Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
@issakamd.bsky.social
Physician | Researcher | Quality Improvement | Community Engaged
#coloncancer #healthequity #ImpSci #BlackinGastro
www.fredhutch.org/en/faculty-lab-directory/issaka-rachel.html
@IssakaMD on all platforms
#coloncancer #healthequity #ImpSci #BlackinGastro
www.fredhutch.org/en/faculty-lab-directory/issaka-rachel.html
@IssakaMD on all platforms
We need creative solutions to improve follow-up after cancer screening. We previously found that a rideshare intervention was safe and acceptable.
In this study we found it is also cost-saving. Providing strong evidence for its ongoing use.
CC: @fredhutch.bsky.social & @uwmedicine.bsky.social
In this study we found it is also cost-saving. Providing strong evidence for its ongoing use.
CC: @fredhutch.bsky.social & @uwmedicine.bsky.social
A #rideshare intervention costing $100 per ride for patients with abnormal fecal immunochemical test results was cost-effective, saving $330,587 and gaining 24.9 life-years per 1,000 people screened through early detection and #cancer prevention. ja.ma/3I7HYea
September 9, 2025 at 2:03 PM
We need creative solutions to improve follow-up after cancer screening. We previously found that a rideshare intervention was safe and acceptable.
In this study we found it is also cost-saving. Providing strong evidence for its ongoing use.
CC: @fredhutch.bsky.social & @uwmedicine.bsky.social
In this study we found it is also cost-saving. Providing strong evidence for its ongoing use.
CC: @fredhutch.bsky.social & @uwmedicine.bsky.social
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
Thank you @murray.senate.gov for joining the chorus demanding RFK be fired. www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murr...
Now we need action!
@sanders.senate.gov @vanhollen.senate.gov @alsobrooks.senate.gov @markwarner.bsky.social
Now we need action!
@sanders.senate.gov @vanhollen.senate.gov @alsobrooks.senate.gov @markwarner.bsky.social
Senator Murray Calls for Immediate Firing of RFK Jr., Commends CDC Director Monarez’s Stand for Science and Public Health - Senator Patty Murray
Senator Murray: “If there are any adults left in the White House, it’s well past time they face reality… We cannot let RFK Jr. burn what’s left of the CDC and our other critical health agencies to the...
www.murray.senate.gov
August 28, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Thank you @murray.senate.gov for joining the chorus demanding RFK be fired. www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murr...
Now we need action!
@sanders.senate.gov @vanhollen.senate.gov @alsobrooks.senate.gov @markwarner.bsky.social
Now we need action!
@sanders.senate.gov @vanhollen.senate.gov @alsobrooks.senate.gov @markwarner.bsky.social
Thank you @usha.bsky.social & colleagues at @statnews.com for always speaking truth to power! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
Terminating or not funding health disparities research is not the path to making Americans healthier.
Denying scientists funding by terminating grants or opportunities does not make it a meritocracy.
Terminating or not funding health disparities research is not the path to making Americans healthier.
Denying scientists funding by terminating grants or opportunities does not make it a meritocracy.
NEW: Massive and confusing inconsistencies at NIH. New director says health disparities research is critical yet grants are being cut left and right. With @aniloza.bsky.social and @ericboodman.bsky.social. (Also my last story for STAT. 😢) www.statnews.com/2025/08/01/n...
Jay Bhattacharya once studied health disparities. As NIH director, he’s allowed such research to wither
Jay Bhattacharya’s tenure as NIH director has seen health disparities research swept up in the Trump administration’s attack on DEI
www.statnews.com
August 1, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Thank you @usha.bsky.social & colleagues at @statnews.com for always speaking truth to power! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
Terminating or not funding health disparities research is not the path to making Americans healthier.
Denying scientists funding by terminating grants or opportunities does not make it a meritocracy.
Terminating or not funding health disparities research is not the path to making Americans healthier.
Denying scientists funding by terminating grants or opportunities does not make it a meritocracy.
We’re still in the business of improving #colorectalcancer screening!
Congrats to @uwmedicine.bsky.social #GI fellow #NehaNaidoo for leading this manuscript and thanks to @amcollegegastro.bsky.social for publishing our work!
Congrats to @uwmedicine.bsky.social #GI fellow #NehaNaidoo for leading this manuscript and thanks to @amcollegegastro.bsky.social for publishing our work!
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Completion by Instruction Type: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing QR-Code linked Video to Pictorial Instructions
Naidoo, et al.
📕 doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000003637
Naidoo, et al.
📕 doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000003637
July 30, 2025 at 1:11 PM
We’re still in the business of improving #colorectalcancer screening!
Congrats to @uwmedicine.bsky.social #GI fellow #NehaNaidoo for leading this manuscript and thanks to @amcollegegastro.bsky.social for publishing our work!
Congrats to @uwmedicine.bsky.social #GI fellow #NehaNaidoo for leading this manuscript and thanks to @amcollegegastro.bsky.social for publishing our work!
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
Unwavering support. A celebration of excellence for Black women. Undeniable forces of change unifying to change the world of medicine. 👩🏽⚕️👩🏾⚕️👩🏿⚕️ #Blackwomeninmedicine #ABGHNEXUS25 #Blackwomeninhealthcare bit.ly/ABGHNEXUS25
NEXUS 2025 hosted on Whova
October 3 – 5, 2025, New York, NY
bit.ly
July 30, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Unwavering support. A celebration of excellence for Black women. Undeniable forces of change unifying to change the world of medicine. 👩🏽⚕️👩🏾⚕️👩🏿⚕️ #Blackwomeninmedicine #ABGHNEXUS25 #Blackwomeninhealthcare bit.ly/ABGHNEXUS25
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
Today #NIH leadership were told no funds can go out for research project grants, R&D contracts or training grants.
We have just a couple weeks to get funds out the door before Russel Vought attempts a #PocketRescission on Aug 15.
Even if this ends up being temporary, it’s time we don’t have.
We have just a couple weeks to get funds out the door before Russel Vought attempts a #PocketRescission on Aug 15.
Even if this ends up being temporary, it’s time we don’t have.
July 30, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Today #NIH leadership were told no funds can go out for research project grants, R&D contracts or training grants.
We have just a couple weeks to get funds out the door before Russel Vought attempts a #PocketRescission on Aug 15.
Even if this ends up being temporary, it’s time we don’t have.
We have just a couple weeks to get funds out the door before Russel Vought attempts a #PocketRescission on Aug 15.
Even if this ends up being temporary, it’s time we don’t have.
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
Earlier this month, Flint, Michigan finished replacing its lead pipes to ensure clean drinking water for the community.
Congratulations to the residents, activists, and public servants who made this happen. www.nrdc.org/press-releas...
Congratulations to the residents, activists, and public servants who made this happen. www.nrdc.org/press-releas...
Flint Finishes Lead Pipe Replacement in Historic Milestone
A decade after lead contaminated water was found in Flint's water system, the legal battle to replace lead water pipes is finished, a landmark milestone for a city defined by its dangerous water.
www.nrdc.org
July 28, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Earlier this month, Flint, Michigan finished replacing its lead pipes to ensure clean drinking water for the community.
Congratulations to the residents, activists, and public servants who made this happen. www.nrdc.org/press-releas...
Congratulations to the residents, activists, and public servants who made this happen. www.nrdc.org/press-releas...
I am one of many scientists who has been caught in this rollercoaster.
Judge Young found the current gov’t actions against specific scientists arbitrary and capricious and said that he had never seen government racial discrimination like this in his 40 years on the bench.
This has to end!
Judge Young found the current gov’t actions against specific scientists arbitrary and capricious and said that he had never seen government racial discrimination like this in his 40 years on the bench.
This has to end!
On Thursday, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to grant them a stay on the Massachusetts vs Kennedy/ APHA vs NIH ruling. This decision will occur on the shadow docket, with no formal hearing.
July 28, 2025 at 1:42 AM
I am one of many scientists who has been caught in this rollercoaster.
Judge Young found the current gov’t actions against specific scientists arbitrary and capricious and said that he had never seen government racial discrimination like this in his 40 years on the bench.
This has to end!
Judge Young found the current gov’t actions against specific scientists arbitrary and capricious and said that he had never seen government racial discrimination like this in his 40 years on the bench.
This has to end!
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
I think it's time for us to view Kennedy's actions as an attack not just on our public health but the country itself. He's an incredible monster.
Health Secretary Kennedy to oust advisory panel on cancer screenings, HIV prevention drugs, WSJ reports reut.rs/452or6u
Health Secretary Kennedy to oust advisory panel on cancer screenings, HIV prevention drugs, WSJ reports
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is planning to remove all the members of an advisory panel that determines what cancer screenings and other preventive health measures insurers must cover, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
reut.rs
July 25, 2025 at 9:17 PM
I think it's time for us to view Kennedy's actions as an attack not just on our public health but the country itself. He's an incredible monster.
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
Congrats to Fred Hutch gastroenterologist and researcher @issakamd.bsky.social on being named a @reignfc.com Legend! The Legends Campaign honors women for their extraordinary contributions to our community in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. www.reignfc.com/news/seattle...
Seattle Reign FC Legend: Dr. Rachel Issaka – Gastroenterologist, Professor and Researcher — Seattle Reign FC
The Legends Campaign, a partnership between Seattle Reign FC and Starbucks, honors women for their extraordinary contributions to our community in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Prior to Seattle Re...
www.reignfc.com
July 25, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Congrats to Fred Hutch gastroenterologist and researcher @issakamd.bsky.social on being named a @reignfc.com Legend! The Legends Campaign honors women for their extraordinary contributions to our community in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. www.reignfc.com/news/seattle...
Our team showed up and showed out!
Congratulations to #AmandaKimura, #MarinaHannah & #PranushaAtuluru on fantastic poster presentations today #DDW2025. #AGAGastroSquad
CC: @fredhutch.bsky.social @uwmedicine.bsky.social @uwdeptmedicine.bsky.social @uwsom-wwami.bsky.social
Congratulations to #AmandaKimura, #MarinaHannah & #PranushaAtuluru on fantastic poster presentations today #DDW2025. #AGAGastroSquad
CC: @fredhutch.bsky.social @uwmedicine.bsky.social @uwdeptmedicine.bsky.social @uwsom-wwami.bsky.social
May 5, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Our team showed up and showed out!
Congratulations to #AmandaKimura, #MarinaHannah & #PranushaAtuluru on fantastic poster presentations today #DDW2025. #AGAGastroSquad
CC: @fredhutch.bsky.social @uwmedicine.bsky.social @uwdeptmedicine.bsky.social @uwsom-wwami.bsky.social
Congratulations to #AmandaKimura, #MarinaHannah & #PranushaAtuluru on fantastic poster presentations today #DDW2025. #AGAGastroSquad
CC: @fredhutch.bsky.social @uwmedicine.bsky.social @uwdeptmedicine.bsky.social @uwsom-wwami.bsky.social
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
Nothing like a blender bike battle! Bring your #AGAGastroSquad to AGA Central for a little friendly competition at #DDW2025. Bonus: you get a gut friendly smoothie 🥤 at the end! @issakamd.bsky.social
May 3, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Nothing like a blender bike battle! Bring your #AGAGastroSquad to AGA Central for a little friendly competition at #DDW2025. Bonus: you get a gut friendly smoothie 🥤 at the end! @issakamd.bsky.social
#DDW20205 is here! Our lab is honored to have several members participating in vital discussions about how to improve digestive health.
If you're here in San Diego, drop by to connect with us and learn more about what we've been up to!
@amergastroassn.bsky.social
#AGAGastroSquad #IssakaLab
If you're here in San Diego, drop by to connect with us and learn more about what we've been up to!
@amergastroassn.bsky.social
#AGAGastroSquad #IssakaLab
May 2, 2025 at 6:39 PM
#DDW20205 is here! Our lab is honored to have several members participating in vital discussions about how to improve digestive health.
If you're here in San Diego, drop by to connect with us and learn more about what we've been up to!
@amergastroassn.bsky.social
#AGAGastroSquad #IssakaLab
If you're here in San Diego, drop by to connect with us and learn more about what we've been up to!
@amergastroassn.bsky.social
#AGAGastroSquad #IssakaLab
Leadership matters, now more than ever!
I’m incredibly proud of #LorenTaylor and his Oakland mayoral run!
From the beginning, he has been the underdog. His passion has remained steadfast and his conviction, undeterred!
This is his love letter to Oakland.
Get out and #vote! #April15th
I’m incredibly proud of #LorenTaylor and his Oakland mayoral run!
From the beginning, he has been the underdog. His passion has remained steadfast and his conviction, undeterred!
This is his love letter to Oakland.
Get out and #vote! #April15th
April 9, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Leadership matters, now more than ever!
I’m incredibly proud of #LorenTaylor and his Oakland mayoral run!
From the beginning, he has been the underdog. His passion has remained steadfast and his conviction, undeterred!
This is his love letter to Oakland.
Get out and #vote! #April15th
I’m incredibly proud of #LorenTaylor and his Oakland mayoral run!
From the beginning, he has been the underdog. His passion has remained steadfast and his conviction, undeterred!
This is his love letter to Oakland.
Get out and #vote! #April15th
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
BREAKING: We're suing the National Institutes of Health over their politically-motivated purge of research grants.
This is an unlawful attack on scientific progress that puts lives at risk.
This is an unlawful attack on scientific progress that puts lives at risk.
April 2, 2025 at 8:03 PM
BREAKING: We're suing the National Institutes of Health over their politically-motivated purge of research grants.
This is an unlawful attack on scientific progress that puts lives at risk.
This is an unlawful attack on scientific progress that puts lives at risk.
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
Save the date for our 12th Annual Cancer Disparities Research Symposium with keynote speaker Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS (@issakamd.bsky.social).
Register here: bit.ly/4hBo9IQ
Register here: bit.ly/4hBo9IQ
March 31, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Save the date for our 12th Annual Cancer Disparities Research Symposium with keynote speaker Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS (@issakamd.bsky.social).
Register here: bit.ly/4hBo9IQ
Register here: bit.ly/4hBo9IQ
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
#cancer survivors are fighters. I’ll fight for them however I can. Doge and the administration are dismantling cancer research. This article by a survivor, and grant reviewer for the CDMRP, which has just been cut, tells it like it is.
www.knoxnews.com/story/opinio...
www.knoxnews.com/story/opinio...
Cancer research funding has been thrown onto the bonfire of cruelty | Opinion
Every dollar of federal-funded research generates an additional $2.56 in economic activity. Because of the cuts by DOGE, people are going to die.
www.knoxnews.com
March 29, 2025 at 12:54 AM
#cancer survivors are fighters. I’ll fight for them however I can. Doge and the administration are dismantling cancer research. This article by a survivor, and grant reviewer for the CDMRP, which has just been cut, tells it like it is.
www.knoxnews.com/story/opinio...
www.knoxnews.com/story/opinio...
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
Big win for the Long Covid community -- grants restored. Also hearing other cancelled biomedical grants are getting restored. Maybe raising a ruckus works? Via @thesicktimes.bsky.social @betsyladyzhets.bsky.social thesicktimes.org/2025/03/28/u...
UPDATE: RECOVER Long COVID pathobiology grants restored - The Sick Times
Long COVID research grants from the National Institutes of Health’s RECOVER program will be restored following news stories about their abrupt cancellations and advocacy to restore the funding, accord...
thesicktimes.org
March 28, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Big win for the Long Covid community -- grants restored. Also hearing other cancelled biomedical grants are getting restored. Maybe raising a ruckus works? Via @thesicktimes.bsky.social @betsyladyzhets.bsky.social thesicktimes.org/2025/03/28/u...
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
Results from COLONPREV out now!
10-year colorectal cancer mortality in FIT group non-inferior to that in colonoscopy group (0·22% vs 0·24%; p for non-inferiority=0·0005)
Participation in any form of screening higher in FIT group (39·9% vs 31·8%)
@oncoalert.bsky.social #GastroSky #OncSky #MedSky
10-year colorectal cancer mortality in FIT group non-inferior to that in colonoscopy group (0·22% vs 0·24%; p for non-inferiority=0·0005)
Participation in any form of screening higher in FIT group (39·9% vs 31·8%)
@oncoalert.bsky.social #GastroSky #OncSky #MedSky
New at @thelancet.bsky.social - Effect of invitation to colonoscopy versus faecal immunochemical test screening on colorectal cancer mortality (COLONPREV): a pragmatic, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
#GastroSky #MedSky #OncSky
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
#GastroSky #MedSky #OncSky
Effect of invitation to colonoscopy versus faecal immunochemical test screening on colorectal cancer mortality (COLONPREV): a pragmatic, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial
Participation in screening was higher among individuals invited to faecal immunochemical
test screening than colonoscopy screening. On the basis of participation observed
in this study, a faecal immun...
www.thelancet.com
March 28, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Results from COLONPREV out now!
10-year colorectal cancer mortality in FIT group non-inferior to that in colonoscopy group (0·22% vs 0·24%; p for non-inferiority=0·0005)
Participation in any form of screening higher in FIT group (39·9% vs 31·8%)
@oncoalert.bsky.social #GastroSky #OncSky #MedSky
10-year colorectal cancer mortality in FIT group non-inferior to that in colonoscopy group (0·22% vs 0·24%; p for non-inferiority=0·0005)
Participation in any form of screening higher in FIT group (39·9% vs 31·8%)
@oncoalert.bsky.social #GastroSky #OncSky #MedSky
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
NIH emploees report they are forbidden from mentioning the cancer moonshot because that’s a ‘Biden thing’.
March 27, 2025 at 10:11 PM
NIH emploees report they are forbidden from mentioning the cancer moonshot because that’s a ‘Biden thing’.
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
This is catastrophic for pancreatic cancer patients
March 26, 2025 at 12:11 PM
This is catastrophic for pancreatic cancer patients
An insightful and troubling investigative report by @anguschen.bsky.social on how gov't cuts are impacting cancer centers, researchers, and patients. As a cancer researcher, I can attest that these cuts are indeed devastating and will set back decades of progress.
www.statnews.com/2025/03/24/t...
www.statnews.com/2025/03/24/t...
Cancer research, long protected, feels ‘devastating’ effects under Trump
Cancer research has had bipartisan support. But Trump administration budget cuts and delays threaten to reverse progress of recent years, experts say.
www.statnews.com
March 24, 2025 at 5:49 PM
An insightful and troubling investigative report by @anguschen.bsky.social on how gov't cuts are impacting cancer centers, researchers, and patients. As a cancer researcher, I can attest that these cuts are indeed devastating and will set back decades of progress.
www.statnews.com/2025/03/24/t...
www.statnews.com/2025/03/24/t...
Reposted by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
@issakamd.bsky.social with @uwmedicine.bsky.social says colorectal cancer cases are trending younger. “Getting screened, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol are steps we can all take to reduce our risk of colorectal cancer," she said.
New colorectal cancer cases still trending younger
YouTube video by UW Medicine
youtu.be
March 20, 2025 at 7:59 PM
@issakamd.bsky.social with @uwmedicine.bsky.social says colorectal cancer cases are trending younger. “Getting screened, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol are steps we can all take to reduce our risk of colorectal cancer," she said.