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Regular Screening (regular + screening)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Predictors of mammography uptake in Korean women aged 40 years and over

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 2 2008
Eunjung Ryu
Abstract Title.,Predictors of mammography uptake in Korean women aged 40 years and over Aim., This paper is a report of a study performed to identify the predictors of mammography uptake for Korean women according to the stage of change, as determined by the transtheoretical model. Background., Although breast cancer is the most common female cancer in South Korea, its early detection rate here is low when compared with other developed countries. The transtheoretical model can be used to facilitate health promotion based on individual health behaviour and to devise stage-tailored interventions. Method., The participants were a convenience sample of 920 women aged ,40 years between December 2005 and February 2006. A cross-sectional design was used in which participants completed a questionnaire that consisted of measures of the transtheoretical model. To provide a standard of measure, the variables were converted from raw scores to standard scores and then to T scores (mean = 50, sd = 10). Logistic regression analysis was then used to estimate predictors of the stage of maintenance of mammography uptake. Findings., The most frequent stage of mammography uptake was ,contemplation'. Predictors of mammography uptake included decisional balance, commitment to regular screening and avoiding contact with the healthcare system. Commitment to regular screening and breast self-examination were strongly related to mammography maintenance. Conclusion., The results of this study can be used for the development of theory-based and empirically supported mammography uptake intervention strategies and programmes directed towards women aged ,40 years. [source]

Melanoma in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2010
F. O. Zwald
This manuscript outlines estimated risk and clinical course of pretransplant MM, donor-transmitted MM and de novo MM posttransplantation and includes an analysis of risk factors for metastasis, data from clinical studies and current and proposed management. MM in situ and thin melanoma (<1 mm) in the transplant population has similar recurrence and survival estimates to those in the general population. A minimum wait time of 2 years prior to transplantation is suggested for MM with a Breslow depth <1 mm and no clinical evidence of metastasis. More advanced MM may adopt a more aggressive course in transplant recipients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be of additional prognostic benefit. Revision of immunosuppression in the management of de novo melanoma in collaboration with the transplant team should be considered. Larger studies utilizing uniform staging criteria or at minimum Breslow depth, are required to assess true risk and outcome of MM in the immunosuppressed transplant population. Emphasis remains on patient education and regular screening to provide early detection of MM. [source]

Chronic disease profiles in remote Aboriginal settings and implications for health services planning

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 1 2010
Wendy E. Hoy
Abstract Objective: To report the short-term experiences and outcomes of a program to support chronic disease management in three remote communities in Top End Northern Territory and in two Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) in Western Australia, and to discuss the implications of findings for health service delivery and policy. Methods: Programs were health-worker centred. They espoused regular screening of all adults for chronic disease, initiation and modification of treatment where indicated and rigorous documentation. Process measures were documented and rates of hypertension, renal disease and diabetes among adults were calculated. Results: Rates of hypertension, proteinuria and diabetes rose throughout adult life and multiple diagnoses were common. Most people with these conditions were young or middle age adults. Rates were uniformly excessive relative to AusDiab data, but varied greatly among settings. Adherence to protocols improved, many new diagnoses were made, treatments were started or modified and blood pressures in treated hypertensive people fell. In the NT, productivity was seriously limited by lack of health workers and their absenteeism. In the WA AMSs, executive and staff support carried the programs forward to a sustainable future, despite various challenges. Conclusions: Integrated chronic disease testing must be repeated throughout adult life for timely diagnosis. Health workers can perform all tasks well, with appropriate supports. Blood pressure outcomes alone predict lower cardiovascular and renal mortality. The findings support incorporation of chronic disease into lifetime health care plans. [source]

Correlates of screening sigmoidoscopy use among men in a large nonprofit health plan

CANCER, Issue 2 2007
Reina Haque PhD
Abstract BACKGROUND. As the majority of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no known risk factors, regular screening is strongly recommended. The authors examined factors associated with screening sigmoidoscopy use among participants in the California Men's Health Study (CMHS). METHODS. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study over a 5-year period nested within a prospective cohort study. The CMHS enrolled a large multiethnic cohort (n = 84,170) of men from 2 major California health plans. Because screening sigmoidoscopy was the preferred and most commonly used test for patients at average risk of colorectal cancer in the health plans, the authors excluded from the analysis men who completed a barium enema colonoscopy or a fecal occult blood test. RESULTS. Eligible subjects included 39,559 men at average risk for colorectal cancer. Prevalence of screening sigmoidoscopy use decreased with older age and increased with higher education and household income over the 5-year study period. Compared with whites, Asians (adjusted OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.30,1.56) and African Americans (adjusted OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08,1.29) were more likely to undergo screening sigmoidoscopy. Screening increased with the number of outpatient visits and with having a primary care provider in internal medicine. Men who did not undergo prostate-specific antigen testing were also less likely to undergo sigmoidoscopy screening. Only 24.5% of current smokers had a screening sigmoidoscopy examination and were 25% less likely to undergo this procedure compared with nonsmokers (adjusted OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69,0.82). CONCLUSIONS. In this insured population for whom financial barriers are minimized, screening sigmoidoscopy use was as low as reported in the general population. However, minority patients were not less likely to be screened. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society. [source]