NCHR’s Comments on USPSTF Draft Research Plan: Interventions for Tobacco Cessation in Adults, Including Pregnant Women

USPSTF, April 11, 2018, We strongly support the efforts of the USPSTF to draft a research plan to identify benefits and harms of tobacco cessation interventions in broad populations, including pregnant women. We encourage the USPSTF to consider: 1. the necessary evidence to establish the short-term and long-term benefits of tobacco cessation on an individual and population level 2. potential fetal outcomes, including developmental and birth-related outcomes. 3. the harms associated with electronic nicotine delivery systems, as these products have been touted as safer alternatives that may also serve as quit aids.

Read More »

NCHR Comments on the USPSTF Draft Recommendations for Osteoporosis Screening

December 5, 2017. We strongly suggest the USPSTF provide a separate and clear “D” recommendation against screening in premenopausal women younger than 65. We strongly recommend that the USPSTF not finalize its recommendations until further information is made available regarding the direct benefits and harms of screening as noted above. In addition, we strongly urge that the evidence supports that the harms of drug therapies are “moderate” or “moderate to severe” and these risks be compared to the lack of evidence that these drugs reduce hip fractures, rather than concluding that the benefits are substantial and the risks are “no greater than small.” Last, we urge that USPSTF examine the benefits and harms of non-drug therapies as part of its screening recommendations.

Read More »

NCHR Comments on the USPSTF’s Draft Recommendation Statement and Evidence Review on Vitamin D, Calcium, or Combined Supplementation for the Primary Prevention of Fractures in Adults

October 23, 2017. After reviewing the available evidence, the USPSTF proposed new recommendations on the use of Vitamin D, Calcium, or combined supplementation for the primary prevention of fractures. The USPSTF proposes that evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of harms and benefits; however, a thorough review of the evidence shows surprising associated harms. Read on to learn more about this most important issue.

Read More »

NCHR Comments on the USPSTF’s Draft Research Plan for Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Adolescents and Adults: Screening

October 18, 2017. The USPSTF proposes a plan to review research and evidence on the benefits and harms of Hepatitis C virus screening in adults and adolescents. Our Center supports the efforts of USPSTF to reassess the merits of broad screening programs. We offer additional suggestions for an analysis plan that will inform future recommendations and best practice guidelines on this most important issue.

Read More »