The New York Times (4/11, Bakalar) “Well” blog reports that research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that “hormone therapy for prostate cancer may increase the risk for depression.” Investigators looked at data on more than 78,500 patients with prostate cancer, more than 33,300 of whom had undergone hormone therapy. The researchers found that “compared with those treated with other therapies,” patients “who received androgen deprivation therapy were 23 percent more likely to receive a diagnosis of depression, and they had a 29 percent increased risk of having inpatient psychiatric treatment.”

Related Links:

— “v,” Nicholas Bakalar, New York Times, April 11, 2016.

The Washington Post (4/8, Johnson) “Wonkblog” reported that “a growing body of evidence suggests that…ignoring the cost” of cancer care “could be harmful to patients’ health.” Research suggest that “financial toxicity” that “stem[s] from dealing with cancer can lead people to avoid or delay care or drugs…and also may cause stress that can lead to mental and physical health problems.”

In a front-page story, the Washington Post (4/9, McGinley) reported on the efforts of so-called financial navigators in helping cancer patients across the US “survive financially as well as medically…from the time of diagnosis and continuing through the twists and turns of a protracted illness.” Despite the expansion of coverage through the ACA, “many Americans are underinsured, with out-of-pocket expenses outstripping their ability to pay,” researchers say.

Related Links:

— “The burden of cancer isn’t just cancer,” Carolyn Y. Johnson, Washington Post, April 8, 2016.

Fox News (4/7) reports that over “100 medical groups sent a joint letter to Congress Wednesday urging lawmakers to fund research on gun violence at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” The letter requests Congress to “end the dramatic and chilling effect of the current rider language restricting gun violence research and to fund this critical work.” The 141 organizations that signed the petition “represent more than 1 million health professionals in the U.S., according to” The Guardian. The groups “demand that the funding for the research should be included in funding for the next fiscal year.” The Trace (4/7) also covers the story.

Related Links:

— “Medical groups urge Congress to fund CDC research on gun violence,” Fox News, April 7, 2016.

HealthDay (4/7, Salamon) reports, “Spacing pregnancies in close succession may increase the risk of autism in children,” the findings of a seven-study review published online April 7 in the journal of Pediatrics suggest. After looking at “existing research involving more than 1.1 million children,” investigators also discovered that “longer pregnancy spacing – in excess of five years – may be linked to raised odds of” autism.

Related Links:

— “Short Gap Between Pregnancies Tied to Higher Autism Risk?,” Maureen Salamon, HealthDay, April 7, 2016.

The New York Times (4/7, Reynolds) “Well” blog reports that “regular walking, cycling, swimming, dancing and even gardening may substantially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s,” the findings of a 10-year, 900-participant study published online March 11 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggest.

Related Links:

— “Walk, Jog or Dance: It’s All Good for the Aging Brain,” Gretchen Reynolds, New York Times, April 7, 2016.