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New EPI Healthcare Study By June O'Neill Shows Uninsured 'Crisis' Wildly Overestimated
The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new study which shows that the widely employed estimate of 47 million uninsured Americans is a misleading representation of the problem. The study, authored by Drs. June and David O"Neill of Baruch College and City University of New York, shows that more than 43 percent, or 18 million, of uninsured Americans ages 18-64 could likely afford health coverage and are actually "voluntarily uninsured." June O"Neill served as Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) from 1995-1999.

Insurers Struggle In Downturn As Senators Consider Adding New Tax
"Earnings from the nation"s big health insurers show signs of a new uptick in medical costs related to the recession: As unemployment rises, people who have lost their jobs or are fearful of losing them are rushing to see doctors to get medical tests before their benefits expire," the Wall Street Journal reports. WellPoint, the nation"s largest insurer by volume, reported a 7.6 percent dip in profits and the loss of 338,000 members in the second quarter, further illuminating the trend. Other insurers have experienced similar patterns in which policyholders are seeking more - and more expensive - health services.
News of the day
Study Links Recurrence Of Abnormal Cervical Cells To Age, Treatment Type
Older women, women with a higher grade of precancerous cells and women who undergo a freezing procedure known as cryotherapy to remove abnormal cervical cells are at a higher risk than other groups that the problem cells will return or develop into cervical cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Reuters reports. For the study, Joy Melnikow of the University of California-Davis and colleagues compared 37,000 women who were treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia -- abnormal cervical cells -- from 1986 through 2000 with 71,000 women who had no history of abnormal cervical cells.The researchers found that the risk of cervical cancer and recurrence of medium to severe degrees of CIN was highest for women who were older than age 40, who had been previously treated for severe CIN or whose abnormal cells were treated using cryotherapy. The women underwent cone biopsies a surgical procedure to remove abnormal cells were least likely to have a recurrence of CIN. According to Melnikow, recurrence was most likely to occur within the first six years after treatment. Melnikow said that women who have been treated surgically have higher risks of bleeding and preterm labor. Therefore, younger women who are planning to become pregnant might prefer cryotherapy, she said, adding that younger women"s "risk of recurrence is lower, and a recurrence can be treated again" (Steenhuysen, Reuters, 5/12).
Oncology

New National Cancer Standards For Sarcoma Services Published, Wales

New standards to improve access to diagnosis and treatment of sarcomas have been published by the Welsh Assembly Government. Sarcomas are a rare and diverse group of cancers that can be broadly divided into those of bone and those of soft tissue. When combined sarcomas are the 21st most common cancer type. As a result, a GP may only expect to see one or two patients with this type of cancer through out their working lifetime. The new standards, which have been developed by the Cancer Services Co-ordinating Group with a multi-professional group of cancer specialists and patients, take into account the latest NICE guidance which emphasises the importance of earlier diagnosis in order to improve survival. The standards aim to improve the co-ordination of care with clearly designated diagnostic clinics which will speed up diagnosis. For those patients found to have sarcoma, a rapid onward referral, as part of a clinical pathway, to an appropriate specialist team will ensure prompt treatment by experts in this rare disease. The NHS in Wales must submit plans to the Assembly Government by the end of September on how it will achieve the new standards by June 2012. Health Minister Edwina Hart said: "Swift access to diagnosis and treatment is essential for improving the outcome for patients. More people are now surviving cancer and surviving for longer than ever before but we must build on this achievement. Through investment in prevention, speedy diagnosis and treatment, we will reduce the devastating impact that cancer can have on individuals and families and friends. "The new standards will support clinicians in caring for people who are suspected to have these rare cancers." The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Jane Wilkinson, added: "In addition to speeding up diagnosis and treatment, we are increasing awareness of measures to reduce the risk of developing cancer, such as having a healthy lifestyle and diet, and for people to be sensible in the sunshine which can reduce the risk of skin cancer. "The introduction of the ban on smoking in enclosed public places, the human papilloma virus vaccine to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and the roll-out of bowel cancer screening will improve and aid our efforts to reduce the incidence of cancer." Notes The National Cancer Standards for Sarcoma Services will be available on the Welsh Assembly Government website. The Health Minister, Edwina Hart, will tomorrow [Wednesday, 3 June] officially open a new CT scanner and planning suite at the Radiology Department at Singleton Hospital, Swansea at 11am. Access to imaging equipment is important in getting early diagnosis for people with sarcoma and other cancers. National Cancer Standards for Sarcoma Services


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