One of the top worries about telehealth is that it will drive up the use of tests and scans that patients don’t need, wasting money and resources. In fact, a new study shows, low-value care didn’t rise faster at primary care practices that used telehealth the most.
Tag: Screening
New ACS Report: Breast Cancer Mortality Continues Three Decade Decline Overall, but Steeper Increases in Incidence for Women <50 & Asian American, Pacific Islanders of all Ages
The American Cancer Society (ACS) today released Breast Cancer Statistics, 2024, the organization’s biennial update on breast cancer occurrence and trends in the United States. The new report finds breast cancer mortality rates overall have dropped by 44% since 1989, averting approximately 517,900 breast cancer deaths. However, not all women have benefited from this progress, notably American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) women, whose rates have remained unchanged over the past three decades
False-positive mammogram results discourage some women from future screenings
A false-positive mammogram may deter women from future screenings, according to a new study. But staying on schedule remains key to early detection of cancer.
Mental health and chronic diabetes complications strongly linked both ways, study finds
When a person has chronic diabetes complications – such as heart attack, stroke and nerve damage – they are more likely to have a mental health disorder, and vice versa, according to a study. Researchers say the findings highlight a need for clinicians to actively screen for mental health disorders in patients with diabetes in addition to screening for chronic complications, which is the recommended standard of care in diabetes.
Promise and Perils of Primary HPV Testing
Abstract Cervical cancer screening has reduced morbidity and mortality in many countries, but efforts to optimize screening modalities and schedules are ongoing. Using data from a randomized trial conducted in British Columbia, Canada, in conjunction with a provincial screening registry,…
Self-Screening Approved By FDA For Cervical Cancer Prevention
A way to self-collect a sample to prevent cervical cancer is now available for women. The test to self-screen for human papillomavirus (HPV) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Normally, HPV tests are performed by gynecologists by…
Automated machine learning robot unlocks new potential for genetics research
University of Minnesota Twin Cities researchers have constructed a robot that uses machine learning to fully automate a complicated microinjection process used in genetic research.
University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and AstraZeneca Partner to Enhance Community-Based Lung Cancer Screening and Detection for Marylanders at High Risk
With only a small percentage of Marylanders at high risk for lung cancer getting the recommended annual screening, the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) today launched a new statewide effort to increase annual screenings.
Rapid rise seen in mental health diagnosis and care during and after pregnancy
Mental health issues during pregnancy or the first year of parenthood have a much greater chance of getting detected and treated now than just over a decade ago, a trio of new studies suggests. But the rise in diagnosis and care hasn’t happened equally across different groups and states.
Study Detects Cognitive Changes in Older Drivers Using In-vehicle Sensors
Continuous, unobtrusive sensors and related monitoring devices are installed in older drivers’ vehicles to detect changes in highly complex activities over time. A driver facing camera, forward facing camera, and telematics unit provide video in real-time to enable researchers to analyze abnormal driving such as getting lost, reaction time and braking patterns as well as travel patterns such as miles driven, miles during the night and daytime, and driving in severe weather. Detecting changes in behavior could generate early warning signs of possible changes in cognition.
UNC Lineberger named as a national research hub for NIH cancer screening study
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has been selected as one of nine national research sites for the National Cancer Institute’s newly launched Cancer Screening Research Network, which will evaluate promising and emerging cancer screening technologies.
SLAS Life Sciences and Technology Awards Announced
Science and technology awards were announced during the SLAS2024 International Conference and Exhibition, the annual flagship event of the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening, which attracted a record-setting 7500 attendees and 400 exhibitors. Each year SLAS recognizes several exceptional presenters and exhibitors who represent the best of the Society’s programs and mission.
Recovery Checkups in Primary Care Settings Linked to Increased Substance Use Treatment and Reduced Alcohol and Cannabis Use in Patients with Complex Needs
Highly vulnerable patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD) who received regular assessments after their initial intervention had substantially better outcomes a year later than those who did not receive the same follow-up, according to a new study. Fewer than one in ten people with SUD receive any form of treatment in a given year; among those who do, relapse and treatment reentry are common. A Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) protocol is intended to facilitate treatment referrals, especially among patients with more severe SUDs, but research has shown it to be relatively ineffective in that regard. Adding a Recovery Management Checkup (RMC) intervention can improve treatment rates; RMC conceptualizes AUD and SUD as chronic conditions requiring longer-term monitoring via regular check-ins, early re-intervention in cases of relapse, and treatment retention strategies. For the study in Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Resear
Emerging Drug Discovery Ecosystems in Virginia
A Special Issue of SLAS Discovery, Emerging Drug Discovery Ecosystems, is now available.
With Regular Screening, More Women Survive Breast Cancer
To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society highlights its guidelines encouraging average-risk women to begin regular screening mammograms at age 45, with the option to begin screening as early as age 40.
Study: Many primary care providers & adult patients wary of discussing firearms
Screening primary care patients for firearm access has been recommended by professional groups, especially for people with mental health issues. A new study shows wariness by providers and patients.
Study Sheds Light on Increased Reports of Suicidal Behavior in Teens
Reports of increasing suicidal behaviors in children in the decade leading up to the COVID pandemic suggest there was already a mental health crisis.
Few children – especially those with safety-net insurance – get vision checked at checkups
Less than a third of children have gotten their vision checked in the past year at their regular primary care clinic, a new study finds. Rates of eyesight screening in kids vary widely by insurance status.
Study suggests need for iron tests in teen girls & young women
A national study of blood ferritin and hemoglobin levels from tween, teen and young adult females suggests routine screening might be needed for iron deficiency and anemia.
Susan G. Komen® Comments on Draft Recommendations to Begin Breast Cancer Screening at Age 40
Susan G. Komen is pleased to see that the USPSTF has taken into account more recent scientific-based evidence and believes women of average risk should begin breast cancer screening at age 40. However, Komen believes screening should be done every year to catch cancer as early as possible when outcomes are generally better and treatment costs less.
Laboratory Automation and Life Sciences Research Conference Open to Media Registration: February 26-March 1, 2023 in San Diego
The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) invites members of the press, science journalists and trade press to attend the SLAS2023 International Conference and Exhibition, the society’s annual flagship conference.
American Society of Nephrology Statement on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Draft Research Plan on Screening for Kidney Diseases
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is encouraged by the recent U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announcement to solicit comment on USPSTF’s draft research plan on screening for kidney diseases. This development follows more than a decade of advocacy in support of more kidney health screening by ASN and other stakeholders dedicated to intervening earlier to slow or stop the progression of kidney diseases.
SLAS Welcomes New Scientific Director: Lesley Mathews, Ph.D.
The Society of Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS), announces the appointment of Lesley Mathews, Ph.D., as its new Scientific Director, effective January 16.
SLAS Adds Three New Members to the 2023 Board of Directors
SLAS, the Society of Laboratory Automation and Screening, announces the addition of three new board members who will carry out three-year terms beginning January 1, 2023.
“Gowajee” — a Thai Speech-Recognition AI from Chula
An engineering professor from Chula has designed “Gowajee”, a Thai-language speech recognition AI capable of delivering speech-to-text/ text-to-speech with the accuracy of a native speaker while keeping users’ data secure. Having been rolled out in call centers, and depression patients screening process, Gowajee is set to be adapted to many other functions.
Stopping the Silent Killer – There’s New Hope for Early Stage Pancreatic Cancer
Imagine living with a ticking time bomb inside of you – never knowing when or if it might go off. “That’s what it’s like to know that you are at high risk for pancreatic cancer,” says a 40 year old…
Some Younger Kids May Need Screening for Anxiety in Primary Care
Some children aged 7 years and younger may benefit from screening for anxiety in primary care, according to an editorial published in JAMA by John Walkup, MD, Chair of Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and colleagues. The authors respond to the US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation that children be screened for anxiety at 8-18 years of age.
Researchers test cost-effective approach to early-cancer detection from cell-free DNA in blood samples
Researchers at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and collaborating organizations report successful results from an experimental cancer-detection system that appears to have overcome some of the challenges of the “liquid biopsy” in a novel, cost-effective way.
‘Placenta-on-a-chip’ Mimics Malaria-infected Nutrient Exchange between Mother-Fetus
Combining microbiology with engineering technologies, this novel 3D model uses a single microfluidic chip to study the complicated processes that take place in malaria-infected placenta as well as other placenta-related diseases and pathologies. The technology supports formation of microengineered placental barriers and mimics blood circulations, which provides alternative approaches for testing and screening.
JMIR Nursing | Using a Decision Aid to Support Shared Prenatal Screening Decision Making
JMIR Publications recently published “Web-Based Training for Nurses on Using a Decision Aid to Support Shared Decision-making About Prenatal Screening: Parallel Controlled Trial” in JMIR Nursing which reported that in this study, these authors aimed to assess the impact of a shared decision-making (SDM) training program on nurses’ intention to use a decision aid with pregnant women deciding on prenatal screening for Down syndrome.
AI applied to prediagnostic CTs may help diagnose pancreatic cancer at earlier, more treatable stage
A study published in Gastroenterology finds that radiomics-based machine learning models may detect pancreatic cancer on prediagnostic CT scans substantially earlier than current methods for clinical diagnosis.
Study Reveals Cancer Screening Decreased Worldwide During Height of Pandemic
A study that surveyed cancer screening data included in medical journals worldwide from January 2020 into December 2021 showed significant decreases in the number of screenings for breast, colorectal and cervical cancers during the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Eligible younger U.S. adults less likely to meet recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines and face greater disparities
Younger adults living in the U.S. are less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer than older U.S. adults, despite now being eligible under new screening guidelines, and face greater disparities than older U.S. adults who are eligible for screening, according to research from UTHealth Houston.
Mammography screening and related breast care still rebounding from COVID-19 pandemic
According to a new study, use of breast imaging services – including mammography screening – may remain at only 85.3% of pre-pandemic utilization.
New Guidelines for Pancreatic Cancer Screening
While earlier guidelines had restricted screening to only those individuals with BRCA 1/2 who had a family history of pancreatic cancer, the new guidelines expand indication for screening for all with the gene variations regardless of family history.
Dementia diagnosis often comes as part of costly crisis
Medicare costs around the time of a dementia diagnosis are much lower for older adults screened proactively rather than those diagnosed while experiencing a health issue.
Screening Some Sooner May Reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes Diagnosis, Researchers Show
Researchers sought to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes diagnosis.
Chronic Kidney Disease is Curable if Detected Early – Chula’s User-friendly CKD Screening Strips with Results in 15 minutes!
A Chula research team has developed a screening strip kit to detect the early stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that’s easy to use, yields quick results, increasing the chance of being cured for patients, and helping to cut over 10 billion baht of the ever-increasing annual healthcare costs for CKD patients. The CKD screening strip kits are expected to be released early next year.
Gut bacteria might be an indicator of colon cancer risk
Researchers are finding a link between the increased presence of certain bacteria in a gut biome and colon cancer.
Annual Physical Therapy Check Up
We take time to see our primary care physicians and dentists regularly to ensure the best possible health outcomes. One vital part of our physical wellbeing often overlooked is the health of our musculoskeletal system. Add a physical therapist to your list as you make your annual healthcare visits.
SLAS Discovery’s July Special Edition “Drug Discovery Targeting COVID-19” Now Available
The July edition of SLAS Discovery is a Special Edition featuring the cover article, “Development of a High-Throughput Screening Assay to Identify Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Guanine-N7-Methyltransferase Using RapidFire Mass Spectrometry” by Lesley-Anne Pearson, Charlotte J. Green, Ph.D., De Lin, Ph.D., Alain-Pierre Petit, Ph.D., David W. Gray, Ph.D., Victoria H. Cowling, Ph.D., and Euan A. F. Fordyce, Ph.D., (Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK).
Colonoscopies should start at age 45, new guidelines say
Dr. Rachel Issaka, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor with UW Medicine, talks about the significance of the new recommendation and what it may mean for the Black community.
No Excuses: Stop Procrastinating on These Key Health Checks
A quick guide to the most-valuable preventive care that adults need to get scheduled, to catch up on what they may have missed during the height of the pandemic, and to address issues that the pandemic might have worsened.
Study shows sharp decline in cancer screenings and diagnoses during the first COVID-19 surge
In one of the first studies to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnoses, researchers at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center document a substantial decline in cancer and precancer diagnoses at the Northeast’s largest health care system during the first peak of the pandemic because of a drop in the number of cancer screening tests performed.
Identity Verification During the Age of COVID-19
S&T’s Biometric Technology Rally focused on the ability of acquisition systems and matching algorithms to recognize travelers without asking them to remove their masks, thereby reducing risk for frontline workers.
Primary Care in a Pandemic: Spotting Mental Health Needs and More
The number of people dealing with mental distress caused by enduring months of pandemic, economic disruption and political turmoil is rising fast. And America’s primary care clinics are the front line for many of those mental health concerns. A new online toolkit aims to help primary care clinics cope with this influx, and draw from the expertise of mental health specialists and researchers.
Medicaid Expansion Increased Early Cancer Detection, New Study Finds
States where Medicaid was expanded under the Affordable Care Act have seen a measurable increase in the early detection of cancer and reduced late-stage cancer incidence, according to the results of a new study published in the current issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Potential new tool for frost screening in crops
Agricultural scientists and engineers at the University of Adelaide have identified a potential new tool for screening cereal crops for frost damage.
Critical Transition Theory Shows Flickering in Heart Before Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation ranks among the most common heart conditions, and episodes are difficult to predict. Researchers have proposed a way to define cardiac state and have studied the dynamics before the cardiac rhythm changes from normal sinus to AF rhythm and vice versa. The work, appearing in Chaos and based on critical transition theory, looks to provide an early warning for those with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with potential implications for future wearable devices.
FDA Approves First At-Home Saliva Collection Test for Coronavirus
Rutgers’ RUCDR Infinite Biologics received an amended emergency use authorization from the FDA late Thursday for the first SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus test that will allow people to collect their own saliva at home and send to a lab for results. The decision follows the FDA’s recent emergency approval to RUCDR Infinite Biologics for the first saliva-based test, which involves health care workers collecting saliva from individuals at testing sites.