NOTE — These summaries link to stories published online in the local and national press and other sources. Please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy or availability of links, as over time some links may expire or be made available only to registered users of the originating sites.
More Patients Than Docs Report Skin Surgery Problems — More than 25 percent of patients reported experiencing complications after a skin procedure for non-melanoma skin cancer, yet just 3 percent of their doctors noted the complication in their medical records, according to a new study led by UCSF dermatologist Eleni Linos. Learn more from Reuters.
Treatments for Prostate, Breast Cancer Vary Widely, Depending on Where People Live — Treatments for prostate cancer and early-stage breast cancer vary widely between communities just a few miles away from each other, according to a new California study. Dr. Matthew Cooperberg, a genitourinary cancer specialist at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, spoke about the findings with the San Jose Mercury News.
What Happens To Spelling Bee Kids? — What happens to spelling bee contestants when they grow up? One champion speller is now a surgical pathologist at UCSF Medical Center. Learn more from National Public Radio.
Sleep Problems Linked to Increased Prostate Cancer Risk — A new study found that men who have problems falling and staying asleep appear to be at increased risk for prostate cancer. Dr. Matthew Cooperberg, a genitourinary cancer specialist at UCSF, spoke about the finding and its implications for patients with NBC News.
Genetic Test Can Predict Most Aggressive Cases of Prostate Cancer — A new genetic test could provide about half of all prostate cancer patients with a better assessment of whether their tumors are low- or high-risk, and may increase the number of men who choose "watchful waiting" over treatment. Dr. Peter Carroll led the clinical trial of the test, which is now available to patients and physicians. Read more from TIME.
Hospitals Go Green on Cleaning Supplies — UCSF Medical Center and other local hospitals are swapping harsh chemical cleaners for environmentally friendly alternatives, as part of the Healthier Hospitals Initiative. Read more in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Inside the Robotic Pharmacy — Since introducing its automated pharmacy in 2011, UCSF has added additional safeguards, such as barcoding medications, to prevent medication errors. These efforts were featured on CNN.
New Drug Tested at UCSF May Burn Fat Without Surgery — A fat-dissolving injectable drug is in its third and final phase of testing after three years of clinical trials, including trials at UCSF. Dr. Sarah Arron, a dermatologic surgeon at UCSF Medical Center, spoke about the drug with NBC Bay Area.
Antidepressants Linked To Higher Risk of Complications After Surgery — A commonly used class of antidepressants, called SSRIs, appear to raise the risk of bleeding and the need for blood transfusions following surgery, according to a recent study from UCSF. Read more in Time.
— For more information, see our newsletters for patients and health professionals.
Compiled by UCSF Public Affairs
