Health Imaging & IT - February 2008 - (Page 48)

Stat Sheet MaMMography Radiologists at academic medical centers are more likely to interpret diagnostic mammograms accurately than those at non-academic centers, according to findings published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Researchers reviewed 123 radiologists who interpreted 35,895 diagnostic mammography examinations at 72 facilities that contribute data to the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium. After controlling for patient characteristics, radiologists working in academic medical centers achieved a median sensitivity of 88 percent versus a median sensitivity rating of 76 percent for non-academic radiologists. Accuracy also was a hallmark of radiologists who spent 20 percent or more of their time doing breast imaging, resulting in median sensitivity of 80 percent versus 70 percent for those who spent less time interpreting breast images. More reads = Better reads Light activity can help cut dementia Walking, gardening, and other nonstrenuous activities may substantially reduce older adults’ risk of vascular dementia, but not the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to findings published in Neurology. Men and women 65 and older who got the most moderate-intensity exercise were 71 percent to 73 percent less likely to develop vascular dementia over a four-year period than those who had the least physical activity. But, a higher level of activity did not appear to offer any additional advantage. Racial dispaRities for cancer treatment persist Racial disparities in treatment of the most common types of cancer remain virtually unchanged a decade after they first came to light, according to a study published in Cancer. From 1992 to 2002, there was virtually no change in the treatment gap between black and white patients for six of seven cancer therapies examined in a study of Medicare patients, despite numerous initiatives launched when disparities in cancer care were first documented in the 1990s. Overall, the only cancer therapy without racial disparities during the full study period was adjuvant chemotherapy for women with breast cancer. The largest disparity—a 14.5 percent difference between rates of treatment for black and white patients—was for surgical resection of early-stage lung cancer. adding calcium may increase hip fracture risk, not help it Calcium from food or supplements does not prevent hip fractures in men and women, and supplements may even increase the fracture risk, investigators reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study found no benefit from high levels of calcium intake, but suggested a 64 percent increased risk of hip fractures with high-dose (800 and 1200 mg/d) calcium supplementation, even though calcium supplementation or the consumption of calcium-rich foods is commonly recommended for the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures. Happy hearts are healthier Researchers have found that adults who report upbeat moods had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The study of 3,000 healthy British adults, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that women who reported more positive emotions had lower blood levels of two proteins that indicate widespread inflammation in the body and, in turn, contribute to a range of ills including heart disease and cancer. Researchers say positive emotions are “associated with biological responses that are health-protective.” The study included 2,873 healthy men and women between the ages of 50 and 74. HealthImaging.com 48 Health Imaging & IT | February 2008 http://HealthImaging.com

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Health Imaging & IT - February 2008 Contents On the Web The Enterprise News Update Cover Story: Enterprise Image Management Makes the Grade Modality Update Special Section: Health IT: Image Management Special Section: Health IT: PCs on the Move Convention Spotlight Technology Outlook Technology Update Reader's Resource Stat Sheet

Health Imaging & IT - February 2008

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