NCHR public comment tells CMS that the ColoSense multi-target mRNA stool-based colorectal cancer screening test needs better evidence to qualify for Medicare NCD coverage. The study sample included 3x the average number of smokers in the U.S. and since smoking increases the chances of colon cancer, that may have biased the results to make the test seem more accurate than it really is. Too many false positives or false negatives would make the test much less useful for patients.
Read More »Medical Care for Adults
The National Center for Health Research reviews important new research as soon as it is published. We cut through the hype regarding various medical treatments to let you know what is proven and what is unknown about the risks and benefits of various treatment options. We do not accept funding from the companies that make medical products, so you can trust that our information is based on science, and not biased by financial ties to the treatments we’re evaluating.
To find the information you need, please use our search box to search for exactly what you are looking for or browse through our various topics on the right. →
Some of these articles were written this year and others were not, however, if they are on our website it means the information is up-to-date. We always scrutinize new research and call the researchers to learn even more. Then we translate it into plain language that everyone can understand.
If you’re looking for more detailed information about cancer, please go to our Cancer Prevention and Treatment website.
If you don’t see what you are looking for on any health topic, please contact us and we will try to get the information you need within a few days.
Breakthrough Devices
NCHR analysis of FDA breakthrough devices, their approval pathways, and the evidence available for safety and effectiveness.
Read More »Taking Medication While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and are planning to take a medication or get a vaccine, it is important to learn more about the possible risks and to discuss any potential side effects with your healthcare provider. It is also important to understand that your doctor may not know exactly what the risks are of certain prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some risks associated with medications have not been researched yet or might not be known by most doctors.
Read More »Do Fish Oil Supplements Prevent Heart Attacks or Strokes?
Fish are a healthy food due to omega-3 fatty acids, but the latest research shows that fish oil supplements have no health benefit for most people and may increase the chances of A-Fib.
Read More »Inside Health Policy: Prasad Leaves FDA After Sarepta Furor, Conservative Backlash
Vinay Prasad leaves his key post at the FDA after a conservative backlash from Laura Loomer and WSJ. Sarepta’s gene therapy Elevidys has killed 2 patients so Prasad’s concerns were appropriate and the opposition is not focused on the evidence. We point out that FDA must require better evidence that Elevidys is safe & effective and should limit access meanwhile in order to restore trust in the FDA and the gene therapy.
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