Weekly Health News Round Up 4.23.21

A new study from the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer indicates a plant traditionally used to treat malaria could also treat ovarian cancer. It is estimated that ovarian cancer will make up 2.3% of cancer deaths in 2021.

Kentucky Congressman Brett Guthrie reiterated his support this week for legislation encouraging innovation in health care. Cong. Guthrie specifically called out H.R. 3, a proposal that would set price controls for prescription medications, for the negative impact it would have on medical innovation.

Treatment providers and recovery advocates say the pandemic has had a major impact on substance use and mental health, and new data from the CDC confirms this alarming trend. Overdose deaths in Kentucky are up 50% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, April 24th. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy is encouraging Kentuckians to participate by properly disposing of any leftover or expired medications. In Kentucky alone, 80% of patients keep their prescription medications after a procedure.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare is part of newly published research focused on COVID-19 and cancer patients. The study followed the health outcomes of current and former cancer patients who contracted COVID-19.