Dr. Lauren Weinand

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with hematologist/oncologist Dr. Cheryl Mensah, we discuss the impact of sickle cell disease. We also discuss sickle cell disease misdiagnosis, funding, and research. MD Newsline: Can you explain why sickle cell disease is an important health issue? Dr. Cheryl Mensah: “Sickle cell disease is an important health issue that affects...

The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES) was conducted to determine the age- and gender-specific prevalence of dry age-related macular degeneration and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the Latino population. It evaluated 6,357 Latinos, ages 40 and older, from six census tracts in the city. Subjects were all self-identified Latinos. A complete ophthalmologic exam...

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in elderly individuals in Western countries. In this study, researchers sought answers regarding whether or not people who consume alcohol have a higher risk of developing AMD. A prospective study was conducted of 32,764 female nurses and 29,488 male health professionals who were 50...

Advances in screening rates, genomic testing, imaging, and treatment have led to a 98% 5-year survival rate among men with prostate cancer. Nevertheless, prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosed in American men. Black men suffer from prostate cancer with a higher incidence and decreased survival. On average, they are diagnosed at a younger age,...

Social determinants of health such as immigration status, race/ethnicity, neighborhood disadvantage, socioeconomic status, social network, and social support have previously been examined in relation to prostate cancer. This study, published in Prostate International, provides a comprehensive analysis of social factors that can influence prostate cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis, and survival. The study relied on...

Prostate cancer incidence rates are lower among men of Asian descent than among white men. It has not been determined whether these lower rates are the result of less prostate cancer screening or other factors. This study focuses on the association of Asian race/ethnicity and the rates of prostate cancer diagnosis in the Reduction by...

In a study published in the Journal of the National Medical Association, a team of researchers analyzed prostate cancer screenings in the African American veteran population. They begin by noting that the U.S. Preventative Task Force no longer recommends using prostate-specific antigen-based screenings for prostate cancer. Due to the higher rates of prostate cancer among Black...

In a study published in JAMA Network Open, a team of researchers analyzed the geographic distribution of prostate cancer cases by race. They note that it has been well established that there are racial disparities in prostate cancer mortality rates. However, how these disparities are distributed geographically is not as well understood.  The cohort of men...

In this article published in The Prostate, a team of researchers sought to address the disparity in prostate cancer screening experienced by African American males. They note that this disparity exists in part due to a lack of education about early detection of prostate cancer, which can result in adverse outcomes for those who require treatment...