Colorectal cancer screening of high-risk populations: A national survey of physicians

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The incidence of colorectal cancer can be decreased by appropriate use of screening modalities. Patients with a family history of colon cancer and of African-American ethnicity are known to be at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. We aimed to determine if there is a lack of physician knowledge for colorectal cancer screening guidelines based on family history and ethnicity. Between February and April 2009 an anonymous web-based survey was administered to a random sample selected from a national list of 25,000 internists, family physicians and gastroenterologists. A stratified sampling strategy was used to include practitioners from states with high as well as low CRC incidence. All data analyses were performed following data collection in 2009.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The average knowledge score was 37 ± 18% among the 512 respondents. Gastroenterologists averaged higher scores compared to internists, and family physicians, <it>p </it>= 0.001. Only 28% of physicians correctly identified the screening initiation point for African-Americans while only 12% of physicians correctly identified the screening initiation point and interval for a patient with a family history of CRC. The most commonly cited barriers to referring high-risk patients for CRC screening were "patient refusal" and "lack of insurance reimbursement."</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>There is a lack of knowledge amongst physicians of the screening guidelines for high-risk populations, based on family history and ethnicity. Educational programs to improve physician knowledge and to reduce perceived barriers to CRC screening are warranted to address health disparities in colorectal cancer.</p

Recent advances in optical diagnosis of oral cancers: review and future perspectives

Optical diagnosis techniques offer several advantages over traditional approaches, including objectivity, speed and cost, and these label-free, non-invasive methods have the potential to change the future work-flow of cancer management. The oral cavity is particularly accessible and thus such methods may serve as alternate/adjunct tools to traditional methods. Recently, in vivo human clinical studies have been initiated with a view to clinical translation of such technologies. A comprehensive review of optical methods in oral cancer diagnosis is presented. Following an introduction to the epidemiology and aetiological factors associated with oral cancers currently employed diagnostic methods and their limitations are presented. A thorough review of fluorescence, infrared absorption and Raman spectroscopic methods in oral cancer diagnosis is presented. The applicability of minimally invasive methods based on serum/saliva is also discussed. The review concludes with a discussion on future demands and scope of developments from a clinical point of view

Assessment of risk factors for development of Type-II diabetes mellitus among working women in Berhampur, Orissa

<b>Objectives: </b> 1) Assess general health condition and anthropological parameters of the working women. 2) Identify prevalence of Type-II Diabetes among them. 3) Assess risk factors associated with development of diabetes. 4) Educate them about Life Style Modifications. <b> Materials and Methods: </b> A cross sectional study was carried out in six educational institutes. A total of 100 working women were selected as study population. During the two-month study period, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) was estimated to identify the diabetics and the Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT). Information from the study population was collected through pre-tested questionnaire using several anthropometric measurements. <b> Results: </b> Out of 100 women, 24 were having FBS compatible with IGT or diabetes. The incidence was highest in 46 to 55 yr age group. 75&#x0025; of women with diabetes or IGT were in higher income group. Body Mass Index was more than 25 kg/m² in maximum (75&#x0025;) women having diabetes or IGT. 92&#x0025; women with diabetes or IGT had their Waist Hip Ratio &#8805;0.85. Moreover, orientation towards healthy life style modification to control diabetes and its prevention was poor among the study population. <b> Conclusion: </b> Prevalence of diabetes and IGT was higher among urban working women and is increasing with increase in age. Obesity plays a major role in development of Type 2 diabetes. Several long- and short-term steps should be taken for promotion of healthy life style modifications to prevent diabetes and emergence of its complications