ABSTRACT
Objectives: This study aimed to compare fast-track surgery (FTS) and traditional perioperative care protocols in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries, assessing their impact on length of stay (LOS), recovery time, and postoperative complications. Methods: A case-control retrospective study was conducted at Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, involving 167 patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery from June 2021 to June 2023. Of them, 81 patients underwent surgery based on the FTS protocol (FTS group) and 86 patients received a traditional perioperative management (control group). Patients in both groups underwent gynecologic laparoscopic procedures, including uterine, ovarian and tubal surgeries. Data were collected on general patients' characteristics, including age, BMI, surgery type and time, intestinal recovery and out-of-bed activity time, LOS, pain levels, and postoperative complications. Wilcoxon rank sum test with continuity correction was used to assess the difference in operative characteristics and postoperative pain levels. Fisher's exact test was used to assess the difference in overall frequency of postoperative complications between groups. Results: Patients in the FTS group exhibited faster intestinal recovery, shorter mobilization time, and reduced LOS compared to the control group. Pain levels were significantly lower at one, six and twelve hours post-surgery in the FTS group. Overall, the proportion of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the FTS group than in the control group. Conclusions: Implementing the FTS protocol in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries for benign conditions can reduce LOS, accelerate recovery, and minimize pain without increasing postoperative complications. Further research with more diverse patient populations is warranted to validate these findings.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Patients identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) report significant disparities in cancer care and are disproportionally affected by a cancer diagnosis on a number of health-related indicators. This study aimed to explore uterine cancer (UC) care from the perspectives of LGBTQ+ patients and stakeholders, to identify this population's care needs, which have been underprioritised thus far. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Qualitative interview data were collected from three cohorts of participants: LGBTQ+ UC patients, partners of UC patients and stakeholders who provide advocacy and/or support within the UC care pathway, including healthcare professionals (HCPs). Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted and data were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen participants (three patients, one partner, eight HCPs and three cancer support charity representatives) were recruited. Data analysis identified themes which represented participants' reflections on the relevance and opportunities for identity disclosure during the diagnostic pathway; feelings and implications of not fitting into the gynaecological cancer environment and, opportunities and challenges surrounding HCP education, and protocolled sexual and gender identity data collection. CONCLUSION: UC patients who identify as LGBTQ+ have specific care needs and considerations, particularly related to transvaginal procedures and survivorship. Opportunities for disclosure of patients' LGBTQ+ identity during the UC care pathway are essential for these needs to be recognised. Despite this, there are conflicting agendas between HCPs and stakeholders on the best approach to integrate disclosure processes. The current findings highlight the need for public health agendas and clinical services to address the needs of LGBTQ+ UC patients.
Subject(s)
Qualitative Research , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Uterine Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Sexual and Gender Minorities/psychology , Middle Aged , United Kingdom , Uterine Neoplasms/therapy , Male , Adult , Aged , Healthcare Disparities , Interviews as Topic , Health Personnel/psychologyABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of use of an 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR)-linear accelerator MR-linac for imaging in gynaecologic high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Method: Commissioning measurements for MR images quality control, geometric distortion, dwell position accuracy, applicator reconstruction and end-to-end test for a tandem-and-ring applicator were performed following the recommendations of American Brachytherapy Society, International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements and Report of the Brachytherapy Working Group of the Spanish Society of Medical Physics. The values for MR-based IGABT were compared to the corresponding values with computed tomography (CT). Results: Measured distorsions for the MR images were less than 0.50 mm compared to the CT images. The differences between 3D displacements for all dwell positions were 0.66 mm and 0.62 mm for the tandem and ring, respectively. The maximum difference is 0.64 mm for the distances from the applicator tip obtained using the films. The CT and MR dose differences for the right and left 'A' points were 0.9% and -0.7%, respectively. Similar results were observed in terms of dose distribution for CT and MR. The gamma passing rate was 99.3% and 99.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The use of MR images from an MR-linac used in a radiotherapy service for gynaecological brachytherapy was proved to be feasible, safe and precise as the geometrical differences were less than 1 mm, and the dosimetric differences were less than 1% when comparing to the use of CT images for the same purpose.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Differential diagnosis between benign uterine smooth muscle tumors and malignant counterpart is challenging. We evaluated the accuracy of a clinical and ultrasound based algorithm in predicting mesenchimal uterine malignancies (MUMs), including smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs). METHODS: We report the twelve-months follow-up of an observational, prospective, single-centre study that included women with at least one myometrial lesion ≥3 cm on ultrasound examination. These patients were classified according to a three-class diagnostic algorithm, using symptoms and ultrasound features. "White" patients underwent annual telephone follow-up for 2 years, "Green" patients underwent a clinical and ultrasound follow-up at 6, 12 and 24 months and "Orange" patients underwent surgery. We further developed a risk class system to stratify the malignancy risk. FINDINGS: 2,268 women were included andtarget lesion was classified as benign in 2,158 (95.1%), as other malignancies in 58 (2.6%) an as mesenchymal uterine malignancies in 52 (2.3%) patients. At multivariable analysis, age (OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.03-1.07), tumor diameter >8 cm (OR 5.92 (95% CI 2.87-12.24), irregular margins (OR 2.34 (95% CI 1.09-4.98), color score=4 (OR 2.73 (95% CI 1.28-5.82), were identified as independent risk factors for malignancies, whereas acoustic shadow resulted in an independent protective factor (OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.19-0.82). The model, which included age as a continuous variable and lesion diameter as a dichotomized variable (cut-off 81 mm), provided the best AUC (0.87 (95% CI 0.82-0.91)). A risk class system was developed, and patients were classified as low-risk (predictive model value <0.39%: 0/606 malignancies, risk 0%), intermediate risk (predictive model value 0.40%-2.2%: 9/1,093 malignancies, risk 0.8%), high risk (predictive model value ≥2.3%: 43/566 malignancies, risk 7.6%). CONCLUSION: The preoperative three-class diagnostic algorithm and risk class system can stratify women according to risk of malignancy. Our findings, if confirmed in a multicentre study, will permit differentiation between benign and MUMs allowing a personalized clinical approach. FUNDING: Nothing to declare.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a theory-driven multimodal cancer rehabilitation intervention (MCRI) programme among Hong Kong Chinese women treated for female reproductive cancers (FRC). METHODS: A single-blinded randomised controlled trial was conducted in two regional hospitals in Hong Kong involving 35 women treated for FRC. The intervention group (n = 18) received a 12-week MCRI which included 30 modules of app-based health education and three nurse-led individual counselling sessions. The control group (n = 17) received attention from the research nurse through telephone calls. Sense of coherence, health-related quality of life, and cancer-specific distress were measured at baseline (T0), immediately after completion of the intervention (T1) and 12 weeks post-intervention (T2). Twelve intervention completers were interviewed to explore the acceptability of the programme. RESULTS: Recruitment, consent, and retention rates, counselling session attendance rate, and app usage were satisfactory. The intervention participants reported to have significant improvement in physical well-being at T1 (Cohen's d effect size (d) = 1.04, 95% CI 0.24, 1.83), sense of coherence (d = 0.76, 95% CI - 0.03, 1.54), and cancer-specific distress (d = 1.03, 95% CI - 1.83, - 0.21) at T2. Interviewed participants acknowledged the benefits of the programme and provided comments for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The MCRI is found to be feasible and acceptable and may improve their sense of coherence, distress, and physical health. A full-scale trial using a larger and more representative sample is warranted to confirm the effects of the programme. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Women treated for FRC may be benefited from the MCRI in improving sense of coherence, physical well-being, and distress. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on ISRCTN registry with ID ISRCTN73177277.
ABSTRACT
Gynaecological cancers originate within the female reproductive system and are classified according to the site in the reproductive system where they arise. However, over 50 % of these malignancies are categorized as rare, encompassing 30 distinct histological subtypes, which complicates their diagnosis and treatment. The focus of this review is to give an overview of established in vitro models for the investigation of rare gynaecological cancers, as well as an overview of available online databases that contain detailed descriptions of cell line characteristics. Cell lines represent the main models for the research of carcinogenesis, drug resistance, pharmacodynamics and novel therapy treatment options. Nowadays, classic 2D cell models are increasingly being replaced with 3D cell models, such as spheroids, organoids, and tumoroids because they provide a more accurate representation of numerous tumour characteristics, and their response to therapy differs from the response of adherent cell lines. It is crucial to use the correct cell line model, as rare tumour types can show characteristics that differ from the most common tumour types and can therefore respond unexpectedly to classic treatment. Additionally, some cell lines have been misclassified or misidentified, which could lead to false results. Even though rare gynaecological cancers are rare, this review will demonstrate that there are available options for investigation of such cancers in vitro on biologically relevant models.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Pregnancy outcomes of different ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) in patients with adenomyosis are not explicit. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of different IVF/ICSI protocols on pregnancy outcomes. DESIGN: Meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane library were searched up to October 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Comparative studies on IVF/ICSI outcomes in the adenomyosis population were eligible. Studies on preimplantation genetic testing, reviews, case reports and animal experiments were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Valid information was extracted by two independent authors according to a standard data format. All analyses were conducted using Review Manager (RevMan, V.5.3). RESULTS: Compared with the non-adenomyosis population, adenomyosis was responsible for a 26% reduction in clinical pregnancy rate (CPR; 42.47% vs 55.89%, OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.82, p<0.00001), a 35% reduction in live birth rate (LBR; 30.72% vs 47.77%, OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.73, p<0.00001) and a 1.9-fold increase in miscarriage rate (MR; 27.82% vs 13.9%, OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.56 to 2.31, p<0.00001). Subgroup analysis suggested that, in fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles, the CPR (34.4% vs 58.25%) in the long/short/antagonist protocol group was poorer than that in the ultralong protocol group. In frozen ET (FET) cycles, there were no statistical differences in CPR ((GnRHa+FET) AM(adenomyosis) vs non-AM: 51.32% vs 43.48%, p=0.31; (non-GnRHa+FET) AM vs non-AM: 50.25% vs 60.10%, p=0.82), MR ((GnRHa+FET) AM vs non-AM:12.82% vs 12.50%, p=0.97; (non-GnRHa+FET) AM vs non-AM: 30.5% vs 15.54%, p=0.15) and LBR ((GnRHa+FET) AM vs non-AM:44.74% vs 36.96%, p=0.31; (non-GnRHa+FET) AM vs non-AM: 34.42% vs 50.25%, p=0.28). The MR in the adenomyosis group was high in the fresh ET and FET cycles. CONCLUSIONS: FET might be a better choice for women with adenomyosis, especially those pretreated with GnRHa. In fresh ET cycles, pregnancy outcomes of the long/short/antagonist protocols were poorer than those of the ultralong protocol. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022340743.
Subject(s)
Adenomyosis , Fertilization in Vitro , Pregnancy Rate , Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic , Humans , Female , Adenomyosis/therapy , Pregnancy , Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic/methods , Fertilization in Vitro/methods , Pregnancy Outcome , Ovulation Induction/methods , Infertility, Female/therapyABSTRACT
Purpose: In this retrospective pilot study, we aim to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the P-POSSUM and ACS-NSQIP surgical risk calculators in predicting postoperative complications in gynaecological-oncological (GO) robotic surgery (RS). Methods: Retrospective data collection undertaken through a dedicated GO database and patient notes at a tertiary referral cancer centre. Following data lock with the actual post-op event/complication, the risk calculators were used to measure predictive scores for each patient. Baseline analysis of 153 patients, based on statistician advice, was undertaken to evaluate P-POSSUM and ACS-NSQIP validity and relevance in GO patients undergoing RS performed. Results: P-POSSUM reports on mortality and morbidity only; ACS-NSQIP reports some individual complications as well. ACS-NSQIP risk prediction was most accurate for venous thromboembolism (VTE) (area under the curve (AUC)-0.793) and pneumonia (AUC-0.657) and it showed 90% accuracy in prediction of five major complications (Brier score 0.01). Morbidity was much better predicted by ACS-NSQIP than by P-POSSUM (AUC-0.608 vs. AUC-0.551) with the same result in mortality prediction (Brier score 0.0000). Moreover, a statistically significant overestimation of morbidity has been shown by the P-POSSUM calculator (p = 0.018). Conclusions: Despite the limitations of this pilot study, the ACS-NSQIP risk calculator appears to be a better predictor of major complications and mortality, making it suitable for use by GO surgeons as an informed consent tool. Larger data collection and analyses are ongoing to validate this further.
ABSTRACT
Breast carcinoma metastasis to the uterine cervix is a rare occurrence with diagnostic intricacies. We present a case of a 38-year-old woman diagnosed with bilateral stages IIIA and IIIB invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast who developed heavy vaginal bleeding post-treatment, revealing metastatic involvement of the cervix, confirmed by CT imaging and pathological examination, as the presenting sign of widely metastatic disease. This case underscores the importance of a thorough review of systems and physical exams as well as considering uncommon metastatic sites in breast cancer patients.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a patient-based self-assessed fatigue intervention aimed at promoting early postoperative ambulation. DESIGN: Prospective randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Single-centre, conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Xiangyang Central Hospital, China. PARTICIPANTS: Eligible were adult patients undergoing elective gynaecologic oncologic surgery. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group utilised a modified Borg Rating of Perceived Experience (RPE) scale for self-assessment of fatigue levels. The control group followed fixed-activity distance guidelines postoperatively. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the self-reported the time to first flatus postoperatively. Secondary outcomes encompassed the time to first defecation, incidence of moderate-to-severe abdominal distention, ileus, postambulation adverse events (nausea, vomiting and dizziness), patient satisfaction with early ambulation instructions, compliance with early ambulation and average hospital costs and length of stay. RESULTS: Between June 2021 and October 2022, 552 patients were enrolled. The self-assessed fatigue intervention group demonstrated non-inferior the time to first flatus compared with the fixed-activity distance assessment group (25.59±14.59 hours vs 26.10±14.19 hours, pnon-inferiority<0.001). Compliance with activity was higher in the intervention group (49.40% vs 36.02%, p<0.001), although it did not reach 50%. The intervention group also exhibited significantly higher mean hospital costs, length of stay and incidence of moderate-to-severe abdominal distention (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The self-assessed fatigue intervention for early postoperative ambulation in gynaecologic oncology patients shows promise as an effective strategy; however, compliance is suboptimal. An intervention based on mandatory, yet reasonable, fixed-activity distance may represent the most viable current approach. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CTR2100046035.
Subject(s)
Early Ambulation , Fatigue , Genital Neoplasms, Female , Gynecologic Surgical Procedures , Postoperative Complications , Humans , Female , Fatigue/etiology , Middle Aged , Genital Neoplasms, Female/surgery , Prospective Studies , Adult , Aged , Patient Satisfaction , China , Self-AssessmentABSTRACT
Purpose: Struma ovarii is a highly specialized teratoma consisting primarily of mature thyroid tissue. However, malignant struma ovarii coexisting with thyroid carcinoma, not to mention autoimmune disease, is uncommon. Malignant struma ovarii complicated with papillary thyroid carcinoma, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and polycystic ovarian syndrome has never been reported in literature. Patients and Methods: A 32-year-old female was admitted to our hospital due to a history of abdominal distension and menolipsis over the past half a year. Physical examination touched a 6 × 6 cm mass with a clear boundary, normal movement, and no pressing pain in the right adnexal area, Imaging revealed a cystic solid mass of 6 × 7 cm in the right ovary and the level of tumor markers including CA125, CA199, CA153, CEA, AFP were normal, but with low TSH and increased TPOAb, TGAb, TRAb. Laparoscopic right ovary tumor resection was performed, followed by comprehensive staging surgery, as well as thyroidectomy after pathologic diagnosis. The patient was diagnosed with a combination of follicular thyroid cancer from struma ovarii, papillary thyroid carcinoma and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, along with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Immunohistochemical staining showed positivity for Ag, CK-pan, CK7, PAX8 and TTF-1 in the right ovarian mass, and the left thyroid was positive for the BRAF V600E mutation. Results: The patient underwent thyroxine suppression therapy and radioactive iodine 131I therapy after operation. Serum thyroglobulin was undetectable, and no signs of recurrence or metastasis were detected in the imaging examination at the 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: Malignant struma ovarii coexisting with thyroid carcinoma is rare. No report has been identified in literature review on the rare malignant struma ovarii coexisting with thyroid carcinoma, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Our case can offer experience of diagnosis and treatment to some extent for such rare case. Therefore, it is essential to consider the association between ovarian tumors and the endocrine system. This case is valuable in understanding the diagnosis and management of such an unusual complicated disease.
ABSTRACT
As medical treatment increasingly focuses on improving health-related quality of life, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are an essential component of clinical research. The National Gynae-Oncology Registry (NGOR) is an Australian clinical quality registry. A suitable PROM was required for the NGOR ovarian cancer module to complement clinical outcomes and provide insights into outcomes important to patients. Our narrative review aimed to identify existing ovarian cancer-specific PROMs and ascertain which tool would be most appropriate for implementation into the NGOR ovarian cancer module.A literature review of Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE and PubMed databases was performed to identify existing ovarian cancer-specific PROM tools. A steering committee was convened to (1) determine the purpose of, and criteria for our required PROM; and (2) to review the available tools against the criteria and recommend the most appropriate one for implementation within the NGOR.The literature review yielded five tools: MOST, EORTC QLQ-OV28, FACIT-O, NFOSI-18 and QOL-OVCA. All were developed and validated for use in clinical trials, but none had been validated for use in clinical quality registry. Our expert steering committee pre-determined purpose of a PROM tool for use within the NGOR was to enable cross-service comparison and benchmarking to drive quality improvements. They identified that while there was no ideal, pre-existing, ovarian cancer-specific PROM tool for implementation into the NGOR, on the basis of its psychometric properties, its available translations, its length and its ability to be adapted, the EORTC tool is most fit-for-purpose for integration into the NGOR.This process enabled identification of the tool most appropriate to provide insights into how ovarian cancer treatments impact patients' quality of life and permit benchmarking across health services.
Subject(s)
Ovarian Neoplasms , Patient Reported Outcome Measures , Quality of Life , Registries , Humans , Female , Ovarian Neoplasms/therapy , AustraliaABSTRACT
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the psychological distress, sexual satisfaction, and quality of life of gynaecological cancer survivors and their spouses during cancer survivorship. BACKGROUND: The survival rate of patients with cancer is increasing owing to advances in medical treatment technology. Spouses are the closest companions of gynaecological cancer survivors. Patients with gynaecological cancer and their spouses face different situations and challenges after experiencing cancer invasion. DESIGN: Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: Convenience sampling was employed, and 180 participants, including patients with gynaecological cancer and their spouses, were enrolled. A structured questionnaire was used to investigate the psychological distress, sexual satisfaction, and quality of life of gynaecological cancer survivors and their spouses during acute, extended, and permanent survivorship. The STROBE checklist guided the study preparation. RESULTS: For gynaecological cancer survivors and their spouses, (1) severe psychological distress was present during acute survivorship, with anxiety extending until permanent survivorship; (2) no significant differences were observed in pre- and post-treatment sexual satisfaction, although pre-treatment sexual satisfaction was higher than post-treatment sexual satisfaction in all three cancer survivorship stages and (3) quality of life decreased during acute survivorship and gradually improved with time. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological distress, sexual satisfaction and quality of life of gynaecological cancer survivors and their spouses worsened during acute survivorship and improved over time until permanent survivorship. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Gynaecological cancer survivors and their spouses experience anxiety and depression from diagnosis confirmation until permanent survivorship (>5 years survival). Therefore, clinical nurses' sensitivity to emotional distress in cancer survivors and their spouses can be improved and a consistent and routine evaluation method has been established for the early detection of such emotional distress. The results of this study can provide a reference for clinical healthcare professionals and contribute to a better quality of care.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The aim was to determine which immobilisation device improved inter-fraction reproducibly of pelvic tilt and required the least pre-treatment setup and planning interventions. METHODS: Sixteen patients were retrospectively reviewed, eight immobilised using the BodyFIX system (BodyFIX®, Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) and eight using the Butterfly Board (BB) (Bionix Radiation Therapy, Toledo, OH, USA). The daily pre-treatment images were reviewed to assess setup variations between each patient and groups for pelvic tilt, pubic symphysis, sacral promontory and the fifth lumbar spine (L5). RESULTS: Compared with the planning CT, pelvic tilt for most patients was within ±2° using the BodyFIX and ± 4° for the BB. The Butterfly Board had a slightly higher variance both for patient-to-patient (standard deviation of the systematic error) and day-to-day error (standard deviation of the random error). Variance in position between individual patients and the two stabilisation devices were minimal in the anterior-posterior (AP) and superior-inferior (SI) direction for the pubic symphysis, sacral promontory and L5 spine. Re-imaged fractions due to pelvic tilt reduced by about half when BodyFIX was used (39.1% BB, 19.4% BodyFIX). One patient treated with the BB required a re-scan for pelvic tilt. Three patients required a re-scan for body contour variations (two using BodyFIX and one with the BB). CONCLUSIONS: BodyFIX resulted in a more accurate inter-fraction setup and efficient treatment and is used as the standard stabilisation for gynaecological patients at our centre. It reduced the pelvic tilt variance and reduced the need for re-imaging pre-treatment by half.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and gynaecological and colorectal cancers are highly prevalent diseases. Furthermore, the presence of DM constitutes a risk factor and poor prognostic indicator for these types of cancer. This study is based on the European Health Interview Surveys in Spain (EHISS) of 2014 and 2020. It aimed to determine the trends in adherence to screening tests for gynaecological cancers (breast and cervical) and colorectal cancer, compare adherence levels between populations with and without diabetes, and identify predictors of adherence in the population with diabetes. Methods: An epidemiological case-control study based on the EHISS data of 2014 and 2020 was conducted. The characteristics of participants who underwent screening tests were analysed based on the presence or absence of DM, and predictors of adherence to these preventive activities were identified. Results: A total of 1852 participants with reported DM and 1852 controls without DM, adjusted for age and sex, were included. A higher adherence to mammography was observed in women without diabetes compared to those with diabetes, although statistical significance was not reached (72.9% vs. 68.6%, p = 0.068). Similarly, higher Pap smear adherence was observed in the population without diabetes in the age group between 60 and 69 years compared to the population with diabetes (54.0% vs. 45.8%, p = 0.016). Pap smear adherence among women with diabetes was significantly higher in the EHISS of 2020 (52.0% in 2014 vs. 61.0% in 2020, p = 0.010), as was the case for faecal occult blood testing (13.8% in 2014 vs. 33.8% in 2020, p < 0.001), but it was not significant for mammography (70.4% in 2014 vs. 66.8% in 2020, p = 0.301). Overall, the predictors of adherence to screening tests were older age, history of cancer and higher education level. Conclusions: Adherence levels to cancer screening tests were lower in the population with diabetes compared to those without diabetes, although an improvement in Pap smear and faecal occult blood test adherence was observed in 2020 compared to 2014. Understanding predictors is important to improve adherence rates in the population with diabetes.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Radiotherapy treatment for gynaecological cancer has significant negative effects on sexual wellness and pleasure (1-3). Patients undergoing radiotherapy for gynaecological cancers have more sexual dysfunction and experience more sexual and depressive symptoms than those who undergo surgery alone (4). The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a crucial part of health and wellbeing and recognizes the importance of positive and respectful approaches to sexuality, alongside safe and pleasurable sexual experiences free from violence and coercion (5). METHODS: Taking a sex critical approach to sexual wellness and pleasure, this project aimed to support practitioners to have improved and impactful conversations with people receiving radiotherapy treatment for gynaecological cancers. A series of three professional development workshops were held to explore language, unpack assumptions and develop key competencies for practitioners. A fourth workshop involved co-development of resources for use by other practitioners. RESULTS: The group united, sharing insights, learning, and developing practices through reflection developing critical awareness about damaging silences around sexual wellness and pleasure. Co-created resources included conversation cards and a poster. CONCLUSION: The project aimed to build and extend research findings to develop practitioner skills in supporting sexual wellness and pleasure for people receiving gynae-radiotherapy. The study shows the benefits of discussing norms and harms associated with biomedically focused conversations in gynae-radiotherapy to acknowledge diversity and validate concerns about sexual wellbeing and pleasure. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A sex critical approach to sexual wellness and pleasure should be considered a core principle of care for patients during their treatment for gynaecological cancers. Conversations are a key (free) resource within the practitioner-patient relationship that can address and improve patients' psychosocial wellbeing.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Colposcopy is the most important diagnostic tool to detect cervical precancerous lesions and thereby prevention of cervical cancer. Due to age-dependent changes of the cervix, colposcopy is challenging in postmenopausal women, as the majority will have a non-visible transformation zone, resulting in increased risk of missing disease, a diagnostic cone biopsy and prolonged follow-up with repeated colposcopies. This study will be among the first to investigate, if treatment with vaginal oestrogen prior to colposcopy will improve the colposcopy performance, to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis of precancerous cervical lesions among postmenopausal women. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A randomised blinded controlled multicentre study. Enrolment will be performed at gynaecology departments in Central Denmark Region and Region of Southern Denmark. A total of 150 postmenopausal women aged ≥50 years referred for colposcopy due to abnormal cervical screening results will be randomised 1:1 to either pretreatment with vaginal application of Vagifem 30 µg or placebo once a day for 14 days prior to colposcopy. The primary outcome will be to compare the percentage of women in the two groups with a visible transformation zone at colposcopy, and biopsies representative of the transformation zone. Secondary outcomes will be the proportion of detected cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher in the cervical biopsies; the proportion of diagnostics cone biopsies; the patients' report on possible side effects and compliance to the pretreatment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the Central Denmark Region Committee on Biomedical Research Ethics (1-10-72-34-22), the Central Denmark Regions' Research Unit (1-16-02-72-22) and The Danish Health Authority (Danish Medicine Agency; 2022015030). The study's EudraCT number is (1-23-456; 2022-000269-42) and it is registered on www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov. The local Good Clinical Practice (GCP) unit will supervise and monitor the study closely before, during and after the study period. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented in relevant conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05283421.
Subject(s)
Colposcopy , Postmenopause , Uterine Cervical Dysplasia , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Colposcopy/methods , Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/diagnosis , Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/pathology , Middle Aged , Administration, Intravaginal , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis , Estrogens/administration & dosage , Denmark , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Multicenter Studies as Topic , Early Detection of Cancer/methodsABSTRACT
Gynaecological cancers are the most prevalent cancers in women, making them a major public health concern for decades. Health disparities and inequalities in access to care among different racial groups have been a major concern in the US healthcare system. This study was aimed at investigating cause-specific survival rates among non-white women with gynaecological cancer and to identify risk factors associated with gynaecological cancer mortality by race. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate 5-year survival estimates and various risk factors for gynaecological cancer among non-white women were analysed using Cox proportional hazard model. The findings of this study highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve access to care and reduce health disparities for non-white women with gynaecological cancer.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To assess the association of socioeconomic demographics with recommendation for and uptake of risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (rrBSO) in patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutations. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort, semistructured qualitative interviews. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: BRCA1/2 mutation carriers at an urban, public hospital with a racially and socioeconomically diverse population. INTERVENTION: None. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES: The primary outcomes were rate of rrBSO recommendation and completion. Secondary outcomes were sociodemographic variables associated with rrBSO completion. RESULTS: The cohort included 167 patients with BRCA1/2 mutations of whom 39% identified as black (n=65), 35% white (n=59) and 19% Hispanic (n=32). Over 95% (n=159) received the recommendation for age-appropriate rrBSO, and 52% (n=87) underwent rrBSO. Women who completed rrBSO were older in univariable analysis (p=0.05), but not in multivariable analysis. Completion of rrBSO was associated with residence in zip codes with lower unemployment and documented recommendation for rrBSO (p<0.05). All subjects who still received care in the health system (n=79) were invited to complete interviews regarding rrBSO decision-making, but only four completed surveys for a response rate of 5.1%. Themes that emerged included menopause, emotional impact and familial support. CONCLUSIONS: In this understudied population, genetic counselling and surrogates of financial health were associated with rrBSO uptake, highlighting genetics referrals and addressing social determinants of health as opportunities to improve cancer prevention and reduce health inequities. Our study demonstrates a need for more culturally centred recruiting methods for qualitative research in marginalised communities to ensure adequate representation in the literature regarding rrBSO.