JAAPA CME Post-Test July 2025
Reducing Gastric Cancer Mortality in the United States: Practical Strategies
Worldwide, gastric cancer is the fifth most diagnosed malignancy, with more than 1 million diagnoses annually, and it also represents the fourth leading cause of cancer death, with approximately 770,000 deaths each year. Relative 5-year survival rates are as high as 95% to 99% when the disease is diagnosed early in its course, but that rate drops to less than 30% when diagnosed in advanced stages. South Korea and Japan, two countries where gastric cancer is endemic, have implemented screening programs that successfully support earlier detection. No routine gastric cancer screening guidelines exist for practice in the United States. This article examines current evidence in support of gastric cancer prevention and screening
measures. Two measures are buoyed by the literature: first, prevention of the disease by targeting modifiable risk factors, namely the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, and second, early detection among high-risk groups through endoscopic screening.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:- Identify risk factors, both modifiable and nonmodifiable, for the development of gastric cancer
- Recognize populations at high risk for gastric cancer development and understand appropriate screening practices in these groups
- Recognize the importance of H. pylori infection diagnosis and eradication in gastric cancer prevention
- Summarize the notable changes in the related 2024 ACG guideline update as they pertain to H. pylori screening and treatment
- Describe the approach to gastric cancer screening in Japan and South Korea and understand the reasoning behind proposed approaches in the United States
Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Making Sense of Current Guidelines
Emerging evidence confirms that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) remains the most effective treatment for managing vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms of menopause, with a favorable risk-benefit profile in specific patient populations. Recent studies also indicate that initiating MHT in appropriate candidates is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk and lower all-cause mortality. This activity provides a comprehensive overview of current guidelines for primary care providers, advocating for an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to enhancing menopausal care across diverse patient populations.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:- Identify the appropriate patient populations for MHT
- Describe the risks, benefits, and contraindications of MHT
- Recognize the importance of timing in MHT initiation
- Select the most appropriate route of administration for MHT based on an individual’s symptoms, history, comorbidities, and preferences
- Explain the risks and benefits of MHT continuation versus discontinuation and identify when cessation is appropriate
- Recommend nonhormonal options for symptom management based on patient profile
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