treating AF if larger trials confirm the potential benefits.
