Cervical Cancer Stigma Among Caribbean Population: A Descriptive Paper.

Objectives: Cervical cancer prevention practices are desperately low in the Caribbean. This study aims to describe the cervical cancer stigma and to evaluate the influence of the prevention practices among the Caribbean non-patient population in Jamaica, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 1,207 participants was conducted using a culturally trans-created Cancer Stigma Scale for the Caribbean context and supplemented with questions on cervical cancer and HPV/HPV vaccine knowledge and beliefs. Data collection took place online from October 2022 to March 2023. Results: Participants are young, single, well-educated, and have stable financial resources. Over a quarter (26.4%) agreed women with cervical cancer are more isolated in their country. Almost half (47%) of respondents agreed cultural background plays a big part in how they feel about illness and getting well. One in six participants believe women with cervical cancer are treated with less respect than usual by others in their country. Conclusion: Cancer stigma of cervical cancer exists in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada. Particularly, cultural background and social norms are closely linked to stigma.

Interpretation of coefficients in segmented regression for interrupted time series analyses.

Background: Segmented regression, a common model for interrupted time series (ITS) analysis, primarily utilizes two equation parametrizations. Interpretations of coefficients vary between the two segmented regression parametrizations, leading to occasional user misinterpretations. Methods: To illustrate differences in coefficient interpretation between two common parametrizations of segmented regression in ITS analysis, we derived analytical results and present an illustration evaluating the impact of a smoking regulation policy in Italy using a publicly accessible dataset. Estimated coefficients and their standard errors were obtained using two commonly used parametrizations for segmented regression with continuous outcomes. We clarified coefficient interpretations and intervention effect calculations. Results: Our investigation revealed that both parametrizations represent the same model. However, due to differences in parametrization, the immediate effect of the intervention is estimated differently under the two approaches. The key difference lies in the interpretation of the coefficient related to the binary indicator for intervention implementation, impacting the calculation of the immediate effect. Conclusions: Two common parametrizations of segmented regression represent the same model but have different interpretations of a key coefficient. Researchers employing either parametrization should exercise caution when interpreting coefficients and calculating intervention effects.

Management of Anxiety and Depression in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update.

PURPOSE: To update the American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline on the management of anxiety and depression in adult cancer survivors. METHODS: A multidisciplinary expert panel convened to update the guideline. A systematic review of evidence published from 2013-2021 was conducted. RESULTS: The evidence base consisted of 17 systematic reviews ± meta analyses (nine for psychosocial interventions, four for physical exercise, three for mindfulness-based stress reduction [MBSR], and one for pharmacologic interventions), and an additional 44 randomized controlled trials. Psychological, educational, and psychosocial interventions led to improvements in depression and anxiety. Evidence for pharmacologic management of depression and anxiety in cancer survivors was inconsistent. The lack of inclusion of survivors from minoritized groups was noted and identified as an important consideration to provide high-quality care for ethnic minority populations. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended to use a stepped-care model, that is, provide the most effective and least resource-intensive intervention based on symptom severity. All oncology patients should be offered education regarding depression and anxiety. For patients with moderate symptoms of depression, clinicians should offer cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), behavioral activation (BA), MBSR, structured physical activity, or empirically supported psychosocial interventions. For patients with moderate symptoms of anxiety, clinicians should offer CBT, BA, structured physical activity, acceptance and commitment therapy, or psychosocial interventions. For patients with severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, clinicians should offer cognitive therapy, BA, CBT, MBSR, or interpersonal therapy. Treating clinicians may offer a pharmacologic regimen for depression or anxiety for patients who do not have access to first-line treatment, prefer pharmacotherapy, have previously responded well to pharmacotherapy, or have not improved following first-line psychological or behavioral management.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines.

Equity and behavioral digital health interventions: Strategies to improve benefit and reach.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral digital health interventions (e.g., mobile apps, websites, wearables) have been applied widely to improve health outcomes. However, many groups (e.g., people with low income levels, people who are geographically isolated, older adults) may face obstacles to technology access and use. In addition, research has found that biases and stereotypes can be embedded within digital health interventions. As such, behavioral digital health interventions that intend to improve overall population health may unintentionally widen health-related inequities. PURPOSE: This commentary offers guidance and strategies to mitigate these risks when using technology as a means for delivering a behavioral health intervention. METHODS: A collaborative working group from Society of Behavioral Medicine's Health Equity Special Interest Group developed a framework to center equity in the development, testing and dissemination of behavioral digital health interventions. RESULTS: We introduce Partner, Identify, Demonstrate, Access, Report (PIDAR), a 5-point framework to avoid the creation, perpetuation, and/or widening of health inequities in behavioral digital health work. CONCLUSIONS: It is critically important to prioritize equity when conducting digital health research. The PIDAR framework can serve as a guide for behavioral scientists, clinicians and developers.

Behavioral digital health interventions have great potential to improve health. Unfortunately, many groups (e.g., people with low-income levels, people who are geographically isolated, older adults) may face significant obstacles to technology access, adoption and use. Additionally, research has found that biases and stereotypes can be embedded within digital health interventions. As such, behavioral digital health interventions that intend to improve overall population health may unintentionally widen health-related inequities. This commentary introduces the 5-point framework: Partner, Identify, Demonstrate, Access, Report (PIDAR) to be used in the development, testing and implementation of technology to avoid creating or worsening health inequities.

Assessment of human papillomavirus vaccination rates of adolescents in California, 2018-2019.

Accurate documentation of state-level human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is required for public health planning and to inform corrective actions. To examine the representativeness of the California Immunization Registry, we compared the National Immunization Survey (NIS)-Teen, commercial HMOs in California, Medi-Cal, and California Immunization Registry data for HPV vaccine series completion. Our objectives were to evaluate the vaccine registries, compare and report their completeness, and make recommendations on how to improve and use these studies. Vaccination values were extrapolated for all adolescents aged 13 to 17 years from 2018 to 2019 from NIS-Teen, adolescents aged 13 years from 2018 to 2019 reported in the California Immunization Registry, and adolescents aged 13 years for 2018 for commercial HMOs and Medi-Cal. HPV series completion among 13-year-olds in 2018 for commercial HMOs was 50 %, Medi-Cal was 45 %, and the California Immunization Registry was 28 %, with NIS-Teen rates for 13 to 17-year-olds at 50 % in 2018 and 54 % in 2019. Both rural and urban geographic regions were found to have low completion rates of the HPV series, with trends ranging from 13 % to 45 %. The California Immunization Registry's lower HPV vaccine series completion among 13-year-olds compared to the other reporting sources is most likely due differences in reporting and data collection. Importantly, this data will serve as a comparator for future, similar studies of various sources of HPV vaccination rates following the passing of Bill-1797, which will mandate immunization reporting starting in January 2023.

Overcoming Barriers to Tobacco Cessation and Lung Cancer Screening among Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups and Underserved Patients in Academic Centers and Community Network Sites: The City of Hope Experience.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco control is important for cancer patient health, but delivering effective low-dose CT (LDCT) screening and tobacco cessation is more difficult in underserved and patients from racial and ethnic minority groups. At City of Hope (COH), we have developed strategies to overcome barriers to the delivery of LDCT and tobacco cessation. METHODS: We performed a needs assessment. New tobacco control program services were implemented focusing on patients from racial and ethnic minority groups. Innovations included Whole Person Care with motivational counseling, placing clinician and nurse champions at points of care, training module and leadership newsletters, and a patient-centric personalized medicine Personalized Pathways to Success (PPS) program. RESULTS: Emphasis on patients from racial and ethnic minority groups was implemented by training cessation personnel and lung cancer control champions. LDCT increased. Tobacco use assessment increased and abstinence was 27.2%. The PPS pilot program achieved 47% engagement in cessation, with self-reported abstinence at 3 months of 38%, with both results slightly higher in patients from racial and ethnic minority groups than in Caucasian patients. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco cessation barrier-focused innovations can result in increased lung cancer screening and tobacco cessation reach and effectiveness, especially among patients from racial and ethnic minority groups. The PPS program is promising as a personalized medicine patient-centric approach to cessation and lung cancer screening.

Does neighborhood or residence influence continued smoking among cancer patients: a spatial-ecological and descriptive analyses brief report.

PURPOSE: Continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis is causally linked to cancer-specific and all-cause mortality. Additionally, smoking, in particular after a cancer diagnosis, increases risk for poor therapeutic outcomes, chronic disease and even COV19 infection. METHODS: In order to better understand and address continued smoking among cancer patients, this research applied geospatial mapping analysis to explore the potential association of dedicated smoke/vape shops density and smoking among cancer patients. RESULTS: Our findings suggest that there is an association between dedicated smoke/vape shops density and continued tobacco product use among cancer patients who live in areas with greater numbers of smoke/vape shops and higher percentage of African Americans and low socioeconomic persons. In the City of Hope-Antelope Valley Center region with an average of 1.4 dedicated smoke/vape shops per sq ml, cancer patients continue to smoke at a rate of almost 10%. This rate is almost twice the 5.2% cancer patient smoking rate of the main cancer center with an average of < 1 dedicated smoke/vape shops per sq ml. CONCLUSION: Our study may inform cessation-related research, practice and policies so that researchers, clinicians and policymakers are well-aware of these disparities in dedicated smoke/vape shops proliferation that is disproportionately affecting minority patient, in particular cancer population.

Increasing clinician participation in tobacco cessation by an implementation science-based tobacco cessation champion program.

BACKGROUND: We designed a process to increase tobacco cessation in an academic center and its widely distributed network community sites using clinical champions to overcome referral barriers. METHODS: In 2020 a needs assessment was performed across the City of Hope Medical Center and its 32 community treatment sites. We reviewed information science strategies to choose elements for our expanded tobacco control plan, focusing on distributed leadership with tobacco cessation champions. We analyzed smoking patterns in patients with cancer before and following program implementation. We evaluated the champion experience and measured tobacco abstinence after 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Cancer center leadership committed to expanding tobacco control. Funding was obtained through a Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I) grant. Multi-disciplinary leaders developed a comprehensive plan. Disease-focused clinics and community sites named cessation champions (a clinician and nurse) supported by certified tobacco treatment specialists. Patient, staff, clinician, and champion training/education were developed. Roles and responsibilities of the champions were defined. Implementation in pilot sites showed increased tobacco assessment from 80.8 to 96.6%, increased tobacco cessation referral by 367%, and moderate smoking abstinence in both academic (27.2%) and community sites (22.5%). 73% of champions had positive attitudes toward the program. CONCLUSION: An efficient process to expand smoking cessation in the City of Hope network was developed using implementation science strategies and cessation champions. This well-detailed implementation process may be helpful to other cancer centers, particularly those with a tertiary care cancer center and community network.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tobacco Treatment Program Implementation at National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted cancer screening and treatment delivery, but COVID-19's impact on tobacco cessation treatment for cancer patients who smoke has not been widely explored. AIMS AND METHODS: We conducted a sequential cross-sectional analysis of data collected from 34 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers participating in NCI's Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I), across three reporting periods: one prior to COVID-19 (January-June 2019) and two during the pandemic (January-June 2020, January-June 2021). Using McNemar's Test of Homogeneity, we assessed changes in services offered and implementation activities over time. RESULTS: The proportion of centers offering remote treatment services increased each year for Quitline referrals (56%, 68%, and 91%; p = .000), telephone counseling (59%, 79%, and 94%; p = .002), and referrals to Smokefree TXT (27%, 47%, and 56%; p = .006). Centers offering video-based counseling increased from 2020 to 2021 (18% to 59%; p = .006), Fewer than 10% of centers reported laying off tobacco treatment staff. Compared to early 2020, in 2021 C3I centers reported improvements in their ability to maintain staff and clinician morale, refer to external treatment services, train providers to deliver tobacco treatment, and modify clinical workflows. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid transition to new telehealth program delivery of tobacco treatment for patients with cancer. C3I cancer centers adjusted rapidly to challenges presented by the pandemic, with improvements reported in staff morale and ability to train providers, refer patients to tobacco treatment, and modify clinical workflows. These factors enabled C3I centers to sustain evidence-based tobacco treatment implementation during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. IMPLICATIONS: This work describes how NCI-designated cancer centers participating in the Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I) adapted to challenges to sustain evidence-based tobacco use treatment programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work offers a model for resilience and rapid transition to remote tobacco treatment services delivery and proposes a policy and research agenda for telehealth services as an approach to sustaining evidence-based tobacco treatment programs.

Integrating Tobacco Treatment Into Oncology Care: Reach and Effectiveness of Evidence-Based Tobacco Treatment Across National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers.

PURPOSE: Quitting smoking improves patients' clinical outcomes, yet smoking is not commonly addressed as part of cancer care. The Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I) supports National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers to integrate tobacco treatment programs (TTPs) into routine cancer care. C3I centers vary in size, implementation strategies used, and treatment approaches. We examined associations of these contextual factors with treatment reach and smoking cessation effectiveness. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used survey data from 28 C3I centers that reported tobacco treatment data during the first 6 months of 2021. Primary outcomes of interest were treatment reach (reach)-the proportion of patients identified as currently smoking who received at least one evidence-based tobacco treatment component (eg, counseling and pharmacotherapy)-and smoking cessation effectiveness (effectiveness)-the proportion of patients reporting 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 6-month follow-up. Center-level differences in reach and effectiveness were examined by center characteristics, implementation strategies, and tobacco treatment components. RESULTS: Of the total 692,662 unique patients seen, 44,437 reported current smoking. Across centers, a median of 96% of patients were screened for tobacco use, median smoking prevalence was 7.4%, median reach was 15.4%, and median effectiveness was 18.4%. Center-level characteristics associated with higher reach included higher smoking prevalence, use of center-wide TTP, and lower patient-to-tobacco treatment specialist ratio. Higher effectiveness was observed at centers that served a larger overall population and population of patients who smoke, reported a higher smoking prevalence, and/or offered electronic health record referrals via a closed-loop system. CONCLUSION: Whole-center TTP implementation among inpatients and outpatients, and increasing staff-to-patient ratios may improve TTP reach. Designating personnel with tobacco treatment expertise and resources to increase tobacco treatment dose or intensity may improve smoking cessation effectiveness.

Plano de cuidados para sobreviventes de câncer de mama: tradução e validação / Plan de cuidados para sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama: traducción y validación / Care plan for breast cancer survivors: translation and validation

Resumo Objetivo Traduzir, adaptar transculturalmente e validar o conteúdo do Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan (TSSCP-S) para sobreviventes brasileiras de câncer de mama. Métodos Estudo metodológico, quantitativo, executado de acordo com as etapas de tradução, compatibilização e retrotradução, construção de consenso de opiniões de um grupo de especialistas para a validação de conteúdo, de acordo com a Técnica Delphi e avaliação do usuário. Resultados O plano traduzido e adaptado transculturalmente foi avaliado por 10 profissionais, entre estes, enfermeiros, médicos, psicológos, nutricionista e fisioterapeuta, possuidores de titulação, produção científica, conhecimento e tempo de atuação na temática e o consenso foi obtido em duas rodadas. O instrumento apresentou coeficiente de validade de conteúdo de 83,3% na segunda rodada da Delphi. Na avaliação dos domínios conteúdo, clareza, utilidade, responsividade cultural e socioecológica, a concordância foi de 93,3%. O perfil sóciodemográfico e clínico das usuárias foi heterogêneo, contribuindo para os ajustes culturais necessários, com consenso final de 93,9%. Conclusão O plano de cuidados foi traduzido para o português do Brasil, adaptado transculturalmente e seus conteúdos foram validados, considerando as políticas de saúde nacionais.

Resumen Objetivo Traducir, adaptar transculturalmente y validar el contenido del Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan (TSSCP-S) para sobrevivientes brasileñas de cáncer de mama. Métodos Estudio metodológico, cuantitativo, ejecutado de acuerdo con las etapas de traducción, compatibilización y retrotraducción, construcción de consenso de opiniones de un grupo de especialistas para la validación de contenido, de acuerdo con el método Delphi y evaluación del usuario. Resultados El plan traducido y adaptado transculturalmente fue evaluado por diez profesionales, entre ellos enfermeros, médicos, psicólogos, nutricionista y fisioterapeuta, con titulación académica, producción científica, conocimiento y tiempo de actuación en la temática, y el consenso se obtuvo en dos rondas. El instrumento presentó un coeficiente de validez de contenido del 83,3 % en la segunda ronda de Delphi. En la evaluación de los dominios contenido, claridad, utilidad, responsividad cultural y socioecológica, la concordancia fue del 93,3 %. El perfil sociodemográfico y clínico de las usuarias fue heterogéneo, lo que contribuye a los ajustes culturales necesarios, con consenso final del 93,9 %. Conclusión El plan de cuidados fue traducido al portugués de Brasil, adaptado transculturalmente y sus contenidos fueron validados, considerando las políticas sanitarias nacionales.

Abstract Objective To translate, cross-culturally adapt and validate the content of the Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan (TSSCP-S) for Brazilian breast cancer survivors. Methods Methodological, quantitative study performed according to the steps of translation, compatibility and back-translation, construction of consensus of opinions in a group of experts for content validation, according to the Delphi technique and user evaluation. Results The translated and cross-culturally adapted plan was evaluated by ten professionals, including nurses, physicians, psychologists, nutritionists and physical therapists with a degree, scientific production, knowledge and time working on the subject. Consensus was obtained in two rounds. The instrument presented a content validity coefficient of 83.3% in the second round of Delphi. In the evaluation of content, clarity, usefulness, cultural and socioecological responsiveness domains, agreement was 93.3%. The sociodemographic and clinical profile of users was heterogeneous, contributing to the necessary cultural adjustments, with a final consensus of 93.9%. Conclusion The care plan was translated into Brazilian Portuguese, cross-culturally adapted and its contents were validated considering national health policies.

Spatial and Descriptive Analysis of Smoke and Vape Shop Locations Focusing on A Cancer Center Neighboring Catchment Area.

Tobacco products cause about 1 in 5 deaths premature deaths each year. With increased retailing of both tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products, cancer centers such as City of Hope are prioritizing tobacco and ENDS control. Therefore, we conducted formative geospatial analyses of dedicated smoke and vape shops linked to neighborhood demographic characteristics. The objective of the study was to analyze local data on smoke and vaping shop locations by age, socio-economic status, and racial/ethnic group. Our geospatial analysis used aggregate data from the U.S. Census, Google Maps, and Yelp. Geospatial maps were created using ArcGIS Pro with American Community Survey and U.S. Census 2010. The distributions of exclusive tobacco and vaping shop locations data were overlaid with data from the U.S. Census 2010 to generate maps of the relative geographic distributions of shops across varying area demographic characteristics. Results showed that a higher concentration of exclusive smoke and vaping shops were in areas with a higher concentration of ethnic minorities and lower income and lower status neighborhoods. These findings suggest that laws and licensing should be evaluated to regulate the placement of these shops to reduce and even prevent targeting of minorities and other vulnerable populations.

Cancer disparities in the context of rurality: risk factors and screening across various U.S. rural classification codes.

PURPOSE: Prior cancer research is limited by inconsistencies in defining rurality. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of cancer risk factors and cancer screening behaviors across various county-based rural classification codes, including measures reflecting a continuum, to inform our understanding of cancer disparities according to the extent of rurality. METHODS: Using an ecological cross-sectional design, we examined differences in cancer risk factors and cancer screening behaviors from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and National Health Interview Survey (2008-2013) across rural counties and between rural and urban counties using four rural-urban classification codes for counties and county-equivalents in 2013: U.S. Office of Management and Budget, National Center for Health Statistics, USDA Economic Research Service's rural-urban continuum codes, and Urban Influence Codes. RESULTS: Although a rural-to-urban gradient was not consistently evident across all classification codes, the prevalence of smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and binge alcohol use increased (all ptrend < 0.03), while colorectal, cervical and breast cancer screening decreased (all ptrend < 0.001) with increasing rurality. Differences in the prevalence of risk factors and screening behaviors across rural areas were greater than differences between rural and urban counties for obesity (2.4% vs. 1.5%), physical activity (2.9% vs. 2.5%), binge alcohol use (3.4% vs. 0.4%), cervical cancer screening (6.8% vs. 4.0%), and colorectal cancer screening (4.4% vs. 3.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Rural cancer disparities persist across multiple rural-urban classification codes, with marked variation in cancer risk factors and screening evident within rural regions. Focusing only on a rural-urban dichotomy may not sufficiently capture subpopulations of rural residents at greater risk for cancer and cancer-related mortality.

Tragic Triad of Tobacco Dependence, Cancer, and COVID-19 Pandemic: An Urgent Call for Attention by Health Care Systems and Professionals.

Tobacco smoke is a well-known carcinogen associated with multiple malignancies. Patients with cancer, as well as survivors, who continue to smoke are at a greater risk for poor cancer treatment outcomes. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increased frequency and severity of the infection in patients with cancer. Furthermore, smoking and/or vaping increases incidence or likelihood of progression of COVID-19. Cigarette smoking, cancer, and COVID-19 each impose disproportionate burden of illness and death among racial and ethnic minorities. Geographic and population-specific analyses reveal that neighborhoods with lower income and higher minority populations have more tobacco/vape shops and face increased risk associated with tobacco marketing. Referral to tobacco cessation has been reduced during the pandemic. To reduce the adverse health effects of tobacco dependence among patients with cancer during the pandemic, urgent evidence-based solutions are described for health systems and professionals to prioritize tobacco cessation for patients with cancer in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the basis of cessation implementation at City of Hope Medical Center.

Calling Attention to the Role of Race-Driven Societal Determinants of Health on Aggressive Tumor Biology: A Focus on Black Americans.

Blacks have the highest incidence and mortality from most cancers. The reasons for these disparities remain unclear. Blacks are exposed to adverse social determinants because of historic and contemporary racist polices; however, how these determinants affect the disparities that Blacks experience is understudied. As a result of discriminatory community policies, like redlining, Blacks have higher exposure to air pollution and neighborhood deprivation. Studies investigating how these factors affect tumor biology are emerging. We highlight the literature that connects racism-related community exposure to the tumor biology in breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Further investigations that clarify the link between adverse social determinants that result from systemic racism and aggressive tumor biology are required if health equity is to be achieved. Without recognition that racism is a public health risk with carcinogenic impact, health care delivery and cancer care will never achieve excellence. In response, health systems ought to establish corrective actions to improve Black population health and bring medical justice to marginalized racialized groups.

Thoughts and Consideration Regarding Immigrant Clinicians: Is Cultural Preservation Influencing Providers' Practice in HPV Vaccination?

Immigrant clinicians are vital to population healthcare delivery and therefore population health. One in four physicians in the United States are foreign-born and notably represented in family and pediatric medicine - specialties charged with administering childhood/adolescent vaccines, such as Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPVV). Our examination suggests there may be unique cultural and socialization factors that influence clinician HPVV recommendation practice; however, immigrant clinicians have not been adequately engaged within the national HPVV agenda. Given the volume and significance of immigrant clinicians, engagement of these clinicians, in both community and nation-wide efforts to increase HPVV, is a necessary step for improving and achieving the national health goal of optimizing HPVV for cancer prevention.

Woman-to-woman: Feasibility of a lay health advisor program for cervical cancer education in Grenada, W.I.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Woman- to-Woman, a lay health advisor (LHA)-led educational intervention on cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge in a cohort of at-risk Grenadian women. Methods: LHAs from high-risk parishes were trained in the administration of the intervention and administered the program to 78 local women. Participants completed a pre- and post-knowledge test and a session evaluation. LHAs participated in a process evaluation focus group. Results: Sixty-eight percent (68%) of participants obtained higher knowledge scores following the educational intervention. The difference between the pre- and post-test scores was statistically significant (p = 0.05). Almost 94% agreed that they were taught new and useful information by credible, community informed and responsive LHAs. Ninety percent (90%) indicated great satisfaction and high motivation to recommend to others. LHAs reported on the intervention and their community interactions. Conclusions: Results demonstrate that a LHA-led educational intervention significantly improved participants' knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV, Papanicolaou test and vaccination against HPV. Innovations: Researchers trancreated an evidenced based intervention originally designed for Latina women for Grenadian women. There is no evidence in the literature of previous LHA- cervical cancer education studies conducted in Grenada nor the Caribbean.

Racial disparities in diabetes prevalence among cancer patients.

Introduction: Cancer inequity is one of the most critical public health issues faced by ethnic minorities and people of lower socioeconomic status. The disparate burden of cancer is caused by poor access to care and inadequate delivery of cancer treatment, as well as comorbid and co-occurring conditions. Diabetes is a common and serious comorbid condition of cancer. Methods: To better understand diabetes prevalence among diverse cancer patients, this study analyzed and described characteristics of cancer patients with diabetes from local-level Service Planning Area (SPA) data using City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center data, and United States national-level data from The National Health Interview Survey. Results: Findings from national level data showed that patients in racial/ethnic minority groups had a higher occurrence of being diagnosed with diabetes, especially for non-Hispanic Blacks (OR=1.76, 95% CI=1.51, 2.03) and Hispanic/Latino individuals (OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.18, 1.52). Cancer patients who are older, ethnic minority, overweight/obese and with lower educational levels were more likely to have co-occurring diabetes. SPA-level patient data found similar results. Discussion: In response to our findings and other reports, clinicians and health system including health coverage organizations should routinely assess cancer patients for cooccurring chronic illnesses, in particular diabetes. Interventions improving coordinated care that integrates oncology, endocrinology and primary care, targeting cancer patients --especially racial/ethnic minorities, overweight/obese, and older patients who are at increased risk for diabetes -- ought to be considered as best practice Whole Person care. With coordinated care management, ethnic disparities in cancer may be better addressed and reduced. Additionally, policymakers can contribute by enacting policies improving access to and coverage of integrated oncology, chronic disease prevention, and associated specialty care i.e., endocrinology to equalize quality care for ethnic minority, lower educated, overweight/obese and older cancer patients who are more likely to suffer greater comorbidity, and inadequate oncology and coordinated care to reduce disparities.

Heterogeneity in head and neck cancer incidence among black populations from Africa, the Caribbean and the USA: Analysis of cancer registry data by the AC3.

BACKGROUND: Africa and the Caribbean are projected to have greater increases in Head and neck cancer (HNC) burden in comparison to North America and Europe. The knowledge needed to reinforce prevention in these populations is limited. We compared for the first time, incidence rates of HNC in black populations from African, the Caribbean and USA. METHODS: Annual age-standardized incidence rates (IR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) per 100,000 were calculated for 2013-2015 using population-based cancer registry data for 14,911 HNC cases from the Caribbean (Barbados, Guadeloupe, Trinidad & Tobago, N = 443), Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, N = 772) and the United States (SEER, Florida, N = 13,696). We compared rates by sub-sites and sex among countries using data from registries with high quality and completeness. RESULTS: In 2013-2015, compared to other countries, HNC incidence was highest among SEER states (IR: 18.2, 95%CI = 17.6-18.8) among men, and highest in Kenya (IR: 7.5, 95%CI = 6.3-8.7) among women. Nasopharyngeal cancer IR was higher in Kenya for men (IR: 3.1, 95%CI = 2.5-3.7) and women (IR: 1.5, 95%CI = 1.0-1.9). Female oral cavity cancer was also notably higher in Kenya (IR = 3.9, 95%CI = 3.0-4.9). Blacks from SEER states had higher incidence of laryngeal cancer (IR: 5.5, 95%CI = 5.2-5.8) compared to other countries and even Florida blacks (IR: 4.4, 95%CI = 3.9-5.0). CONCLUSION: We found heterogeneity in IRs for HNC among these diverse black populations; notably, Kenya which had distinctively higher incidence of nasopharyngeal and female oral cavity cancer. Targeted etiological investigations are warranted considering the low consumption of tobacco and alcohol among Kenyan women. Overall, our findings suggest that behavioral and environmental factors are more important determinants of HNC than race.