State Of Lung Cancer In The U.S.

The third annual "State of Lung Cancer” report from the American Lung Association finds that while survival rates have improved overall, this type of cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S. The report also highlights racial disparities at all stages, from diagnosis to treatment. Early diagnosis rates and surgical treatment rates are lower among Black patients and other non-white groups than white patients. At the same time, Hispanic individuals are 39% more likely to receive no treatment than white patients. Across the board, screening remains a challenge. Nearly eight million individuals were at high risk for lung cancer and ought to have been screened last year, but fewer than 6% of them ended up being screened for the disease. This year’s report examines the lifesaving potential of lung cancer screening, which can detect the disease at an earlier stage when it’s more curable, and the importance of advancements in lung cancer research that holds the promise for better treatment options. Additional information can be obtained here.

A Global Grand Challenge Of Achieving Healthy Human Longevity

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) and global collaborators in October 2019 with the participation of 49 countries and territories launched the Healthy Longevity Global Competition to catalyze breakthrough research and generate transformative and scalable innovations by mobilizing action across disciplines and sectors, from basic research to technology, care delivery, financing, community development, and social policy. During the first phase of the competition over three years, more than 450 Catalyst Awards will be distributed globally, representing over US$30 million in seed funding to attract bold, audacious research ideas. In the second phase, “Accelerator Awards” will provide additional substantial funding or support for projects that have demonstrated proof of concept with potential for commercialization. In the third and final phase, one or more Grand Prizes totaling over US$4 million will reward breakthrough achievements with the promise of global impact. An international commission will assess the evidence and develop a comprehensive policy strategy for healthy aging. The commission’s report, to be released in mid-2021, will be informed by three workstreams: (1) social, behavioral, and environmental enablers, (2) health care and public health systems, and (3) science and technology. Information about this endeavor can be obtained here.

U.S. Maternal Death Rates Are The Highest Among Wealthy Countries

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among 11 high-income countries, according to a new international comparison from the Commonwealth Fund. The high rates of deaths from complications of pregnancy and childbirth reflect several factors that include an overall shortage of maternity care providers and the limited availability of postpartum care. The new study points to a number of policies that could lower maternal mortality in the U.S.

Implementing universal, comprehensive maternity care coverage and lowering barriers to accessing care.
Ensuring continuous maternity care from preconception to the postpartum period, also known as the “fourth trimester,” when the majority of maternal deaths occur.
Expanding the maternity care workforce, with a larger role for midwives, ensuring paid leave for all after giving birth.

The report can be obtained here.

return to November 2020 trends

AVAILABLE RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONICALLY

More November 2020 TRENDS Articles

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

HEALTH REFORM DEVELOPMENTS

DEVELOPMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

QUICK STAT (SHORT, TIMELY, AND TOPICAL)

AVAILABLE RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONICALLY

POPULATION HEALTH SCIENCE AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

MOVING FROM A GERM THEORY OF DISEASE TO THE MICROBIAL THEORY OF HEALTH