Here's what you can do

It is that time of the year again - at least in New York, Stuttgart, and many other locations in the northern hemisphere. The days are getting shorter and the first snow is not far away. Time to slow down and get the body and mind ready for the winter. Boost that immune system, and mobilize the body's defenses! A hot cup of tea might be a good start. But read on if you would like to know what else you can do for your health in the winter:

Prevention
Did you know…
… that optimal micronutrition plays a central role in maintaining the health of the epithelial tissues as a barrier to potential pathogens? Certain micronutrients (such as vitamins E, C, and B6 and selenium and zinc) can boost the immune system. Find more information in Zimmermann, Pocket Guide to Micronutrients in Health and Disease.

… that the body's natural defense system plays a major role in overcoming colds and the flu? For adults who are susceptible to infection (e.g. more than six infections per year), Echinacea is an excellent immunostimulant. Find more information in Weiss, Herbal Medicine.

… that Vitamin B5 is also known as the "antistress" vitamin because it supports the healthy functioning of your adrenal glands, the organs that help your body cope with all types of stress? It is also vital to maintaining a healthy immune system. Read more in Quick Access, Patient Information on Conditions, Herbs & Supplements.

Some tips for treating the common cold:
- Dairy products and bananas increase mucus production, avoid them while you have a cold. Read more in Quick Access, Consumer Guide to Conditions, Herbs & Supplements.

Click here to go to our complementary medicine homepage.

Mammography study finds that U.S. tests for cancer are twice as high as in the U.K.

Training might be the problem

A study published in the latest issue of JAMA by a team of U.K. and U.S. physicians found that recall rates in the U.S. are approximately twice as high as those in the U.K, while cancer detection rates are similar in both countries.

The study examined 5.5 million mammograms of women 50 years or older over the course of four years (January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1999). Three large-scale mammography registries or screening programs provided the data: the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) and the National Breast Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) in the U.S., and the National Health Service Breast Screening Program (NBCCEDP) in the U.K. The latter is a single organized screening program that provides practically all mammographic screenings for women aged 50 years or older. In the U.S., screening is provided in various places such as private practices, health organizations, and academic medical centers.

Due to higher rates of malpractice lawsuits, mammographies are recommended and performed more frequently in the U.S. than the U.K. As a result, fewer cancers are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S., but this is not the case. Recall rates were similar between the two U.S. organizations analyzed but twice as high as those in the U.K., while cancer detection rates were similar in the two countries. However, the study does not stress the fact that more cases of early, curable breast cancers are detected in the U.S.

There is a stronger incentive in the U.S. to recall women even when identifying a low likelihood of cancer because of legal consequences. In addition, another possible explanation seems to be the training: U.S. physicians must read only 480 mammograms annually to fulfill requirements, while U.K. radiologists are required to read at least 5000 mammograms annually, more than ten times more. Plus, the U.K. has a quality control-program and organized professional development training for mammogram specialists.

For more information about the study findings, please refer to Smith-Bindman, R. et al. Comparison of screening mammography in the United States and the United Kingdom. JAMA 2003;290:2129-37.

For more information about mammograms and testing, please refer to Thieme's line of breast imaging publications.

Click here for a list of all radiology titles.