“Cancer Deaths on the Decline”

By Paul McLeod, M.D., MED3OOO Chief Medical Executive

Good news! Since 1993, the population of the United States has experienced a steady decline in death rates from cancer. The magnitude of that decline has actually doubled in the last few years. What was once a certain “death sentence” diagnosis is often cured or successfully managed in a way similar to many non-malignant chronic illnesses. This encouraging trend was identified in a report from the November 15, 2007, journal Cancer. Below are some important highlights from the report.

 

Early detection and treatment really work. Some of the leading causes of cancer death – lung, colorectal, breast and prostate tumors – have better outcomes when detected early. Two of these (colorectal and breast cancer) have very good screening tests available to facilitate early detection and improved outcomes. One of the most promising sources of information lies in the patient’s personal genetic make-up. The presence or absence of unique genes can be used to predict the patient’s risk for development of various cancers. More genetic information will guide us through the treatment process by identifying how the cancer will respond to various drugs. We will reach a level of diagnostic and treatment sophistication far beyond what is available today.

 

Advances in cancer treatment have contributed to the decline in mortality. Deaths are dropping faster for colorectal cancer than for any other malignancy – by almost 5% a year among men and 4.5% among women. Several new colon-cancer medicines were introduced from 2002 to 2004, which may help explain why 2002 appears to be a turning point in the fight against cancer.

Improving outcomes through early detection and better treatment are two old ideas with a new wrinkle in the context of genomics and modern information technology. Patient-specific reporting is one of the core values and competencies of MED3OOO. We have been providing our physicians with information about the preventive care and disease-specific needs of their patients for several years. Those in need of cancer screening are identified and our operations staff can design implementation plans to assist providers in recalling patients based on their individual needs. Our MED3OOO data warehouse contains the demographic, claims, pharmacy and laboratory data needed to produce these robust reports. When available, personalized genetic profiles will be added to enhance the depth of information available to both patients and their providers. Our EMR product offerings and patient portal will provide a level of clinical content and information access not even imaginable a few years ago.

 

We at MED3OOO are excited about the possibilities for continuing the recent decline in cancer-related deaths through prevention, early dictation, and innovative treatments. We look forward to the challenges ahead and the opportunities they represent for patients and their physicians.

New Study Suggests…
By Paul McLeod, M.D., MED3OOO Chief Medical Executive