Increasing colon cancer screening in primary care among African Americans.

Background: The study aimed to determine the effect of preference-based tailored navigation on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening adherence and related outcomes among African Americans (AAs).

Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial that included 764 AA patients who were age 50 to 75 years, were eligible for CRC screening, and had received care through primary care practices in Philadelphia. Consented patients completed a baseline telephone survey and were randomized to either a Standard Intervention (SI) group (n = 380) or a Tailored Navigation Intervention (TNI) group (n = 384).

Obesity and cancer.

Obesity has become the second leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States, trailing only tobacco use. Weight control, dietary choices, and levels of physical activity are important modifiable determinants of cancer risk. Physicians have a key role in integrating multifactorial approaches to prevention and management into clinical care and advocating for systemic prevention efforts.

The interplay of obesity and asthma.

The relationships, interactions, and association between obesity and asthma are complex, and are active sources of hypotheses and research. An association between obesity and asthma has been reported in many studies, although considerable debate about the existence of the association and its meaning still exists. Potential associative relationships may result from genetics, immune system modifications, and mechanical mechanisms.

The asthma and obesity epidemics: the role played by the built environment--a public health perspective.

Obesity and asthma have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. The reasons for these epidemics are complex, and the solutions to address them are many. This article explores the epidemics, their causes and consequences, associations and relationships, an expansion of the definition of the environment, and current national initiatives that address the components of the built and social environments that promote obesity and precipitate asthma.