Long-term consequences of prematurity.

Due to a shortened period of in utero organ development, premature infants are at higher risk of chronic respiratory, cardiac, renal, and endocrine system disorders later in life. With more premature babies being born and more of them surviving, internists and primary care practitioners should be aware of their patient's birth history and of the potential long-term effects of prematurity. Such understanding can lead to early detection of disease and targeted lifestyle modifications.

Life after breast, prostate, and colon cancer: Primary care's role.

When patients survive cancer, they eventually come back to their primary care physicians. This group has special needs, including surveillance for recurrent and new cancer, health promotion, and interventions to mitigate the lingering effects of the cancer and the adverse effects of its treatment.