Multiple sclerosis in South Africa.

Since there are no well-documented epidemiological studies on multiple sclerosis (MS) in South Africa, we devised a questionnaire to determine qualitative data. Responses were obtained from 430 patients: 91% had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, 64% had lumbar punctures and 49% had evoked potentials to establish the diagnosis of MS. A total of 71% of the respondents were aged 30 - 59 years, 73% were female, and 89% were white.

Determinants of sexual activity and its relation to cervical cancer risk among South African women.

Background: Invasive cervical cancer is the commonest cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in South African women. This study provides information on adult women's sexual activity and cervical cancer risk in South Africa.

Methods: The data were derived from a case-control study of hormonal contraceptives and cervical cancer risk.

Bone mineral density and lifetime physical activity in South African women.

We investigated the relation between lifetime physical activity and bone mineral density (BMD) in South African women using data collected in a case-control study of breast cancer in relation to BMD. Subjects (n = 144) were of black African or mixed ancestral origin, and <60 years of age (mean age 42.6 +/- 8.

Risk of invasive cancer of the cervix in relation to the use of injectable progestogen contraceptives and combined estrogen/progestogen oral contraceptives (South Africa).

Background: Cervical cancer is caused by specific types of the human papilloma virus (HPV), but not all infected women develop cancer. It has been hypothesized that hormonal contraceptives may potentiate the oncogenicity of HPV infection.

Methods: In a case-control study of colored and black women in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, 524 incident cases of clinically evident invasive cervical cancer (stages 1b-1V) were compared with 1541 controls, and with a subgroup of 254 HPV-positive controls.

Limited Pap screening associated with reduced risk of cervical cancer in South Africa.

Background: We investigated the effect of Pap smear screening on the incidence of invasive cancer of the cervix in the Western Cape, South Africa where screening is limited.

Methods: Data were derived from a case-control study of the association of hormonal contraceptives and invasive cervical cancer. Incident cases (n = 524) of invasive cervical cancer who presented at two tertiary hospitals and controls (n = 1540) series matched for age, race, and place of residence were interviewed.