Browsing by Author "Beth Virnig"

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    and breast cancer
    (2010-01-21) Finnegan, John; Beth Virnig
    Welcome to Public Health Moment from the University of Minnesota. Ductal carcinoma in situ -- or DCIS -- is defined as an abnormal collection of cells in the milk ducts of the breast. Today, DCIS accounts for about a fourth of all positive breast cancer screenings. But DCIS is not itself considered breast cancer. As a result, it remains unclear how aggressively to treat the condition. That’s according to University of Minnesota health policy professor Beth Virnig. In a report last week for the National Cancer, she and her colleagues called for more research. Virnig notes that treatments for DCIS can often result in complications and side effects. For Public Health Moment, I’m John Finnegan
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    Colorectal cancer screening
    (2010-07-09) Engebretson, Mark; Beth Virnig
    Welcome to Public Health Moment from the University of Minnesota. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Yet, national screening rates for the disease remain relatively low. A federal expert panel recently recommended ways to increase the screening rate as a way to ultimately reduce deaths from the disease. Panel member Beth Virnig, a University of Minnesota health policy professor, explains. Current recommendations are for people beginning at age 50 to have an annual fecal occult blood testing, OR a sigmoidoscopy every five years combined with a blood test every three years, OR a colonoscopy every 10 years. Virnig says this complexity makes it important for doctors and health providers to have a clear reminder system for patients. For John Finnegan and Public Health Moment, I’m Mark Engebretson.