EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 5 P.M., EDT, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1998
May 1, 1998, Tip Sheet
Annals of Internal Medicine is published by the American College of Physicians (ACP), an organization of more than 100,000 physicians trained in internal medicine. The following highlights are not intended to substitute for articles as sources of information. For a copy of an article, call 1-800-523-1546, ext. 2656 or 215-351-2656. The full text of selected articles can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals on May 1, 1998.
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Reducing the Risk of Colon Cancer: Asprin, No; Hormone Replacement, Maybe
Randomized and observational analyses of data from a large prospective cohort study found no association between aspirin use and colorectal cancer after five years. (Article, p. 713.) An analysis of data from a second large prospective study found that the risk for colon and rectal cancers decreased by 35 percent among women currently using postmenopausal hormones, with a smaller reduction for past users. (Article, p. 705.) Long-term use did not provide more protection. An editorial praises research into prevention of cancer but cautions that the link between lower risk for colorectal cancer and hormone therapy may be caused by other factors, such as the overall health of the women who receive hormone therapy, and that little is known about the determinants of this cancer. (Editorial, p. 771.)
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Breast Cancer Found at Same Stages in Older Black and White Women Who Have Regular Mammography
Differences in the severity of the tumor at diagnosis of breast cancer between black and white women are related to previous mammography use, a retrospective study of women aged 67 and older found. (Article, p. 729.) Black women were more likely not to have regular mammography and to be given a diagnosis of late-stage disease. An editorial says that clinicians must encourage underserved and minority women to have mammography. (Editorial, p. 773.)
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Voluntary HIV Testing of Pregnant Women More Effective than Mandatory Testing, Depending on Variables
Voluntary HIV testing in pregnant women is preferable to mandatory testing, depending on variables such as the level of acceptance of voluntary testing and the rate at which women might avoid prenatal care under a mandatory policy. (Medicine and Public Issues, p. 760.)
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Public Policy Treating AIDS as an "Exceptional" Disease Has Drawbacks (Medicine and Public Issues, p. 756.)
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