What We’re Reading: Cancer Rates Rise in Young Americans; Applications Open for SDOH Grant; Blue Shield California Drops CVS Health

Cancer Rates Are Rising for Young Americans, Particularly Women

A recent study revealed an alarming trend of increasing cancer rates among younger Americans, particularly women, with certain types such as gastrointestinal, endocrine, and breast cancers seeing the fastest rise, according to The Washington Post. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, shows that while cancer rates among older adults have declined, cancers among individuals younger thab 50 years have slightly increased overall, with the most significant increases observed among those ages 30 to 39 years. Experts point out several possible reasons for this trend, including rising obesity rates; lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, poor sleep, and sedentary behavior; and environmental factors like exposure to pollutants and carcinogenic chemicals. Although the exact causes are not clear, researchers emphasize the need for further research to understand and address this concerning trend.

Applications Open for Physicians Foundation SDOH Fellowship, Grant Program

The Physicians Foundation has initiated a grant and fellowship program to address social determinants of health (SDOH) and enhance awareness and best practices among medical associations and physicians, according to Fierce Healthcare. The grant is aimed at medical associations seeking to develop resources and data collection to integrate SDOH into patient care. Up to 5 associations will receive grants of up to $75,000 each for year-long activities focused on SDOH integration. The fellowship targets new or early-career physicians who will develop and implement projects supporting SDOH understanding and integration in medical practices. The fellow will receive a stipend of $24,000 for a 12-month program.

Blue Shield of California to Replace CVS Health With Amazon and Others

Blue Shield of California, a nonprofit health plan provider with 4.8 million members, has announced its decision to replace CVS Health as its pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), according to Reuters. In an effort to cut drug costs for its members and navigate rising healthcare costs, Blue Shield plans to collaborate with partners including Amazon, Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drug Company, Abarca, and Prime Therapeutics. The move is significant as it represents the first instance of a major insurer opting to replace traditional PBMs with alternative partners to negotiate drug prices and improve the affordability and accessibility of medications for its members. This decision has had an impact on CVS Health's stock value, with shares declining by 5%, and has also affected other PBM-related companies such as Cigna Group and UnitedHealth Group.