December 15, 2008

Understanding modifiable and nonmodifiable factors that increase or decrease breast cancer risk allows family physicians to counsel women appropriately. Of the risk factors most strongly associated with breast cancer, the two most notable are nonmodifiable: age and female sex.

The decision to discontinue cancer screenings should be made using evidence-based guidelines and patient preferences. Physicians should consider the patient's age, overall health, life expectancy, and the potential benefits and harms of screening.

Digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen testing are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer. However, screening guidelines continue to be debated.

The incidence of colorectal cancer can be reduced with increasing efforts directed at mass screening of average-risk adults 50 years and older. Most medical organizations do not recommend a preferred screening method, but instead list screening options, including fecal occult…

AMA Delegates Adopt Joint Principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home | Health Care Consumers Express Mixed Feelings about Electronic Health Records | CMS Announces Tentative Payments for Medical Home Demonstration Project | Study Shows the Majority of Health Care Leaders…

In this issue, Albert and Clark address the increasingly common challenge of how long to continue cancer screening in older patients.1 The most salient points in their article are highlighted in the tables. The statistics they report provide a more useful approach to cancer…

This issue includes a well-done review of the controversy about prostate cancer screening.1 Wilbur concludes that current guidelines recommend shared decision making through an individualized, targeted, patient-centered discussion. Updated guidelines from the U.S. Preventive…

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States.1 Screening adults 50 years and older for colorectal cancer reduces morbidity and mortality at a reasonable cost. All major cancer and prevention-related organizations recommend universal…

Case study: A 20-year-old woman comes to your office for her initial prenatal visit following a positive home pregnancy test. Her last menstrual period was 10 weeks ago. She is in a monogamous relationship and uses condoms inconsistently. Her only complaint is morning sickness.

The personal side of medicine told from the patient's perspective. The patient's story is followed by commentary from a physician and a list of resources.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are generally not “curable,” and long-term management is required. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released guidelines on management of ASDs.

Adalimumab used alone offers little benefit over the traditional first-line agent, methotrexate. However, it increases remission rates when combined with methotrexate in early aggressive rheumatoid arthritis and when combined with traditional DMARDs in those who have not…

A screening test is for someone who has no signs of being sick. The test checks to see if you might have a certain disease, such as cancer. A disease can be treated better the earlier it is found.

Colon cancer is a tumor of the large intestine (colon) that can spread to other parts of the body and cause death. Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Most people with colon cancer get better if the cancer is found early.