• Are breast self-exams or clinical exams effective for screening breast cancer? 

    Gaskie, Sean; Nashelsky, Joan (Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2005)
    Breast self-examination has little or no impact on breast cancer mortality and cannot be recommended for cancer screening (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on a systematic review of high-quality randomized, ...
  • Does early detection of suspected atherosclerotic renovascular hypertension change outcomes 

    Shepherd, Sandra; Cadwallader, Kara; Jankowski, Terry Ann, 1951- (Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2005)
    We found no evidence for changed outcomes from early detection of renal artery stenosis (RAS). Treatment of RAS in refractory hypertension modestly improves blood pressure control. There was a trend toward improved clinical ...
  • Is yearly chest x-ray screening helpful in reducing mortality for smokers? 

    Chek, Kimdary; Tribuna, Joseph; Nashelsky, Joan (Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2005)
    For current and former smokers, the evidence does not support yearly chest x-rays to decrease lung cancer mortality (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on multiple randomized controlled trials). Even with the ...
  • What are the relative risks and benefits of progestin-only contraceptives? 

    Roederer, Mary W.; Blackwell, Jean (Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2005)
    Little evidence describes the risks and benefits of progestin-only contraceptives therapy. No good-quality evidence exists to determine the risk of cancer associated with progestin-only contraceptives. Data are insufficient ...
  • What is the diagnostic approach to a patient with leg cramps? 

    Shaker, Hayam K.; Mackler, Leslie (Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2005)
    Leg cramps are very common (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, case series), and most cases have no detectable cause (SOR: C, expert opinion). Arterial vascular disease and neurological diseases are more prevalent among ...
  • What is the initial work-up in the diagnosis of hypertension? 

    Daniel, Brett V.; Kelsberg, Gary; Jankowski, Terry Ann, 1951- (Family Physicians Inquiries Network, 2005)
    Patients with a new diagnosis of hypertension should be evaluated with a history and physical exam and the following initial studies: serum potassium and creatinine, fasting serum glucose and lipid panel, hematocrit, ...