British medical bulletin
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Subclinical thyroid disease is a common finding on testing of thyroid function and its management remains controversial. ⋯ A randomized controlled trial to identify those subjects identified from screening programmes that benefit from intervention in terms of morbidity and mortality.
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease involving the cartilage and many of its surrounding tissues. Disease progression is usually slow but can ultimately lead to joint failure with pain and disability. OA of the hips and knees tends to cause the greatest burden to the population as pain and stiffness in these large weight-bearing joints often leads to significant disability requiring surgical intervention. ⋯ Further research is required to fully understand how OA affects an individual physically and psychologically, and to determine their healthcare need.
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Barrett's oesophagus (BO) is a common premalignant condition, which carries a risk of progression to oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Recent advances include quantifying the risk of neoplasia progression, novel diagnostic tools and development of new endoscopic techniques to treat early Barrett's cancer. ⋯ The development of non-endoscopic diagnostic tools and radical endotherapy to treat early cancer strengthens the argument for surveillance and suggests the possibility of screening in the near future. Identification of a biomarker may help to select high-risk patients.
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The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer are rapidly rising in several countries in Asia. However, screening guidelines are lacking. ⋯ Screening for colorectal cancer should be a national health priority in most Asian countries. Studies on barriers to screening, education of the public and engagement of family physicians are important strategies in promoting colorectal cancer screening. With more health-care support, increased public acceptance and better access to the general population, colorectal cancer screening in Asia can be rewarding.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2013
Policy reform to realize the commitments of the Political Declaration on noncommunicable diseases.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) caused an estimated 36 million deaths in 2008. Recognizing that NCDs are a global health and development priority, Heads of State and government adopted the Political Declaration on NCDs (resolution A/RES/66/2) at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2011. ⋯ Policy reform and accelerated national scale-up action, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries, must be guided by translation research and feedback information from monitoring and evaluation.