Mental illness: is there an association with cancer screening among women veterans?

Purpose: Mental illness may be a barrier to achieving timely and appropriate cancer screening. We evaluated the association of mental illness with receipt of and adherence to breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening among women Veterans.

Methods: The study population included all female Veterans ages 50 to 65 who obtained care at the New Mexico VA Health Care System continuously from fiscal years 2004 to 2006 (n = 606).

Osteoporosis management in prostate cancer patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy.

Background: The use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer has increased substantially in recent years, exposing more men to potential treatment complications, including osteoporosis and fractures.

Objective: To determine whether men treated with ADT for prostate cancer received osteoporosis screening, prevention, or treatment.

Design: Cross-sectional observational study using a retrospective review of electronic medical records.

Benefits and harms of doxycycline treatment for Gulf War veterans' illnesses: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: It has been hypothesized that certain Mycoplasma species may cause Gulf War veterans' illnesses (GWVIs), chronic diseases characterized by pain, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms, and that affected patients may benefit from doxycycline treatment.

Objective: To determine whether a 12-month course of doxycycline improves functional status in Gulf War veterans with GWVIs.

Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 12 months of treatment and 6 additional months of follow-up.