Minerva

Betel nut users put themselves at a high risk of oral cancer because the nuts induce chromosomal abnormalities. One analysis has identified that a loss in the short arm of chromosome 4 and a gain in the short arm of chromosome 9 are good predictors of prognosis. These losses are positively associated with poor outcome (Oral Oncology 2002;38:266-73).

Hospitality workers breathe in environmental tobacco smoke whether they like it or not. Saliva samples taken before and after a typical work shift found significantly higher cotinine concentrations in those working in places where smoking is permitted than in smoke free premises. They also reported a higher prevalence of respiratory and irritation symptoms. The cotinine concentrations reported in this study have been linked with substantial involuntary risks for cancer and heart disease (Tobacco Control 2002;11:125-9).

Myths about contraceptive coils and pelvic infection persist despite evidence that the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease rises above the background population rate in only the first 20 days after the coil is inserted, thereafter dropping back to the background rate. The authors of a review in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care (2002;28:61-8) conclude that drawing together the …