Increase in cancer care spending linked to decrease in mortality; NIH Ebola patient upgraded to good condition;

News From Around the Web

> An increase in cancer care spending has been shown to consistently decrease cancer mortality, according to a new study published in Health Affairs. Countries around the world that increased cancer care spending between 1995 and 2007 decreased mortality by up to 17 percent. Study Abstract

> The patient being treated for the deadly Ebola virus at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, has improved from fair to good condition, according to a statement from the NIH. Statement

> Hospitals in Massachusetts are taking a cautious approach to a new bill that would strengthen the authority of the Health Policy Commission and would give the office of Attorney General Maura Healy stronger oversight, including the ability to temporarily block mergers that could cause healthcare costs to rise, the Boston Herald reported. Article

Health Payer News

> A shareholder sued prescription benefits manager Catamaran Corp. recently, claiming the company's directors neglected to negotiate the top price for the company after UnitedHealth Group announced it will purchase Catamaran for $12.8 billion. Article

> Aetna is using mobile apps, print ads and its new "Diversity & Inclusion" website to help current and prospective lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender customers find insurance products and healthcare providers that fit their needs. Article

And Finally… Tokyo's new tourism ambassador. Article