"Getting Paid for Patient Navigation: What You Should Know About the 2024 Physician Payment Rule," is part of the Special Topics in Patient Navigation series. This training, presented by Dr. Mandi Pratt-Chapman, Associate Center Director for Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity at the GW Cancer Center, aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the new CMS guidelines and billing codes for patient navigation services effective January 1, 2024.

As medical cannabis becomes increasingly accessible and popular among cancer patients, it's important to understand the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of its use during cancer treatment. Recent studies have shed light on this growing trend and what it might mean for both patients and healthcare providers.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and an opportunity to draw awareness to the effectiveness and importance of lung cancer screening. The goal is to reduce the stigma associated with lung cancer and encourage people to discuss screening with their healthcare provider so we can help people find cancers earlier when they're easier to treat.

Below you'll find resources to assist you in spreading the word about lung cancer screening and understanding the impact of lung cancer in Nevada.

In July, the FDA approved the first blood test, called Shield, for primary screening of colon cancer in people at average risk. The test detects specific DNA changes in the blood that may signal the presence cancer or precancerous growths. In a study of nearly 8,000 people, Shield identified colorectal cancers in 83% of cases but was less effective in detecting precancerous growths, with a sensitivity of just 13%.

A first-ever survey conducted by Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah researchers reveals that residents in frontier areas of the Mountain West face significant barriers to health care. The Community Health Assessment Survey (CHAS) is the first of its kind to focus solely on patients in rural and frontier areas. Rural counties have fewer than 100 people per square mile while frontier areas have seven or fewer per square mile.

Sunglasses have long been associated with style and glamour, but their importance goes far beyond mere fashion. These essential accessories play a crucial role in protecting our eyes and the delicate skin around them from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Recent research and medical advice have emphasized the significance of wearing sunglasses to prevent skin cancer and other eye-related health issues.

UV Radiation and Skin Cancer

A large study by the National Cancer Institute-funded Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium found that women who receive a false-positive result on a mammogram may be less likely to return for future screenings. Researcher Diana Miglioretti, Ph.D., of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and a leader of the BCSC, said that’s cause for concern, as mammography screening is “the most important strategy for reducing death from breast cancer.”

Chances are you’ve been hearing the buzz about artificial intelligence (AI) and machines taking over the world. Ok, that’s a bit extreme. But it seems that AI is everywhere these days, in things like wacky AI-generated photos and fake voices reading your online news. In reality, AI has been around for much longer than you may think, and its applications are far more vast and potentially useful than many understand.

As we approach World Mental Health Day, recognized on October 10, it's crucial to recognize the emotional challenges faced by cancer survivors and caregivers. One powerful tool that has emerged to address these challenges is peer mentoring. This blog post explores the benefits of peer mentoring and how it can provide much-needed emotional support during the cancer journey.