U.S. breast cancer cases drop sharply after hormone use reduced

A new report suggests women no longer taking hormones to treat menopause symptoms may have led to a 7 percent reduction in breast cancer rates in the U.S. in 2003. Experts noted the 16 months before the end of 2003 was a period in which women quit menopause-hormone therapy in the wake of a study tying the hormones to an increased risk of tumors. The New York Times (free registration required)

Initiative aims to reduce hospital-induced injuries

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement has launched a second phase of its medication error prevention initiative designed to reduce hospital-induced injuries by 5 million over the next two years. The plan includes such measures as improved bedding and hand hygiene in hospitals, more thorough disinfections of rooms and better treatment of congestive heart failure. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Nursing again tops list of most ethical professions

Nurses have come in at the top of Gallup’s annual list of most honest and ethical occupations for the eighth time in a row. The nursing profession earned high marks from as many as 84 percent of Americans, who described nurses’ ethics as “very high” or “high.” The Gallup Organization (subscription required)

Outreach effort offers information to men

The nonprofit Men’s Health Network is reaching out to make care more accessible to men, who research shows are more likely than women to avoid seeing a heath care provider. The group is visiting stores, churches and male-dominated companies to offer health screenings and provide educational materials. CNN

Insurance industry reps announce personal health record (PHR) model

Insurance industry trade groups have announced a new personal health record model that includes a consistent set of core information — such as immunizations, allergies, patient histories and plans of care — into all PHRs, and enables consumers to take their records with them when they change insurance coverage. Healthcare IT News (Maine); United Press International

Speed of colonoscopy affects polyp detection

The speed at which a physician performs a colonoscopy can affect the test’s effectiveness, a new study found. Doctors who rush colonoscopies tend to miss a significant percentage of small — and even large — adenomas. The report concludes that doctors can increase their polyp detection rate by 50 percent if they take at least eight minutes to withdraw the endoscope. The New York Times (free registration required)

Study: Stool DNA tests 88 percent accurate for colon cancer

A study of the use of stool-based DNA tests to detect colon cancer showed an 88 percent sensitivity for the disease. The patient-friendly test offers an alternative to colonoscopy. Researchers said the test would have the advantage of being able to incorporate discoveries of new markers and technologies. United Press International

Study challenges approach to prostate cancer in older men

A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association of 44,000 U.S. men ages 65 to 80 found those who underwent aggressive treatment with surgery or radiation for early prostate cancer were 30 percent less likely to die than patients who used the conventional wait-and-see approach. Some experts were skeptical about the findings, and researchers acknowledged the need for additional study. The Washington Post

Intelligence systems key to evidence-based performance

Evidence-based approaches in healthcare can be improved by analyzing data and looking for trends and correlations, an expert says. Intelligence systems can play a key role in the process and in decision-making. Health Management Technology