What We’re Reading: Cervical Cancer Increase in Low-Income Regions; Senate Discusses Assisted Living; Measles Cases Rise

Rising Number of Low-Income Women Have Cervical Cancer

A recent study published in International Journal of Cancer reports that US women in low-income regions are experiencing a steep increase in cervical cancer diagnosis and death despite medical improvements, according to USA Today. Although screening, early detection, and human papillomavirus vaccination have helped providers better protect women from cervical cancer, the study found the reach of these methods to be uneven. They found that cervical cancer cases jumped in low-income portions of the country, with low-income White women seeing the greatest increase in late-stage cervical cancer. Additionally, low-income Black women had the greatest increase in cervical mortality, and low-income Hispanic women had the highest rate of cervical cancer. Because of this, experts emphasize the importance of addressing access issues to ensure broader utilization of preventive measures.

Senate Explores Assisted Living Cost, Burden on American Families

A Senate committee launched an assisted living examination on Thursday, its first hearing on the industry in 2 decades, according to KFF Health News. The federal government has minimal oversight of assisted living as it is regulated by the states. Consequently, during the hearing, leaders of both parties on the Senate Special Committee on Aging asked about questionable billing practices and inconsistent quality monitoring by state governments. Testimonies at the hearing highlighted instances of financial exploitation, poor care, and need for federal oversight. Conversely, some assisted living industry representatives argued for state oversight, claiming that overall facility quality is strong and best overseen by states as the federal long-term care funding method is “broken.”

CDC Alerts Health Care Providers About Measles Cases

The CDC is urging health care providers to be alert for patients who have fever, rashes, and ve traveled abroad following reports of 23 measles cases in the US since December 1, according to CIDRAP. Of the 23 cases, 7 were imported by international travelers. Also, 2 outbreaks of more than 5 cases each have been reported, one in Philadelphia leading to infections at a hospital and daycare facility and the other being a family cluster of 6 cases in Washington. Additionally, Virginia officials warned of measles exposures at 2 international airports, and New Jersey and Georgia each confirmed a case. In an email to clinicians, the CDC explained that most of the cases involved young children and adolescents who had not received a measles-containing vaccine; these instances of measles cases are reflective of a rise in global cases and a growing global threat from the disease.