Banner

News

Article

Female cancer survivors more likely to face fatigue, depression; key clinical insights from the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2025; how Rhode Island plans to save primary care – Morning Medical Update

Author(s):

Fact checked by:

Key Takeaways

  • Female cancer survivors face higher risks of fatigue and depression, affecting their quality of life but not work activity.
  • Biological differences, caregiving burdens, and sleep disruption contribute to these disparities in female cancer survivors.
SHOW MORE

The top news stories in medicine today.

© kwanchaichaiudom - stock.adobe.com

© kwanchaichaiudom - stock.adobe.com

Female cancer survivors more likely to face fatigue, depression

At the AACR Annual Meeting 2025, researchers reported that female cancer survivors are 69% more likely than men to experience cancer-related fatigue and 58% more likely to suffer from depression. The analysis, based on NHANES survey data from 2015–2022, found that these symptoms significantly reduced women’s physical activity and quality of life, though not their work activity. Researchers cited biological differences in treatment response, caregiving burdens, and sleep disruption as likely contributors. Authors called for tailored interventions — such as exercise programs and mental health support — to better address survivorship needs. Read more from AJMC.

Insights on PAD prevention, colon cancer screening and obesity care from ACP

In a series of interviews from the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2025 in New Orleans in early April, three experts share practical strategies to tackle pressing issues in primary care. Foluso Fakorede, MD, emphasizes early detection of peripheral artery disease to reduce amputations and cardiovascular risks. Rachel Issaka, MD, offers ways to boost colorectal cancer screening, while Laura Davisson, MD, outlines treatment options for obesity that go beyond lifestyle changes and GLP-1s. The five-minute roundup delivers timely, expert-driven insights for front-line clinicians. Watch the full video round-up from our sister site, Patient Care Online.

Rhode Island unveils plan to rescue primary care amid closures

Facing a worsening primary care shortage, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee rolled out a set of short- and long-term strategies to shore up access to frontline care. The plan includes $5 million in grants to help practices expand, efforts to speed up Medicaid rate reviews and new mandates requiring insurers to boost primary care spending. The announcement came just one day before Anchor Medical Associates began closing its offices, leaving 25,000 mostly pediatric patients in limbo. With an estimated shortfall of 300 providers, state officials acknowledged the crisis won’t be solved overnight — but called primary care the foundation of the healthcare system and pledged action to support clinics, reduce red tape and attract new talent.

Related Videos
ACP policy update 2025: A conversation with Brian E. Outland, PhD
ACP policy update 2025 interview