MMWR News Synopsis for June 12, 2014

Medical Costs and Productivity Losses of Cancer Survivors — United States, 2008–2011

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

The economic impact of cancer for survivors, their families, employers, the health care system, and society is expected to grow. Efforts to reduce economic hardship caused by cancer could help reduce disruptions in work and daily activities, maximize employment opportunities, and increase productivity among cancer survivors. More than 13.4 million Americans have survived cancer and are living longer. Annual medical costs are significantly higher for cancer survivors than for adults who were never diagnosed with cancer. Male cancer survivors have average annual medical costs of $8,100 and lost productivity of $3,700. Female survivors have average medical costs of $8,400 and lost productivity of $4000. In addition, nearly 32 percent of these survivors experienced limitations in their usual daily activities and 42 percent had to make changes to their work hours and duties.

Progress toward Measles Elimination — Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2008–2012

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

To achieve the goal of measles elimination in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) by 2015, efforts must be strengthened at the regional and national levels. It is imperative to increase two-dose measles vaccination coverage, conduct high–quality supplementary immunization activities, and use innovative strategies to reach high-risk populations living in areas with poor access to vaccination services or with civil strife. Despite substantial progress and a 90 percent decrease in measles mortality in the EMR, the goal of measles elimination by 2010 was not achieved and the target date was revised to 2015. During 2008–2012, estimated first dose of measles-containing vaccine coverage in EMR was unchanged overall at 83 percent. Approximately 185 million children were vaccinated against measles during supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) and 38 (41 percent) of the 93 measles SIAs conducted had ≥95 percent national level administrative coverage. However, an increase occurred in reported measles cases from 12,196 in 2008 to 35,788 in 2012, primarily because of large measles outbreaks in high-burden countries. With resurgence of measles in some EMR countries, the Region’s target of measles elimination by 2015 is not likely to be achieved on time.

Notes from the Field:

• Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Antimalarial Chemoprophylaxis among U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers — Africa, 2013

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES