Randomized experimental population-based study to evaluate the acceptance and completion of and preferences for cervical cancer screening.

Cervical cancer has high incidence and mortality rates, especially in less-developed countries. Prevention methods are well established, but there are still barriers preventing some Brazilian women from undergoing a Pap sample. The objective of the study was to evaluate the acceptance, preferences and completion of four screening methods. This has an experimental design (community trial). A total of 164 participants who had never had a Pap sample or had not had one for more than three years were included. The city's urban area was stratified by census tracts and divided according to income and education levels. Women belonging to the lower-income strata were considered in the study. Random blocks were numbered into five intervention groups (Group 1- Pap sample at the hospital; Group 2- Pap sample in the mobile unit; Group 3- urine self-collection; Group 4- vaginal self-collection; Group 5- woman's choice). Only 164 women met all of the eligibility criteria (15.3%). Most of them accepted the assigned method (92%), but only 84% of the women completed the collection step. The acceptance rates were as follows: Group 1 (100%), Group 2 (64.5%), Group 3 (100%) and Group 4 (91.4%). In Group 5, the women's preferences were distributed as follows: examination performed at the hospital, 13 women (33.3%); examination performed at the mobile unit, 11 women (28.2%); urine self-collection, 11 women (28.2%); and vaginal self-collection, 4 women (10.3%). This study suggests that methods that allow cervical sampling collected near the women's domicile might improve the acceptance and completion of preventive tests. This finding is relevant for the development of new cervical cancer screening strategies.

Challenges associated with follow-up care after implementation of an HPV screen-and-treat program with ablative therapy for cervical cancer prevention.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer; however, decreasing its prevalence requires early detection and treatment strategies that reduce rates of loss to follow-up. This study explores factors associated with loss to follow-up among HPV-positive women after implementation of a new HPV-based screen-and-treat approach for cervical cancer prevention in Iquitos, Peru. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with "obstetras" (i.e., midwives) (n = 15) working in cervical cancer prevention and women (n = 24) who were recorded as lost to follow-up after positive HPV results. We used the Health Care Access Barriers Model to guide analyses. We utilized manifest content analysis to describe barriers to follow-up according to the obstetras and thematic analysis to report themes from the women's perspectives. We also report the steps and time taken to contact women. RESULTS: We found an incomplete and fragmented patient monitoring system. This incomplete system, in conjunction with challenges in contacting some of the women, led to structural barriers for the obstetras when attempting to deliver positive results. Women in this study expressed a desire to receive treatment, however, faced cognitive barriers including a lack of understanding about HPV results and treatment procedures, fear or anxiety about HPV or treatment, and confusion about the follow-up process. Women also reported having important work matters as a barrier and reported frequently using natural medicine. Reported financial barriers were minimal. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the barriers to follow-up after implementation of a primary-level HPV-based screen-and-treat approach. While some barriers that have previously been associated with loss to follow-up were not as prominently observed in this study (e.g., financial), we emphasize the need for screen-and-treat programs to focus on strategies that can address incomplete registry systems, structural challenges in results delivery, cognitive barriers in understanding results and treatment, and work-related barriers.

[BIRADS 0 patient reclassification in a first-level of care unit]. / Reclasificación de pacientes BIRADS 0 en una unidad de primer nivel de atención.

Background: In Mexico and the world, breast cancer is the cancer type with the highest incidence and mortality for women. Its incidence has increased due to a higher life expectancy and a higher exposure to risk factors. Screening is done by mammography using the BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) system, the standard for mammography screening report which classifies lesions assigning recommendations for patient follow-up. The system goes from 0 (not conclusive) to 6 (demonstrated malignancy), being of interest for this study the BIRADS 0 category. Objective: To describe patients classified as BIRADS 0 by mammography and their reclassification in a first-level hospital during 2021. Material and methods: Retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study. Women over 40 years with a BIRADS 0 result were studied. The following databases were used: Institutional Cancer Registry, Family Medicine Information System, Electronic Clinical File, and the mammography and patient list from preventive medicine. Results: Reclassification by ultrasound (US) was achieved in 100% of patients, in all of the BIRADS US categories. In 3.8% of BIRADS 0 patients, ductal adenocarcinoma was found and confirmed by histological testing. Conclusion: All of the reassessed lesions with US were adequately reclassified.

Introducción: en México y el mundo, el cáncer de mama causa la mayor mortalidad por cáncer en mujeres. Su incidencia ha incrementado por una mayor esperanza de vida y exposición a factores de riesgo. El tamizaje de esta enfermedad se hace mediante mastografía, y para la estratificación de las lesiones se utiliza el sistema BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System), que estandariza el informe, categoriza las lesiones según el grado de sospecha y asigna recomendaciones a seguir. Dicho sistema va desde 0 (no concluyente) hasta 6 (lesión con malignidad demostrada) y es de interés para este estudio la categoría 0. Objetivo: describir la reclasificación de pacientes con reporte BIRADS 0 por mastografía durante 2021 en una unidad de primer nivel de atención. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, transversal, observacional. Se estudiaron mujeres mayores de 40 años con resultado BIRADS 0. Se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos: Registro Institucional de Cáncer, Sistema de Información de Medicina Familiar, Expediente Clínico Electrónico y lista nominal de mastografías y censo de pacientes sospechosos de medicina preventiva. Resultados: la reclasificación con ultrasonido (US) se logró en el 100% de pacientes, en todas las categorías de BIRADS US. En el 3.8% se confirmó carcinoma ductal por histología en las pacientes inicialmente categorizadas como BIRADS 0. Conclusiones: la totalidad de lesiones reevaluadas con US fueron reclasificadas satisfactoriamente.

Implementation of WHO guidelines for cervical cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment: knowledge and perceptions of health providers from Argentina.

BACKGROUND: The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on cervical cancer screening and treatment provide countries with evidence-based recommendations to accelerate disease elimination. However, evidence shows that health providers' adherence to screening guidelines is low. We conducted a study in Argentina to analyze health providers' knowledge and perceptions regarding the 2021 WHO Guidelines. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted based on individual, semi-structured interviews with health providers specializing in gynecology (n = 15). The themes explored were selected and analyzed using domains and constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. RESULTS: Although health providers perceive WHO as a reliable institution, they do not know the 2021 guidelines, its supporting evidence, and its elaboration process. Their clinical practice is mainly guided by local recommendations developed by national professional medical associations (PMAs). For interviewees, WHO guidelines should be disseminated through health authorities and national PMAs, mainly through in-service training. Health providers had a positive assessment regarding WHO Recommendation 1 (screen, triage, and treatment for women aged 30 + with HPV-testing every 5 to 10 years) and perceived a favorable climate for its implementation. HPV-testing followed by triage was considered a low-complexity practice, enabling a better detection of HPV, a better selection of the patients who will need diagnosis and treatment, and a more efficient use of health system resources. However, they suggested adapting this recommendation by removing screening interval beyond 5 years. WHO Recommendation 2 (screen-and-treat approach with HPV-testing for women aged 30 + every 5 to 10 years) was predominantly rejected by interviewees, was considered an algorithm that did not respond to women's needs, and was not adequate for the Argentinean context. Regarding the HPV-test modality, clinician-collected tests were the preferred mode. Health providers considered that HPV self-collection should be used primarily among socially vulnerable women to increase screening coverage. CONCLUSION: WHO guidelines should be widely disseminated among health providers, especially in settings that could benefit from a screen-and-treat approach. Identifying areas of partnership and collaboration with PMAs in implementing WHO guidelines is essential.

EVALUATION OF QUALITY INDICATORS OF SCREENING COLONOSCOPY PERFORMED IN A PRIVATE QUARTERNARY HOSPITAL IN BRAZIL.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Brazil, despite the availability of screening methods that reduce its risk. Colonoscopy is the only screening method that also allows therapeutic procedures. The proper screening through colonoscopy is linked to the quality of the exam, which can be evaluated according to quality criteria recommended by various institutions. Among the factors, the most used is the Adenoma Detection Rate, which should be at least 25% for general population. AIMS: To evaluate the quality of the screening colonoscopies performed in a quarternary private Brazilian hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective study evaluating the quality indicators of colonoscopies performed at a private center since its inauguration. Only asymptomatic patients aged over 45 years who underwent screening colonoscopy were included. The primary outcome was the Adenoma Detection Rate, and secondary outcomes included polyps detection rate and safety profile. Subanalyses evaluated the correlation of endoscopic findings with gender and age and the evolution of detection rates over the years. RESULTS: A total of 2,144 patients were include with a mean age of 60.54 years-old. Polyps were diagnosed in 68.6% of the procedures. Adenoma detection rate was 46.8%, with an increasing rate over the years, mainly in males. A low rate of adverse events was reported in 0.23% of the cases, with no need for surgical intervention and no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that high quality screening colonoscopy is possible when performed by experienced endoscopists and trained nurses, under an adequate infrastructure.

Ethnic inequalities in coverage and use of women's cancer screening in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess ethnic inequalities in the coverage and utilization of cancer screening services among women in Peru. METHODS: Data from the 2017-2023 Demographic and Family Health Survey in Peru were analyzed to evaluate ethnic disparities in screening coverage for breast and cervical cancer, including clinical breast examination (CBE), Pap smear test (PST), and mammography. Measures such as the GINI coefficient and Slope Index of Inequality (SII) were used to quantify coverage and utilization disparities among ethnic groups. RESULTS: The study included 70,454 women aged 30-69. Among women aged 40-69, 48.31% underwent CBE, 84.06% received PST, and 41.69% underwent mammography. It was found inequalities in coverage for any cancer screening (GINI: 0.10), mammography (GINI: 0.21), CBE (GINI: 0.19), and PST (GINI: 0.06), in 25 Peruvian regions. These inequalities were more pronounced in regions with larger populations of Quechua, Aymara, and Afro-Peruvian women. In rural areas, Quechua or Aymara women (SII: -0.83, -0.95, and - 0.69, respectively) and Afro-Peruvian women (SII: -0.80, -0.92, and - 0.58, respectively) experienced heightened inequalities in the uptake of CBE, mammography, and PST, respectively. Like Quechua or Aymara women (SII: -0.50, SII: -0.52, and SII: -0.50, respectively) and Afro-Peruvian women (SII: -0.50, SII: -0.58, and SII: -0.44, respectively) with only a primary education. CONCLUSION: Ethnic inequalities affect breast and cervical cancer screening coverage across regions in Peru. In Quechua, Aymara, and Afro-Peruvian women the uptake of mammography, CBE, and PST was less frequently than their white or mestizo counterparts. These inequalities are attributed to sociodemographic conditions such as lower education levels and residence in rural or non-capital areas.

Comparison of Hybribio-H13 and Hybrid Capture® 2 human papillomavirus tests for detection of CIN2+ and CIN3. / Comparación de las pruebas para el virus del papiloma humano Hybribio-H13 y Hybrid Capture® 2 para la detección de NIC2+ y NIC3+

INTRODUCTION: Low-cost, accurate high-risk HPV tests are needed for cervical cancer screening in limited-resource settings. OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of the low-cost Hybribio-H13 test with the Hybrid Capture® 2 to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN2 and CIN3). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Archived baseline samples tested by the Hybrid Capture® 2 from women of the ASCUS-COL trial, aged 20 to 69 years, with biopsy-colposcopy directed diagnosis of CIN2+ (n = 143), CIN3+ (n = 51), and < CIN2 (n = 632) were blindly tested by the Hybribio-H13 test. RESULTS: The relative sensitivity of the Hybribio-H13 test versus the Hybrid Capture® 2 for detecting CIN2+ was 0.89 (90% CI = 0,80-0,98; NIT = 0,66), and for CIN3+ was 0,92 (90% CI = 0,85-0,98; NIT = 0,35). Relative specificity was 1.19 (90% CI = 1.05-1.33; NIT <0.00001). In the analysis restricted to women older than 30 years, the relative sensitivity of the Hybribio-H13 for CIN3+ was marginally below unity (ratio = 0.97; 90% CI = 0.95-0.99), and the specificity remained higher than the Hybrid Capture® 2 test. CONCLUSION: The Hybribio-H13 test was as specific as the Hybrid Capture® 2 for detecting CIN2+ or CIN3+ but less sensitive. Considering these results and the young age of the population recruited for screening because of ASCUS cytology, we suggest our results warrant the evaluation of the Hybribio-H13 for screening cervical cancer, especially in the evaluated population.

Introducción. Se necesitan pruebas para detectar genotipos de VPH de alto riesgo, precisas y de bajo costo, para la tamización del cáncer de cuello uterino en entornos de recursos limitados. Objetivo. Comparar el desempeño de la prueba de bajo costo Hybrid-H13 con la de Hybrid Capture® 2 para detectar NIC2+ y NIC3+. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron en ciego muestras de la línea base provenientes de mujeres del estudio ASCUS-COL, entre los 20 y los 69 años, con diagnóstico dirigido por biopsia-colposcopia de NIC2+ (n = 143), NIC3 + (n = 51) y < NIC2 (n = 632) con la prueba para detección de virus de papiloma humano Hybribio-H13. Estas muestras fueron previamente evaluadas con la prueba Hybrid Capture® 2. Resultados. La sensibilidad relativa de Hybribio-13 versus la de Hybrid Capture® 2 para detectar NIC2+ fue de 0,89 (IC90%: 0,80-0,98; NIT = 0,66) y para NIC3+ fue de 0,92 (IC90%: 0,85-0,98; NIT = 0,35). La especificidad relativa fue de 1,19 (IC90%: 1,05-1,33; NIT <0,00001). En el análisis restringido a mujeres mayores de 30 años, la sensibilidad relativa de Hybribio-H13 para NIC3+ estuvo marginalmente por debajo de la unidad (proporción = 0,97; IC90%: 0,95-0,99) y la especificidad permaneció más alta que la de la prueba Hybrid Capture® 2. Conclusión. La prueba de Hybribio-H13 fue tan específica como la de Hybrid Capture® 2, pero menos sensible para detectar NIC2+ o NIC3+. Teniendo en cuenta estos resultados y la temprana edad de la población reclutada en la tamización por la presencia de ASCUS en la citología, se sugiere continuar con la evaluación de la prueba Hybribio-H13 para la detección de cáncer de cuello uterino en poblaciones con las mismas características que las de la aquí evaluada.

Dias MBK, Assis M, Santos ROM, Ribeiro CM, Migowski A, Tomazelli JG. Adequação da oferta de procedimentos para a detecção precoce do câncer de mama no Sistema Único de Saúde: um estudo transversal, Brasil e regiões, 2019. Cad Saúde Pública 2024; 40(5):e00139723.

[This corrects the article doi: 10.1590/0102-311XPT139723].

Time trend analysis and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mammography and Papanicolaou test coverage in Brazilian state capitals.

BACKGROUND: Breast and cervical cancer are major public health issues globally. The reduction in incidence and mortality rates of these cancers is linked to effective prevention, early detection, and appropriate treatment measures. This study aims to analyze the temporal trends in the prevalence of mammography and Papanicolaou test coverage among women living in Brazilian state capitals between 2007 and 2023, and to compare the coverage of these tests before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: A time series study was conducted using data from the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey from 2007 to 2023. The variables analyzed included mammography and Papanicolaou test coverage according to education level, age group, race/skin color, regions, and Brazilian capitals. The Prais-Winsten regression model was used to analyze the time series, and Student's t-test was employed to compare the prevalence rates between 2019 and 2023. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2023, mammography coverage showed a stationary trend (71.1% in 2007 and 73.1% in 2023; p-value = 0.75) with a declining trend observed among women with 12 years or more of education (APC= -0.52% 95%CI -1.01%; -0.02%). Papanicolaou test coverage for all women aged between 25 and 64 exhibited a downward trend from 82% in 2007 to 76.8% in 2023 (APC= -0.45% 95%CI -0.76%; -0.13%). This decline was also noticed among those with 9 years or more of education; in the 25 to 44 age group; among women with white and mixed race; and in the Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South regions. When comparing coverage before and during Covid-19 pandemic, a reduction was noted for both tests. CONCLUSIONS: Over the years, there has been stability in mammography coverage and a decline in Papanicolaou test. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the number of these tests carried out among women, highlighting the importance of actions aimed at increasing coverage, especially among the most vulnerable groups.

Investigating under-reported human papillomavirus genotypes in Grenadian women through self-sampling for cervical cancer screening / Investigación de los genotipos de virus del papiloma humano infranotificados en mujeres de Granada mediante automuestreo para el tamizaje del cáncer cervicouterino / Investigação de genótipos subnotificados de papilomavírus humano em mulheres de Granada por meio de autoamostragem para rastreamento de câncer do colo do útero

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To compare the adequacy, agreement, and acceptability of Papanicolaou testing (cytology) for cervical cancer screening using self-collected samples compared to physician-collected samples in Grenada in the Caribbean. Furthermore, the study identifies the human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes present among asymptomatic women testing positive for HPV, the etiologic cause of cervical cancer. Methods. Participants were divided into two groups and two cervical samples were collected from the women in each group: a self-collected sample and a physician-collected sample. Cervical specimens were tested for cytology and HPV. HPV genotyping was performed on positive specimens. Results. Self-collected samples were adequate and in agreement with physician-collected samples, showing no difference between the two sampling methods. Oncogenic high-risk HPV genotypes were identified in cervical samples which were positive for atypical squamous cells and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. The high-risk HPV genotypes found, notably HPV 45 and 53, differed from those most commonly reported. Although the commonly reported high-risk genotypes HPV 16 and 18 were found, so were 31, 33, 35, 52, 66, 68, and 82. Conclusions. Using self-collection facilitated the discovery of unexpected HPV genotypes among asymptomatic women in Grenada. These findings add new information to the literature regarding cervical cancer and neoplasia screening and HPV genotypes in the Caribbean. This genotype information may impact surveillance of women with low-grade lesions, HPV vaccine selection, and possibly further vaccine research. Research regarding HPV in Caribbean pathology samples of cervical neoplasia and cancer is needed.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Comparar la idoneidad, concordancia y aceptabilidad de la prueba de Papanicolaou (citología) para el tamizaje del cáncer cervicouterino mediante la comparación de muestras obtenidas con automuestreo y muestras tomadas por personal médico en Granada, en el Caribe. Asimismo, en el estudio se identifican los genotipos del virus del papiloma humano (VPH) existentes en las mujeres asintomáticas con un resultado positivo en las pruebas del VPH, la causa etiológica del cáncer cervicouterino. Métodos. Las participantes se dividieron en dos grupos y se tomaron dos muestras cervicouterinas de las mujeres de cada grupo: una muestra tomada por la propia paciente y una muestra tomada por personal médico. Se realizó un examen citológico y una prueba de detección del VPH en las muestras. En las muestras positivas, se determinó el genotipo del VPH. Resultados. Las muestras tomadas por las propias pacientes fueron adecuadas y concordaron con las obtenidas por el personal médico, sin que se observaran diferencias entre ambos métodos de muestreo. Se identificaron genotipos de VPH de alto riesgo oncogénico en muestras cervicouterinas positivas para células escamosas atípicas y lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas de grado bajo. Los genotipos de VPH de alto riesgo encontrados, en especial VPH 45 y 53, diferían de los notificados con mayor frecuencia. Aunque se encontraron los genotipos de alto riesgo habituales 16 y 18 del VPH, también se encontraron los genotipos 31, 33, 35, 52, 66, 68 y 82. Conclusiones. El uso del automuestreo facilitó la detección de genotipos inesperados del VPH en mujeres asintomáticas de Granada. Estos resultados agregan nueva información a la bibliografía sobre el tamizaje de las neoplasias y el cáncer cervicouterino, así como sobre los genotipos del VPH, en el Caribe. Esta información sobre el genotipo puede repercutir en la vigilancia de las mujeres con lesiones de bajo grado, en la elección de la vacuna contra el VPH y, posiblemente, en las ulteriores investigaciones sobre vacunas. Es necesario investigar la presencia del VPH en muestras anatomopatológicas de neoplasias y cánceres cervicouterinos en el Caribe.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Comparar a adequação, o nível de concordância e a aceitabilidade do exame de Papanicolau (citologia) para o rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero usando amostras autocoletadas em comparação com amostras coletadas por médicos em Granada, no Caribe. Além disso, o estudo identifica os genótipos de papilomavírus humano (HPV) presentes entre as mulheres assintomáticas com resultado positivo para HPV, a causa etiológica do câncer do colo do útero. Métodos. As participantes foram divididas em dois grupos, e duas amostras cervicais foram coletadas das mulheres de cada grupo: uma amostra autocoletada e uma amostra coletada por um médico. As amostras cervicais foram submetidas a exames citológicos e de HPV. A genotipagem do HPV foi realizada nas amostras positivas. Resultados. As amostras autocoletadas eram adequadas e compatíveis com as amostras coletadas por médicos, não havendo diferença entre os dois métodos de amostragem. Foram identificados genótipos de HPV de alto risco oncogênico em amostras cervicais positivas para células escamosas atípicas e lesões intraepiteliais escamosas de baixo grau. Os genótipos de HPV de alto risco encontrados, principalmente HPV 45 e 53, não correspondiam aos genótipos registrados com mais frequência na literatura. Embora os genótipos de alto risco HPV 16 e 18, que são frequentemente registrados, tenham sido observados, também foram detectados os genótipos 31, 33, 35, 52, 66, 68 e 82. Conclusões. O uso da autocoleta facilitou a detecção de genótipos inesperados de HPV entre mulheres assintomáticas em Granada. Esses achados adicionaram novas informações à literatura sobre o rastreamento de neoplasias e câncer do colo do útero e sobre os genótipos de HPV no Caribe. Essas informações genotípicas podem afetar a vigilância de mulheres com lesões de baixo grau, a seleção da vacina contra o HPV e, possivelmente, futuras pesquisas sobre vacinas. É necessário pesquisar o HPV em amostras patológicas de neoplasias cervicais e câncer do colo do útero no Caribe.

Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer actions in a Brazilian state.

Objective: To analyze whether the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in women up to 50 years of age in the state of Pará. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, using data from the Information Technology Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System. (DATASUS). The number of exams carried out in the pre-pandemic (2018-2019) and pandemic (2020-2021) period was analyzed based on the percentage variation, application of the chi-square test and G test for the time of exams and start time of treatment. Results: During the pandemic period, there was a greater number of screening mammograms (+3.68%), cytological (+23.68%), histological (+10.7%) and a lower number of diagnostic mammograms (-38.7%). The time interval for carrying out the exams was up to 30 days for screening and diagnostic exams and more than 60 days to start treatment during the pandemic period. Conclusion: Although the results indicate an increase in the number of screening and diagnostic procedures for breast cancer during the pandemic period, with the exception of diagnostic mammography, when considering probability values, the study points out that statistically the COVID-19 pandemic did not interfere with actions of breast cancer, in women over 50 years of age, in the state of Pará. Considering the autonomy of nursing and its role in public health, it is up to the professionals who are in charge of primary care programs to implement contingency plans in periods of crisis so that the population is not left unassisted.

[Analysis of the effect of mammography allocation on women's health indicators]. / Análise do efeito da alocação de mamógrafo sobre indicadores de saúde da mulher.

The early detection of breast cancer enables more effective forms of treatment. However, widespread access to its main screening tool, mammography, remains a challenge for the Brazilian public health system. This study aimed to analyze the effect of allocating mammography equipment on women's health indicators. In 2013, of the 4,557 municipalities that lacked the equipment, 260 received it up to 2019. The main hypothesis of this study suggests that receiving the mammography device would show a heterogeneous effect between locations and that such receival would depend on observable (propensity score matching) and non-observable variables (fixed effects model). Results indicate that the Brazilian municipalities that had mammography equipment in use from 2014 onward increased their number of exams without short-term effects to diagnoses and deaths due to malignant breast neoplasia. In addition to equipment, a more complex structure involving other factors (such as access to consultations, qualified professionals, waiting time, etc.) is important to improve women's health indicators in the analyzed municipalities.

A detecção precoce de câncer de mama permite formas de tratamentos mais eficazes. Entretanto, o acesso generalizado à principal ferramenta de rastreamento, a mamografia, ainda é um desafio para o sistema público de saúde brasileiro. Este estudo tem o objetivo de analisar o efeito da alocação de mamógrafos sobre indicadores de saúde da mulher. Em 2013, dentre os 4.557 municípios que não tinham o equipamento, 260 receberam até 2019. A principal hipótese é que o efeito de receber o mamógrafo seja heterogêneo entre as localidades e que receber o equipamento dependa de variáveis observáveis (pareamento por escore de propensão) e não observáveis (modelo de efeitos fixos). Os resultados indicam que os municípios brasileiros que tiveram mamógrafo em uso a partir de 2014 obtiveram aumentos na realização de exames, porém sem efeitos de curto prazo para diagnósticos e óbitos por neoplasia maligna da mama. Além de equipamentos, uma estrutura mais complexa que envolve outros fatores como acesso a consultas, profissionais qualificados, tempo de espera etc. são importantes para melhorar os indicadores de saúde femininos no recorte de municípios analisados.

La detección temprana del cáncer de mama permite formas de tratamientos más eficaces. Sin embargo, el acceso generalizado a la principal herramienta de seguimiento, la mamografía, sigue siendo un desafío para el sistema público de salud brasileño. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar el efecto de la asignación de mamógrafos en los indicadores de salud de la mujer. En 2013, de los 4.557 municipios que no tenían el equipo, 260 lo recibieron hasta 2019. La hipótesis principal es que el efecto de recibir un mamógrafo es heterogéneo entre las localidades y que recibir el equipo depende de variables observables (emparejamiento por puntaje de propensión) y no observables (modelo de efectos fijos). Los resultados indican que en los municipios brasileños que han tenido mamógrafo en uso a partir de 2014 obtuvieron aumentos en la realización de exámenes, pero sin efectos a corto plazo sobre los diagnósticos y las muertes por neoplasia maligna de la mama. Además de los equipos, una estructura más compleja que involucra otros factores como el acceso a consultas, profesionales calificados, tiempo de espera, etc. son importantes para mejorar los indicadores de salud de las mujeres en el recorte de municipios analizados.

Estimation of the population at high risk of developing lung cancer in Chile using simplified eligibility criteria.

OBJECTIVES: Several countries in different global regions are implementing lung cancer (LC) screening programmes. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of the Chilean population ≥15 years who are at high risk of developing LC. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data from the Chilean National Health Survey were used in this study. Information on age and history of tobacco consumption were retrieved to estimate national and regional proportions of the Chilean population ≥15 years who are at high risk of developing LC, according to the inclusion criteria in the NELSON trial, NLST trial and USPSTF2021 recommendations. Stratified analyses were performed by sex and quartiles of monthly household income. RESULTS: An estimated 292,158 (2.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-2.8), 174,196 (1.3%; 95% CI 0.9-1.7) and 404,751 (3.1%; 95% CI 2.4-3.8) of Chileans are at high risk of LC according to NELSON and NLST trial inclusion criteria and USPSTF2021 recommendations, respectively. Proportions of males who are at high risk were higher in comparison to females. The highest proportion of people who are at high risk was found in the lowest household income quartile. Regionally, the lowest percentage of Chileans who are at high risk was found in La Araucanía and the highest in Magallanes y Antártica. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relevant number of Chileans who are at high risk of developing LC. Policymakers in Chile should enhance tobacco control efforts to reduce the prevalence of tobacco smoking and also explore the implementation of LC screening programmes to reduce the burden of LC.

Findings and Challenges in Replacing Traditional Uterine Cervical Cancer Diagnosis with Molecular Tools in Private Gynecological Practice in Mexico.

We have been encouraging practicing gynecologists to adopt molecular diagnostics tests, PCR, and cancer biomarkers, as alternatives enabled by these platforms, to traditional Papanicolaou and colposcopy tests, respectively. An aliquot of liquid-based cytology was used for the molecular test [high-risk HPV types, (HR HPV)], another for the PAP test, and one more for p16/Ki67 dual-stain cytology. A total of 4499 laboratory samples were evaluated, and we found that 25.1% of low-grade samples and 47.9% of high-grade samples after PAP testing had a negative HR HPV-PCR result. In those cases, reported as Pap-negative, 22.1% had a positive HR HPV-PCR result. Dual staining with p16/Ki67 biomarkers in samples was positive for HR HPV, and 31.7% were also positive for these markers. Out of the PCR results that were positive for any of these HR HPV subtypes, n 68.3%, we did not find evidence for the presence of cancerous cells, highlighting the importance of performing dual staining with p16/Ki67 after PCR to avoid unnecessary colposcopies. The encountered challenges are a deep-rooted social reluctance in Mexico to abandon traditional Pap smears and the opinion of many specialists. Therefore, we still believe that colposcopy continues to be a preferred procedure over the dual-staining protocol.

HPV Self-Sampling in the Workplace: A Qualitative Study of Benefits, Barriers, and Opportunities for Improvement Perceived by Health Professionals and Managers.

AIM: To inform the implementation of Human Papillomavirus Self-Sampling (HPV-SS) in the workplace, we assessed the perspectives of healthcare professionals and managers on the benefits, barriers, and opportunities for improvement of a pilot program. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study based on in-depth telephone interviews was conducted between June and August 2023. Data were analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. Fifteen health professionals from different companies and fifteen managers from the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) were interviewed. RESULTS: Participants identified several benefits of the HPV-SS, including ease of use, privacy, convenience, affordability, reduced workplace absences, and promotion of a prevention culture. However, there were also individual and organizational barriers to program implementation. The former consisted of women's concerns about collecting a reliable sample or injuring themselves, lack of confidence in the HPV test, fear of positive results, and discomfort caused by the brush used to collect the sample. Organizational barriers included failure to follow up on positive test results, lack of knowledge of program indicators, perceived negative impact on the established Pap smear cervical cancer screening indicator, and the lack of government regulations supporting HPV testing. To improve the program, participants suggested disseminating information through mass media campaigns and social networks, providing companies with additional support from IMSS preventive staff, extending the work hours of IMSS Family Medicine clinics, and training IMSS health staff on the follow-up of women with HPV test results. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest potential areas for improvement in HPV-SS programs.

Efficacy of blood plasma spectroscopy for early liver cancer diagnostics in obese patients.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most common cancers worldwide. A considerable proportion of HCC is caused by cirrhosis related to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Due to the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome, it is estimated that MASH-related HCC will become the most prevalent etiology of HCC. Currently, HCC screening is based on liver ultrasonography; however, the sensitivity of ultrasonography for early HCC stages in obese patients only reaches 23 %. To date, no studied biomarker shows sufficient efficacy for screening purposes. Nevertheless, the usage of spectroscopic methods offers a new perspective, as its potential use would provide cheap, fast analysis of samples such as blood plasma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We employed a combination of conventional and chiroptical spectroscopic methods to study differences between the blood plasma of obese cirrhotic patients with and without HCC. We included 20 subjects with HCC and 17 without evidence of liver cancer, all of them with body mass index ≥ 30. RESULTS: Sensitivities and specificities reached values as follows: 0.780 and 0.905 for infrared spectroscopy, 0.700 and 0.767 for Raman spectroscopy, 0.840 and 0.743 for electronic circular dichroism, and 0.805 and 0.923 for Raman optical activity. The final combined classification model based on all spectroscopic methods reached a sensitivity of 0.810 and a specificity of 0.857, with the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve among all models (0.961). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that this approach can be used effectively as a diagnostic tool in patients who are not examinable by liver ultrasonography. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04221347.

[Visual inspection with acetic acid and the control of cervical cancer in primary care]. / Inspección visual con ácido acético y el control del cáncer de cuello uterino en atención primaria.

INTRODUCTION: Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is a primary alternative to reduce cervical cancer (CaCu) incidence and mortality. The study aimed to determine the proportion of women aged 30-49 years who used VIA in the last two years and the factors associated with the use of the test in the primary care setting. METHODS: Cross-sectional, multicenter study. Seven hundred and six women aged 30 to 49 years participated, users of primary health care centers in a region of Peru. The dependent variable was the use of the VIA test in the last two years and the independent variables were sociodemographic, socio-health, information and attitudinal factors. RESULTS: The proportion of women who used the VIA test was 30.6%. The following factors were associated with greater use of the test: urban area of residence, having received a recommendation for VIA, feeling worried about acquiring CaCu, having heard about CaCu and the human papilloma virus. Also, considering having a greater or equal probability of developing CaCu compared to women of the same age, and with lower use of the test, coming from the highlands and considering it risky to undergo VIA. CONCLUSION: The VIA screening program for CaCu would not be achieving the desired impact. There is a need to strengthen strategies and interventions in primary care to improve screening behaviors and rates.

Introducción: La inspección visual con ácido acético (IVAA) es una alternativa primaria para mermar la incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer de cuello uterino (CaCu). El objetivo del estudio es conocer la proporción de mujeres de 30 a 49 años que usaron el test de IVAA en los últimos dos años y los factores asociados con el uso de la prueba, en el ámbito de la atención primaria. Métodos: Estudio transversal y multicéntrico, participaron 706 mujeres de 30 a 49 años, usuarias de centros de atención primaria en una región del Perú. La variable dependiente fue el uso del test de IVAA, en los últimos dos años y las independientes los factores sociodemográficos, sociosanitarios, de información y actitud. Resultados: La proporción de mujeres que usaron el test de IVAA, fue del 30.6%. Se asociaron con mayor uso de la prueba, el área de residencia urbana, haber recibido recomendación para realizarse la IVAA, sentir preocupación por adquirir CaCu, haber oído hablar del CaCu y del virus del papiloma humano, el considerar tener mayor o igual probabilidad de desarrollar CaCu respecto a mujeres de su edad y con menor uso de la prueba, el proceder de la sierra y considerar riesgoso realizarse la IVAA. Conclusión: El programa de tamizaje del CaCu, mediante IVAA no estaría logrando el impacto deseado. Se requiere fortalecer estrategias e intervenciones en atención primaria, para mejorar las conductas y tasas del cribado.

Hereditary Cancer Screening and Outcomes at an Urban Safety-Net Hospital.

PURPOSE: Patients with hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS) have a high lifetime risk of developing cancer. Historically underserved populations have lower rates of genetic evaluation. We sought to characterize demographic factors that are associated with undergoing HCS evaluation in an urban safety-net patient population. METHODS: All patients who met inclusion criteria for this study from 2016 to 2021 at an urban safety-net hospital were included in this analysis. Inclusion criteria were pathologically confirmed breast, ovarian/fallopian tube, colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Patients also qualified for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers or Lynch syndrome on the basis of National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Demographic and oncologic data were collected through retrospective chart review. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed. RESULTS: Of the 637 patients included, 40% underwent genetic testing. Variables associated with receiving genetic testing on univariable analysis included patients living at the time of data collection, female sex, Latinx ethnicity, Spanish language, family history of cancer, and referral for genetic testing. Patients identifying as Black, having Medicare, having pancreatic or prostate cancer, having stage IV disease, having Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) prognostic score ≥1, having medium or high Charlson comorbidity index, with current or previous cigarette use, and with previous alcohol use were negatively associated with testing. On multivariable modeling, family history of cancer was positively associated with testing. Patients identifying as Black, having colon or prostate cancer, and having ECOG score of 2 had significantly lower association with genetic testing. CONCLUSION: Uptake of HCS was lower in patients identifying as Black, those with colon or prostate cancer, and those with an ECOG score of 2. Efforts to increase HCS testing in these patients will be important to advance equitable cancer care.