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Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer, Gastrointestinal Disease, HPV / 07.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ashley Robinson, MD, lead author Second-year internal medicine resident Advocate Lutheran General Hospital MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Briefly, anal cancer makes up around 1% of gastrointestinal cancers and more than 90% of all anal cancers are caused by chronic human papillomavirus or HPV infections. In previous research, it has been noted that women over the age of 65 have rates that were increasing more than other groups and myself along with my colleagues and the principal investigator of this project, Dr. Eli Ehrenpreis, wanted to further characterize these findings, looking into more specific details of these previously noted trends. Using data from a public database ran by the National Cancer Institute called the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program, also known as SEER, and their statistical analysis software, SEER*Stat, we analyzed anal cancer incidence trends, looking at differences between sex, age, and ethnicity in order to further identify specific groups that have more rapidly increasing rates than others. (more…)
Author Interviews, Colon Cancer, Gastrointestinal Disease, Race/Ethnic Diversity / 04.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Douglas Corley, MD, PhD Chief Research Officer, The Permanente Medical Group Kaiser Permanente, Northern California MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) is an integrated health care system that designs and implements population-based programs that support cancer prevention and early detection. In 2006, KPNC began to implement a comprehensive colorectal cancer screening program with the goal of increasing member screening rates, preventing colorectal cancer through polyp removal, and reducing cancer mortality. The initiative identifies whether screening-eligible KPNC members are up to date with their colorectal cancer screening test by either a colonoscopy or by stool-based tests, such as a fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) kit. If they are not up to date with screening, it mails them a FIT kit for at-home testing. Members can also choose other options for colorectal cancer screening, such as a colonoscopy, through their physician. (more…)
Lung Cancer / 05.02.2025

One of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide is lung cancer. Among the various types of lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma is a common type that usually develops in the central part of the lungs, commonly in the bronchi, and is majorly caused by smoking. Though any type of cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, early detection can be a crucial factor as it relates to treatment options and overall survival rates. Let's learn about the role early detection plays below.

Why is early detection important?

No one likes to think of cancer, not to mention getting tested for it. However, when it comes to this type of cancer, early detection increases the odds of a successful treatment. Let's find out why:
  • More treatment options: When this cancer is diagnosed early, patients have more options available, such as radiation, targeted therapy, and surgery. When it is detected at an advanced stage, the treatments are often limited to immunotherapy and chemotherapies, which might not be as effective in removing the disease.
  • Increased survival rates: Early-stage lung cancer has a better prognosis than advanced-stage diseases. According to research, the five-year survival rate of cancer that has not spread beyond the lungs (localized cancer) is around 63% as against 7% when it has spread to distant organs. Catching squamous cell carcinoma early can mean the difference between effective treatment and a tougher battle.
  • Better quality of life: There is no doubt that cancer treatment can be quite tough. However, when this cancer is diagnosed early, the treatment is usually less aggressive, resulting in fewer side effects and a better overall quality of life.
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Colon Cancer / 23.12.2024

If you have irregular bowel movements, blood in your stool, weight loss, black stool, pain or other gastrointestinal changes or issues, please see your health care provider as soon as possible. The  US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)  recommends most individuals should start regular colon cancer screening at age 45, earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer or polyps, a history of bowel disease, symptoms or at your provider's recommendation. link-colon-polyps-and-cancer.jpg Colon and colorectal cancer are among the top types of cancer diagnoses worldwide - with countless patients across the globe being diagnosed with either of the two according to data from top health authorities. The cause behind the two? Abnormal cell growth in the colon or rectum. This growth is called a polyp.   And did you know that learning about key facts about polyps and colorectal cancer can save your life? Education is power. Take charge of your colon health by providing yourself with useful information about the aforementioned subject with the pointers below. (more…)
Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, JAMA, USPSTF / 01.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Wanda K. Nicholson, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professor of Prevention and Community Health Milken Institute School of Public Health George Washington University Dr. Nicholson was appointed chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in March 2024. She served as vice chair from March 2022 to March 2024 and as a member of the Task Force from January 2009 through December 2013. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths for women in the U.S. After reviewing the latest science, the Task Force recommends screening all women for breast cancer every other year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74. This new approach has the potential to save nearly 20 percent more lives from breast cancer and has even greater potential benefit for Black women, who are much more likely to die from breast cancer. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer, JAMA, USPSTF / 26.05.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Martha Kubik, Ph.D., R.N. Professor and Director School of Nursing College of Health and Human Services George Mason University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, yet about a quarter of people ages 50 to 75 have never been screened for this devastating disease. Fortunately, we know that screening for colorectal cancer is effective and saves lives. New science about colorectal cancer in people younger than 50 years old has enabled us to expand our previous guidelines to recommend that all adults ages 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer to reduce their risk of dying from this disease.  (more…)