Sunday, January 31, 2021

TheoryLab celebrated its 100th episode


Help make it a top science podcast by subscribing, giving it 5 stars, and sharing it.

Our TheoryLab podcast – a weekly show in which ACS staff scientists and grantees chat about the most critical questions in cancer research in a way that’s easy to understand – is celebrating its 100th episode on Jan. 29.

The episode features ACS staff scientist Lynne Elmore, PhD, senior scientific director, Translational Cancer. She describes takeaways from the new publication, Blueprint for Cancer Research: Critical Gaps and Opportunities, which integrates conversations with more than 90 leading cancer experts. We will post a link to it here as soon as it is available, but you can subscribe to it yourself  on SpotifyApple PodcastsStitcherSoundcloud, and Google Podcasts.

The podcast launched in 2019. Susanna Greer, PhD, senior scientific director, Biochemistry and Immunology of Cancer, hosts the show, and it’s produced by Joe Cotter, research constituent engagement manager. 

Upcoming episodes will focus on HPV vaccination, colorectal cancer screening strategies in rural communities, and a new therapeutic approach for triple-negative breast cancer. 

Congratulations to the Extramural Discovery Science and Research Integration teams within the Office of Cancer Research and Implementation (OCRI, formerly known as the Office of the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer) for achieving this milestone! 

The podcasts are a terrific source of information, especially our volunteers who might not have a background in science but are interested in learning more about our cancer research program, the impact of ACS funding on cancer researchers, and the latest trends in cancer science. 

Each episode runs about 20-30 minutes. You can subscribe via SpotifyApple PodcastsStitcherSoundcloud, and Google Podcasts to receive new episodes as they’re available or follow @ACS_Research on Twitter for a preview of each new episode. 

Catch up on the TheoryLab podcast by checking out these highlights: 

Help us make this a Top 10 science podcast! 

Please subscribe, rate it 5-stars, and share the TheoryLab podcast on your social media accounts. 

*Shared from MySocietySource.

National Hot Chocolate Day

 


Friday, January 29, 2021

Cancer-related suicides down 2.8% per year in the past two decades

Despite increases in overall suicide rates in the U.S. during the past two decades, cancer-related suicides declined by 2.8% per year, according to a new ACS study.

The study, appearing in JNCI: The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that the largest declines in cancer-related suicide rates were among high-risk populations, suggesting an evolving role of psycho-oncology and palliative and hospice care for cancer patients and survivors during this period.

To examine the trends in cancer-related suicides compared to overall suicides in the U.S., investigators led by Xuesong Han, PhD (pictured here), calculated average annual percentage change of suicide rates stratified by risk factors including age, sex, urban/rural status, and cancer type. They found that of cancer-related suicides, lung cancer (18.2%), prostate cancer (15.4%), and colorectal cancer (9.1%) were the most common contributing causes. They also found that cancer-related suicide rates had large declines among those who were older, male, living in urban areas, and with prostate or lung cancer.

Although the gun and opioid epidemics emerged as major public health concerns during this period and overall suicide rates with firearm and drugs increased, the authors found that cancer-related suicide with firearms did not increase, and cancer-related suicides with drugs remained low. These results suggest different risk profiles of suicide for cancer patients compared to the general population.

“Advances in supportive care and policies ensuring equitable access to increased psychosocial care, and palliative and hospice care services are essential in delivering high quality cancer care to maximize patients and families’ quality of life,” the authors conclude.  

*Shared from MySocietySource.


Thursday, January 28, 2021

National Lego Day

 


Data Privacy Day

 

#DataPrivacyDay is about raise awareness, promote privacy, data protection, and best practices. As an ACS volunteer you can sign in and take the free IT Security Awareness training to learn how you can protect yourself, other Relays, and the Society.

Global Relay For Life Kick Off

 

Today is the Global Relay For Life Kick Off! Learn more about Global Relay For Life and follow them on Facebook to see their exciting events.

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

New ACS study says drinking accounts for 3.2% of cancer deaths in the U.S.

A new study finds that alcohol consumption accounts for a considerable portion of cancer incidence and mortality in the U.S. The article, which appears in Cancer Epidemiology, states that in the U.S. on average, alcohol consumption accounts for 4.8% of cancer cases and 3.2% of cancer deaths.

This study led by Farhad Islami, MD, PhD, is the first to estimate contemporary proportions and counts of alcohol-attributable cancer cases and deaths for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.  Nationally, alcohol consumption accounted for an estimated 75,200 cancer cases and 18,950 cancer deaths annually during 2013 to 2016. Data shows the proportions were generally higher in New England and Western states and lower in Midwestern and Southern states.

“This information is important for prioritizing state-level cancer prevention and control efforts to reduce alcohol consumption and help reduce this cancer burden,” Farhad said.

The study finds that overall alcohol-related cancer cases were slightly higher among women than men, reflecting the association of alcohol consumption with increased risk for female breast cancer. The authors say, “healthcare providers and public health practitioners can educate the community to expand the currently limited awareness of the cancer-related risks of alcohol consumption.” 

The ACS guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention states that it is best not to consume alcohol; for those who do drink, consumption should be limited to no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.

The study notes that concurrent tobacco use and alcohol consumption appears to increase the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus more than the independent effect of either behavior alone. Research is needed to better understand cancer burden resulting from the combined effect of tobacco use and alcohol consumption. 

*Shared from MySocietySource.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

National Spouses Day

Couples are encouraged to celebrate each other today in honor of #NationalSpousesDay. So, let your partner know today just how special they are to you! 

Monday, January 25, 2021

Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers

 

Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers Week is a nationwide event that unites basketball coaches across the country for a common cause – saving lives from cancer. Coaches and their staff across the nation wear sneakers with their suits during games to raise awareness, helping to save lives by raising funds and encouraging people to educate themselves about cancer prevention, screening, and early detection. Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers games will support cancer research, services, and awareness, as well as promote cancer prevention. Learn more at MySocietySource.

Sunday, January 24, 2021

National Compliment Day

 

Today is #NationalComplimentDay, a sincere compliment can brighten boost someone’s morale. Send a complement today and make their day!

International Day of Education

 

For #InternationalDayOfEducation we want to highlight the Schools vs Cancer program. This program is a great way to drive home the message that it’s never too soon to adopt healthy habits to improve overall health and prevent cancer. The activities and educational materials provided with the Schools vs Cancer program teach children and their families how to make positive choices for healthy living and cancer prevention, including nutrition, physical activity, sun safety, vaccines, and tobacco prevention. Learn more at cancer.org.

Thursday, January 21, 2021

National Hug Day

 

Today is #NationalHugDay, celebrate it by giving a hug! Make sure to do it safely and follow CDC standards; hug a person in your social bubble, hug members of your household, hug your pets, share virtual hugs, hug your stuffed animals and your imaginary friends. We are sending you a virtual hug and wishing you a happy National Hug Day!


Women’s Healthy Weight Day

 

Good health starts with good nutrition. For Women’s Healthy Weight Day, find tips and recipes to help you and your family make healthy food choices at cancer.org.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

​Record drop in cancer mortality for second straight year due to improved lung cancer treatment


Overall cancer death rates in the U.S. dropped continuously from 1991 through 2018 for a total decrease of 31%, including a 2.4% decline from 2017 to 2018. The news comes from Cancer Statistics, 2021, our annual report on cancer rates and trends. It is the most widely referenced source of cancer rates and trends in the U.S.

The article appears today in our flagship journal, CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, and is accompanied by a consumer version, Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. This year, we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of Cancer Facts & Figures. Over the last 70 years, this resource has provided the latest information about cancer incidence, mortality, and other trends to the public, medical community, and media – a tradition we are incredibly proud of. 

The report estimates that in the U.S. in 2021, almost 1.9 million (1,898,160) new cancer cases will be diagnosed and 608,570 Americans will die from cancer. These projections are based on currently available incidence and mortality data through 2017 and 2018, respectively, and thus do not account for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnoses or deaths. 

“The impact of COVID-19 on cancer diagnoses and outcomes at the population level will be unknown for several years because of the time necessary for data collection, compilation, quality control, and dissemination,” said Rebecca Siegel, MPH, lead author of the report. “We anticipate that disruptions in access to cancer care in 2020 will lead to downstream increases in advanced stage diagnoses that may impede progress in reducing cancer mortality rates in the years to come.”

Progress in reducing mortality has slowed for other leading causes of death in the U.S., but accelerated for cancer, which is the second-leading cause. An estimated 3.2 million cancer deaths have been averted from 1991 through 2018 due to reductions in smoking, earlier detection, and improvements in treatment, which are reflected in long-term declines in mortality for the four leading cancers: lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate. 

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death, accounting for more deaths than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. Sluggish progress against these latter cancers in recent years contrasts with accelerating reductions in the death rate for lung cancer, from 2.4% annually during 2009 to 2013 to 5% annually during 2014 to 2018. As a result, lung cancer accounted for almost half (46%) of the overall decline in cancer mortality in the past 5 years and spurred a record single-year drop (2.4% from 2017 to 2018) for the second year in a row. 

Recent rapid reductions in lung cancer mortality reflect better treatment for the most common subtype – non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Two-year relative survival for NSCLC has increased from 34% for patients diagnosed during 2009 through 2010 to 42% for those diagnosed during 2015 through 2016, including absolute gains of 5% to 6% for every stage of diagnosis. Two-year survival for small cell lung cancer remained at 14% to 15% during this time period. 

Cervical cancer is almost 100% preventable through screening and, in recent years, the HPV vaccine, but continues to cause thousands of deaths in the U.S. annually. In 2018, 11 women died cervical cancer deaths per day in 2018, half of which were women in their 50s or younger. It is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women in their 20s and 30s.”

The HPV vaccine holds promise to nearly eliminate cervical cancer with complete population coverage, yet U.S. vaccination rates remain low compared to other high-income countries: 57% of U.S. adolescent females are up-to-date vs >80% in Australia and >90% in the U.K. Per ACS guidelines HPV vaccinations are recommended in children starting between the ages of 9 to 12, and cervical cancer testing (screening) in young women should begin at age 25.

Other highlights from Cancer Statistics 2021/Cancer Facts & Figures 2021 include:

  • Cancer is the leading cause of death in Hispanic, Asian American, and Alaska Native persons. 
  • The 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined diagnosed during 2010 through 2016 was 67% overall, 68% in white patients, and 63% in Black patients.
  • For all stages combined, survival is the highest for prostate cancer (98%), melanoma of the skin (93%), and female breast cancer (90%), and lowest for cancers of the pancreas (10%), liver (20%), esophagus (20%), and lung (21%). 
  • Survival rates are lower for Black patients than for white patients for every cancer type except pancreas and kidney, for which they are the same.
  • Prostate, lung and bronchus, and colorectal cancers account for 46% of all incident cases in men, with prostate cancer alone accounting for 26% of diagnoses.
  • For women, breast, lung, and colorectal cancers account for 50% of all new diagnoses, with breast cancer alone accounting for 30% of female cancers. 
  • In contrast to declining trends for lung and colorectal cancers, female breast cancer incidence rates increased by about 0.5% per year from 2008 to 2017, which is attributed, at least in part, to continued declines in the fertility rate and increased body weight.
  • Colorectal cancer overtook leukemia in 2018 as the second leading cause of cancer death in men aged 20 to 39 years, reflecting increasing trends in colorectal cancer in this age group, coinciding with declining rates for leukemia.
  • The Black-white disparity in overall cancer mortality among men and women combined has declined from a peak of 33% in 1993 (279 vs 211 per 100,000, respectively) to 13% in 2018 (174 vs 154).
  • Geographic disparities are widest for the most preventable cancers, such as lung and cervical cancers, for which incidence and mortality rates vary up to 5- and 3-fold, respectively, across states.

“While recent advances in treatment for lung cancer and several other cancers are reason to celebrate, it is concerning to see the persistent racial, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities for highly preventable cancers,” said Bill Cance, MD, our chief medical and scientific officer. “There is a continued need for increased investment in equitable cancer control interventions and clinical research to create more advanced treatment options to help accelerate progress in the fight against cancer.” 

*Shared from MySocietySource. COVID-19 Impact Still Unknown. Estimates should not be compared year-to year. They are based on computer models of cancer trends and population and may vary considerably. Cancer trends should be based on age-adjusted cancer incidence and death rates (expressed as the number of cancer deaths per 100,000 people). 

Monday, January 18, 2021

Health Equity

Cancer impacts everyone, but it doesn’t impact everyone equally. Both the American Cancer Society and the ACS Cancer Action Network are working to reduce health care disparities and ensure everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. No one should be disadvantaged in their fight against cancer because of how much money they make, the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, their gender identity, their disability status, or where they live. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by learning more about how we are working to break down existing barriers, ensure great diversity among clinical trial participants, and to improving access to quality and affordable health care.


Sunday, January 17, 2021

National Healthy Weight Week

 

For most people, getting to a healthy weight and staying there can be a struggle. This week, in honor of #NationalHealthyWeightWeek, take control of your weight by visiting cancer.org for tips on making smart choices that can help you stay at a weight that’s healthy for you.

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Cancer Facts & Figures

 

A record drop in cancer mortality rates, updated cancer stats, and projections about the possible impact of COVID-19: the 2021 Cancer Facts & Figures are here. https://lnkd.in/gXQvMMj

Friday, January 15, 2021

National Hat Day

 

In honor of #NationalHatDay, share a picture of yourself wearing your favorite Relay or American Cancer Society hat! If you need new hat you can buy it at the American Cancer Society Gift Shop.

Thursday, January 14, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine

 

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a serious impact on many people, including cancer patients, their families, and caregivers. As vaccines become available to help protect against COVID-19, we're here to help you find answers to questions you might have about them. Learn more at cancer.org.

ACS Fundraising Ideas

 


Looking for a fundraising idea? Here are some great American Cancer Society fundraising ideas broken down by category and arranged in order of complexity.

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

National Kick Off

Mark your calendars! On February 4th, we’re coming together as a community for the National 2021 Relay For Life Kickoff! This nationwide virtual event will feature speakers, stories, and plenty of inspiration to jumpstart your new year of fundraising. Access the Toolbox, your events personalize Kick Off graphic, and schedule a viewing party for your event!

Monday, January 11, 2021

National Milk Day

 

Enjoy a glass of milk today on #NationalMilkDay and learn about the benefits of good nutrition at cancer.org.

Saturday, January 9, 2021

National Law Enforcement Day

 

On #NationalLawEnforcementDay, we thank San Jose Police Department and all the other law enforcement departments for their support of the American Cancer Society and cancer research.

Relay First Lap

 

During 2021 Relay For Life volunteers from around the globe will walk over 1 million laps to symbolize hope and in search of a cure for cancer. The journey begins here, join #RelayFirstLap and do your first 2021 Relay lap where you are.

Thursday, January 7, 2021

Congress increases funding for cancer research, prioritizes access to care

 

In December, Congress voted on a Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 funding deal that in a tough budget environment included a $1.25 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 2020, including a nearly $1.2 million increase for the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The COVID pandemic stalled clinical trials that need robust and sustained funding to restart and advance their potentially lifesaving work, so prioritizing robust and sustained increases again in the next Congress will be more critical than ever.

Prevention

Congress also prioritized efforts to make cancer prevention more affordable. By passing the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, unexpected out-of-pocket costs Medicare beneficiaries can face after a colonoscopy if a polyp is found and removed will be phased out. Individuals on private health plans enjoy full coverage of colorectal cancer screenings as a result of the Affordable Care Act, but a loophole in Medicare allows seniors to wake up to an unexpected bill amounting to hundreds of dollars. ACS CAN staff and volunteers advocated tirelessly for this legislation for the last decade and helped to secure overwhelming bipartisan support in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) budget includes a $5.8 million increase for cancer control programs. There is an additional $7.5 million for the Office on Smoking and Health (OSH). The bill also requires in-person age verification when online purchases of e-cigarette and vaping products are delivered in an effort to address the youth e-cigarette epidemic

Access to Care

Additionally, as part of the year-end package Congress passed the No Surprises Act to prohibit surprise medical billing, a significant step in the right direction to reduce surprise out-of-pocket costs for patients. These costs can often result in forced changes to treatment due to inability to pay and, thus, poorer health outcomes.

The bill requires Medicaid to cover routine health care costs associated with clinical trials with the inclusion of the Clinical Treatment Act. Every cancer patient who wants to participate in a trial should be able to do so without incurring unjust costs regardless of what kind of insurance they have. This change will provide Medicaid patients greater access to clinical trials. The bill also requires state Medicaid programs to cover non-emergency medical transportation to ensure that beneficiaries who lack access to regular transportation are able to travel to their medical appointments.

Nonprofit Relief

Finally, the bill has numerous coronavirus-related relief provisions, including extending a provision to allow charitable donations of up to $600 for a couple and $300 for an individual to be deducted from 2021 taxes under the universal charitable deduction. The deductions will encourage those who can donate to do so during a time when charities which have long served communities have seen increased demand, but received fewer contributions amidst the pandemic-driven economic downturn.

*Shared from MySocietySource.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Senate passes The Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act

 

The U.S. Senate passed legislation in December aimed at improving access to clinical trials for communities of color and decreasing health disparities. The action comes a week after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation. The bill is now headed to the president for signature.

The Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act works to increase access and remove barriers to participation in federally sponsored cancer clinical trials among communities that are traditionally underrepresented. This legislation would direct the federal government to study policies that impact diverse participation in federally sponsored cancer clinical trials nationwide and recommend potential policy changes that would reduce barriers and make it easier for patients from diverse backgrounds to enroll in clinical trials.

The legislation is named after Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman who died from cervical cancer and whose cells were taken without her knowledge or consent during her treatment and have been used to develop some of modern medicine’s most important breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine and treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Parkinson’s disease.  

Lacks’ grandson, Alfred Lacks Carter, shared a guest blog on his grandmother’s legacy on ACS CAN’s Cancer CANdor blog on fightcancer.org

Advancing the legislation was one of the legislative asks during the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) National Leadership Summit and Lobby Day in September and an important part of ACS CAN’s work to reduce health disparities and ensure that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat and survive cancer. 

In a press statementACS CAN President Lisa A. Lacasse said, “ACS CAN is honored to have had the chance to work with Congress and the Lacks Family on this bill and we look forward to seeing it signed into law quickly. We cannot achieve our mission of a world with less cancer until we reduce the burden of this disease across all communities.”

*Shared from MySocietySource.