Burden of Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related disease and potential impact of HPV vaccines in the Republic of Korea.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to review the burden and the potential impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines on HPV-related diseases in the Republic of Korea and to discuss cervical cancer prevention practices in this country. METHODS: Cancer burden statistics were retrieved from GLOBOCAN-2018 and Statistics Korea. HPV disease burden was assessed via systematic review. Vaccine types relative contribution (RC) was estimated using data from an international project using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. RESULTS: Despite a downtrend in cervical cancer in recent years, Korean rates remain high. In contrast, oropharyngeal cancer incidence has gradually increased and other anogenital cancers remain rare. In Korea, HPV prevalence in general population is around 20%. In cervical cancer, RC of HPVs 16/18 (74.0%) increased to 92.0% when including HPVs 31/33/45/52/58. Limited information was available for other HPV-related cancer sites. Regarding prevention, since the inclusion of the HPV vaccine into the National Immunization Program, almost half (49%) of the target cohort in 2016 had received the first dose of vaccine. Further, percentage of women screened with pap has increased from 41.1%-2009 to 53.0%-2016. CONCLUSIONS: HPV-related disease burden in Korea is significant. Results suggest that the combination of effective and high coverage HPV vaccination and screening programmes could substantially impact on HPV-related disease in Korea.

A systematic review of contextual factors relating to smokeless tobacco use among South Asian users in England.

INTRODUCTION: Certain types of smokeless tobacco (ST) are popular among some people of South Asian origin in England; however, little is known about the contextual factors surrounding use in this population. This systematic review explores the factors associated with ST use among people of South Asian origin in England. METHODS: An iterative search strategy in targeted databases and grey literature sources was conducted in the summer of 2011. Data extractions and quality assessments were completed and verified by two reviewers, and results were presented as a narrative. RESULTS: A total of 2,968 references were screened by two reviewers who agreed on the inclusion of 14 studies. ST use is more prevalent among older participants who may have started chewing in India; however, the evidence suggests that some younger English-born South Asians are using ST as well. Reasons for chewing included the use of these products in times of stress, boredom or simply to relax. Traditional health messages and prior held beliefs may lead them to chew these products because of misconceptions about their health benefits, since very few people were aware of the health risks. Many expressed a desire to quit, however found it difficult to go without ST. CONCLUSION: This review examines the complex factors that underpin and influence ST use among South Asians in England with the potential of informing targeted interventions and health policy.

Preventable exposures associated with human cancers.

Information on the causes of cancer at specific sites is important to cancer control planners, cancer researchers, cancer patients, and the general public. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph series, which has classified human carcinogens for more than 40 years, recently completed a review to provide up-to-date information on the cancer sites associated with more than 100 carcinogenic agents. Based on IARC's review, we listed the cancer sites associated with each agent and then rearranged this information to list the known and suspected causes of cancer at each site. We also summarized the rationale for classifications that were based on mechanistic data. This information, based on the forthcoming IARC Monographs Volume 100, offers insights into the current state-of-the-science of carcinogen identification. Use of mechanistic data to identify carcinogens is increasing, and epidemiological research is identifying additional carcinogens and cancer sites or confirming carcinogenic potential under conditions of lower exposure. Nevertheless, some common human cancers still have few (or no) identified causal agents.

The missing element: Incorporating culturally-specific clinical practices in HIV prevention programs for African-American females.

African American females are disproportionally affected with new cases of HIV. High risk sexual practices contribute significantly to the incidence and prevalence of this public health problem. It is critical for advance practice nurses to acknowledge the relevance of cultural sensitivity when providing optimal care to African-American females. This article describes behavioral change interventions tailored to address cultural and socioeconomic aspects of HIV prevention among African-American females who attend historically black colleges and universities and is relevant for the African-American community at large.

Access of Black, Hispanic, and nonprivately insured women to liquid-based cytology, human papillomavirus DNA testing, and on-site colposcopy in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patient race, ethnicity, or insurance status was associated with access to cervical cancer screening with liquid-based cytology (LBC) and with human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing and with access to on-site colposcopy at the provider's principal practice site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a nationally representative survey of clinicians in specialties that provide cervical cancer screening. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were estimated for the associations between race, ethnicity, and insurance status of patients and provider use of LBC, HPV DNA testing, and on-site colposcopy. RESULTS: Providers who cared for >or=20% Hispanic patients were less likely to use LBC (OR 0.60, 95% CI=0.42-0.84). Providers who cared for >or=25% black women (OR 0.71, 95% CI=0.51-0.98) and providers who cared for <75% privately insured patients (OR 0.66, 95% CI=0.46-0.95) were less likely to use HPV DNA testing. Providers who cared for <75% privately insured patients were less likely to have on-site colposcopy (OR 0.57, 95% CI=0.37-0.89), but those who cared for >or=20% Medicaid patients were more likely to have on-site colposcopy (OR 1.86, 95% CI=1.26-2.73). CONCLUSIONS: Given the high rates of cervical cancer in minority women, access to cervical cancer screening and diagnostic follow-up must be ensured. It may also be beneficial to ensure affordable access to technologies such HPV DNA testing that increases the sensitivity of disease detection and to on-site colposcopy that facilitates follow-up of abnormal cytology.

Use of DNA tests for human Papillomavirus infection by US clinicians, 2004.

Since 1999, human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA tests have been approved only for abnormal cervical cytology management and as an adjunct to cervical cytology screening. To assess HPV DNA testing practices, we mailed surveys to 6906 randomly selected clinicians in mid-2004. Awareness (87%) and ever use (67%) of HPV DNA tests was high. Test users were more likely than nonusers to be obstetricians/gynecologists or midwives, to be female, and to serve mainly privately insured patients. Respondents reported ever using HPV DNA tests for both approved and nonapproved indications, which included testing for HPV infection in women with anogenital warts or other sexually transmitted diseases, in their sex partners, and in men. Interventions are needed to discourage HPV DNA test use for nonapproved indications.

Anogenital warts knowledge and counseling practices of US clinicians: results from a national survey.

OBJECTIVES: To examine messages US clinicians use when counseling patients diagnosed with anogenital warts. STUDY DESIGN: In mid-2004, we conducted a confidential mail survey of nationally representative samples of physicians practicing internal and adolescent medicine, family/general practice, obstetrics/gynecology, urology, or dermatology; nurse midwives; physician assistants; and nurse practitioners. The survey assessed knowledge and counseling practices of clinicians who had diagnosed anogenital warts. RESULTS: After adjusting for survey eligibility, 81% responded. Most (89%) were aware that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes anogenital warts, but only 48% were aware that oncogenic and wart-related HPV genotypes usually differ. Most (>95%) clinicians reported telling patients with warts that warts are an STD, are caused by a virus, or that their sex partners may have or may acquire warts. Many clinicians (>/=85%) also reported discussing STD prevention or assessing STD risk with such patients. Most reported addressing ways to prevent HPV (89%), including using condoms; limiting sex partners or practicing monogamy; or abstinence. Many also reported recommending prompt (82%) or more frequent (52%) Pap testing to female patients with anogenital warts. Potential barriers to counseling included providing definitive answers on how HPV infection was acquired, dealing with patients' psychosocial issues, and inadequate reimbursement. CONCLUSIONS: Most surveyed clinicians appropriately counseled patients about the cause and prevention of anogenital warts. However, many clinicians were unaware that oncogenic and wart-related HPV types usually differ, and this may explain why many reported recommending more aggressive cervical cancer screening for female patients with warts.

Cervical cancer screening, abnormal cytology management, and counseling practices in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed clinician knowledge and practices since the marketing of tests for sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) and the release of HPV testing guidelines for two indications: 1) as an adjunct to cytologic screening and 2) to guide colposcopic triage of patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) cytology results. METHODS: In mid-2004, we surveyed nationally representative, random samples of clinicians practicing specialties that provide cytologic screening. Mail surveys addressed HPV-related knowledge, screening, abnormal cytology management, HPV testing, and counseling practices. RESULTS: The overall adjusted response rate was 82%. Of the 2,980 (89%) clinicians providing cytologic screening, 99% knew that HPV infection increases cervical cancer risk, and 91% were aware of HPV tests. Of the 21% who reported ever using HPV tests as an adjunct to cytology, more reported usually testing patients aged less than 30 years (which guidelines do not recommend) than older patients (which guidelines do recommend). Of the 63% of clinicians who ever ordered HPV tests for abnormal cytology results, 84% usually ordered tests for ASC-US results and preferentially advised colposcopy if HPV tests were positive, as guidelines recommend. However, more than 60% usually ordered HPV tests for higher-grade abnormalities, which is not recommended for colposcopy triage. Although few sought HPV test consent, most discussed sexually transmitted HPV with patients with abnormal cytology or positive HPV tests despite potentially negative psychosocial consequences. CONCLUSION: New HPV tests and testing guidelines have transformed screening, abnormal cytology management, and counseling practices. Although many U.S. clinicians reported using HPV tests according to guidelines, many also reported inappropriate use.

Family physicians' knowledge of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-related conditions, United States, 2004.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Information about human papillomavirus (HPV) has evolved rapidly and HPV DNA tests are now available. Little is known about family physicians' knowledge about HPV and how it relates to HPV test use and counseling practices. METHODS: In mid-2004, confidential surveys were mailed to a nationally representative sample of 760 family physicians. We assessed and analyzed relationships between knowledge about HPV, HPV test use, and counseling messages provided when collecting cervical cytology and managing anogenital warts. RESULTS: The adjusted response rate was 68% (n=368). Ninety-one percent provided cervical cancer screening, and 90% had managed genital warts. Responses indicated that more than 90% had up-to-date knowledge about several issues: HPV infection is common, persistent infection increases risk of cervical neoplasia, and treatment does not eliminate the causative infection. However, fewer than 50% were aware that HPV infections may clear spontaneously and that the HPV types associated with warts and cervical neoplasia differ. Only 57% had ever used HPV tests. Some HPV knowledge varied by clinician characteristics, and knowledge was associated with HPV test use but not counseling messages. CONCLUSIONS: Most physicians were aware of new information about HPV infection, but some were unaware of important information relevant for patient counseling. These topics have been highlighted in new clinical training and patient education materials.