Inequalities in the burden of female breast cancer in Brazil, 1990-2017.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer death among females worldwide. In recent decades, breast cancer death rates have been stable or decreasing in more developed regions; however, this has not been observed in less developed regions. This study aims to evaluate inequalities in the burden of female breast cancer in Brazil including an analysis of interregional and interstate patterns in incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates from 1990 to 2017, and mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR), and their association with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI). METHODS: Using estimates from the global burden of disease (GBD) study, we applied a spatial exploratory analysis technique to obtain measurements of global and local spatial correlation. Percentage changes of breast cancer incidence, mortality, and DALYs rates between 1990 and 2017 were calculated, and maps were developed to show the spatial distribution of the variables. Spatial panel models were adjusted to investigate the association between rates and SDI in Brazilian states. RESULTS: In Brazil, while breast cancer mortality rate have had modest reduction (-4.45%; 95% UI: -6.97; -1.76) between 1990 and 2017, the incidence rate increased substantially (+39.99%; 95% UI: 34.90; 45.39). Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates in 1990 and 2017 were higher in regions with higher SDI, i.e., the most developed ones. While SDI increased in all Brazilian states between 1990 and 2017, notably in less developed regions, MIR decreased, more notably in more developed regions. The SDI had a positive association with incidence rate and a negative association with MIR. CONCLUSION: Such findings suggest an improvement in breast cancer survival in the period, which may be related to a broader access to diagnostic methods and treatment. This study also revealed the inequality in breast cancer outcomes among Brazilian states and may guide public policy priorities for disease control in the country.

Functional status of patients with metastatic spinal cord compression.

PURPOSE: This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the functional status and clinical features of inpatients with metastatic spinal cord compression and to explore possible associated factors and the correlation with neurological deficits. METHODS: Cases were identified through an active search in the hospital units of the National Cancer Institute. For 47 patients, clinical and demographic characteristics were collected; functional status was measured by the Functional Independence Measure; modified Tokuhashi score was used to predict survival time; neurological deficits were measured using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale; and general condition was evaluated using the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale. The correlation between the level of neurological deficits and functional status was calculated using the Spearman correlation test. The difference in the functional independence score according to neurological status was assessed with the Kruskall-Wallis test. RESULTS: The degree of functional status was associated with Karnofsky Performance Status, level of neurological deficits, ability to walk, survival time, and skin color (p < 0.05). There was difference in the functional status (p = 0.004) and in the motor domain (p = 0.001) according to the level of neurological deficits. The correlation of the Functional Independence Measure with level of neurological deficits and with Karnofsky Performance Status was moderate (r = 0.46, p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: The Functional Independence Measure was adequate for evaluating the functional status of patients with metastatic spinal cord compression. Palliative rehabilitation should be integrated early and strategies should be linked to the prognosis of survival.

[Breast cancer mortality in Brazilian municipalities and associated factorsMortalidad por cáncer de mama en municipios brasileños y factores asociados]. / Comportamento da mortalidade por câncer de mama nos municípios brasileiros e fatores associados.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze breast cancer mortality trends in Brazilian municipalities and assess the influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors on mortality rates. METHODS: Age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated for the periods centered in 1990, 2000, and 2010 and corrected for ill-defined causes of death. After that, panel data regression models were developed for analysis of the association between the factors of interest and the mortality rate from breast cancer in Brazilian municipalities. RESULTS: A growing trend was detected in breast cancer mortality in Brazil. However, the models showed that the mortality could have decreased (negative trend), especially in the Southeast and South regions, if some associated factors (such as income, education, longevity, fertility rate, health spending, and infrastructure, among others) had remained constant during the study period. Breast cancer mortality was positively/significantly associated with longevity and negatively/significantly associated with public health spending. Mortality was higher in the South and Southeast, in municipalities with more than 500 000 inhabitants and in those with population below 5 000. CONCLUSIONS: The growth in per capita income, the increase in life expectancy, and the decrease in fertility rates may be associated with high breast cancer mortality and a trend towards increased mortality from this cancer in Brazilian municipalities.

OBJETIVO: Analizar las tendencias de la mortalidad por cáncer de mama en municipios brasileños y evaluar la influencia de factores socioeconómicos y demográficos sobre las tasas de mortalidad. MÉTODOS: Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad, ajustadas por grupo etario y corregidas por causas mal definidas, para los años 1990, 2000 y 2010. Posteriormente, se calcularon modelos de regresión, a partir de datos de panel, que permitieron verificar el grado de asociación entre distintos factores de interés y la tasa de mortalidad por esta enfermedad. RESULTADOS: Se verificó que había una tendencia al aumento de la mortalidad en el país. Sin embargo, los modelos indicaron que la mortalidad podría haber disminuido (tendencia negativa), principalmente en el sudeste y el sur, si algunos factores asociados (por ejemplo, nivel de ingresos, educación, longevidad, tasa de fecundidad, gastos en salud, infraestructura, entre otros) hubieran permanecido constantes durante el período en estudio. Se observó que la mortalidad por cáncer de mama presentó una asociación positiva y significativa con la longevidad, y negativa y significativa con el nivel del gasto público en salud. La mortalidad fue mayor en las zonas sur y sudeste, en los municipios con más de 500 000 habitantes y en aquellos cuya población es inferior a 5000. CONCLUSIONES: El aumento de los ingresos per cápita, el incremento de la esperanza de vida y la disminución de la tasa de fecundidad pueden estar asociados a tasas altas de mortalidad por cáncer de mama y a una tendencia al aumento de dicha mortalidad en los municipios brasileños.

Sexual function of women surviving cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the sexual function of survivors of cervical cancer (CC) in comparison to the control group of women without a history of cancer. METHODS: This was an observational, analytical, case-control study. In the cancer group, women subjected to CC treatment of at least 3 months in the past were included (n = 37). For each survivor, one random selection from a base population control group was made (n = 37) of a woman without a history of cancer and with similar socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. The sexual function was evaluated through the female sex function index (FSFI) instrument. Data collection occurred through the application of questions in a face-to-face interview. RESULTS: In the cancer group, 64.9 % related vaginal stenosis or shortening; 59.5 % were not sexually active and of those which had sexual relations, 80 % showed dysfunction. The total FSFI score varied between 9.60 and 35.10 in the cancer group and 23.90 and 36.00 in the control group. The means of the cancer group were statistically inferior (P < 0.05) to the control group in all the FSFI domains and in the total score. The mean total score was 21.72 in the cancer group, classified as sexual dysfunction when considering a score of 26 as the cutoff point. CONCLUSION: CC treatment was found to have a negative impact on the sexual function of women. Further, sexual function should be monitored routinely by interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care with the objective of an improved quality of life post-cancer.

Quality of life of women who underwent breast cancer treatment relative to sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with cancer often undergo multiple extended treatments that decrease their quality of life. However, the quality of life of women with breast cancer after they undergo treatment remains underexplored in Brazil. Therefore, this study determined sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors related to the post-treatment quality of life of women with breast cancer. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 101 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2014 and 2016 and treated at a Brazilian Oncology Reference Service. Data were collected from them using face-to-face surveys. Quality of life was evaluated using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and EORTC Breast Cancer-specific Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-BR23). The data collected were analyzed using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The median score on the global health, functional, and symptom scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 was 75.00 (Interquartile range=33.33), 75.99 (Standard deviation [SD]=19.26), and 19.67 (SD=16.91), respectively. The mean score on the functional and symptom scales of the EORTC QLQ-BR23 was 61.89 (SD=17.21) and 20.12 (SD=16.94), respectively. Furthermore, higher post-treatment quality of life was found to be associated with being aged 50 or more, being Black, having eight or more years of education, having a partner, having a paying job, receiving treatment from the private healthcare system, having a higher income, living in the municipality where healthcare services are availed, engaging in physical activity, not smoking, being more religious, having more social support, not being overweight, having no comorbidities, and undergoing lumpectomy. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors significantly impact the quality of life of women who undergo breast cancer treatment. Implementing interventions that improve health and reducing inequalities in the access to healthcare services can improve the quality of life of these patients. BACKGROUND: Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors impact the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. BACKGROUND: Breast cancer therapy may affect future perspectives and emotional, cognitive, and sexual function. BACKGROUND: Some aspects of quality of life still require attention from health professionals. BACKGROUND: Higher post-treatment quality of life of women with breast cancer is linked to being aged 50 or more, being Black, having 8 or more years of education, having a partner, having a paying job, receiving care from private healthcare, having a high per capita income, residing in the municipality where the service is availed, engaging in physical activity, not smoking, greater religiosity, having more social support, having a normal weight, having no comorbidities, and undergoing lumpectomy.

Breast cancer survival and the health system in Brazil: an analysis of public and private healthcare.

Background: The incidence of breast cancer is increasing globally; however, survival outcomes vary and are lower in developing countries. Methods: We analyzed the 5- and 10-year survival rates for breast cancer according to the type of healthcare insurance (public vs. private) in a referral center for cancer care in the Brazilian southeast region. This hospital-based cohort study included 517 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2003 and 2005. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the probability of survival, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess prognostic factors. Results: The 5- and 10-year breast cancer survival rates were as follows: private healthcare service survival rate of 80.6% (95% CI 75.0-85.0) and 71.5% (95% CI 65.4-77.1), respectively, and public healthcare service survival rate of 68.5% (95% CI 62.5-73.8) and 58.5% (95% CI 52.1-64.4), respectively. The main factors associated with the worst prognosis were lymph node involvement in both healthcare services and tumor size >2 cm only in public health services. The use of hormone therapy (private) and radiotherapy (public) was associated with the best survival rates. Conclusions: The survival discrepancies found between health services can be explained mainly by the difference in the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, indicating inequalities in access to the early detection of breast cancer.

Temporal trends in social security benefits for female breast cancer in Brazil. / Tendência temporal dos benefícios previdenciários concedidos por câncer de mama feminino no Brasil.

The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends in disability benefits for breast cancer awarded to women by Brazil's National Social Security Institute. We conducted a time-series analysis of disability benefit incidence rates between 2007 and 2018 using joinpoint regression and data from the Unified Benefits Information System (SUIBE) and open access social security system database. The age-adjusted incidence rate increased by 6.7% per year between 2015 and 2018 after a period of stability between 2007 and 2014. The number of benefits granted to women aged 20-49 increased, on average, by 3.4% per year, showing a marked rise from 2015 to 2018 (10.4% per year). The findings highlight that breast cancer is an important cause of sick leave among female workers and that the incidence of the disease is growing in younger economically active women, reinforcing the importance of early referral to the Social Security Professional Rehabilitation Program to help workers return to work and readapt to working life.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a tendência temporal dos benefícios previdenciários concedidos pelo Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social a mulheres por câncer de mama. Foi realizado um estudo de tendência temporal das taxas de incidência dos auxílios por incapacidade temporária de espécie previdenciária concedidos por câncer de mama em mulheres entre 2007 e 2018 no Brasil, utilizando o Sistema Único de Informações de Benefícios e a base de dados abertos da Previdência Social. As análises de tendência foram realizadas através de regressão segmentada joinpoint. As taxas de incidência dos benefícios ajustadas por idade apresentaram estabilidade entre 2007 e 2015, seguida de elevação anual de 6,7% de 2015 a 2018. Houve aumento anual médio de 3,4% do número de benefícios concedidos a mulheres entre 20 e 49 anos, sendo mais evidente entre 2015 e 2018, com elevação de 10,4% ao ano. Este estudo demonstrou a importância do câncer de mama como causa de afastamento do trabalho em mulheres, com acometimento crescente das faixas etárias mais jovens e economicamente ativas, o que reforça a necessidade de abordagem precoce do Programa de Reabilitação Profissional da Previdência Social para a readaptação destas trabalhadoras em suas atividades ou a reinserção no mercado de trabalho.

Histological and Immunohistochemical Characteristics for Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk in a Cohort of Brazilian Women.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to characterize the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical profile of women with invasive breast cancer, according to the risk for Hereditary Predisposition Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome in a Brazilian population. METHODS: This is a retrospective study performed from a hospital-based cohort of 522 women, diagnosed with breast cancer treated at an oncology referral center in the Southeast region of Brazil, between 2014 and 2016. RESULTS: Among the 430 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer who composed the study population, 127 (29.5%) were classified as at increased risk for hereditary predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. There was a lower level of education in patients at increased risk (34.6%) when compared with those at usual risk (46.0%). Regarding tumor characteristics, women at increased risk had higher percentages of the disease diagnosed at an advanced stage (32.3%), and with tumors > 2cm (63.0%), with increased prevalence for both characteristics, when compared with those at usual risk. Furthermore, we found higher percentages of HG3 (43.3%) and Ki-67 ≥ 25% (64.6%) in women at increased risk, with prevalence being about twice as high in this group. The presence of triple-negative tumors was observed as 25.2% in women at increased risk and 6.0% in women at usual risk, with the prevalence of absence of biomarkers being 2.5 times higher among women in the increased risk group. CONCLUSION: From the clinical criteria routinely used in the diagnosis of breast cancer, the care practice of genetic counseling for patients at increased risk of hereditary breast cancer in contexts such as Brazil is still scarce.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo buscou caracterizar o perfil clínico, histológico e imunohistoquímico de mulheres com câncer de mama invasivo segundo o risco para a Síndrome de Predisposição Hereditária ao Câncer de Mama e Ovário em uma população brasileira. MéTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo realizado a partir de uma coorte hospitalar composta por 522 mulheres diagnosticadas com câncer de mama entre 2014 e 2016 assistidas em um centro de referência oncológica localizado na região sudeste brasileira. RESULTADOS: Entre as 430 mulheres diagnosticadas com câncer de mama invasivo que compuseram a população de estudo, 127 (29,5%) foram classificadas como de risco aumentado para a síndrome de predisposição hereditária ao câncer de mama e ovário. Verificou-se menor nível de escolaridade nas pacientes com risco aumentado (34,6%) quando comparadas àquelas consideradas como de risco habitual (46,0%). Quanto às características do tumor, as mulheres de risco aumentado apresentaram maiores percentuais de doença diagnosticada em estádio avançado (32,3%) e com tumores > 2cm (63,0%), com prevalência aumentada para ambas as características, quando comparadas àquelas de risco habitual. Ainda nas mulheres de risco aumentado, foram encontrados maiores percentuais de GH3 (43,3%) e Ki-67 ≥ 25% (64,6%), com prevalência cerca de duas vezes maior neste grupo. A presença de tumores triplo-negativos foi observada em 25,2% nas mulheres de risco aumentado e 6,0% nas mulheres de risco habitual, com prevalência de ausência de biomarcadores 2,5 vezes maior entre as mulheres do grupo de risco aumentado. CONCLUSãO: A partir dos critérios clínicos rotineiramente utilizados no diagnóstico do câncer de mama, a prática assistencial do aconselhamento genético para as pacientes com risco aumentado de câncer de mama hereditário em contextos como o do Brasil ainda é escarça.

Time to diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer in public and private health services.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the time to diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer and the associated factors, according to the type of care (public vs. private). METHODOLOGY: Retrospective cohort study with 477 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2014 and 2016. Data were collected in an oncology service in a municipality in Minas Gerais, in the 2018-2019 period. Analyzes were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional regression model. RESULTS: The median time to diagnosis was 70 days, being shorter for women who discovered the disease through screening tests and who were diagnosed in early stages of the disease. The median time for treatment was 32 days, which was shorter for women assisted by private health service, with a high level of education and who were diagnosed in early stages. CONCLUSIONS: Private care and facilitators of access to breast cancer care were associated with shorter waiting times.

Trend of the Burden of Larynx Cancer in Brazil, 1990 to 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Larynx cancer is one of the most common head and neck cancers, whose main risk factors are smoking and alcohol use, and its occurrence and prognosis depend on adequate and timely preventive measures. This study aimed to investigate the burden of larynx cancer in Brazil and its states. METHODS: Using estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, this study analyzed the trends of incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for larynx cancer between 1990 and 2019, besides the mortality-to-incidence ratio and the socio demographic index. RESULTS: Incidence and mortality due to larynx cancer in Brazil, which are approximately eight-fold higher for men, showed a declining trend between 1990 and 2019 (APPC: -0.4% and -1.0%, respectively). The DALYs also showed negative variation between 1990 and 2019 for both sexes in Brazil, mainly due to the decrease in premature deaths, with the greatest reduction in the state of São Paulo. For the states of Brazil in 2019, the higher age-standardized incidence rate (Rio Grande do Sul, 3.83 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) is twice the lowest rate (Piauí, 1.56 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). CONCLUSIONS: A fall in the burden of larynx cancer was observed in Brazil over the past 30 years, which may be attributed to a reduction in smoking and to an improvement in treatment. However, the regional inequalities in the country remain evident, especially for males. This data can guide public policy priorities to control the disease in Brazil.

The increasing burden of pancreatic cancer in Brazil from 2000 to 2019: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cancer is increasing worldwide. The burden of pancreatic cancer in Brazil and its states was analyzed and compared with that from the USA and China. METHODS: This is a descriptive study of the incidence and mortality estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study, from 2000 to 2019. The Brazilian states presenting the highest and lowest socio-demographic index (SDI) were selected from each of the five regions. The SDI consists of the per capita income, education, and fertility rate of each population. RESULTS: A significant increase was found in age-standardized incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer in all three countries, with differences in magnitude and annual increases. In Brazil, this incidence rose from 5.33 [95% Uncertainty Interval (UI): 5.06- 5.51] to 6.16 (95% UI: 5.68- 6.53) per 100,000 inhabitants. China and the Brazilian states with the lowest SDI, such as Pará and Maranhão, showed lower incidence and mortality rates, although presenting the highest annual increases. No difference was found between the sexes. A higher mortality rate was observed for those individuals of 70+ years, which was three to four times higher than those aged 50 to 69 years. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing burden of pancreatic cancer in the studied countries, and the higher estimates for the elderly in a fast-aging country such as Brazil, indicates that more resources and health policies will be necessary. The greatest increase in the states with lower SDI reflects inequalities in the access to diagnosis and registries of this cancer.

The effect of redistribution of ill-defined causes of death on the mortality rate of breast cancer in Brazil. / Efeito da redistribuição das causas mal definidas de óbito sobre a taxa de mortalidade por câncer de mama no Brasil.

The relevance of breast cancer for women has driven research about mortality of this disease. However, these studies are affected by problems generated by deaths due to ill-defined causes (IDC). To highlight distortions caused by IDC in studies that evaluate mortality, we calculated the age-standardized mortality rates of breast cancer, with and without adjustment for IDC for the years 1990, 2000, and 2010. Then, panel data regression models were estimated and enabled us to identify that the adjustment for IDC: has elevated breast cancer mortality rate of Brazilian municipalities by 9% in the period considered; has drawn mortality rates of the South, Southeast, Northeast and North regions closer; has reduced the increasing trend of mortality by almost 60%, mainly in the Southeast and South regions; has increased, more sharply, the mortality in cities with less than 5 thousand inhabitants; has curbed the significance of most factors associated with breast cancer; has revealed that the effect of longevity and the public health expenditure may be overestimated. These results highlight the importance of adjustment for IDC in producing reliable mortality indicators.

A relevância do câncer de mama para as mulheres tem impulsionado pesquisas sobre a mortalidade desta doença. Todavia, estes estudos estão sujeitos aos problemas gerados pelos óbitos oriundos de causas mal definidas (CMD). A fim de evidenciar as possíveis distorções causadas pelas CMD em estudos que avaliam a mortalidade, foram calculadas taxas de mortalidade, padronizadas por faixa etária, com e sem correção para CMD, para os anos de 1990, 2000 e 2010. Feito isso, foram estimados modelos de regressão com dados em painel, que permitiram identificar que a correção para CMD: a taxa de mortalidade por câncer de mama dos municípios brasileiros elevou-se em cerca de 9% no período considerado; as taxas de mortalidade das regiões Sul, Sudeste, Nordeste e Norte se aproximaram; foi reduzida a tendência de crescimento da mortalidade em quase 60%, principalmente nas regiões Sudeste e Sul; aumentou, de forma mais acentuada, a mortalidade das cidades com menos de 5 mil habitantes; diminuiu a significância de grande parte dos fatores associados ao câncer de mama; revelou que o efeito da longevidade e dos gastos públicos em saúde estariam superestimados. Tais resultados ressaltam a importância da correção para CMD na geração de indicadores fidedignos de mortalidade.

Inequities in access to mammographic screening in Brazil.

Our objectives with this study were to describe the spatial distribution of mammographic screening coverage across small geographical areas (micro-regions) in Brazil, and to analyze whether the observed differences were associated with spatial inequities in socioeconomic conditions, provision of health care, and healthcare services utilization. We performed an area-based ecological study on mammographic screening coverage in the period of 2010-2011 regarding socioeconomic and healthcare variables. The units of analysis were the 438 health micro-regions in Brazil. Spatial regression models were used to study these relationships. There was marked variability in mammographic coverage across micro-regions (median = 21.6%; interquartile range: 8.1%-37.9%). Multivariable analyses identified high household income inequality, low number of radiologists/100,000 inhabitants, low number of mammography machines/10,000 inhabitants, and low number of mammograms performed by each machine as independent correlates of poor mammographic coverage at the micro-region level. There was evidence of strong spatial dependence of these associations, with changes in one micro-region affecting neighboring micro-regions, and also of geographical heterogeneities. There were substantial inequities in access to mammographic screening across micro-regions in Brazil, in 2010-2011, with coverage being higher in those with smaller wealth inequities and better access to health care.

HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AND GASTRIC CANCER PRECURSOR LESIONS: PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN A REFERENCE LABORATORY IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is the most important risk factor for gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, both considered gastric cancer precursor lesions. Therefore, the investigation of the occurrence of H. pylori infection, precursor lesions and associated factors guides the adoption of specific strategies for the control this type of cancer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients undergoing upper digestive endoscopy, as well as the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia, atrophy and chronic inflammation and their association with H. pylori infection. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed based on reports of gastric endoscopic biopsies performed in a private laboratory affiliated to the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS). Patients were evaluated for age, gender and type of health service. The samples were evaluated for the presence of H. pylori, and also of chronic inflammation, intestinal metaplasia and glandular atrophy. RESULTS: Of a total of 4,604 patients (mean age 51±16.6), 63.9% were female and 63.1% coming from private health care service. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 31.7% (n=1,459), and the percentage of infection was significantly higher in patients from public health service (42.0%) in relation to patients from private health service (25.6%). Among H. pylori (+) patients, a higher percentage of intestinal metaplasia (17.7% vs 13.3%) and glandular atrophy (17.6% vs 6.9%) were observed when compared to those H. pylori (-) (P<0.01). From the patients H. pylori (+) with at least one type of precursor lesion (n=418), 161 (38.5%) had metaplasia and chronic inflammation, 160 (38.3%) had atrophy and chronic inflammation and finally 97 (23.2%) presented metaplasia, atrophy and chronic inflammation simultaneously. CONCLUSION: The present study reinforces the association of H. pylori infection with gastric cancer precursor lesions in a Brazilian population, emphasizing the importance of infection prevention measures, as well as the treatment of infected patients, especially in regions with lower socioeconomic levels that show a higher prevalence of infection by H. pylori.

[Mammographic over-screening: evaluation based on probabilistic linkage of records databases from the Breast Cancer Information System (SISMAMA)]. / Sobrerrastreio mamográfico: avaliação a partir de bases identificadas do Sistema de Informação do Câncer de Mama (SISMAMA).

The Brazilian Ministry of Health recommends biennial mammographic screening for women aged between 50 and 69 years. Since screening is opportunistic in the country, the actual periodicity varies. This study sought to test a methodology for estimating over-screening due to excessive periodicity, defined as a smaller than recommended interval between exams, and its association with socio-demographic characteristics. A cohort of women who underwent mammography in 2010, and whose result was normal, was assembled through probabilistic linkage SISMAMA records based on a set of personal identifiers. We used data from women living in the micro health region of Juiz de Fora/Lima Duarte/Bom Jardim, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, who were followed in the System until the end of 2012. The rate of over-screening was 150/1,000 women/year (95%CI: 144.9-155.9), affecting 21% of women. Over-screening increased by 24% during Pink October campaigns (adjusted HR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.15-1.35). The shorter the time passed since the last mammogram, the greater the odds of over-screening. Compared with women who had never had a mammogram prior to 2010, women who had had one in the previous 2 years were two times more likely to be over-screened (adjusted HR = 2.01; 95%CI: 1.74-2.31) whilst those who had had a mammogram ≤ 1 year previously were three times more likely to be over-screened (adjusted HR = 3.27; 95%CI: 2.87-3.73). Over-screening was substantial in this population, excessively exposing women to the risks of screening with no additional benefits and overestimating mammogram coverage. The methodology proved to be successful and should be applied to representative populations in order to guide breast cancer control policies.

Mortalidade e carga do câncer de laringe atribuíveis aos riscos ocupacionais no Brasil: estudo da Carga Global de Doença, 2019 / Laryngeal cancer mortality and burden attributable to occupational risks in Brazil: 2019 Global Burden of Disease

Resumo Objetivo: descrever a mortalidade e os anos de vida ajustados pela incapacidade disability-adjusted life years - DALYs) para câncer de laringe no Brasil atribuíveis a fatores de risco ocupacionais e comportamentais. Métodos: estudo ecológico com dados do estudo Global Burden of Disease 2019. Foram obtidas taxas de mortalidade e de DALYs para o câncer de laringe atribuíveis aos riscos ocupacionais (ácido sulfúrico e amianto) e comportamentais (tabaco e álcool), de 1990 e 2019. Resultados: no Brasil, em 2019, a taxa de mortalidade por câncer de laringe atribuível aos riscos ocupacionais (ácido sulfúrico e amianto) foi 0,28 (II95%: 0,17;0,43) no sexo masculino e 0,03 (II95%: 0,02;0,04) no feminino, e a de DALYs foi 7,33 (II95%: 4,28;11,44) e 0,64 (II95%: 0,35;0,03), respectivamente. O ácido sulfúrico foi o principal risco ocupacional para a doença. Houve redução das taxas atribuíveis ao tabaco (mortalidade:-45,83%; DALYs:-47,36%) e aos riscos ocupacionais (mortalidade:-23,20%; DALYs:-26,31%), no Brasil, com aumento em alguns estados das regiões Norte e Nordeste. Conclusão: houve redução na mortalidade e na carga do câncer de laringe atribuível aos fatores ocupacionais no período, porém menor em comparação ao tabagismo, reforçando a importância de ações para reduzir o impacto dos riscos ocupacionais, como as medidas regulatórias aplicadas ao tabaco.

Abstract Objective: to describe mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to laryngeal cancer attributable to occupational and behavioral risk factors in Brazil. Methods: this is an ecological study with data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease. Mortality and DALY rates for laryngeal cancer attributable to occupational (sulfuric acid and asbestos) and behavioral (tobacco and alcohol) risks were obtained from 1990 and 2019. Results: in 2019, the mortality rate from laryngeal cancer attributable to occupational hazards (sulfuric acid and asbestos) totaled 0.28 (95%UI: 0.17; 0.43) and 0.03 (95%UI: 0.02; 0.04), whereas and DALY rates, 7.33 (95%UI: 4.28; 11.44) and 0.64 (95%UI: 0.35; 0.03) in men and women in Brazil, respectively. Sulfuric acid configured the main occupational risk for the disease. The rates attributable to tobacco (mortality: −45.83%; DALYs: −47.36%) and occupational hazards (mortality: −23.20%; DALYs: −26.31%) decreased in Brazil but increased in some Northern and Northeastern states. Conclusion: laryngeal cancer mortality and burden attributable to occupational factors decreased in the period (although less than that for smoking), reinforcing the importance of actions to reduce the impact of occupational risks, such as the regulatory measures applied to tobacco.

Quality of life of women who underwent breast cancer treatment relative to sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors

ABSTRACT Objective Patients with cancer often undergo multiple extended treatments that decrease their quality of life. However, the quality of life of women with breast cancer after they undergo treatment remains underexplored in Brazil. Therefore, this study determined sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors related to the post-treatment quality of life of women with breast cancer. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 101 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2014 and 2016 and treated at a Brazilian Oncology Reference Service. Data were collected from them using face-to-face surveys. Quality of life was evaluated using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and EORTC Breast Cancer-specific Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-BR23). The data collected were analyzed using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results The median score on the global health, functional, and symptom scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 was 75.00 (Interquartile range=33.33), 75.99 (Standard deviation [SD]=19.26), and 19.67 (SD=16.91), respectively. The mean score on the functional and symptom scales of the EORTC QLQ-BR23 was 61.89 (SD=17.21) and 20.12 (SD=16.94), respectively. Furthermore, higher post-treatment quality of life was found to be associated with being aged 50 or more, being Black, having eight or more years of education, having a partner, having a paying job, receiving treatment from the private healthcare system, having a higher income, living in the municipality where healthcare services are availed, engaging in physical activity, not smoking, being more religious, having more social support, not being overweight, having no comorbidities, and undergoing lumpectomy. Conclusion Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors significantly impact the quality of life of women who undergo breast cancer treatment. Implementing interventions that improve health and reducing inequalities in the access to healthcare services can improve the quality of life of these patients.

Interobserver reliability in the classification of pairs of records formed by probabilistic linkage of SISMAMA databases. / Confiabilidade interobservadores na classificação de pares formados no relacionamento probabilístico entre bases de dados do SISMAMA.

INTRODUCTION: The study assessed interobserver reliability in the classification of record pairs formed during probabilistic linkage of health-related databases, a key step in the methodology validation to be used in a larger on-going study on inequalities in the access to breast and cervical cancer control activities in Brazil (DAAC-SIS). METHODOLOGY: The RecLink software was used to link two databases of the Breast Cancer Control Information System (SISMAMA) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: a reference database, which included 301 screening mammograms with probable benign diagnosis (BI-RADS 3 category) recorded in October 2010, and a database comprising 158,517 mammograms registered in 2011. Subsequently, the 215 pairs of records that were not assigned the maximum RecLink score were independently classified as being true or false by ten independent evaluators from four participating centers. RESULTS: The Kappa coefficient ranged from 0.87 to 1.00. Six evaluators were in perfect agreement with one or more evaluators from the other centers. The global Kappa was 0.96 (95% confidence interval - 95%CI 0.94 - 0.99). DISCUSSION: Assessment of interobserver reliability is key to ensuring the quality of the record linkage, and it should be routine practice in studies of this nature. The disclosure of such results contributes to transparency in the conduct of such studies and in the reporting of their findings. CONCLUSION: Interobserver reliability in this study was excellent, indicating satisfactory team consistency in the classification of record pairs.

INTRODUÇÃO: O estudo avaliou a confiabilidade interobservadores na classificação de pares de registros formados durante o processo de relacionamento probabilístico, sendo uma das etapas de validação da metodologia a ser utilizada em pesquisa sobre desigualdades de acesso às ações de controle dos cânceres de mama e do colo do útero no Brasil (DAAC-SIS). METODOLOGIA: O programa RecLink foi usado para relacionar as bases de dados do Sistema de Informação do Controle do Câncer de Mama (SISMAMA) do estado de Minas Gerais, tendo como referência 301 mamografias de rastreamento com resultado provavelmente benigno (categoria BI-RADS 3), registradas em outubro de 2010 e, como comparação, 158.517 mamografias registradas em 2011. Posteriormente, 215 pares de registros, que não obtiveram o escore máximo atribuído pelo RecLink, foram classificados independentemente por dez avaliadores, de quatro centros participantes da pesquisa, como pares verdadeiros ou falsos. RESULTADOS: O coeficiente Kappa variou de 0,87 a 1,00. Seis avaliadores obtiveram concordância perfeita com um ou mais avaliadores de outros centros. O Kappa global foi 0,96 (intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 0,94 - 0,99). DISCUSSÃO: A avaliação interobservadores foi fundamental para garantir a qualidade do processo de relacionamento, e a sua prática deve ser rotina em estudos dessa natureza. A divulgação desses resultados contribui para a transparência na condução e no relato do estudo em curso. CONCLUSÃO: A confiabilidade interobservadores foi excelente, sinalizando homogeneidade satisfatória da equipe na classificação dos pares de registros.

[Non-metastatic breast cancer specific-survival of patients after treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy]. / Sobrevida específica de pacientes com câncer de mama não-metastático submetidas à quimioterapia adjuvante.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the 5-year breast cancer specific-survival rate of women diagnosed with invasive non-metastatic disease, who as part of their primary treatment underwent surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Four hundred twenty eight patients diagnosed between 1998 and 2000 were recruited from all oncology services of the municipality of Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil. Survival time was counted from the date of the histopathological diagnosis and the date of death due to breast cancer was considered the adverse event. Women alive until December 2005, the final date of the follow-up, were censored. For those who interrupt treatment, censor date was the last follow-up in the medical records. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were estimated, with the differences assessed by the log-rank test. RESULTS: Mean age was 51.2 years, and most (72.6%) were Caucasian. Clinical Stages II (47.4%) and III (38.6%) predominated. Breast cancer specific five-year survival rate was 82.0%. A worst survival was observed among women with disease diagnostic before menopause (p=0.02), with tumor size greater than 2.0 cm (p=0.05), with lymph node involvement (p=0,000), in a more advanced disease stage (p=0.000), on a full adjuvant chemotherapy regimen (p=0.03), and who used hormone therapy (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: This research allowed identification of the profile and disease survival of breast cancer patients who used adjuvant chemotherapy. These results stimulated the adoption of intensive strategies by the local health authorities for disease control and prevention in this population, emphasizing the increasing need of breast cancer screening, mainly for women considered as of high risk and the availability of timely treatment for all cases diagnosed.

Survival Study of Triple-Negative and Non-Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in a Brazilian Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical, pathological, and sociodemographic aspects between triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and non-TNBC in a Brazilian cohort and identify potential prognostic factors. METHODS: This hospital-based retrospective cohort study included 447 women with breast cancer treated at referral centers in Southeastern Brazil. Overall and disease-free survival were compared; prognostic factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Triple-negative breast cancer corresponded to 19.5% of breast cancer diagnosis and was more prevalent among nonwhite and less educated women. The patients with TNBC tended to present with stage III cancer, high p53 expression, lymphocytic infiltration, and multifocality and treated with radical surgery and chemotherapy. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival were 62.1% and 57.5% for TNBC and 80.8% and 75.3% for non-TNBC, respectively (P < .001). The TNBC recurrence was associated with multicentricity, whereas lymph node involvement increased the risk of both recurrence and death. Non-TNBC worse clinical course was associated with nonwhite ethnicity, lower education level, lymph node involvement, and advanced stage. CONCLUSIONS: Triple-negative breast cancer exhibited a more aggressive behavior, earlier and more frequent recurrence, and worse survival compared with non-TNBC. While biological and social variables were associated with poorer prognosis in non-TNBC, only lymph node involvement and multicentricity were correlated with worse clinical outcomes in TNBC.