QIAGEN’s careHPV test provides more accurate screening

First published study of new HPV test – QIAGEN’s careHPV test for developing countries shows high accuracy in predicting cervical disease, cervical cancer. – A new HPV test developed by QIAGEN specifically for use in regions of the world with scarce resources is “substantially” more accurate in identifying women with cervical disease than the current methods (Pap testing and visual inspection) in these countries.

CT colonography a viable colorectal cancer screening option

Colonoscopy still the definitive test for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. – Death from colorectal cancer is highly preventable with effective screening and early detection. Many screening options are available, each with advantages and disadvantages, but half of eligible patients still do not participate in colorectal cancer screening.

Retail clinics attracting patients with no regular doctor

Typical patients of retail medical health clinics in the United States include patients who don’t have regular health care provider or doctor. – Retail medical clinics located in pharmacies and other stores typically attract insured and uninsured patients who are seeking help for a small group of easy-to-treat illnesses or preventive care and do not otherwise have a regular health care provider, according to a new RAND Corporation study.

HIV people not tested for tuberculosis

Only 1% of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide have been screened for tuberculosis, according to a report recently released by the coalition Advocacy To Control TB Internationally, or ACTION. – A mere 1% of people living with HIV/AIDS are reported to have been screened for TB, according to the most recent global data available from the World Health Organization. Health experts and activists at the International AIDS Conference are calling upon HIV/AIDS programs and international donors to ensure universal TB screening of every person who has tested positive for HIV.

Some obese individuals appear healthy without heart risk

Some obese individuals do not appear to have an increased risk for heart disease, while some normal-weight individuals experience a cluster of heart risks. – Some obese individuals do not appear to have an increased risk for heart disease, while some normal-weight individuals experience a cluster of heart risks, according to two reports in the August 11/25 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

PSA screening awareness needed among high-risk groups

One-fifth of men under age 50 reported undergoing a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test to detect prostate cancer in the previous year, yet only one in three young black men reported ever having a PSA test in the previous year. – In one of the first examinations of PSA screening in younger men, a study published by researchers at Duke Medicine’s Prostate Center finds that one-fifth of men under age 50 reported undergoing a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test to detect prostate cancer in the previous year, yet only one in three young black men reported ever having a PSA test in the previous year.

Prostate cancer screening for men over 75 not required

US Preventive Services Task Force updates prostate cancer screening recommendations; Task Force finds no screening benefit for men over 75. – The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), updating its 2002 report, now recommends against routine prostate cancer screening for men over the age of 75. More evidence is needed to determine if men under 75 could benefit from screening.

40% higher HIV infection estimate in US

HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) reported that higher HIV infection estimate in US shows need for routine screening, more funding for care. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected soon to increase the estimate of new HIV infections in the United States by 40 percent. This highlights the need to make HIV testing a routine part of medical care and provide better funding to care for those who test positive, according to the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA).

Eyes could serve as early warning of diabetes

A new testing device may give doctors early warning of eye disease, especially vision trouble linked to diabetes. – A new vision screening device, already shown to give an early warning of eye disease, could give doctors and patients a head start on treating diabetes and its vision complications, a new study shows.

Breast self exam does not reduce breast cancer risk

A review of studies of women concluded that there is no evidence that self-exams for lumps or other changes actually reduce breast cancer risk. – A review of recent studies says there is no evidence that the monthly breast self-exam to check for lumps or other changes that might signal breast cancer actually reduce breast cancer deaths.

Health Newstrack