Advances in epidemiology and disease prevention.
This review deals with the changes in disease prevalence in the developed and developing world. It highlights the changes brought about by control of infectious diseases and records remaining problems, particularly in tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. The new thinking on risk factors for chronic diseases are described, including evidence on the need for changes in diet, e.g. free radicals, rather than cholesterol screening for the control of coronary heart disease. The current evidence on cancer and diet is described as well as the influence of electromagnetic fields in the aetiology of cancer. The need to develop better methods of assessment of the outcome of health care, rather than purely variations in frequency of treatment, is highlighted. The current concepts on the effects of ozone depletion and greenhouse warming are considered. The need for improved methods of communication of risks is highlighted.
Holland
W W
WW
Department of Public Health Medicine, UMDS St Thomas' Hospital, London, England.
D001249:Asthma / Q000517:prevention & control; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000639:trends*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000639:trends*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004813:Epidemiology / Q000639:trends*; D017752:Greenhouse Effect; D006801:Humans; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology / Q000639:trends; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D011315:Preventive Medicine / Q000639:trends*