Many Newborns are Protected from Group B Strep, But More Can Be Helped

Since the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed its screening guidelines for group B streptococcus in 2002, fewer newborns develop early-onset group B strep, a bacterial infection that can lead to pneumonia, , or meningitis. However, even more newborns could benefit if certain challenges were better addressed, concluded the CDC's recent report. For more information on this report and its findings, click here.

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Screening for Cancer: Determining the value of screening tests

August 18, 2009

The goal of cancer screening tests is to detect disease early when it is most treatable. The expectation is that early detection and early treatment will lead to higher cure rates and improved survival. Some common cancer screening tests have met that goal; others are still being evaluated. It is important to understand the risks and limitations that go along with particular screening tests, to be aware of false positive rates, and to balance these considerations when deciding which screening tools should be used, when, and how often.

Approval of new HPV DNA tests prompts update to guidelines for appropriate use

July 24, 2009

Two laboratory tests, newly approved for marketing by the FDA, detect the types of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections that put women at high risk for developing cervical cancer. These HPV DNA tests add to the tools currently available to protect against cervical cancer.

Ovarian cancer screening strategy seems promising but is years away

June 17, 2009

Combining the blood test to detect elevated levels of the protein CA-125 with ultrasound to spot abnormalities in the ovaries might someday be an effective screening strategy for ovarian cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages, British researchers report based on preliminary findings from the largest randomized ovarian cancer screening study and the first to directly compare ultrasound alone and ultrasound plus CA-125.