This review discusses the persistent issue of lead intoxication, highlighting its historical prevalence and ongoing relevance. It emphasizes that children are primarily affected through environmental exposure and pica behavior, while adults are at risk due to occupational hazards. Clinical manifestations are often nonspecific, including neuropsychiatric symptoms, gastrointestinal disturbances, and hematological
This 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the diagnostic performance of ultrasound (US) as a primary tool for early detection of breast cancer globally. Analyzing data from 22 studies encompassing 16,366 women, the study found that US had a pooled sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 88% for breast cancer
This 2018 meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic utility of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in prostate cancer screening. Analyzing data from multiple studies, the research assesses both quantitative (cfDNA concentration) and qualitative (integrity, methylation patterns) aspects of cfDNA. The findings suggest that cfDNA analysis, particularly when combining quantitative and qualitative measures, can
This comprehensive review highlights a significant global increase in early-onset cancers (diagnosed before age 50), including breast, colorectal, endometrial, and pancreatic cancers. While improved screening contributes to some cases, a genuine rise is attributed to early-life exposures such as dietary changes, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, environmental toxins, and microbiome alterations. The
This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 54,635 women aged 70 and older to estimate breast cancer overdiagnosis associated with screening mammography. Findings revealed that overdiagnosis rates increased with age: 31% for ages 70–74, 47% for 75–84, and 54% for 85 and older. The study utilized Medicare claims linked to
This article presents a 16-year follow-up of the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer, which evaluates the long-term outcomes of prostate cancer screening using PSA testing. The study found that screening led to a modest reduction in prostate cancer mortality, but with a higher risk of overdiagnosis and
