January 1, 2015

Cancer survivors face an increased risk of health problems, including recurrence of the original cancer, development of a second cancer, short- and long-term adverse effects from treatment, and psychosocial challenges. Family physicians play a vital role in preventive care, and…

The diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders is commonly delayed in children, although caregiver concern about a child's development is often accurate. Any motor delay in a child should prompt creatine kinase measurement and referral for early intervention programs. Markedly or…

The first priority in the evaluation of a patient with an eating disorder is to assess medical stability and the need for hospitalization. Family-based treatment is helpful for adolescents with anorexia nervosa, whereas cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy…

AAFP Resources Encourage Physicians to Promote Breastfeeding | White Paper Urges New Focus on Office Laboratory Protocols | Researchers Project Significant Increase in Colorectal Cancer Among Young Adults | Editorial Makes Case for Training Medical Students in Health…

Introduction to AFP’s series of editorials on overscreening, overdiagnosis, and over-treatment, providing practical guidance on reducing unnecessary medical practices.

This editorial is the first in a series of three that addresses the related issues of over-screening, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment. Overscreening often leads to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Methotrexate monotherapy demonstrated statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement of symptoms and physical function compared with placebo at 12 to 52 weeks. Multiple adverse effects were reported with methotrexate use, and patients were twice as likely to…

Preventive zinc supplementation for children in low- and middle-income countries appears to reduce rates of diarrhea and may slightly reduce rates of growth failure.

A man presented with localized swelling of the upper and lower lips, but no other significant findings. He did not have swelling elsewhere on the body.

Family physicians can have an important role in promoting breastfeeding, and are well positioned to provide support in the context of family-centered care. The position paper from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) provides key recommendations to assist family…

States currently electing not to expand Medicaid possibly forego the opportunity to expand their primary care workforces by a total of 1,525 physicians. Increased demand from expansion states and a limited primary care physician pool may provide a pull across state lines to the…

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of the use of multivitamins for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer.

You may have an eating disorder if you think about your weight very often and try to lose weight in unhealthy ways. Unhealthy ways to lose weight include: