Although both new cancer cases and cancer death rates are declining for both whites and African Americans, incidence and death rates continue to remain higher for blacks in the United States than for whites.  African American men are one-third more likely to die of cancer than whites, black women 16 percent more likely.

While five-year survival for white Americans with colon or rectal cancer is 65 percent, it is only 56 percent for blacks.  Blacks have poorer survival chances at every stage of colorectal cancer, including the earliest stages where cancer has not begun to spread.

Compared to lung, prostate,and breast cancer where the disparity gaps in death rates are narrowing, differences in colorectal cancer mortality are growing. Read the rest of this entry »

We talk so much about cancer patients and their needs and treatment options, but we easily forget to make sure the caregivers are looked after.

In busy practices we use the caregiver to make sure all appointment are kept, to ensure compliance with therapies, to watch and evaluate patients, and identify red flags about when to call or get concerned. Read the rest of this entry »

Briefly this week, there is no less risk of blood clots associated with central venous catheters with the prophylatic use of warfarin, a new drug is  tested in mice that might be useful in chemoprevention, and disparities between blacks and whites are found in post-surgical deaths in teaching hospitals.

Pet owners may be persuaded to stop smoking if they realize their pets are in danger, the Commonwealth Fund proposes comprehensive change in the US health care system, and Deadly in Pink reveals new tobacco marketing strategies that are focusing on young women. Read the rest of this entry »

The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act offer protection from discrimination on the job.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects you from discrimination from your employer. It also states that you must be given “reasonable accommodations” to continue doing your job, if necessary. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave from your job for a serious medical condition without losing your job. Read the rest of this entry »

After passage in both the House and Senate on Friday, President Barack Obama is set to sign the very controversial $787 billion economic stimulus package in Denver today. Read the rest of this entry »