Since the late 1940s, Smokey the Bear has taught millions that they can prevent wildfires with his famous words “Remember … only YOU can prevent forest fires.” The same can be said for many types of cancer. Years of research have led to the identification of numerous cancer risk factors including tobacco use, unhealthy diet, alcohol use, lack of physical exercise, and excess body weight. Avoiding these risks can reduce the risk of cancer. Other cancers, such as nearly all cases of cervical cancer, can be prevented by HPV vaccination.
Not all types of cancer risks can be reduced by behavior changes or prevented by vaccines and drugs. Cancer is one of the most feared medical diagnoses – rightfully so as it is the leading cause of death worldwide and the second leading cause of death in the US.
On February 4th, people from around the globe will come together for the 23rd observance of World Cancer Day; one of the most celebrated global health awareness days. This international initiative was started by the Switzerland-based Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), a non-governmental coalition of over 1,200 organizations in 170 countries that represents the world’s major cancer societies, ministries of health, researchers, treatment institutes and patient groups.The theme for World Cancer Day, “Close the Gap,” brings attention to the need to reduce the many disparities that exist in healthcare across the world – including in the US. Check out to how you can be involved as well as educational resources and toolkit!
This Weekend Reading series begins with News to Know, with some of the stories making headlines. Next check out Cancer Catch-up with articles on the Working With Cancer pledge, clinical trials and patient expectations, and more. In Setting the Plan explore articles on how health plan benefit designs can negatively impact patient care. Finally, do not miss Forever Curious and my person favorite – Why is Pepto-Bismol pink?
I hope you enjoy the following:
1. News to Know
- Employers ‘disappointed’ in health plan performance, study finds (Healthcare Dive)
- False confidence in blood pressure knowledge undermines intentions to seek care (University of Southern California)
- Hospitals without the highest stroke care designation may miss them after a heart procedure (Univ. of MI Medicine)
2. Cancer Catch-Up
- Women Underestimate Link Between Breast Density and Cancer Risk (WebMD)
- A lot of people hide their cancer diagnosis from their bosses. These companies aim to change that (CNN)
- Working With Cancer Pledge
- Suicide Risk Rises When Cancer Strikes (HealthDay)
- My patient joined a clinical trial. Was it the right decision? Many patients who sign up for clinical trials have unrealistic expectations for what they might get out of it (The Washington Post)
3. Setting the Plan
- Employers should carefully weigh benefits of high-deductible health plans: study (Fierce Healthcare)
- High Deductibles Keep Some Women From Follow-Up After Troubling Mammogram (HealthDay)
- Over Half of ED Visits From Cancer Patients Could Be Prevented (Medscape)
4. Forever Curious
- An ant’s sense of smell is so strong, it can sniff out cancer (The Washington Post)
- Before Folding 30 Years Ago, the Sears Catalog Sold Some Surprising Products (Smithsonian Magazine)
- Why is Pepto-Bismol pink? (McGill University)
Enjoy your weekend!
Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]
