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UrduHundreds of potential kidney donors of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage in the UK can now get a simple blood test to help reduce the risk of kidney failure.
Tag: Health Disparities
UChicago Medicine receives $2.8 million to empower underrepresented students in cancer research
The federally funded pathway programs strive to increase diversity and equity in the cancer research field, a key strategy to reduce health disparities in the Chicagoland area and across the country.
New Study Shows Mobile Mammography Reach is Highest in Underserved Groups with Low Breast Cancer Screening Adherence
A recent study by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute demonstrates that mobile mammography is generally used by women otherwise unlikely to be screened, and thus is complementary to facility-based mammography rather than a substitute for it. Hence, mobile mammography could feasibly increase breast cancer screening rates, especially in traditionally underserved communities. This study, published in Clinical Breast Cancer, was based on 2.6 million women with Medicare fee-for-service insurance during the 2004-2021 period.
Research finds no significant negative impact of repealing a Depression-era law allowing companies to pay workers with disabilities below minimum wage
Debate continues to swirl nationally on the fate of a practice born of an 86-year-old federal statute allowing companies to pay workers with disabilities subminimum wages: anything below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, but for some roles as little as 25-cents-per-hour. Those in favor of repealing this statute highlight assumptions about reduced productivity along with the unfairness of this wage level—often used elsewhere to pay, for example, food service workers who typically make additional wages in tips. Those against repeal have voiced concerns that, without subminimum wage laws, employment opportunities for workers with disabilities may dwindle.
UniSA research gives voice to rural people in palliative care
Supporting a loved one as they near the end of their life can be confronting. Palliative care is there to help but such services are not equally accessible to all Australians, particularly those in rural areas.
New Report Examines Barriers to Oral Health Services for New Yorkers
A new report, released by the Center for Health Workforce Studies at the University at Albany’s College of Integrated Health Sciences, indicates that improving access to oral health services in New York State requires a broader understanding of oral health needs and the challenges that underserved populations face.
Black, Asian, Hispanic trauma patients less likely to get lifesaving helicopter transport, finds first-of-its-kind study
Severely injured Black, Asian and Hispanic children and adults are less likely than white patients to receive critical helicopter ambulance services, which can make the difference between life and death, according to a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.
US air pollution monitoring network has gaps in coverage, say researchers
Motivated by a new EPA standard for fine particulate matter, a type of air pollution, researchers in Environmental Science & Technology Letters have developed a computer model that reveals an urgent need to fix gaps in the current monitoring network.
Sociologists estimate the impact of Alaska’s universal cash payments on birth outcomes
A sociological investigation estimated the effects of Alaska’s universal cash transfer program on newborn health outcomes using data spanning 28 years.
Heart transplant patients from socioeconomically deprived areas face higher risk for postoperative complications, earlier death than others
Heart transplant patients who live in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are more likely to experience post-surgical complications and die within five years than patients who live in more advantaged areas, even when those patients were transplanted at topnotch high-volume hospitals.
26-Year-Old Ph.D. Candidate Diagnosed With Rare Form of Breast Cancer – Two Separate Tumors in Different Breast Quadrants
LaShae Rolle, a Ph.D. candidate was just 26 when she was diagnosed with a rare type of breast cancer. She is now designing clinical trials and studies focused on underserved and marginalized minority communities – especially adolescents and young adults.
Studies Deepen Understanding of LGBTQ Health Disparities
Three new studies pinpoint challenges and opportunities for closing health disparities for LGBTQ+ people, showing how the convergence of political and social environments, structural inequities, and implicit and explicit bias within the medical system erode LGBTQ+ well-being.
Widespread disparities exist in treating advanced cancers
A study led by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals significant disparities across the country in the use of immunotherapy for patients with advanced kidney and bladder cancers.
MD Anderson recognizes outstanding faculty
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center last night recognized over 100 faculty members at its annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence awards ceremony, acknowledging their compassionate care, exceptional contributions to their fields and the distinction they have brought to the institution.
Tip Sheet: BRCA cancer risks for men, a new way to classify brain tumors, funding for bile duct cancer — and cancer care in LGBTQ+ communities
Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutch Cancer Center research findings, patient stories and other news.
NIH Awards Wake Forest University School of Medicine $28.2 Million to Accelerate Translation of Scientific Discoveries
Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) has been awarded $28.2 million from the National Institutes of Health. The seven-year award is the medical school’s third Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA), which is designed to accelerate the translation of research discoveries to improve patient care.
Tip Sheet: Summer science education, new chief nursing officer, DEI program updates — and a new endpoint for multiple myeloma
Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutch Cancer Center research findings, patient stories and other news.
Cedars-Sinai Advocates for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education, Research
A team of investigators in Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Computational Biomedicine is spotlighting the importance of diversity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and artificial intelligence (AI) research.
Superar las barreras quirúrgicas en áreas de bajos recursos
Hasta la mitad de las personas con epilepsia resistente a los medicamentos (ERD) pueden beneficiarse de la cirugía. Sin embargo, en muchas regiones de bajos recursos, el establecimiento de un programa quirúrgico requiere enfrentar múltiples desafíos.
Stepping Up Summer Fun: the Cancer Research – Scholarship and Training Experience in Population Sciences (C‐STEPS) Program
Over the last two decades, strides in cancer prevention, earlier detection, and novel treatments have reduced overall cancer mortality; however, cancer health disparities (CHD) persist among demographically diverse and intersecting populations.
Study: Access to Targeted Lung Cancer Drug Is Cost-Prohibitive Globally
A new study that examined the cost-effectiveness of durvalumab, a targeted immunotherapy for lung cancer, could help guide drug-pricing strategies to reduce financial burdens and increase the number of patients who benefit from treatment.
Socioeconomic Disparities Linked to Delayed Craniosynostosis Care
New research led by Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has found that racial and socioeconomic disparities contribute to delayed care for craniosynostosis—a rare birth defect that occurs when a baby’s skull bones close too early.In the study, being Black/African American, having public insurance and living in an economically disadvantaged area were all risk factors for presenting for a first consultation at older ages.
Cedars-Sinai’s Chief Health Equity Officer Available for Interviews During AHA Health Equity Conference
Cedars-Sinai’s chief health equity officer will be available for interviews during the American Hospital Association: Accelerating Health Equity Conference, May 7-9 in Kansas City.
Dana-Farber review article examines past and guides future efforts to reduce cancer disparities
Investigators at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have examined the historical evolution of Community Outreach and Engagement initiatives at both the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers (NCI-DCCs).
UChicago Medicine invests $730.9 million in community benefits for Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs in fiscal 2023
Since 2013, UChicago Medicine has provided more than $5 billion in total community investments.
New breast cancer screening recommendations aim to address health inequities, especially among Black women
Challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to screening and addressing gaps in evidence regarding supplemental screening modalities and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, notes Joann Elmore, MD, MPH, a professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in a newly published editorial in JAMA.
New study points to racial and social barriers that block treatment for multiple myeloma
Socioeconomic factors are preventing some patients from accessing common treatment to stop progression of multiple myeloma.
Patients With Obesity and Kidney Failure May Be Newly Eligible for Kidney Transplants
A collaborative study between a bariatric and transplant surgery team has introduced new hope for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are also struggling with obesity. The study authors explored the outcomes of metabolic and bariatric surgery in ESRD patients and whether the surgery can improve their eligibility for kidney transplants. The findings are published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS).
Same ER. Same patient. Different visit. Different race and ethnicity?
The effort to find and fight health disparities relies on data from millions of patients, including their race and ethnicity. But a new study finds the same patient might have different data recorded at separate ER visits.
Review offers strategies for mitigating racial and ethnic disparities in health care algorithms
A review of 63 studies related to health care algorithms found that use of these algorithms can mitigate, exacerbate, or not impact racial and ethnic disparities at all. The authors offer several strategies for health care systems to implement to mitigate these effects. The review is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Study Finds Many Kids With Sickle Cell Anemia Lack Preventative Care
Press Release EMBARGOED until Wednesday, March 6, 12:05 AM EST LOS ANGELES (March 6, 2024)—Children with sickle cell anemia are vulnerable to serious infections and stroke, but many do not receive the preventative care that could help them stay healthier…
Study Underscores Social Factors of Low Breast Cancer Screening in the U.S.
To identify major social factors hindering breast cancer screening in U.S. women aged 40 and older, researchers focused on race/ethnicity, employment, education, food security, insurance status, housing and access to quality health care. Access to health care emerged as a statistically significant theme (61 percent) and insurance status was the most reported sub-categorical factor. Language was the third highest issue, highlighting its significance as an influential factor of screening behavior. Race/ethnicity, sex/gender and sexual orientation were additional factors reported.
Geographic disparities in access to addiction treatment medication may be linked to race, ethnicity
Buprenorphine, a life-saving medication for opioid use disorder, is far less accessible in geographic areas of the United States with racially and ethnically diverse populations than in predominantly white areas, according to a new study of pre-pandemic data led by health policy scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health published today in Journal of Addiction Medicine.
Free sleep clinic addresses disparities in treatment of sleep disorders
The service is among the first in the nation to provide free sleep care to underserved communities.
The Center to Eliminate Cancer Inequity to address unequal burden of cancer driven by health disparities
A new center at the University of Chicago Medicine will provide strategic leadership to bring together researchers, healthcare providers and community members to eliminate Chicago’s chronic cancer disparities.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Launches Bilingual Campaign Promoting Screenings in the Hispanic Community
Today, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), in collaboration with Miami-based creative agency Alma, launched a bilingual public service campaign to promote the importance of routine cancer screenings.
BIPOC individuals bear greater post-COVID health burdens, new research suggests
Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) who were infected with COVID-19 experienced greater negative aftereffects in health and work loss than did similarly infected white participants, new research finds.
Expert Analysis: Black Americans Have Highest Cancer Mortality Rates In The United States
For Black History Month, Hackensack Meridian Health offers experts on some of the reasons behind higher cancer rates in the Black community and how to reverse the trends.
University of Chicago Medicine honored with 2023 Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity
The University of Chicago Medicine has won the 2023 Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity for developing a program that eliminated a disparity in postpartum hypertension.
UK awarded $3.4 million to lead equity initiative in drug abuse research
The University of Kentucky has been selected as the nationwide coordination center for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative. Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D., will lead the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Racial Equity Initiative as principal investigator.
Hispanic Heritage Month and type 2 diabetes impact on Hispanic/Latinx people
During National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), University of Chicago Medicine primary care physician Dr. Arshiya Baig is available to discuss the disproportionate impact of type 2 diabetes on Hispanic/Latinx communities in the United States. More than…
Study: Race, Ethnicity May Play a Role in Cause of Liver Cancer
Race and ethnicity may play a role in liver cancer, which disproportionately affects people of low socioeconomic status, as well as immigrants, veterans and incarcerated populations.
Study Uncovers Barriers to Mammography Screening Among Black Women
The study finds utilization of annual screening mammograms suboptimal among low-income Black women with several reported perceived and actual barriers. Most had a low breast cancer risk perception. Interestingly, participants perceived mammograms as very beneficial: 80 percent believed that ‘if breast cancer is found early, it’s likely that the cancer can be successfully treated;’ 90 percent indicated that ‘having a mammogram could help find breast cancer when it is first getting started.’
Gene Variant May Help Explain Why Black Individuals Are Prone to Severe Strokes
In a new study, University of Utah Health researchers have shown that a particular version of a gene may contribute to the higher severity of stroke seen among Black Americans. The findings could help scientists develop more effective stroke medications for people who carry the gene.
RUSH and UChicago Medicine Expand Racial Health Equity Reporting Tool Nationally
Chicago health systems RUSH and UChicago Medicine are making available a free self-assessment tool that uses a race-conscious approach to help hospitals benchmark health equity efforts for all patients. Created after the COVID 19 pandemic revealed disproportionate racial and ethnic mortality rates, the effort is supported by a Commonwealth Fund grant and was piloted at hospitals across Illinois.
Sylvester Researchers, Collaborators Seek Answers to Prostate, Breast Cancer Among People of African Ancestry
Cancer Disparities: A new African Cancer Genome Registry at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami seeks to find reasons for higher prostate and breast cancer rates in people of African ancestry. Dr. Sophia George, co-principal investigator, is available for interviews, as are two breast and prostate cancer study participants.
Bar-Ilan University study reveals disparity in quality of life among COVID-19 survivors from different ethnic groups
A new study conducted by researchers at Bar-Ilan University in Israel has shed light on the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life among different ethnic groups in the country. The study, part of a larger cohort project, highlights a significant discrepancy between Arabs and Druze, and Jews, with the two former groups experiencing a more pronounced decline in quality of life one year after infection.
New Research by Sylvester Cancer Shows Unmet Support Needs Can Lead to Worse Clinical Outcomes
Cancer patients with unmet supportive care needs are more likely to experience worse clinical outcomes, including more emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations, according to new research from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
UCSF Internal Medicine Specialist to be Celebrated for Diabetes Epidemiology Research
Alka M. Kanaya, MD, UC San Francisco primary care physician and researcher, is being recognized with the 2023 Kelly West Award for Outstanding Achievement in Epidemiology from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The award recognizes significant contributions to the field of diabetes epidemiology.
ASCO23: Sylvester Cancer Experts Available for Interviews on a Wide Range of Topics
In addition to presenting Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center research findings, Sylvester experts are available at ASCO to share perspectives on a wide variety of topics and studies ranging from breast cancer to sarcoma, prostate cancer, mesothelioma, melanoma, CNS tumors and more.