Tag

Disparities

All articles tagged with #disparities

health27 days ago•190 min saved

Beyond smoking: debunking lung cancer myths and the case for broader screening

Lung cancer is not solely a smoker’s disease, with up to a quarter of cases occurring in never-smokers and risk shaped by environment, genetics, and race. While low-dose CT screening can reduce mortality, current guidelines tied to a 20-pack-year history miss many at risk, prompting NCCN and ACS to broaden criteria and programs like INSPIRE to reach more Black patients and others outside traditional thresholds. New AI tools (e.g., Sybil) show potential to predict cancer risk from a single CT and personalize screening intervals, signaling a shift toward risk-based, more inclusive screening and earlier detection to reduce disparities.

via CNN|

#ai #disparities #health

health2 months ago•3 min saved

Hypertension Deaths Quadruple Among Young U.S. Women, Study Finds

A study to be presented at the ACC Scientific Session finds deaths from hypertensive heart disease surged fourfold among U.S. women aged 25–44 from 1999 to 2023 (roughly 29,000 deaths). Non-Hispanic Black women had the highest rates, and the South saw the highest regional death rate, with no rural–urban difference detected. Experts urge more aggressive screening and prevention, including lifestyle changes and potential antihypertensive treatment for this demographic.

via New York Post|

#black-women #disparities #health

education5 months ago•8 min saved

Texas Students Graduate, but Low-Income Students Still Lag Behind

Texas has seen an increase in college completion rates over the past 15 years, but significant disparities remain for low-income, minority, and rural students. Recent policy reforms aim to improve outcomes, but challenges like affordability and access continue to hinder progress, especially for disadvantaged groups.

via The Texas Tribune|

#disparities #education #higher-education

health7 months ago•3 min saved

Breast Cancer Awareness and Detection: Key Insights for 2025

Since 1985, breast cancer awareness initiatives have saved over 517,000 lives through improved screening and treatment, with significant progress in survival rates and technology, though disparities remain among different racial groups. The movement has grown globally, emphasizing early detection and personalized care, but ongoing efforts are needed to address health disparities and continue advancements.

via ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos|

#awareness #breast-cancer #disparities

health9 months ago•4 min saved

Family Hardship and Poverty Increase Risk of Teen Eating Disorders

A UK study of 7,824 children found that socioeconomic hardship in childhood increases the risk of developing eating disorder symptoms in adolescence, challenging the stereotype that such disorders only affect the wealthy and highlighting the need for better recognition and accessible treatment for disadvantaged groups.

via The Conversation|

#disparities #eating-disorders #health

health2 years ago•1 min saved

Study Reveals High Rates of Mistreatment During Childbirth in the US

A new study funded by Columbia University found that over 13% of new mothers experienced mistreatment by healthcare clinicians during childbirth in 2020, with the most common complaints being ignored or shouted at. The study revealed that mistreatment rates varied widely by factors such as race, ethnicity, marital status, insurance, and medical history, with the highest rates reported among certain demographic groups. The study, published in the JAMA Network Open medical journal, highlighted disparities in mistreatment during childbirth and noted limitations in its findings.

via WTOP|

#childbirth #disparities #health

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"WHO Report: Global Cancer Cases to Surge 77% by 2050 Despite Declining Deaths"

The World Health Organization estimates that global cancer cases will increase by 77% by 2050, reaching 35 million diagnoses, with lung cancer being the most common form. Inequities in cancer burden and access to care were highlighted, with factors such as obesity, tobacco use, and environmental factors driving the expected increases. In the US, cancer deaths have declined due to factors like reduced tobacco use, but racial disparities persist, and cancer patients are becoming younger. Efforts to address these challenges include President Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative and calls for global investments to improve cancer care and outcomes.

via Yahoo Life|

#cancer #cancer-prevention #disparities

health2 years ago•3 min saved

WHO projects 77% surge in global cancer cases by 2050

A new report from the World Health Organization estimates that global cancer cases will jump 77% by 2050, reaching 35 million diagnoses. Inequities in cancer burden and access to care were highlighted, with factors such as obesity, tobacco use, and environmental factors driving the expected increases in cancer rates. While cancer deaths in the US have declined, racial disparities persist, and cancer patients are becoming younger. Efforts such as President Biden's Cancer Moonshot aim to address these challenges and reduce cancer deaths.

via CNN|

#cancer #cancer-prevention #disparities

health2 years ago•11 min saved

"Unequal Hope: Assessing the Cost and Effectiveness of New Alzheimer's Treatments"

New Alzheimer’s drugs like Leqembi and donanemab offer hope for patients, but there is concern about the lack of data on how these medications might work in people of color, particularly African Americans. Low enrollment of Black patients in clinical trials raises questions about the drugs' effectiveness and safety for this population. Experts emphasize the need for more diversity in trials and urge the development of treatments targeting multiple potential drivers of cognitive decline to address disparities in Alzheimer’s treatment and care.

via The Washington Post|

#alzheimers #clinical-trials #disparities

health2 years ago•4 min saved

"Orlando's HIV Rates Surge Above National Average"

Orlando continues to have high rates of HIV diagnoses, surpassing both the state and national averages. In 2021, 618 people in metro Orlando were diagnosed with HIV, bringing the total number of HIV-diagnosed individuals in the area to 14,298. The majority of new diagnoses were among Black or Hispanic individuals, primarily in Orange County, and were attributed to unprotected sex or injection drug use. Despite the availability of free testing and treatment resources, socioeconomic disparities and stigma contribute to a lack of access to care and low viral suppression rates. Efforts are being made to address these issues through targeted outreach and education in communities of color.

via Orlando Sentinel|

#disparities #health #healthcare

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Improving Lung Cancer Survival Rates Highlight Racial Inequality and Low Screening Rates

Lung cancer survival rates have increased in the past five years, but racial disparities persist, with Black and Latino communities experiencing lower survival rates compared to White individuals. The American Lung Association's "State of Lung Cancer" report emphasizes the need for improved messaging about lung cancer screening, as it remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Factors contributing to the overall improvement in survival rates include targeted immunotherapies and increased access to screenings. However, stigma, low screening rates, and limited health insurance coverage hinder progress. Smoking rates, radon, air pollution, and secondhand smoke are identified as risk factors, and public health messaging about lung cancer needs to change to address misconceptions.

via The Washington Post|

#disparities #health #lung-cancer

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Addressing the HIV Prevention Gap in Metro Atlanta and Beyond

Metro Atlanta has one of the highest HIV rates in the world, with cases rising since the pandemic began. Health officials are working to decrease new HIV cases by promoting sexual health and wellness, expanding access to testing and resources, and providing preventative measures like PrEP. Disproportionately impacting certain demographics, particularly Black and brown communities, knowledge and access to resources are crucial in fighting these numbers. Testing is emphasized as crucial, and testing will be available at major pride events happening in Atlanta this weekend.

via FOX 5 Atlanta|

#atlanta #disparities #health

climate-change2 years ago•4 min saved

The Growing Financial Toll of Climate Change on American Households

A new mapping and data tool developed by Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M University researchers identifies 184 climate risks faced by communities across the United States, with a focus on the disproportionate vulnerability of Black and Indigenous populations to extreme heat. The tool aims to provide residents with knowledge about the climate risks they face and empower them to advocate for resources and change. The mapping tool reveals disparities in publicly funded services and resources, such as the absence of cooling centers in Beaumont, Texas, a city experiencing more heat-related deaths than 93% of the country. The tool combines 184 data sets to rank the risks of over 70,000 U.S. census tracts, offering a comprehensive view of climate vulnerability. Researchers hope the tool will hold policymakers accountable and spur legislative action to address climate disparities.

via Capital B|

#climate-change #climate-risks #disparities

healthcare2 years ago•2 min saved

Improving Stroke Transfer Times: ER Challenges and Solutions

A retrospective US registry-based study found that the median door-in-door-out time for interhospital transfer of patients with stroke was 174 minutes, exceeding the recommended time of 120 minutes. Factors associated with longer door-in-door-out times included age 80 years or older, female sex, Black race, and Hispanic ethnicity. On the other hand, emergency medical services prenotification, severe stroke, and ischemic stroke eligible for endovascular therapy were associated with shorter times. The study highlights disparities and health system factors that could be targeted for quality improvement initiatives.

via JAMA Network|

#disparities #door-in-door-out-time #healthcare

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"Smoking Prevalence Skyrockets in 12 US States, Outpacing National Average"

A new report by Truth Initiative has identified 12 states in the South and Midwest, dubbed "Tobacco Nation," where smoking rates are 50% higher than the rest of the US. These states are home to 28% of smokers in the country, despite only representing 21% of the population. The report attributes the higher smoking prevalence to weaker local policies on tobacco prevention and cessation, influenced by the tobacco industry and lack of political will. Additionally, residents in these states tend to smoke significantly more than in other states. The report highlights the need for stronger actions to address these disparities and improve public health.

via Yahoo News|

#disparities #health #public-health