Evaluation of medication adherence and quality of life in patients with hepatitis C virus receiving combination therapy.

The purpose of this study was to identify medication adherence for patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) referred to an interdisciplinary HCV education and monitoring service, evaluate changes in quality of life (QOL) and medication adherence during the first 3 months of HCV therapy, and determine relationships between adherence and QOL. Patients completed an initial survey before initiating the therapy evaluating medication adherence and QOL. They then received a structured training on HCV medications and monthly monitoring phone call from a pharmacist throughout the therapy.

Colon cancer: prevention, diagnosis, treatment.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. It is third leading cause of cancer death in men behind lung and prostate respectively, and behind lung and breast in cancer deaths among women. More than 130,000 cases are diagnosed each year with over 56,000 of those patients dying.