American journal of preventive medicine
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The U. S. has been reported as the only country experiencing a decline in incidence rates of colorectal cancer (CRC), despite increasing prevalence of CRC major risk factors, including the Western dietary pattern and obesity. This paper presents a hypothesis that improved folate status in the U. ⋯ S. Although this type of analysis precludes a definitive conclusion, available evidence suggests that the increase in CRC incidence rates in the later 1990s is unlikely due to folic acid fortification and, assuming a time lag of a decade or longer to see a benefit on CRC, folate appears to be one of the most promising factors that could explain the downward trend of CRC incidence rates in the U. S.
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Infant mortality rates (IMRs) are disproportionally high in the U.S. South; however, the proximate contributors that could inform regional action remain unclear. ⋯ To reduce excess Southern infant mortality, comprehensive strategies addressing SUID and preterm birth prevention for both non-Hispanic black and white births are needed, with state-level findings used to tailor state-specific efforts.
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Obesity has been associated with breast cancer risk in the Caucasian population but the association remains unclear in the Hispanics. Previous studies conducted among Hispanics in the U.S. have shown inconsistent results. ⋯ These findings suggest that anthropometric factors may have different associations with breast cancer risk in Hispanic women than in Caucasian women. This study also shows the importance of considering the evolution of body shape throughout life.