People who are marginalized or lack access to a primary care provider are at greater risk of early death from newly diagnosed (de novo) metastatic breast cancer, according to research in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.260156. The Ontario study examined people with de novo metastatic breast cancer, meaning their cancer had already spread to other parts of the body when it was first diagnosed. Researchers found that 23% died within 6 months of diagnosis.

A recent study conducted in 10 schools in Ghana tested a model for teacher professional development (TPD) based on mobile phone access to an online course. Regular professional learning community meetings supported the teachers. Meeting facilitators' modelling of participatory approaches, along with opportunities for discussion and questions, positively influenced teachers' engagement. Despite the relevance of the course content, teachers required support to access materials for professional purposes using their mobile phones.

New research from Michigan State University finds that popular music has gradually become less explicit about emotion and relationships — both across generations of artists and within artists’ careers.

JMIR Publications this week released three News and Perspectives features on the latest digital health news: stories on how informed consent must be rethought for clinical trials involving AI; Canada’s proposed Safe Social Media Act and the Canadian Medical Association’s support; and a promising new autonomous oxygen titration device for health care.