Knowledge and perception of breast cancer among women of various ethnic groups in the state of Penang: a cross-sectional survey

The objective of this study was to assess and compare the knowledge and perception of breast cancer among women of various ethnic groups in the state of Penang. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 5 to March 15, 2008. 384 participants were conveniently selected and interviewed face to face by a trained researcher [M.A.H.] using a validated questionnaire. Participants were required to answer 22 questions concerning knowledge of breast cancer and 5 questions on the perception of breast cancer management and treatment outcomes. The mean total score of knowledge was 59.1%, with Indian women having significantly less knowledge than the Chinese and Malay women [P< 0.001]. Only 117 [32.3%] and 120 [33.0%] women were aware of the recommended breast self-examination [BSE] and clinical breast examination [CBE] guidelines, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that ethnicity, age, level of education and employment status were major determinants of breast cancer knowledge. The current study has demonstrated that women in the state of Penang have serious knowledge deficits about breast cancer and poor awareness of BSE and CBE guidelines. This study has highlighted the need of an intensive breast cancer awareness campaign which should also stress the importance of early detection and reporting of breast cancer

The pharmacotherapy of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT): A review of contemporary therapeutic challenges in clinical practice

Our objectives were to discuss a general overview on the description and recognition of heparin–induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and present a critical review of the traditional and most recent advances in its pharmacotherapy. Computerized searches were done on MEDLINE and Iowa Drug Information Service (IDIS) databases from June 2001 until June 2007 and from May 2005 until May 2007, respectively. Search terms used included ‘heparin-induced thrombocytopenia’, ‘heparin-associated thrombocytopenia’, therapeutics, HIT, HAT. We largely selected publications within the timeframe above, but did not exclude commonly referenced and highly regarded older publications. The commonly referenced published articles were obtained through manual searches derived from bibliographic citations and retrievals from the authors’ personal files. Pertinent literatures (89 key articles) that were thought to have substantially contributed new information to the therapeutics of HIT within the last 6 years were identified, reviewed and presented. The following limits were used for the MEDLINE and IDIS searches: ‘human’, drug therapy’, ‘review’, ‘meta-analysis’, ‘clinical trial’, and case reports. The therapeutics of HIT is rapidly evolving and needs to consider an evidence – based approach. It is imperative that practitioners be aware of the associated risk and be up-to-date with the current advances in the management of this fatal clinical condition.