What We’re Reading: Rising Breast Cancer Rates; Pharmacists Walkout; School Blood Drives on Hold

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Advances in treatments and early detection methods have led to improved survival rates; staffing shortages and rising demands take their toll; the US blood supply is under increasing strain.

Rising Breast Cancer Rates Coupled With Improved Survival Rates Pose New Challenges

Breast cancer rates in the United States have been on the rise in recent years, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and research in the fight against the disease, according to The Hill. The good news is that while more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer, survival rates have also seen notable improvements, thanks to advances in treatments and early detection methods. However, this paradox presents new challenges for health care systems, as they need to adapt to the increasing number of breast cancer patients while continuing efforts to enhance survival rates further.

CVS and Walgreens Pharmacists Walk Out Amidst Concerns Over Working Conditions

Pharmacists at both CVS and Walgreens have initiated walkouts, citing concerns over unsafe and unmanageable working conditions, according to The Associated Press. Staff shortages, rising demands for services such as COVID-19 testing and vaccination, and the pressure to meet corporate performance metrics are causing stress and errors, putting patients at risk. Pharmacists participating in the walkouts are calling for greater transparency in staffing hours, dedicated training time for new hires, and a reconfiguration of quotas to reflect the available staff more accurately, highlighting a nationwide trend of pharmacist dissatisfaction.

US Blood Supply Faces Challenges as School Blood Drives Remain on Hold

School blood drives, a significant source of blood donations, have been on hold due to the ongoing pandemic, causing a decline in the US blood supply, according to CNN. The absence of these drives, along with other factors like extreme weather events and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, has strained the nation's blood inventory. Blood centers are exploring alternative strategies to ensure a stable supply, including targeting young donors, and working to raise awareness about the urgency of blood donations to avoid potential shortages in critical situations.