J Natl Med Assoc
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Ectopic pregnancy has become a major health problem in terms of its morbidity and its impact on health care resources. In a case-control study involving 40 black patients, the odds ratio of developing ectopic pregnancy in current and former intrauterine device users is 11.7, which is statistically significant. ⋯ A review of the current literature indicates Chlamydia salpingitis as the major cause of the ectopic epidemic. Prompt and effective treatment of this venereal disease may curtail health care expenses and prevent suffering of thousands of women each year.
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To gather data on which to base the design of an intervention program to decrease cancer mortality in the black population of California, physician members of the Golden State Medical Association were surveyed to determine their current practices relating to early cancer detection and cancer prevention. Respondents' estimates of the proportions of their patients in various categories indicated that at least 60% to 70% of their patients were potential subjects for intensive early cancer detection and cancer prevention efforts. Thirty-four percent of respondents reported that they were performing early cancer detection examinations on all their patients. ⋯ Patient education about various aspects of cancer and cancer prevention emerged as the most readily attainable means to reduce cancer mortality in blacks. It was most frequently mentioned both as something that physicians could do to help achieve this goal and as an outside resource physicians would find useful in their practices. Its lack was cited as the greatest barrier to early cancer detection and cancer prevention in the black population.