July 13, 2001

 
In This Issue:
Beatle Harrison Fights Brain Tumor, Treating Pain and Fatigue,
Breast Cancer and Feelings, New Research Website,
Medicare To Cover Screening Tests, and Prostate Conference Reports

 
 
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THE LATEST NEWS
George Harrison Treated For Brain Tumor - Paper
 
Aggressive Control Of Pain And Fatigue Can Reduce Other Symptoms

 
Sharing Feelings Can Help Breast Cancer Survivors

 
Drug Firms Spending on Research

 
 
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NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE HAS NEW RESEARCH WEBSITE
The National Cancer Institute has a new website listing all the research the NCI is currently sponsoring. The information covers both clinical trials and other research with a description of the study, the name of the principal investigator and sponsoring institution in addition to a built-in glossary for key terms used. See http://researchportfolio.cancer.gov/
 
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PROSTATE REPORT FROM UROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 
The presentations from the annual meeting of the American Urological Association related to prostate cancer research are available online. To read abstracts from the conference, including "New Research in Metastatic Prostate Cancer" and "Developments in Sexual Dysfunction," see   http://urology.medscape.com/Medscape/CNO/2001/AUA/public/index-AUA.html
 
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MEDICARE EXPANDS CANCER SCREENING COVERAGE
People with Medicare will receive expanded coverage for screening tests for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers. Effective July 1, 2001, coverage includes a Pap test and pelvic exam every two years instead of every three for women not at high risk for uterine or vaginal cancers. (Medicare already covers these tests annually for women at high risk.) New coverage also includes a screening colonoscopy every 10 years for people not at high risk for colorectal cancer. (Medicare currently covers this test every two years for those at high risk.) And starting on January 1, 2002, Medicare will cover an annual glaucoma screening test and medical nutrition therapy by registered dieticians for people with diabetes and a renal disease. For more information, see the Medicare website, which also features tools to compare health plans, Medigap policies, and nursing homes as well as a list of drug assistance programs. http://www.medicare.gov/