December 2016
Alliance Highlights
Cancer Summit 2017 - Plan to participate!
February 1, 2017 | McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
A reminder to save the date and count yourself invited to Cancer Summit 2017, Minnesota’s 11
th statewide summit. The Summit will help traditional and non-traditional partners learn, connect, and commit to the action they will take to achieve the objectives in Cancer Plan Minnesota 2025. Details and registration are coming soon; check the official Summit
website for updates and decide whether you or your organization can help with a sponsorship.
Cancer related cognitive impairment getting national attention
MCA Steering Committee member Nancy Hutchison, MD, is playing an active role in developing national standards for rehabilitating cancer survivors suffering from chemobrain, the cognitive impairment that often follows systemic cancer treatment. She participates in the Cancer Cognition Networking Group, gave a presentation about lymphedema at the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Annual Assembly, and works with Mary Radomski of the Courage Kenny Research Center on Focus Forward, research into cancer related cognitive impairment.
Wishing happy holidays to all
Because we will not be publishing a January 2017 newsletter, we send holiday greetings now to all of our partners and friends. Plan to visit the Alliance
website, the Cancer Summit
website, and our
Facebook and
Twitter accounts for the latest news and updates from the Alliance during January.
Partner Updates
Minnesota American Indian tobacco documentary
A
documentary about Minnesota American Indian tobacco history premiered last month on Twin Cities PBS.
Reclaiming Sacred Tobacco discusses how Native American tobacco traditions were corrupted by the commercial tobacco industry. The film was coproduced by ClearWay Minnesota and TwinCities PBS.
Moonshot work to keep moving forward
A $6.3 billion bill for medical research, which would provide $4.8 billion to the National Institutes of Health to support research efforts like the Cancer Moonshot, was
approved with bipartisan support by the House of Representatives last week. This week it was
approved by the Senate and President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.
MDH publishes Community Health Worker Toolkit
The Minnesota Department of Health has developed a
Community Health Worker Toolkit for prospective employers and organizations that want to hire CHWs.
Updated refugee statistics
The Minnesota Department of Health has
updated its Refugee Health Statistics to include refugee arrivals through 2015.
Worth Noting
Minnesota youth smoking at new low, e-cigarettes on the rise
The Minnesota Student Survey
found that only 8.4% of 11th graders and 4.3% of 9th graders report smoking traditional cigarettes in the past 30 days, the lowest rates measured to date. However, e-cigarette use is up; 9.3% of 9th graders and 17.1% of 11th graders used e-cigarettes in the last 30 days.
Office of Cancer Survivorship celebrates 20th anniversary
The National Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Survivorship turned 20 years old in 2016. The Office’s long-time director, Julia Rowland,
marked the milestone by looking back at what the office has accomplished and ahead to future plans.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship turns 30
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship turned 30 in October and celebrated with a reception in Washington, DC. The group’s founding president, Fitzhugh Mullan, shared
remarks about the history of the survivorship movement.
Hormel introduces line of ready-made food for chemo patients
Hormel Foods worked with cancer specialists to
develop a line of nutritious and easy to prepare foods for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Foods contain adequate protein and calories for these patients, and help with hydration. The line launched in July and is being sold online.
Obesity rate for WIC children drops
The obesity rate for Minnesota children 2 to 4 years old enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children program
decreased from 12.7% in 2010 to 12.3% in 2014. According to the Centers for Disease Control and USDA this rate is the eighth lowest in the nation.
Honoring National Native American Heritage Month by examining health disparities
The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities marked Native American Heritage Month with presentations by Dr. Linda Bruhansstipanov, Founder of the Native American Cancer Research Corporation and President of Native American Cancer Initiatives, Inc. and Dr. Linda U. Krebs, a retired professor from the University of Colorado at Denver.
Fewer Minnesotans lack health insurance
In highlighting what they were thankful for this year, Minnesota Compass
shared that Minnesotans without health insurance decreased from 9% in 2013 to 5% in 2015. That’s below the national rate of 11% of people under age 65 without health insurance.
UMN receives NIH renewal grant for cancer-related health disparities training
Kola Okuyemi, director of the University’s Program in Health Disparities Research and professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, has
received a $1.5 million renewal grant from the National Institutes of Health to educate researchers whose work focuses on reducing cancer-related health disparities among underserved populations.
MMWR reports new data on smoking
In its November 11th Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, CDC
featured information on cancers related to tobacco use. Forty percent of cancers diagnosed in the U.S. may be linked to tobacco. Even though smoking among U.S. adults declined from 20.9% to 15.1%, smoking prevalence continues to be considerably higher among certain population groups.
Health equity database for researchers and policymakers released
A new
resource from the federal Office of Minority Health compiles 132 public datasets and resources having to do with health disparities and social determinants of health. The information was selected and vetted by experts at 10 federal agencies.
Progress on the CMS Equity Plan for Medicare
Last year the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
published its first Equity Plan for Improving the Quality of Medicare. The plan focuses on six priority areas and aims to reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations including racial and ethnic minorities, sexual and gender minorities, and people with disabilities.
PTSD added as qualifying condition for medical cannabis
As of August 1, 2017 patients certified with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder will be eligible to receive
medical cannabis in Minnesota. MDH will also allow manufacturers to develop and provide topical formulations for medical cannabis.
Updates for HPV vaccination recommended by CDC
Earlier this fall the CDC
recommended that adolescents younger than age 15 only need two doses of the HPV vaccine, rather than the three doses recommended for people age 15 to 26.
Five facts about Medicaid
The Commonwealth Fund has
shared five facts about Medicaid, the United States’ largest insurer which covers 73 million people. See if you can name them.
Nivolumab approved for head and neck cancers
The Food and Drug Administration has
approved nivolumab for the treatment of squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. The drug is already approved for the treatment of other cancers and is the second immunotherapy drug approved to treat squamous cell cancers of the head and neck.
Realtors on board for healthy living
The Southeast Minnesota Chapter of Realtors used a
Small Growth Grant offered by the National Association of Realtors to do a Walkability Workshop in Rochester, and the National Association of Realtors is encouraging members to attend the
National Walk Summit next year (which will take place in St. Paul!) and to participate in America Walks
webinars.
Coming together on common issues
With the election behind us, the Commonwealth Fund is
encouraging those with differing viewpoints to come together to work on issues that affect everyone, such as improving health care.
Education Programs and Events
Planning for Population Health Coffee and Call
First Wednesday of the month starting in December | 8:30am – 9:30am | Conference Call
This monthly conference call provides an opportunity to get more involved with comprehensive plans, master plans, community planning, and land use across Minnesota. Participants are encouraged to bring their best ideas, most pressing questions, and enthusiasm for contributing to a strong community of practice around planning healthy, vibrant communities. Call-in details: Toll-free number: 1-888-742-5095; Conference code: 9821141691
HPV Vaccination Social Media Webinar
December 12, 2016 | Noon – 1 pm | Webinar
The HPV Vaccination Roundtable and the American Cancer Society's Vaccinate Adolescents against Cancer will host an HPV Vaccination Social Media Webinar to provide tips for using Twitter, Facebook and other partner resources during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (January). The webinar is free, but
registration is required.
Supporting Cancer Survivors: Coffee Break Webinar
December 13, 2016 | 1 pm – 1:20 pm | Webinar
Join the Research to Reality program and The George Washington University Cancer Center for a 20-minute
conversation with the lead author of the
Supporting Cancer Survivors through Comprehensive Cancer Control Programs report.
Leading through Health System Change 2.0
December 15, 2016 | 2 pm – 3 pm | Webinar
The online planning tool Leading through Health System Change has been updated for 2016. This
webinar will show participants what is new and “describe how adaptive leadership is more important than ever as health system transformation continues to unfold.”
BRCA Testing: Understanding the Challenges
December 20, 2016 | 7 pm – 8 pm | Webinar
This free webinar will explore the physical, emotional, and financial considerations associated with expanded genetic testing including prophylactic surgery, reconstruction, fertility, emotional, and insurance concerns. Register
online.
Balancing Work & Cancer: Managing Long-Term Stress
January 11, 2017 | 12 pm | Webinar
Cancer and Careers is kicking off its 2017 Balancing Work & Cancer Webinar Series with a
webinar on Managing Long-Term Stress. The webinar will feature tools and suggestions to determine what’s most important during and after treatment and how to stay in control of work and life.
2017 Minnesota Tobacco Control Conference
January 24-26, 2017 | St. Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN
Registration is now open for the 2017
Minnesota Tobacco Control Conference. The conference will focus on reducing tobacco inequalities and creating a state where everyone is free from the harms of tobacco.
Balancing Work & Cancer: Managing Finances
February 8, 2017 | 12 pm | Webinar
The second
webinar in Cancer and Careers’ 2017 Balancing Work & Cancer Webinar series will cover managing finances. Topics will include rebuilding credit, dealing with medical bills, options for financial assistance, and what to consider before filing for bankruptcy.
Survivorship Seminar
March 21, 2017 | 4 pm – 6pm | Bachman’s on Lyndale, Minneapolis, MN
Join the Firefly Sisterhood for a seminar on Cancer Survivorship from experts in the field and cancer patients. Refreshments and appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are available
online.
22nd Annual National Comprehensive Cancer Network Conference
March 23-25, 2017 | Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL
The NCCN 22nd Annual Conference: Improving the Quality, Effectiveness, and Efficiency of Cancer Care will take place in Florida in March. More information and registration is available on their
website. Early bird registration available through February 13, 2017.
Dialogue for action ® on Cancer Screening and Prevention
April 19-21, 2017 | Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, VA
The 2017 Dialogue for Action ® on Cancer Screening and Prevention
conference invites primary care physicians and medical experts, nurses, researchers, public health educators, and others to talk about the latest in cancer screening and prevention. Registration is now open and you can save $50 if you register before February 28, 2017.
2017 Food Access Summit
October 25-27, 2017 | Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN
The theme of the 2017
Food Access Summit will be
At the Crossroads: Broadening our Reach, Deepening our Impact. Hotel block information is now available and more information will be coming soon.
Resources and Publications
Helping adults get more physical activity
Regular physical activity can help delay, prevent, or manage many chronic diseases, including cancer. The CDC has put together a
fact sheet on how communities, including state and local officials, can help promote physical activity among adults.
Lancet launches Cancer Control Hub
The Lancet has launched a new
site,
The Lancet Oncology Cancer Control Hub, to “bring together the best evidence from Series, Commissions, and original research to highlight clinical best practice and information about regional and global strategies to control the global cancer epidemic.”
Cochrane review on non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive impairment due to cancer treatment
Up to 75% of cancer survivors may experience cognitive impairment, commonly referred to as chemobrain, as a result of their treatment. While the need for effective interventions is great, a review of articles published from 1980 to 2015 identified only five studies that met eligibility criteria. The studies yielded "low-quality evidence" to support the notion that non-pharmacological interventions may reduce or ameliorate cognitive impairment following cancer treatment. The authors call for larger, multi-site studies to address a problem that is just starting to receive the attention they believe it deserves. Contact communications@mncanceralliance.org for a pdf of the article.
Resources to manage cancer costs and information
The NCI has put together
resources to help people with cancer and their families understand cancer costs, save money on medicines, and track key medical information, including medical bills and statements.
Report focuses on current state of survivorship
The George Washington Cancer Center’s
report covers the health status, needs, and disparities among cancer survivors. They also cover systems-level approaches to addressing needs for post-treatment cancer survivors.
New tool helps patients manage their cancer treatment and survivorship experience
Springboard Beyond Cancer, a new
tool from the American Cancer Society, allows cancer patients and survivors to identify goals, create a plan, identify challenges, monitor progress, and take back some of the control in their life.
Needs of Medicare beneficiaries with physical and cognitive impairments
Despite the fact that more than half of Americans who live to age 65 will experience physical or cognitive impairment at some point, Medicare limits services that can help them. A new Commonwealth
report looks at the needs of this group and the likelihood for placement in a nursing home and enrollment in Medicaid.
Resources to learn about and compare top insurance plans
The Prevent Cancer Foundation has released an online
tool and e-book which allow consumers to read summaries of cancer screening options, compare screening coverage between health insurance policies by state, and explore different screening guidelines.
Medicaid block grants would limit ability to help most vulnerable
A new Commonwealth Fund
report looks at the impact block grants or limits on per capita spending would have on Medicaid. They found that these changes would “most likely reduce the number of Americans eligible for Medicaid and narrow coverage for remaining enrollees.”
Video features tools to help Somalis quit smoking
A
video produced by WellShare International’s East African Smoke-free Program describes its work with six clinics to implement tobacco cessation programs and shares recommendations for better serving Somali patients.
Cancer could eclipse heart disease as leading cause of death nationally
A new
report by the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the CDC predicts that cancer will overtake heart disease as the number one cause of death in the U.S. by 2020. It has been the leading cause of death in Minnesota since 2000.
Planning for cancer prevention from birth
A special issue of the journal
Pediatrics sponsored by the CDC asks what if we thought about cancer prevention from the beginning of life, instead of just at the end? Because most cancers are caused by a combination of factors over time, they suggest that cancer prevention should start with babies and young children.
Breast cancer treatment disparities reduced by prescription subsidies
A new
study found that hormone therapy for women with early-stage breast cancer can be increased by subsidizing prescription drugs. Awarded on the basis of economic status, the subsidies help all women, but especially nonwhite women who often have poorer outcomes and higher breast cancer mortality.
Equity Metrics for Health Impact Assessment updated
Health Impact Partners’ SOPHIA Equity Working Group has reviewed and updated its
Equity Metrics for Health Impact Assessment resource.
Medicare beneficiaries with cancer face high out-of-pocket spending and financial burden
A new
article in JAMA Oncology found that Medicare beneficiaries without supplemental insurance had out-of-pocket expenses that averaged 23.7% of household income, and 10% of those studied had out-of-pocket costs that were 63.1% of their household income.
Study suggests how neutrophils help metastasize cancer
While other studies have linked neutrophils, the most common form of white blood cells, to cancer metastasis, new
research from the National Cancer Institute fills in some of the blanks about the role of neutrophils and tumor growth.
Announcements
MDH Center for Health Equity request for proposals
The Minnesota Department of Health
opened a request for proposals “to support and strengthen the evaluation capacity of Eliminating Health Disparities Imitative in community grantees.” More information can be found online. The application deadline is 4:30 pm, December 15.
Help needed for community health worker survey
A professor at St. Catherine University invites CHWs and CHW advocates and supervisors to take a
survey on the scope of practice of CHWs. Those who complete the survey and provide their email address will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card.
For additional information regarding the Minnesota Cancer Alliance, please visit our website at
mncanceralliance.org.
