Tag: race/ethnicity

Categories : Cancer GeneticsTags :

Women of African Ancestry May Be Biologically Predisposed to Early-onset or Aggressive Breast Cancers

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Photo by National Cancer Institute

While the incidence of breast cancer is highest for white women, Black women are more likely to have early-onset or more aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer. Among women under 50, the disparity is even greater: young Black women have double the mortality rate of young white women.

Now, research from the University of Notre Dame is shedding light on biological factors that may play a role in this disparity. The study published in iScience found that a population of cells in breast tissues, dubbed PZP cells, send cues that prompt behavioural changes that could promote breast cancer growth.

Funded by the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, the study set out to explore what biological differences in breast tissue could be related to early onset or aggressive breast cancers. Most breast cancers are carcinomas, or a type of cancer that develops from epithelial cells. In healthy tissue, epithelial cells form linings in the body and typically have strong adhesive properties and do not move.

The researchers focused on PZP cells as previous studies had shown that these cells are naturally and significantly higher in healthy breast tissues of women of African ancestry than in healthy breast tissues of women of European ancestry. While PZP cell levels are known to be elevated in breast cancer patients in general, their higher numbers in healthy, African ancestry tissues could hold clues to why early-onset or aggressive breast cancers are more likely to occur in Black women.

“The disparity in breast cancer mortality rates, particularly among women of African descent, is multifaceted. While socioeconomic factors and delayed diagnosis may be contributing factors, substantial emerging evidence suggests that biological and genetic differences between racial groups can also play a role,” said Crislyn D’Souza-Schorey, the Morris Pollard Professor of Biological Sciences at Notre Dame and corresponding author of the study.

The study showed how PZP cells produce factors that activate epithelial cells to become invasive, where they detach from their primary site and invade the surrounding tissue.

For example, a particular biological signaling protein known as AKT is often overactive in breast cancers. This study showed that PZP cells can activate the AKT protein in breast epithelial cells, which in part allows them to invade the surrounding environment. PZP cells also secrete and deposit certain proteins outside the cell that guide the movement of breast epithelial cells as they invade.

Overall, the results of the study emphasize multiple mechanisms by which PZP cells may influence the early stages of breast cancer progression and their potential contribution to disease burden.

The researchers also looked at how a targeted breast cancer drug, capivasertib, which inhibits the AKT protein, impacted PZP cells and found it markedly reduced the effects of the PZP cells on breast epithelial cells.

“It’s important to understand the biological and genetic differences within normal tissue as well as tumours among racial groups, as these variations could potentially influence treatment options and survival rates. And consequently, in planning biomarker studies, cancer screenings or clinical trials, inclusivity is important,” said D’Souza-Schorey, also an affiliate of Notre Dame’s Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health and Harper Cancer Research Institute.

Source: University of Notre Dame

Categories : GeneticsTags :

US Self-reported Race and Ethnicity Are Poor Proxies of Genetic Ancestry

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Photo by ROCKETMANN TEAM

Genetic ancestry is much more complicated than how people report their race and ethnicity. New research, using data from the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) All of Us Research Program, finds that people who identify as being from the same race or ethnic group can have a wide range of genetic differences. The findings are reported in the American Journal of Human Genetics, a Cell Press journal.

As doctors and researchers learn more about how genetic variants influence the incidence and course of human diseases, the study of genetic ancestry has become increasingly important. This research is driving the field of precision medicine, which aims to develop individualised healthcare.

People whose ancestors came from the same part of the world are likely to have inherited the same genetic variants, but self-identified race and ethnicity don’t tell the whole story about a person’s ancestors. NIH’s All of Us Research Program was created in part to address this puzzle and to learn more about how genetic ancestry influences human health.

In the current study, the investigators looked at the DNA of more than 230 000 people who have volunteered to share their health information for All of Us. They compared it to other large DNA projects from around the world using a technique called principal component analysis (PCA) to visualize population structure and help identify genetic similarity between individuals and groups of people. This analysis showed that people in the US have very mixed ancestry, and their DNA doesn’t always match the race or ethnicity they write on forms. Instead of falling into clear groups based on race or ethnicity, people’s genetic backgrounds show gradients of variation across different US regions and states.

This is especially significant for people who identify as being of Hispanic or Latino origin. These people have a wide-ranging blend of ancestries from European, Native American, and African groups. Importantly, genetic ancestry among these people varies across the US in part because of historic migration patterns. For example, Hispanics/Latinos in the Northeast are more likely to have Caribbean (and thus African) ancestry, and those in the Southwest are more likely to have Mexican and Central American (and thus Native American) ancestry.

One specific discovery was that ancestry was significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) and height, even after adjusting for socio-economic differences. For example, West and Central African ancestries were associated with higher BMI, whereas East Africa ancestry was associated with lower BMI. There were similar findings showing that people with ancestral origins from different parts of Europe have different body measurements including height, with northern European ancestry associated with greater height and southern European ancestry associated with shorter height. This suggests that subcontinental differences in ancestry can have opposite effects on biological traits and diseases.

This finding suggests that the subcontinental differences in ancestry between individuals can have opposite effects on biological traits, diseases, and health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of not classifying individuals into broad ancestry groups such as African, European, or Asian. Doing this will help to make this research more accurate and will help to improve the field of precision medicine.

Source: EurekAlert!

Categories : Healthcare Politics and RegulationsTags :

A New Era for Employment Equity in the Health Sector: Sectoral Targets Now in Force

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Photo by cottonbro studio

By Dhevarsha Ramjettan, Partner, Nivaani Moodley, Associate Director and Kanyiso Kezile, Trainee Attorney from Webber Wentzel

The Department of Employment and Labour (the Department) has ushered in a decisive moment for transformation in South Africa’s human health and social work activities sector (the health sector). With the publication of the national economic sectors and sectoral numerical targets, now in effect as of 15 April 2024, employers in this sector face new legal and ethical responsibilities to accelerate transformation and inclusion across all occupational levels.

In line with section 15A (2) of the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (EEA), numerical targets have been introduced to promote the equitable representation of suitably qualified individuals from designated groups across all occupational levels. For a sector so deeply connected to the nation’s wellbeing, the implementation of sector-specific employment equity targets marks more than just regulatory change; it signals a foundational shift toward greater inclusion and accountability. The health sector, as classified by the Department, encompasses three key sub-sectors: human health activities, residential care activities, and social work activities without accommodation. Each plays a vital role in delivering healthcare and social support services across South Africa.

The newly gazetted targets place designated groups, namely black people, women, and persons with disabilities, at the centre of a new equity framework. Designated groups are defined as citizens of the Republic of South Africa by birth or descent, or those who became citizens by naturalisation. Designated employers in this sector are now legally required to integrate clearly defined sector-specific numerical targets into their Employment Equity Plans (EEPs), with accountability measures to track progress and enforce compliance.

What are the targets for the health sector?

The targets are as follows:

Occupational LevelTarget % (Designated Groups)Male (%)Female (%)
Top Management71.3%27.6%43.7%
Senior Management85.9%39.8%46.1%
Professionally Qualified & Middle Management95.9%49.8%46.1%
Skilled Technical Workers95.9%49.8%46.1%
All Levels (Disability Inclusion)Minimum 3%––

As illustrated above, the targets are set for the top four occupational levels. Employers may elect to use either national or regional Economically Active Population (EAP) data, depending on the geographic spread of their operations, as a benchmark when setting their numerical targets.

These targets are legally binding, not aspirational. Designated employers must actively report progress towards these thresholds in their annual submissions to the Department. Failure to meet or demonstrate sustained progress may result in increased scrutiny, the withholding of employment equity compliance certificates, and disqualification from doing business with the State. These figures therefore provide a compliance yardstick for designated employers.

Key implications for health sector designated employers

Designated employers must update their EEPs to reflect the numerical targets applicable to their workforce size and sector classification. These targets are legally binding and will inform compliance assessments and the issuing of compliance certificates, without which employers may be barred from doing business with the State.

All designated employers in the health sector are required to prepare and implement EEPs for the period 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030. This plan must outline the employer’s strategy to achieve equitable representation across occupational levels, in line with the newly introduced sectoral targets.

Employers who become designated after 1 April 2025 will still be required to develop an EEP that covers the remainder of the five-year cycle, up to 31 August 2030. In drafting these plans, employers must refer to the relevant Codes of Good Practice issued under section 54 of the EEA.

The 3% disability target is a mandatory sector-wide requirement. Given the health sector’s role in driving inclusive care, employers are now expected to model disability-friendly workplaces and proactively recruit and retain persons with disabilities.

What should employers in the health sector do now?

Employers in the health sector should act swiftly to align with the new sectoral targets by reviewing and updating their existing EEPs. This includes conducting workforce audits to identify representation gaps and barriers that hinder the attainment of an equitable, non-discriminatory workplace.

Meaningful engagement with Employment Equity Committees is essential to developing practical implementation strategies. Employers should also invest in targeted skills development, retention, and succession programmes that support the advancement of designated groups in both clinical and administrative roles.

Finally, senior leadership must be equipped with the necessary training and held accountable for driving and sustaining transformation across all levels of the organisation. Transformation within the health sector is not just about meeting targets, it is about building a more inclusive and responsive health system. Employers must lead decisively and ensure that their employment practices reflect both the spirit and the letter of the law. Employers should conduct a thorough analysis of their workforce, policies, and procedures to identify and address any barriers to employment equity compliance.

Provided by Weber Wentzell

Categories : GeneticsTags :

Massive US Study Finds that ‘Race’ is a Poor Proxy for Genetic Ancestry

On By ModernMedia
Photo by ROCKETMANN TEAM

Genetic ancestry is much more complicated than how people report their race and ethnicity. New research, using data from the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) All of Us Research Program, finds that people who identify as being from the same race or ethnic group can have a wide range of genetic differences. The findings are reported June 5 in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

As doctors and researchers learn more about how genetic variants influence the incidence and course of human diseases, the study of genetic ancestry has become increasingly important. This research is driving the field of precision medicine, which aims to develop individualized healthcare.

People whose ancestors came from the same part of the world are likely to have inherited the same genetic variants, but self-identified race and ethnicity don’t tell the whole story about a person’s ancestors. NIH’s All of Us Research Program was created in part to address this puzzle and to learn more about how genetic ancestry influences human health.

In the current study, the investigators looked at the DNA of more than 230 000 people who have volunteered to share their health information for All of Us. They compared it to other large DNA projects from around the world using a technique called principal component analysis (PCA) to visualise population structure and help identify genetic similarity between individuals and groups of people. This analysis showed that people in the US have very mixed ancestry, and their DNA doesn’t always match the race or ethnicity they write on forms. Instead of falling into clear groups based on race or ethnicity, people’s genetic backgrounds show gradients of variation across different US regions and states.

This is especially significant for people who identify as being of Hispanic or Latino origin. These people have a wide-ranging blend of ancestries from European, Native American, and African groups. Importantly, genetic ancestry among these people varies across the US in part because of historic migration patterns. For example, Hispanics/Latinos in the Northeast are more likely to have Caribbean (and thus African) ancestry, and those in the Southwest are more likely to have Mexican and Central American (and thus Native American) ancestry.

One specific discovery was that ancestry was significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) and height, even after adjusting for socio-economic differences. For example, West and Central African ancestries were associated with higher BMI, whereas East Africa ancestry was associated with lower BMI. There were similar findings showing that people with ancestral origins from different parts of Europe have different body measurements including height, with northern European ancestry associated with greater height and southern European ancestry associated with shorter height. This suggests that subcontinental differences in ancestry can have opposite effects on biological traits and diseases.

This finding suggests that the subcontinental differences in ancestry between individuals can have opposite effects on biological traits, diseases, and health outcomes, emphasising the importance of not classifying individuals into broad ancestry groups such as African, European, or Asian. Doing this will help to make this research more accurate and will help to improve the field of precision medicine.

Source: Cell Press via EurekAlert!

Categories : Injury & Trauma NeurologyTags :

Men More Than Three Times as Likely to Die From a Brain Injury, New Study Shows

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Photo by Anna Shvets

A new analysis of mortality data reveals the disproportionate impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on older adults, males and certain racial and ethnic groups. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain Injury, provides a comprehensive analysis of TBI-related deaths across different population groups across the US in 2021.

The findings indicate that suicides remain the most common cause of TBI-related deaths, followed by unintentional falls, and specific groups are disproportionately affected by these tragedies.

Men, in particular, were found to be most likely to die from a TBI – more than three times the rate of women (30.5 versus 9.4). The reasons observed were multifactorial and could reflect differences in injury severity following a fall or motor vehicle crash, to the interaction of sex and age – with TBI outcomes in men worsening with age, while postmenopausal women fare better than men of similar age.

“While anyone is at risk for getting a TBI, some groups have a higher chance than others of dying from one. We identified specific populations who are most affected. In addition to men, older adults are especially at risk, with unintentional falls being a major cause of TBI-related death. American Indian or Alaska Native people also have higher rates of these fatal injuries,” says lead author Alexis Peterson PhD, of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“These findings highlight the importance of tailored prevention strategies to reach groups who may be at higher risk and the role healthcare providers can play in reducing TBI-related deaths through early intervention and culturally sensitive care.”

TBI remains a leading cause of injury-related death in the US In 2020, TBIs were associated with around a quarter of all injury-related deaths.

Using data from the National Vital Statistics System, the new analysis identified 69 473 TBI-related deaths among US residents during 2021. The age-adjusted TBI-related mortality rate was 19.5 per 100 000, representing an 8.8% increase from 2020.

Through statistical modeling, the researchers examined the simultaneous effect of multiple factors such as geographic region, sex, race and ethnicity, and age, on TBI-related mortality.

Key findings include:

  • Older adults (75+) had the highest rates of TBI-related deaths, with unintentional falls being the most common cause in this age group.
  • Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native individuals experienced the highest TBI-related death rate (31.5) compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
  • There were 37,635 TBI-related deaths categorised as unintentional injuries (ie, motor vehicle crashes, unintentional falls, unintentionally struck by or against an object, other).
  • 30,801 were categorized as intentional injuries (ie, all mechanisms of suicide and homicide).
  • Children aged from birth to 17 years accounted for around 4% of TBI-related deaths (2,977).

The authors emphasise the critical role of healthcare providers in preventing TBI-related deaths, particularly with groups at higher risk. “By assessing patients who may be at higher risk for TBI, especially due to falls or mental health challenges, healthcare providers can make timely referrals and recommend culturally tailored interventions to prevent further injury or death,” says Dr Peterson.

Public health efforts should focus on addressing the underlying causes of TBI-related deaths, such as unintentional falls and mental health crises, to help prevent further loss of life. “TBIs remain a significant public health concern, especially among older adults, men, and certain racial and ethnic groups,” says Peterson.  “CDC has proven resources that healthcare providers can use to not only reduce health disparities that increase the risk for TBI but also improve care for anyone affected by a TBI.”

The authors note the COVID-19 pandemic could have influenced TBI-related death trends in 2021. They also acknowledge several limitations of this analysis, including potential misclassification or incomplete documentation of causes on death certificates, which may lead to inaccuracies in estimating TBI-related deaths.

Source: Taylor & Francis Group

Categories : Cancer GeneticsTags :

Prostate Cancer Blood Test Equally Effective Across Ethnic Groups

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Photo by Nicholas Swatz

The Stockholm3 blood test, developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, is equally effective at detecting prostate cancer in different ethnic groups, according to a new paper published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology. The test produces significantly better results than the current PSA standard.

Stockholm3, a prostate cancer test developed in Sweden, runs a combination of protein and genetic markers from a blood sample through an algorithm to find the probability of a patient having clinically significant cancer. 

Studies in more than 90 000 men have shown that Stockholm3 produces significantly better results than the current PSA standard. The test improves prostate cancer diagnosis by reducing unnecessary MRI and biopsies and by identifying significant cancers in men with low or normal PSA values.   

Ethnically diverse group

However, previous studies have been conducted primarily in Scandinavia on a mainly White population with uncertain generalisability to the rest of the world. A Swedish-American research group has now examined how well it works in an ethnically mixed group of men in the USA and Canada. 

The study included over 2000 men at 17 different clinics, 16% of whom were Asian, 24% African-American, 14% Latin American and 46% White American.  All participants had a referral for a prostate biopsy on the basis of an elevated PSA score, abnormal rectal examination, MRI scan or other suspicious clinical finding.  

Before the biopsy was performed, a blood test was taken along with clinical data pertinent to the Stockholm3 test, which was conducted blinded to the biopsy results. 

Halving the number of unnecessary biopsies

The analysis shows that clinically relevant prostate cancer cases were found in a total of 29% of the men, somewhat more in African Americans and slightly fewer in Asians. 

It also shows that the Stockholm3 test could almost halve the number of unnecessary biopsies (45 per cent fewer: 673 as opposed to 1226) while being no less effective at detecting all clinically relevant cases. The results were similar across the different ethnic groups. 

“The study demonstrates that the Stockholm3 test is just as effective on an ethnically mixed group as it is on a White, Swedish population,” says the study’s lead author Hari T. Vigneswaran, doctor and PhD student at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet. 

According to him, the research answers several important questions and will lead to a more widespread use of the method: 

“Colleagues in other countries are very interested in these data, which show that Stockholm3 works for a non-Swedish population and among minorities.” 

Source: Karolinska Institutet

Categories : Medical Research & TechnologyTags :

Systematic Biases on Race and Gender at Play in Clinical Trials

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Randomized controlled trials, or RCTs, are believed to be the best way to study the safety and efficacy of new treatments in clinical research. However, a recent study from Michigan State University found that people of colour and white women are significantly underrepresented in RCTs due to systematic biases. 

The study, published in the Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, reviewed 18 RCTs conducted over the last 15 years that tested treatments for post-traumatic stress and alcohol use disorder. The researchers found that despite women having double the rates of post-traumatic stress and alcohol use disorder than men, and people of colour having worse chronicity than white people, most participants were white (59.5%) and male (about 78%). 

“Because RCTs are the gold standard for treatment studies and drug trials, we rarely ask the important questions about their limitations and failings,” said Nicole Buchanan, co-author of the study and professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology. “For RCTs to meet their full potential, investigators need to fix barriers to inclusion. Increasing representation in RCTs is not simply an issue for equity, but it is also essential to enhancing the quality of our science and meeting the needs of the public that funds these studies through their hard-earned tax dollars.”

The researchers found that the design and implementation of the randomised controlled trials contributed to the lack of representation of people of colour and women. This happened because trials were conducted in areas where white men were the majority demographic group and study samples almost always reflected the demographic makeup where studies occurred. Additionally, those designing the studies seldom acknowledged race or gender differences, meaning they did not intentionally recruit diverse samples.

Furthermore, the journals publishing these studies did not have regulations requiring sample diversity, equity or inclusion as appropriate to the conditions under investigation.

“Marginalized groups have unique experiences from privileged groups, and when marginalised groups are poorly included in research, we remain in the dark about their experiences, insights, needs and strengths,” said Mallet Reid, co-author of the study and doctoral candidate in MSU’s Department of Psychology. “This means that clinicians and researchers may unknowingly remain ignorant to how to attend to the trauma and addiction challenges facing marginalised groups and may unwittingly perpetuate microaggressions against marginalised groups in clinical settings or fail to meet their needs.”

Source: Michigan State University

Categories : Obstetrics & GynaecologyTags :

First Menstrual Periods are Arriving Earlier for Younger Generations

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Photo by Marta Branco

The average age at menarche, the first menstrual period, has been decreasing among younger generations in the US, especially those belonging to racial minorities and lower socioeconomic statuses, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. It also found that the average time it takes for the menstrual cycle to become regular is increasing.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, is the latest publication from the Apple Women’s Health Study, a longitudinal study of menstrual cycles, gynaecological conditions, and overall women’s health conducted by Harvard Chan School, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and Apple.

“Our findings can lead to a better understanding of menstrual health across the lifespan and how our lived environment impacts this critical vital sign,” said co-principal investigator Shruthi Mahalingaiah, assistant professor of environmental, reproductive, and women’s health at Harvard Chan School.

While previous studies have shown trends towards earlier menarche over the past five decades, data has been limited on how these trends present within different racial groups and socioeconomic statuses. Additionally, few studies have had sufficient data to identify any trends regarding time to menstrual cycle regularity.

The researchers used the Apple Women’s Health Study’s large, diverse dataset to fill this research gap. The 71 341 participants who enrolled between November 2018 and March 2023 self-reported the age at which they first began menstruating and their race and socioeconomic status. The researchers divided the participants into five age brackets: born between 1950–1969, 1970–1979, 1980–1989, 1990–1999, and 2000-2005. Ages of menarche were defined as early (younger than 11 years old), very early (younger than 9), and late (ages 16 and above). A subset of participants (61 932) self-reported the time it took for their menstrual cycle to become regular and were divided into five categories: up to two years, between three and four years, longer than five years, hasn’t become regular, or became regular with use of hormones. Another subset (9865) provided their body mass index (BMI) at their age of menarche.

The study found that as birth year increased (meaning younger participants), average age at menarche decreased and time from menarche to menstrual cycle regularity increased. Among participants born from 1950–1969, the average age at menarche was 12.5 years, and the rates of early and very early menarche were 8.6% and 0.6%, respectively. Among participants born from 2000–2005, the average age of menarche was 11.9 years, and the rates of early and very early menarche were 15.5% and 1.4%, respectively. Across the two groups, the percentage of participants who reached menstrual cycle regularity within two years of menarche decreased from 76% to 56%. The researchers observed that these trends were present among all sociodemographic groups but were most pronounced among the participants who identified as Black, Hispanic, Asian, or mixed race, and who rated themselves as belonging to a low socioeconomic status.

The findings showed that BMI at age of menarche could explain part of the trend toward periods starting earlier. Other possible factors that might explain the trend include dietary patterns, psychological stress and adverse childhood experiences, and environmental factors such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and air pollution.

“Continuing to investigate early menarche and its drivers is critical,” said corresponding author Zifan Wang, postdoctoral research fellow in Harvard Chan School’s Department of Environmental Health. “Early menarche is associated with higher risk of adverse health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. To address these health concerns – which our findings suggest may begin to impact more people, with disproportionate impact on already disadvantaged populations – we need much more investment in menstrual health research.”

The authors noted some limitations to the study, including that it relies heavily on retrospective self-reporting.

Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Categories : Cancer DermatologyTags :

Among Black Men, Study Finds Increased Mortality from Melanoma Diagnoses

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Photo by Nsey Benajah on Unsplash

Melanoma is often detected later in people with darker skin complexions – and the consequences can be devastating, according to the results of a Mayo Clinic study published in the Journal of Surgical Oncology.

While melanoma may be found less frequently in people with darker complexions than fair ones, this aggressive form of skin cancer, accounting for 75% of all skin-cancer-related deaths, can strike anyone. The study, which consisted of 492 597 patients with melanoma, suggests that added vigilance in early screening is particularly needed for Black men, whose cancers are often found at later stages, leading to worse outcomes compared to white patients or Black women.

“We compared non-Hispanic Black patients to white patients and saw striking differences in how patients presented with the disease,” says surgical oncologist Tina Hieken, MD, senior author of the study and a researcher at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We saw more extremity melanoma, and more later-stage disease.”

Extremity melanoma refers to skin cancer that can develop on the arms, legs, hands and feet. Various factors, including social risk factors and biological components, could be at play, but further research is needed to help determine why these differences exist.

Revealing differences in sex-based immune response

The research found that Black female patients with melanoma fared better than Black male patients. Men tended to be older at diagnosis and more likely to have cancer that had spread to their lymph nodes compared to women. This translated to worse survival rates: the five-year survival for Black men with stage 3 melanoma was only 42% chance, compared to 71% for Black women.

Most research on melanoma hasn’t focused on how race and sex affect outcomes and hasn’t looked at the influence of race and ethnicity across all groups. Dr Hieken says the study highlights the need to understand these differences better, noting that this is the first large study to confirm that sex-based differences in melanoma outcomes exist within the non-Hispanic Black population.

“When we talk about later-stage melanoma patients who are female versus male in that non-Hispanic Black patient cohort who ended up doing worse, some biological things may be going on here that are interesting,” says Dr Hieken.

One theory centres on variations in immune response.

“Several immune signals suggest that women may respond better to some immunotherapies than males,” says Dr Hieken.

Researchers note that more studies focused on melanoma in a broader range of people, including more Black participants in clinical trials, is key to bridging this knowledge gap and potentially identifying more effective treatments.

Healthcare professionals should screen carefully

Dr Hieken notes that this study is a wake-up call for everyone battling to diagnose and cure melanoma, regardless of the patient’s sex or skin tone.

She emphasises that healthcare professionals should carefully examine areas like palms, soles and under fingernails, where melanoma might be more challenging to spot on darker skin.

“We can incorporate screening for skin lesions or lesions under the nails into the visit for patients as part of their regular checkups,” says Dr Hieken. “What we want to do is elevate care for our patients.”

Source: Mayo Clinic

Categories : AgeingTags :

Black Adults Experience Less Cognitive Decline after Retirement

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Photo by Barbara Olsen on Pexels

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that immediately after retirement, white adults tended to experience a significant decline in cognitive function, whereas Black adults experienced minimal cognitive decline. White men showed the steepest post-retirement cognitive decline across sex/race combinations, whereas Black women showed the least decline.

White women performed better cognitively at retirement than other race/sex subgroups, and after retirement, their cognitive functioning declined at a rate that was slightly less than the average for this study. Results were adjusted for sociodemographics and physical and mental health indicators.

The study, which included 2226 US participants followed for up to 10 years, revealed greater post-retirement cognitive decline among individuals who attended college compared with those who did not.

“The results seem to point to the possibility that better job opportunities could lead to greater cognitive losses after retirement whereas exposure to lifelong structural inequalities may actually ease transition to retirement with respect to cognitive aging,” said lead author Ross Andel, PhD, of Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

Source: Wiley