Feature story

‘It’s not just a girl problem’: When offering HPV vaccine, doctors advised to focus on cancer prevention

TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (Chicago Tribune) – In her children’s pediatrician’s office two years ago, Lockport mother Kelly DiFilippo declined the HPV vaccine for her oldest daughter, and “no one batted an eye,” she said.

But when it was time for her second daughter’s sixth-grade physical last winter, DiFilippo’s refusal of the vaccine was met with a different reaction from the same doctor.

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Can Lung Cancer Biomarkers Predict My Prognosis?
July 9, U.S. News & World Report

State Prisons Fail To Offer Cure To 144,000 Inmates With Deadly Hepatitis C
July 9, Kaiser Health News 

NOTE: Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer. For more information, visit thinkaboutthelink.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Berry
703-519-2107
Lisa.Berry@preventcancer.org 

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Prevent Cancer Foundation^®, in partnership with the Global Lung Cancer Coalition (GLCC), awarded Rachel Manteuffel and Wendi Winters the 2017 GLCC Excellence in Journalism award for their work reporting on lung cancer. This annual award is selected by the four U.S.-based members of the GLCC and recognizes journalists who have produced exceptional work on the issue of lung cancer awareness, research, prevention and early detection.

Rachel Manteuffel, writer for The Washington Post, was honored for her piece on Lung Cancer Alliance President and CEO Laurie Fenton Ambrose and her efforts to dismantle the stigma surrounding lung cancer. Carolyn Aldigé, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation®, presented Manteuffel with the award on June 19.  

Wendi Winters, a reporter for the Capital Gazette, received the GLCC Excellence in Journalism award for her profile on Shiela Ross, a two-time lung cancer survivor and advocate. Tragically, Wendi Winters was killed during a mass shooting at the Capital Gazette.

“The Prevent Cancer Foundation is saddened and horrified to hear of Wendi’s death,” said Aldigé. ”We’d like to extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. We are truly grateful for the work she did to bring the need for lung cancer early detection into the spotlight.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the U.S. and around the world. There is a continued need for more awareness of lung cancer prevention and early detection, and we commend Rachel Manteuffel and Wendi Winters for using their platforms as journalists to give a voice to lung cancer advocates.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation^® is a proud member of the Global Lung Cancer Coalition, a group of 35 member organizations from 25 countries. The Foundation joined Lung Cancer Alliance, CancerCare and the Lung Cancer Research Foundation to comprise the review committee for the 2017 awards, which considered stories published from November 2016 through October 2017.

About The Prevent Cancer Foundation^®

The Prevent Cancer Foundation^® is one of the nation’s leading voluntary health organizations and the only U.S. nonprofit organization focused solely on cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, it has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence and fulfills its mission through research, education, outreach and advocacy.

For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.

I especially love using Prime Day to buy gifts for loved ones—is there anything better than getting great deals and knowing you’ve got upcoming birthdays and holidays covered?

Spoiler alert: there IS something better—getting great deals and gifts while also supporting a cause you care about! If you shop using AmazonSmile, a percentage of your purchases will be donated to the charity of your choice. That means you can support the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s lifesaving research and programs simply by shopping.

AmazonSmile carries the same products as Amazon, and millions of products are eligible for charitable donations. To get started, visit AmazonSmile, log in to your account, select the Prevent Cancer Foundation® as your charity of choice and start shopping!

If you don’t have a Prime membership, don’t sweat it! Set yourself up with a 30-day free trial, or pay $12.99 for one month of Prime. If you’re a student, you can sign up for a 6-month free trial or get 50 percent off of the yearly membership. In the days leading up to Prime Day, Amazon will likely offer discounts on their Prime membership, so it’s a great time to make your move and cash in on the deals offered on July 16 and 17.

Mark your calendar and get ready to score great deals while supporting cancer prevention efforts.

July 6, 2018

Kentucky waiver blocked

Federal judge James Boasberg blocked a Medicaid waiver that would impose work requirements for Medicaid coverage in Kentucky. Though the waiver had previously been approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), Judge Boasberg struck it down because it would violate Medicaid’s purpose of providing health coverage for low-income and vulnerable populations. The waiver would have required all nondisabled Medicaid recipients in Kentucky to do at least 20 hours of work-related activities per week to be eligible for coverage.

While this ruling supports Medicaid’s intent of insuring vulnerable populations, it does not outright ban work requirements. Kentucky can change the waiver to include an explanation of how it would uphold Medicaid’s intent and then redo the approval process.

Currently, Medicaid covers more than one million Kentucky residents. If Kentucky successfully passes a waiver to include work requirements, 95,000 residents are projected to lose coverage over 5 years, and some non-partisan organizations predict that number would be much higher.

Work requirements may inadvertently harm those most in need of medical care. Chronically ill patients, such as those with cancer, may not be able to fulfill work requirements or may have difficulties finding work due to necessary accommodations, and could be at risk for losing health care coverage. The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is dedicated to ensuring that cancer patients have no barriers to accessing affordable and comprehensive care.

We will continue to monitor this case and will provide updates as soon as they become available.  

CDC report on tanning and sunburn

Indoor tanning usage among high school teenagers is declining. According to a Youth Risk Behavioral Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percent of students who had used an indoor tanning device over the most recent 12-month period declined from 7.3 percent in 2015 to 5.6 percent in 2017. However, the prevalence of sunburns among high school students slightly increased between 2015 and 2017. According to the survey, students who had at least one sunburn during the 12 months prior to the survey increased from 55.5 percent in 2015 to 57.2 percent in 2017.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the U.S. and the most preventable. Each year, more than 87,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Both sunburns and the use of indoor tanning devices can greatly increase your risk of skin cancer.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is dedicated to reducing the risk of skin cancer through education and prevention. Learn more about how to prevent skin cancer.

Congress releases draft appropriations bills

The House Appropriations Committee recently released a draft bill for fiscal year 2019, which includes funding for Health and Human Services (HHS). The appropriations bill would increase funding for HHS by one billion dollars compared to fiscal year 2018. The proposal would also move the Strategic National Stockpile, the agency in charge of holding critical medical supplies in the event of a mass medical emergency, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).

While the bill reduced CDC funding by more than $600 million, after accounting for the stockpile program transfer, CDC will receive a net funding increase of more than $400 million. The bill would also transfer some of funding and responsibilities from the Prevention and Public Health Fund to the CDC.

Additionally, the Senate appropriations committee approved legislation to provide $5.747 billion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), an increase of $90 million (1.5%) above last year. Further, the legislation provides $400 million for the NCI provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act, an increase of $100 million (33%).

The Prevent Cancer Foundation® applauds Congress for taking measures to increase funding to these critical agencies that support cancer patients and their families, as well as promoting public health services.

Justice Kennedy announces retirement

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy last week announced he is resigning effective July 31 of this year. Justice Kennedy has a reputation for being a moderate justice, and has been the crucial swing vote in many high-profile cases in recent years..

Justice Kennedy’s retirement gives President Trump the opportunity to appoint his second Supreme Court justice. Health care advocates are concerned over what this could mean for health care in the future, particularly as it relates to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Currently, there is a lawsuit challenging the ACA from more than 20 states, and the Department of Justice has announced it will stop defending the legislation. It is unclear what will happen as this lawsuit moves throughout lower courts.  

Many Democrats in the Senate want to push consideration of a replacement until after midterm elections in order to account for potential changes in the Senate. President Trump has announced he will have his nominee ready by July 9, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said he stands ready to move forward with confirmation hearings.

We will continue to monitor this situation and will provide updates as soon as they become available.

Feature story

HPV test is better than Pap smear at detecting precancerous cervical changes, study says

TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (The Washington Post) — A test for HPV detects precancerous changes of the cervix earlier and more accurately than the Pap smear, according to a large clinical trial published Tuesday

The randomized, controlled study — the kind of trial considered the “gold standard” of research — showed that the human papillomavirus test is more sensitive than the Pap smear, a widely used test that has been a standard part of women’s preventive health care for decades but has drawbacks.

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Surgeons Make the Call on Gene Tests for Breast Cancer Patients
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NOTE: If you are considering genetic testing, the Prevent Cancer Foundation^® recommends meeting with a genetic counselor. Your counselor will discuss the full picture of your health and risk factors (including family history), the pros and cons of genetic testing and your options after you do that test. You should check with your insurance company before meeting with a genetic counselor to see if the meeting and genetic testing are covered by your insurance.

Firefighter Cancer Registry Act Heading to President’s Desk
July 3, ABC                                               

Smokers feel they lose their identity when they quit smoking, study says
July 5, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Summer an ideal time to check for skin cancer: 7 things to look for
July 5, Chicago Tribune

Every Fourth of July, friends and family gather across the U.S. for fun and celebration. Independence Day parties often include sun, sports, and, of course, scrumptious foods! Here are some tips for staying healthy while having fun:

• Stay safe in the sun. Wear red in your outfit, not on your skin! Everyone wants to spend time outside, but be sure to stay smart while enjoying the sunshine. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or above with UVA and UVB protection to reduce your risk for skin cancer. Don’t forget your face, lips and scalp!
• Enjoy some healthy competition. Organize a fun group activity to keep everyone active and entertained. Capture the flag, Frisbee games, scavenger hunts, volleyball, kickball and badminton are all great ways to keep the whole crew engaged!
• Eat smart. It’s okay to indulge in some of your favorite foods on the holiday, but try to eat smart. Red meats, processed foods and sugar are all linked to an increased risk of cancer. This year, try to be mindful of your eating and drinking habits—swap out burgers for chicken, chips for fruit and veggies, and sugary drinks for water or tea.

Need some more ideas for healthy options? Check out our other posts on low-sugar sangria, healthy and delicious spinach artichoke dip, red, white & blue cheese dip, barbecue ideas and other simple snacks and treats, as well as some tips on staying safe in the sun!

Feature story

Flight Attendants Have Higher Rates of Many Cancers, Study Says

TUESDAY, June 19, 2018 — (TIME) Flight attendants are exposed to a number of known cancer-causing risks, but few studies have rigorously quantified that risk, and researchers say they are an understudied occupational group.

The Harvard Flight Attendant Health Study (FAHS), begun in 2007, addresses some of the gaps in understanding health risks among flight attendants. In the latest report, published in the journal Environmental Health, researchers found that flight attendants had higher rates of many cancers, including breast cancer and melanoma, compared to the general population.

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New treatment lowers risk for death from aggressive prostate cancer by over 70 percent, study finds
Jun. 27, Chicago Tribune

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Jun. 26, NPR

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Jun. 21, U.S. News & World Report

California Poised To Expand Access To Hepatitis C Drugs
Jun. 21, California Healthline

Nothing says summer like a pitcher of sangria shared with friends, but that’s not exactly the epitome of cancer prevention. Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of head and neck, liver, breast and colorectal cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says if you drink alcohol at all, to do so in moderation, meaning no more than one drink a day for women and two for men (one drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor).

But you can still celebrate summer with your favorite fruity beverage! It’s easy to omit the alcohol and added sugar in sangria and still enjoy a refreshing drink for those hot afternoons at the pool—just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Ingredients

2 cups cran-grape juice (look for unsweetened or “light” varieties with less sugar)

½ cup orange juice (look for unsweetened or “light” varieties with less sugar, or use freshly squeezed orange juice)

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

¼ cup strawberries, halved or chopped

¼ cup blueberries

½ lemon, peeled and chopped

½ lime, peeled and chopped

3 cups sparkling water

½ cup frozen mixed berries

¼ cup fresh mint, chopped

Add the juices and chopped fruits to a pitcher and stir. Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours until ready to serve. Just before serving, add the sparkling water and stir. Pour into glasses over frozen berries and garnish with a couple of mint leaves.

June 22, 2018

New lawsuit challenges the Affordable Care Act

A collection of 20 states have filed a lawsuit, Texas et al. v. United States et al., disputing the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The states claim that since the tax penalty for the Individual Mandate (the requirement that people purchase health insurance) has been eliminated, both the Mandate and the ACA as a whole are unconstitutional. The case currently sits with the District Court in the Northern District of Texas.

If the lawsuit is successful, it will have a major impact on health care coverage previously guaranteed by the ACA. In particular, this case jeopardizes coverage for patients with pre-existing conditions. Prior to the ACA, insurers were allowed to deny coverage to individuals with certain medical conditions (such as cancer) or charge them with extremely high, unaffordable premiums. If the states win the case, it would eliminate required coverage for essential health benefits, which include preventive screening and early detection services, as well as prescription drug coverage.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation® supports full protections for cancer prevention and early detection services. Ensuring access to care and affordable coverage is crucial to improving the lives of cancer patients across the country.

We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as soon as they become available.

Trump administration announces new association health plan rule

On Tuesday, the Trump administration finalized a new rule to expand access to association health plans (AHPs). The move will decrease regulations to allow more small business and self-employed workers to enter into the health insurance market. These plans are likely to attract younger, healthier consumers, which could increase health care premiums in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces.

The aim of this rule is to offer consumers more options, increase competition in the insurance market and decrease health care costs for certain groups. But under the new rule, AHPs do not have to abide by ACA provisions for essential health benefits, like screening and early detection services, maternity care, and prescription drugs.

This could lower premiums for AHPs, but it could have harmful impacts on cancer patients—especially those who receive a diagnosis after switching to an AHP and don’t have adequate follow-up coverage. And while the rule does not allow plans to increase monthly premiums for pre-existing conditions, they are allowed to charge higher premiums based on other factors such as age, which allows them to indirectly raise costs for “high-risk” individuals.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation® believes in affordable and accessible health care for all, but expanding access to AHPs could have serious consequences for individuals, such as rising premiums and inadequate coverage. AHPs could be available as soon as September 1. We will continue to provide updates on how these health plans will impact your insurance rates and coverage.

‘Sunscreen’ pills are putting your health at risk

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued a warning to companies claiming their pills and supplements can protect against sun damage. These claims are false, and the FDA has instructed them to correct this on their websites and product labels. The FDA says, “There’s no pill or capsule that can replace your sunscreen.”

False claims like these put people’s health at risk. Be careful of potential risks of products you purchase. As a rule of thumb, the FDA has warned consumers to be wary of products that seem too good to be true.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the most preventable cancer in the United States. To protect yourself from cancer, always wear sunscreen and lip balm of SPF 30 or higher (UVA and UVB protection) and stay covered or in the shade whenever possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

New push for bill to defer student loan payments for cancer patients

This week, patient advocacy groups held a lobby day on Capitol Hill to garner more support for the Deferment for Active Cancer Treatment Act of 2017. The event was held on June 21, the one-year anniversary of the bill’s introduction in Congress.

Currently, undergoing cancer treatment does not qualify student loan borrowers for deferment on their payments. Once enacted, the bill would cover all future federal student loans as well as those still in repayment. The cost of cancer treatment is already a financial and emotional burden on patients and their families. Deferment of student loan payments during cancer treatment can help young cancer patients and their families cover the costs of lifesaving care and ease the financial stress of monthly payments.

Reducing the financial burden of loans increases the affordability of cancer care and allows patients to focus on their treatments and recovery. Learn more about the Deferment for Active Cancer Treatment Act. 

Feature story

Smoking hits all-time low in U.S.

TUESDAY, June 19, 2018 (NBC News) — About 14 percent of U.S adults were smokers last year, down from about 16 percent the year before, government figures show.

There hadn’t been much change the previous two years, but it’s been clear there’s been a general decline and the new figures show it’s continuing, said K. Michael Cummings of the tobacco research program at Medical University of South Carolina.

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New Trump Rule Rolls Back Protections of the Affordable Care Act
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Diabetes after 50 could be early sign of pancreatic cancer, study says
Jun. 18, CNN