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People in state high-risk insurance plans often feel left behind
The federal health law set up new plans that are cheaper and more comprehensive than the older ones run by states but consumers need to go without insurance for six months to qualify.
Cancer
Komen reverses Planned Parenthood decision, apologizes
Facing a storm of criticism form women’s groups and abortion-rights supporters, the Susan G. Komen for a Cure foundation announced it would reverse its decision to cut its funding to Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood vs. Komen: Women’s health giants face off
The breast-cancer charity Susan G. Komen For the Cure is pulling about $700,000 in breast cancer screening and service grants from the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.Komen’s reason: a new policy forbidding grants to organizations under official investigation. Planned Parenthood is the subject of an inquiry launched by a GOP congressman.
New cancer drugs offer hope — but at an often staggering cost
Julie Grabow, an oncologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, recently prescribed an exciting new therapy for a 60-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer — Afinitor made by Novartis. There was a catch, though. Novartis is charging $10,000 per month for the drug
Hutch hosts lecture series for the public next month
Next month, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center offers its annual “Science for Life” series in which the center’s top researchers will explain the latest science in a fun and informal atmosphere.
Annual prostate screening does not reduce risk of death – study
Men who underwent annual prostate cancer screening with prostate-specific antigen testing and digital rectal examination had a 12 percent higher incidence of prostate cancer than men in the control group but the same rate of death from the disease.
Teens and young adults talk about coping with cancer in new video series
Teens and young adults with cancer talk about their experiences with the disease – from treatments and hair loss, to dealing with school, friends and family.
Want to quit smoking? Your health plan may want to help.
Some companies are also penalizing employees who don’t give up cigarettes by hitting them with higher health insurance premiums.
Texting sex ed – NYTs
Health organizations and school districts are using Web sites and texting services to provide teens with accurate information about sex, the New York Times reports.
How doctors die, Newt’s health care heresies and other top stories of the week
How doctors die (Hint: Not like the rest of us). Can vaccines end cancer? Newt Gingrich’s health-care heresies. Should your doctor take money from drug companies? — This week’s top stories.
Number of Seattle stores caught selling tobacco to minors doubles
In the previous five years, the 7 percent of retailers were caught selling tobacco to underage teens. This year the number caught jumped to 15 percent of the time.
Patients harmed when providers fail to report test results
In a given week, a primary-care doctor might need to review 360 chemistry test results, 460 hematology results, 12 pathology reports and 40 radiology reports.
Why does being overweight increase your risk of cancer?
Research suggests that 14 percent of all cancer deaths in men and 20 percent in women could be blamed on excess weight.
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