Axillary ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration cytology to predict clinically relevant nodal burden in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Axillary lymph node involvement is one important prognostic factor in breast cancer, but the way to access this information has been modified over the years. This study evaluated if axillary ultrasound (US) coupled with fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can accurately predict clinically relevant node metastasis in patients with breast cancer, and thus assist clinical decisions METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection of 241 individuals (239 women and 2 men) with unilateral operable breast cancer who were submitted to preoperative axillary assessment by physical exam, US and FNAC if suspicious nodes by imaging. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the methods. We compared the patient's characteristics using chi-square test, parametrics and non-parametrics statistics according to the variable. RESULTS: The most sensible method was US (0.59; 95% CI, 0.50-0.69), and the most specific was US coupled with FNAC (0.97; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99). Only 2.7% of the patients with normal axillary US had more than 2 metastatic nodes in the axillary lymph node dissection, against 50% of the patients with suspicious lymph nodes in the US and positive FNAC. CONCLUSIONS: Axillary US coupled with FNAC can sort patients who have a few metastatic nodes at most from those with heavy axillary burden and could be one more tool to initially evaluate patients and define treatment strategies.

Prediction and prevention of preeclampsia by physicians in Brazil: An original study.

Background: Considering the worldwide importance of preeclampsia, especially in Brazil, the screening of pregnant women at greater risk of developing the disease and the application of preventive measures are essential. This study aimed to assess the medical performance in this context in Brazil. Methods: A survey was developed to quantify the number of physicians who prescribe acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and/or calcium for preeclampsia prevention. The survey was sent to all Brazilian obstetricians affiliated to the Brazilian Federation of OBGYN by email and WhatsApp. The survey remained opened for 6 months and included questions about the use of ASA and calcium, as well as about the use of a complementary test to predict preeclampsia. Results: The sample consisted of 360 responding physicians and 100% coverage of responses from physicians from the five different regions of Brazil was obtained. The vast majority of respondents (94.72%) prescribe ASA to prevent preeclampsia, with 80.3% prescribing a dose of 100 mg/day. Calcium is prescribed by 83.9% of the respondents. The majority of the interviewed sample (58.6%) requests uterine artery Doppler imaging to predict preeclampsia and 31.7% do not request any additional test. When the analysis was performed by region, only the northern region differed from the other Brazilian regions regarding the use of ASA and calcium for preeclampsia prevention. While more than 90% of physicians in the other regions prescribe ASA, 40% in the northern region do not use it (p < 0.0001). Regarding calcium, 30% of physicians in northern Brazil do not use the drug for preeclampsia prevention, a percentage that also differs from the other regions where the medication is prescribed by 80 to 90% of physicians (p = 0.021). Conclusions: The vast majority of Brazilian physicians prescribe low-dose aspirin and calcium carbonate to prevent preeclampsia in high-risk pregnant women. In addition to the identification of clinical risk factors, most doctors use Doppler of the uterine arteries as a predictive method. In the northern region of Brazil, physicians use aspirin and calcium less frequently for preventing preeclampsia compared to the rest of the country.

Does Knowing Someone with Breast Cancer Influence the Prevalence of Adherence to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of adherence to screening methods for breast and cervical cancer in patients attended at a university hospital and to investigate whether knowing someone with breast cancer, moreover belonging to the patient's family, affects the adherence to the screening recommendations. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional and quantitative study. A structured interview was applied to a sample of 820 women, between 20 and 69 years old, who attended a university hospital in the city of Juiz de for a, MG, Brazil. For the analysis, the chi-square test was used to assess possible associations between the variables, and the significance level was set at p-value ≤ 0.05 for a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. RESULTS: More than 95.0% of the sample performed mammography and cervical cytology exam; 62.9% reported knowing someone who has or had breast cancer, and this group was more likely to perform breast self-examination (64.9%; odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.12-2.00), clinical breast examination (91.5%; OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.37-3.36), breast ultrasound (32.9%; OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.30-2.51), and to have had an appointment with a breast specialist (28.5%; OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.38-2.82). Women with family history of breast cancer showed higher propensity to perform breast self-examination (71.0%; OR 1.53 95% CI 1.04-2.26). CONCLUSION: There was high adherence to the recommended screening practices; knowing someone with breast cancer might make women more sensitive to this issue as they were more likely to undergo methods which are not recommended for the screening of the general population, such as breast ultrasound and specialist consultation; family history is possibly an additional cause of concern.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência da adesão aos métodos de rastreamento dos cânceres de mama e de colo uterino em pacientes atendidas em um hospital universitário e investigar se conhecer alguém com câncer de mama e, o fato de este pertencer à família, modifica a adesão às recomendações de rastreamento. MéTODOS: Estudo transversal e quantitativo. Uma entrevista estruturada foi aplicada a uma amostra de 820 pacientes do sexo feminino, entre 20 e 69 anos, usuárias de um hospital universitário na cidade de Juiz de Fora, MG. Para a análise, o Teste Qui-quadrado foi usado para avaliar a possibilidade de associação entre as varáveis, e o valor de significância foi determinado em valor-p ≤ 0,05 para um intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. RESULTADOS: Mais de 95,0% da amostra realizava os exames de mamografia e colpocitologia; 62,9% relataram conhecer alguém que teve ou tem câncer de mama, sendo que este grupo realizou, com maior frequência, autoexame (64,9%; razão de prevalência [RP] 1,5; IC 95% 1,12­2,00), exame clínico (91,5%; RP 2,11; IC 95% 1,37­3,36) e ultrassonografia das mamas (32,9%; RP 1,81, IC 95% 1,30­2,51) e consulta ao mastologista (28,5%; RP 1,98, IC 95% 1,38­2,82). Mulheres com história familiar de câncer de mama realizaram com maior prevalência o autoexame das mamas (71,0%; RP 1,53 IC 95% 1,04­2,26). CONCLUSãO: A amostra apresentou elevada adesão aos métodos de rastreamento preconizados; conhecer alguém com câncer de mama pode tornar as mulheres mais sensíveis a essa questão, aumentando a realização de medidas não recomendadas para o rastreamento da população geral, como ultrassonografia das mamas e consulta com médico especialista; a história familiar possivelmente implica em um fator de preocupação adicional.

[The National Comprehensive Health Policy for the Black Population: implementation, awareness and socioeconomic aspects from the perspective of this ethnic group]. / Política Nacional de Saúde Integral da População Negra: implementação, conhecimento e aspectos socioeconômicos sob a perspectiva desse segmento populacional.

The scope of the National Comprehensive Health Policy for the Black Population is to ensure equitable health care to this population. This policy is to compensate for the discrimination suffered by this ethnic group throughout the history of Brazil. The black population presents higher social and economic vulnerability, leading to shorter life expectancy and an increased susceptibility to diseases. The objective of the study is to investigate the black population's knowledge about this policy, its potential benefits and the difficulties of this population regarding access to health. It involves cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive research. Structured interviews were conducted with 391 black people in Juiz de Fora. The sample was structured according to race (black and brown). Around 90% of the sample reported not knowing the existence of a health policy for the black population, and 53% stated that this policy could enhance racial discrimination. Having completed primary education and lower income was positively associated with higher discrimination in health care. Most of the sample didn't know the existence of the PNSIPN, but was in favor of its goals, despite the possibility that it can reinforce the legacy of Brazilian racial discrimination.

Does knowing someone with breast cancer influence the prevalence of adherence to breast and cervical cancer screening? / Conhecer alguém com câncer de mama influencia a prevalência da adesão ao rastreamento dos cânceres de mama e colo uterino?

Abstract Objective To evaluate the prevalence of adherence to screening methods for breast and cervical cancer in patients attended at a university hospital and to investigate whether knowing someone with breast cancer, moreover belonging to the patient's family, affects the adherence to the screening recommendations. Methods This was a cross-sectional and quantitative study. A structured interview was applied to a sample of 820 women, between 20 and 69 years old, who attended a university hospital in the city of Juiz de for a, MG, Brazil. For the analysis, the chi-square test was used to assess possible associations between the variables, and the significance level was set at p-value ≤ 0.05 for a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results More than 95.0% of the sample performed mammography and cervical cytology exam; 62.9% reported knowing someone who has or had breast cancer, and this group was more likely to perform breast self-examination (64.9%; odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.12-2.00), clinical breast examination (91.5%; OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.37-3.36), breast ultrasound (32.9%; OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.30-2.51), and to have had an appointment with a breast specialist (28.5%; OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.38-2.82).Women with family history of breast cancer showed higher propensity to perform breast self-examination (71.0%; OR 1.53 95% CI 1.04-2.26). Conclusion There was high adherence to the recommended screening practices; knowing someone with breast cancer might make women more sensitive to this issue as they were more likely to undergo methods which are not recommended for the screening of the general population, such as breast ultrasound and specialist consultation; family history is possibly an additional cause of concern.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar a prevalência da adesão aosmétodos de rastreamento dos cânceres de mama e de colo uterino em pacientes atendidas em um hospital universitário e investigar se conhecer alguém com câncer de mama e, o fato de este pertencer à família, modifica a adesão às recomendações de rastreamento. Métodos Estudo transversal e quantitativo. Uma entrevista estruturada foi aplicada a uma amostra de 820 pacientes do sexo feminino, entre 20 e 69 anos, usuárias de um hospital universitário na cidade de Juiz de Fora, MG. Para a análise, o Teste Quiquadrado foi usado para avaliar a possibilidade de associação entre as varáveis, e o valor de significância foi determinado em valor-p ≤ 0,05 para um intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. Resultados Mais de 95,0% da amostra realizava os exames de mamografia e colpocitologia; 62,9% relataram conhecer alguém que teve ou tem câncer de mama, sendo que este grupo realizou, com maior frequência, autoexame (64,9%; razão de prevalência [RP] 1,5; IC 95% 1,12-2,00), exame clínico (91,5%; RP 2,11; IC 95% 1,37- 3,36) e ultrassonografia das mamas (32,9%; RP 1,81, IC 95% 1,30-2,51) e consulta ao mastologista (28,5%; RP 1,98, IC 95% 1,38-2,82). Mulheres com história familiar de câncer de mama realizaramcommaior prevalência o autoexame das mamas (71,0%; RP 1,53 IC 95% 1,04-2,26). Conclusão A amostra apresentou elevada adesão aos métodos de rastreamento preconizados; conhecer alguém com câncer de mama pode tornar as mulheres mais sensíveis a essa questão, aumentando a realização de medidas não recomendadas para o rastreamento da população geral, como ultrassonografia das mamas e consulta com médico especialista; a história familiar possivelmente implica em um fator de preocupação adicional.

Perfil socioeconômico de 820 mulheres atendidas no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora / Socioeconomic profile of 820 women attended at the University Hospital of the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora

Introdução: A manutenção da boa saúde da mulher envolve atitudes preventivas e cuidados específicos através de políticas de saúde, as quais demandam uma avaliação abrangente da história socioeconômica das pacientes para serem efetivas. Objetivos: Caracterizar o perfil socioeconômico das usuárias do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (HU-UFJF) e compará-lo aos dados do IBGE e do PNAD, de forma a avaliar a representatividade amostral perante a população brasileira. Métodos: Estudo transversal, observacional e descritivo realizado com 820 usuárias do HU-UFJF mediante entrevista estruturada. Para análise, foi aplicado o Teste Quiquadrado, p-valor ≤0,05 e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: A idade média das pacientes foi de 42,7 anos (+/- 12,8); 70,7% residiam em Juiz de Fora, sendo as demais provenientes de outras 73 cidades do Sudeste brasileiro; 92,9% relataram morar em área urbana; 45,9% afirmaram ter cursado o ensino fundamental; 55,3% declararam viver em união conjugal; e 37,4% relataram ter renda familiar entre 2,0 e 4,0 salários mínimos. Conclusões: A amostra estudada apresentou características que se aproximaram às da população do Censo de 2010 do IBGE, logo, pode ser entendida como representativa da realidade de populações de unidades públicas de saúde, podendo servir de base para outros estudos.

Introduction: The support of women's health requires preventive measures and specific care, which demands a comprehensive evaluation of the socioeconomic history of the patients to be effective. Objectives: To characterize the population of women attended at the University Hospital of Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (HU-UFJF) and compare the sample data with the data from the IBGE and IPEA in order to evaluate the sample representativeness before the Brazilian population. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study of 820 women, patients at the HU-UFJF, through structured interviews. The association between the variables was performed using the chi-square test, p-value ≤0,05 and a confidence interval of 95%. Results: The mean age of patients was 42.7 years (+/- 12.8); 70.7% lived in Juiz de Fora, while the remaining patients were from 73 other cities in southeastern of Brazil; 92.9% reported living in an urban area; 45.9% claimed to have completed primary education; 55.3% live in marital union and 37.4% reported having a family income between 2 and 4 times the minimum wage. Conclusions: The sample presented similar characteristics of IBGE's 2010 Census. Therefore, women users of the HU-UFJF are representatives of the reality of populations assisted in public health units and can serve as a basis for further studies.

Conhecimento de 820 mulheres atendidas no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora sobre autoexame das mamas / Knowledge of breast self-examination among 820 women assisted at the University Hospital of Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora

Objetivos: Investigar a percepção e o conhecimento de 820 mulheres usuárias do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora acerca do autoexame das mamas, a forma pela qual têm adquirido conhecimento sobre esse exame, bem como a sua associação com variáveis socioeconômicas. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 820 mulheres usuárias do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, mediante entrevista estruturada. A associação entre as variáveis foi feita pelo teste do ?2 . Resultados: Na amostra, 92,4% das pacientes tinham conhecimento sobre o autoexame das mamas. Os principais meios de informação foram televisão, consulta médica e campanhas educativas com, respectivamente, 50,5%; 43,8 e 17,2%. Das entrevistadas, 68,8% consideram-se aptas a fazer o autoexame das mamas, e 61,3% o fazem. Destas, 62,4% o realizam mensalmente. Quanto ao momento ideal para realização do autoexame das mamas, 38,5% acreditam que seja logo após a menstruação; 20,5%, a qualquer momento; 17,7%, antes da menstruação; 7,4%, durante a menstruação e 15,9% não sabem. Uma taxa de 55,7% acredita não saber diferenciar o tecido mamário normal do nódulo durante o exame. Observou-se maior realização e conhecimento sobre o autoexame das mamas entre aquelas com renda superior a dois salários-mínimos (p=0,01). Conclusões: Mesmo sendo uma prática controversa, a maioria das mulheres adquire informações sobre o autoexame das mamas por meio de fontes leigas. Em decorrência disso, mais da metade das mulheres não sabe o momento ideal para a sua realização e não se sente apta para realizá-lo, justificando uma necessidade de informações técnicas adequadas e baseadas em evidências.

Objectives: To investigate the understanding and knowledge of breast self-examination among 820 women assisted at the University Hospital of Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, in addition to the manner in which they have acquired knowledge of this examination, and its association with socioeconomic variables. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Structured interviews were conducted with 820 women assisted at the University Hospital of the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora.The association between the variables was performed using the ?2 test. Results: 92.4% of the sample was aware of the breast self-examination. The main sources of information were television, medical consultation and educational campaigns, accounting for 50.5, 43.8 and 17.2%, respectively. Among the interviewed women, 68.8% considered themselves capable of performing the breast self-examination and 61.3% reported the habit of performing it. Among these, 62.4% perform it monthly. With regard to the best period to perform the breast selfexamination, 38.5% consider that it should be done immediately after menstruation, 20.5% at any time, 17.7% before menstruation, 7.4% during menstruation, and 15.9% do not know. A total of 55.7% believed they were not able to differentiate a normal breast tissue from a nodule during the exam. We observed higher occurrence and understanding of breast self-examination among women whose income was above two minimum wages (p=0.01). Conclusions: Despite being a controversial practice, most women acquire information about the breast self-examination by means of non-medical sources. As a consequence, over half of the women are not aware of the proper time to perform the exam as well as they do not feel capable of performing it. This justifies the need for technical and evidence-based adequate information.

Política Nacional de Saúde Integral da População Negra: implementação, conhecimento e aspectos socioeconômicos sob a perspectiva desse segmento populacional / The National Comprehensive Health Policy for the Black Population: implementation, awareness and socioeconomic aspects from the perspective of this ethnic group

A Política Nacional de Saúde Integral da População Negra tem o objetivo de garantir a equidade na atenção à saúde para esse segmento populacional. Tal medida possui um caráter compensatório em virtude das discriminações raciais existentes ao longo da história do Brasil. A população negra apresenta maior vulnerabilidade social e econômica, o que reflete uma menor expectativa de vida e maior susceptibilidade a agravos. O objetivo do estudo é investigar o conhecimento da população negra acerca da política, seus potenciais benefícios e as dificuldades de acesso à saúde. Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal, descritiva e quantitativa. Foram realizadas entrevistas estruturadas com 391 indivíduos negros, usuários do SUS, da cidade de Juiz de Fora. A amostra foi estratificada de acordo com raça (preto e pardo), renda e escolaridade. Cerca de 90% dos entrevistados relataram desconhecer a existência de uma política de saúde para a população negra e 53% declararam uma possível discriminação racial. Observou-se também associação positiva entre discriminação e menor escolaridade e renda. Apesar de desconhecerem a existência da PNSIPN, a maioria dos entrevistados aprovou seus objetivos, mesmo relatando a possibilidade de discriminação dela advinda.

The scope of the National Comprehensive Health Policy for the Black Population is to ensure equitable health care to this population. This policy is to compensate for the discrimination suffered by this ethnic group throughout the history of Brazil. The black population presents higher social and economic vulnerability, leading to shorter life expectancy and an increased susceptibility to diseases. The objective of the study is to investigate the black population’s knowledge about this policy, its potential benefits and the difficulties of this population regarding access to health. It involves cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive research. Structured interviews were conducted with 391 black people in Juiz de Fora. The sample was structured according to race (black and brown). Around 90% of the sample reported not knowing the existence of a health policy for the black population, and 53% stated that this policy could enhance racial discrimination. Having completed primary education and lower income was positively associated with higher discrimination in health care. Most of the sample didn’t know the existence of the PNSIPN, but was in favor of its goals, despite the possibility that it can reinforce the legacy of Brazilian racial discrimination.