Socioeconomic status predicts survival of Canadian cancer patients

A recent Canadian study reveals that cancer survival rates are less related to stage of disease at diagnosis. Instead, in a country with universal health care, disparities in survival rates between patients may be related to access to care and quality of cancer care.

..."researchers found that despite universal healthcare, significant differences in survival across socioeconomic groups persist in Ontario: overall and cancer-specific survival of patients from poorer communities was lower than that of patients residing in more affluent neighborhoods. "Contrary to what has been reported in studies from the U.S., we have found that stage of cancer at time of diagnosis does not account for any substantial component of the difference in survival across social groups," said Dr. Booth. Instead, factors such as differences in cancer biology, the presence of other illnesses, access to treatment, and quality of care might play a role."

Socioeconomic status predicts survival of Canadian cancer patients

NBCC Advocates Appointed to Interagency Breast Cancer Research Committee

National Breast Cancer Coalition members are among advocates appointed to the new 19 member Interagency Breast Cancer & Environmental Research Committee. The committee has 6 breast cancer consumer advocates and will work to study efforts to coordinate interagency research programs looking into the effects of environment on breast cancer. Congratulations!

More info here:

http://www.knowbreastcancer.org/news-research/news/advocates-on-breast-cancer-research-committee.html

Breast Cancer: How Politics Is Driving Up Costs - Kaiser Health News

Kaiser Family Foundation weighs in on the side of the FDA on its recent decision to remove approval for use of Avastin in metastatic breast cancer. The drug received fast track approval a few years ago with no final data on its long-term effectiveness for treating breast cancer. Two recent studies have provided evidence that Avastin doesn't improve survival for patients. The cost of the drug averages $8,000 per month and has some negative side effects for patients, including vomiting, stomach pains and high blood pressure. Given the latest data, the FDA decision, made by a panel of experts not tied to the drug industry, is the right one.

Unfortunately, a group led by the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (Race for the Cure) have taken the opportunity to use the decision to criticize the FDA and reject the evidence from two high quality clinical trials. They've wrongly accused the FDA of making the decision for economic reasons and have attempted to politicize the situation. Komen and others have used the opportunity to criticize health care reform and attempts to control rising health care costs. Their pressure on legislators to overturn the decision is wrong.

NOBCCF has signed a letter with other breast cancer advocacy groups supporting the FDA's decision.

Below is a link to the Kaiser Foundation news article, its worth reading

Breast Cancer: How Politics Is Driving Up Costs - Kaiser Health News

FDA Considers Revoking Approval for Avastin for Metastatic Breast Cancer

According to this article in the Washington Post, the FDA is considering revocation of the drug Avastin for metastatic breast cancer. A recent study shows the drug, which costs $8,000 per month, offers no benefit to these patients.


More information

Diabetes and Cancer Breakthrough

This is certainly interesting news, worth looking more closely at the study results.

Diabetes and Cancer Breakthrough

"Poor-quality carbohydrate consumption (junk food, soft drinks, sweets), physical and emotional stress, and xeno-oestrogen exposure (pesticides, HRT, and the pill), act synergistically to increase intra-cellular oestradiol, which encourages fat deposition and obesity; inhibits insulin receptors to cause metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes; promotes benign prostatic hypertrophy; and triggers the carcinogenic mechanisms that cause breast cancer and prostate cancer."

Updated to add link to journal abstract

Hospitals Criticized For Keeping Quiet On Charity Care - Kaiser Health News

Many hospitals today make it difficult for uninsured and under-insured patients to apply for charity care. The study highlighted in the article linked below shows a growing problem and the need for patients to have better information and access to the application process.

Most hospitals in Ohio participate in the Health Care Assurance Program (HCAP), which provides them with state and federal funds to cover costs of treating uninsured and under-insured patients. You can request and complete an HCAP Application and submit it to any of these participating hospitals. Contact NOBCCF if you have questions or need assistance at 440-717-9912.

Hospitals Criticized For Keeping Quiet On Charity Care - Kaiser Health News

The Dirty Dozen

Want a quick, handy reference to help you avoid dangerous pesticides when shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables? Environmental Working Group has developed a handy, one-page guide. The guide shows which fresh fruits and vegetables are less likely to have pesticide residue and which ones you should buy from the "organic" section of the produce department.


Link to EWG Guide (PDF)

Download and print a copy for your next shopping trip!