Real-world data on metastatic breast cancer in Goiânia, Brazil: a 17-year analysis (1995­2011)

Introduction: Most of the data on metastatic breast cancer (MBC) originate from hospital-based studies or controlled trials involving specific populations and controlled treatments. In this respect, few population-based studies have analyzed the profile of MBC in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of women with de novo MBC using data from a population-based cancer registry (PBCR). Methods: An ecological study conducted in a PBCR in Goiânia, Brazil, for the 1995­2011 period. Women with MBC at diagnosis were included and the standardized incidence rate and annual percent change (APC) over the period were calculated. The women's clinical and demographic characteristics and data on diagnosis and treatment were analyzed. Results: Overall, 5,289 cases of breast cancer were registered in the Goiânia PBCR, 277 (5.2%) at metastatic stage. The adjusted incidence was 8.9/100,000 in 1995 and 6.04/100,000 in 2011 (APC: 1.1; p=0.6). Most of the patients (70.3%) were receiving care within the public healthcare system and the mean age at diagnosis was 54.7±14.5 years. Additional data for a subpopulation of 156 patients were identified at the city's two main treatment centers. According to immunohistochemistry, 53 women (67.1%) had hormone receptor-positive cancer. Of these, 14.0% (6/43) received endocrine therapy as first-line systemic treatment and 48.5% (17/35) as second-line treatment. A comparison of clinical data between the 1995­2003 and 2004­2011 periods revealed no significant differences in age, histological grade, locoregional staging, the presence of symptoms at diagnosis, or in treatment. Conclusion: This study population of women with MBC consisted predominantly of locally advanced tumors and the luminal-like subtype. The incidence rate of MBC in Goiânia did not change over the 17-year period. Most cases received chemotherapy as firstline systemic treatment irrespective of the tumor phenotype.

Low Overall Survival in Women With De Novo Metastatic Breast Cancer: Does This Reflect Tumor Biology or a Lack of Access to Health Care?

PURPOSE: As a result of its epidemiologic and therapeutic aspects, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a highly relevant clinical condition. This study aimed to estimate overall survival (OS) in women with de novo MBC in a Brazilian population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were identified in the Goiânia population-based cancer registry between 1995 and 2011. All women with metastatic disease at diagnosis were included in the study. OS was analyzed at 5 and 10 years of follow-up. We used the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox regression for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Over the 16-year period covered by the study, 5,289 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in Goiânia. Of these, 277 women (5.2%) had MBC. OS rates at 5 and 10 years were 19.9% and 7.3%, respectively. The mean OS time of women treated in the public health system was 7.5 months shorter than in women who had private health care (19.7 v 27.2 months, respectively). In the univariable analysis, the following factors were statistically significant for OS: T3/4 staging, histologic grade 3, progesterone receptor status, tumor phenotype, breast surgery, CNS metastasis at initial presentation, and surgery for resection of metastasis. In multivariable analysis, initial CNS metastasis (hazard ratio, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.16 to 8.19) and breast surgery (hazard ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.78) remained independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: OS was lower than rates found in specialist centers in Brazil and in developed countries. Several intrinsic and extrinsic factors were significant in predicting OS. Despite the difference in the 5-year survival rate, the type of access to health care was not significant in the multivariable analysis of the entire period.

Trends in the Incidence of Breast Cancer Following the Radiological Accident in Goiânia: A 25-Year Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The largest radiological accident to occur in any urban area happened in Goiânia, Brazil, in 1987. One major concern regarding deleterious effects in the population was a possible increase in the breast cancer incidence. This study analyzed trends in the incidence of breast cancer over the 25-year period following the radiological accident. METHODS: This ecological, population-based study was conducted to determine the incidence of breast cancer in female residents of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, between 1988 and 2012. The data were collected from the Goiânia population-based cancer registry. Crude and age-standardized incidence rates were calculated. The Joinpoint software program was used to calculate annual percent changes (APC) in the incidence of breast cancer. RESULTS: Overall, 7,365 new cases of breast cancer were identified, with an annual crude incidence rate of 23.09/100,000 women in 1988 and of 71.65/100,000 women in 2012. The age-standardized incidence rate was 35.63/100,000 women in 1988 and 65.63/100,000 women in 2012. Analysis of the APC showed a significant annual increase of 4.8% in the incidence between 1988 and 2005 (p<0.0001) followed by stabilization in 2005-2012, with an APC of -3.5% (p=0.1). CONCLUSION: There was an increase in the incidence of breast cancer in the female residents of Goiânia, Goiás in the first 17 years of evaluation (1988-2004) followed by a period of stabilization until 2012. However, the trends in the incidence suggest a lack of association with the radiological accident.

Temporal changes in breast cancer screening coverage provided under the Brazilian National Health Service between 2008 and 2017.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, 70% of the population depends on the public healthcare system. Since early detection is considered crucial, this study aimed to evaluate temporal changes in breast cancer screening coverage provided under the Brazilian National Health Service (SUS) according to the different regions of the country between 2008 and 2017. METHODS: This ecological study analyzed data on breast cancer screening within the SUS for women aged 50-69 years. Coverage was calculated from the ratio between the number of screening tests conducted and the expected number for the target population. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate annual percent changes (APC) in coverage. RESULTS: Around 19 million mammograms were performed in 50-69-year old women within the SUS between 2008 and 2016. The estimated APC indicates that breast cancer screening coverage increased by 14.5% annually in Brazil between 2008 and 2012 (p < 0.01), with figures stabilizing between 2012 and 2017 as shown by an APC of - 0.4% (p = 0.3). In the five geographic regions of the country, the APC initially increased, then stabilized in the north, northeast and southeast and decreased in the south and Midwest. Of the 26 states, coverage increased in seven and remained stable in six. In the other 13, there was an initial increase followed by stabilization in 11, and a reduction in coverage in two. In the Federal District, coverage remained stable throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the temporal changes in breast cancer screening coverage provided under the Brazilian National Health Service revealed an initial increase, confirming that public policies were effective, although insufficient to ensure organized screening. There appears to be a lack of uniformity between the different regions and states and this situation is highlighted in the final 5-year period, with the APC reflecting stabilization of breast cancer screening coverage.

Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy Patients and Resynchronization Therapy: a Survival Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease represents an important health problem with socioeconomic impacts in many Latin-American countries. It is estimated that 20% to 30% of the people infected by Trypanosoma cruzi will develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), which is generally accompanied by heart failure (HF). Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may be indicated for patients with HF and electromechanical dysfunctions. OBJECTIVE: The primary endpoint of this study was to analyze the response to CRT in patients with CCC, while the secondary endpoint was to estimate the survival rates of CRT responder patients. METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study. The records of 50 patients with CRT pacing devices implanted between June 2009 and March 2017 were analyzed. For statistical analyses, Pearson's correlation was used along with Student's t-test, and survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Out of 50 patients, 56% were male, with a mean age of 63.4±13.3 years and an average CRT duration of 61.2±21.7 months. The mean QRS duration was 150.12±12.4 ms before and 116.04±2.2 ms after the therapy (P<0.001). The mean left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) were 29±7% and 39.1±12.2% before and after CRT, respectively (P<0.001). A total of 35 (70%) patients had a reduction of at least one New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class after six months of therapy (P=0.014). The survival rate after 72 months was 45%. CONCLUSION: This study showed clinical improvement and a nonsignificant survival rate in patients with CCC after the use of CRT.

Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial on the use of paracetamol for performing mammography.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted within the Goias Mastology Research Network. To verify the possibility of diminishing pain, and discomfort during the mammography using analgesic administration. METHODS: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial, testing paracetamol to diminish the pain, and discomfort during mammography. Three hundred patients who came for screening mammography were randomized for this study. A questionnaire with 2 parts was used: the first had questions that concerned the patient identification, and factors related to the pain during mammography; and the second asked about the scale of discomfort (no discomfort; uncomfortable; very uncomfortable; intolerable), and the pain (analogical linear scale) during the mammography. Each patient received 1000 mg of paracetamol, or placebo. Afterwards each patient filled out the second part of the questionnaire. Six patients were excluded from the analysis; this resulted in 149 in the paracetamol group, and 145 in the placebo group. RESULTS: The 2 groups were homogenous concerning the mean of the ages, weight, height, and breast size. The mean of the pain was 3.5 in the paracetamol, and 2.8 in the placebo group (P = .12). There were fewer women experiencing mild pain in the paracetamol group when compared with those in placebo group (relative risk [RR] 0.76, confidence interval [CI] 95% 0.52-0.98). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups, according to the degrees of discomfort (P =  .69). CONCLUSION: The use of paracetamol can reduces the mild pain for women undergoing mammography.

Chronic chagas cardiomyopathy patients and resynchronization therapy: a survival analysis

Abstract Introduction: Chagas disease represents an important health problem with socioeconomic impacts in many Latin-American countries. It is estimated that 20% to 30% of the people infected by Trypanosoma cruzi will develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), which is generally accompanied by heart failure (HF). Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may be indicated for patients with HF and electromechanical dysfunctions. Objective: The primary endpoint of this study was to analyze the response to CRT in patients with CCC, while the secondary endpoint was to estimate the survival rates of CRT responder patients. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study. The records of 50 patients with CRT pacing devices implanted between June 2009 and March 2017 were analyzed. For statistical analyses, Pearson's correlation was used along with Student's t-test, and survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 50 patients, 56% were male, with a mean age of 63.4±13.3 years and an average CRT duration of 61.2±21.7 months. The mean QRS duration was 150.12±12.4 ms before and 116.04±2.2 ms after the therapy (P<0.001). The mean left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) were 29±7% and 39.1±12.2% before and after CRT, respectively (P<0.001). A total of 35 (70%) patients had a reduction of at least one New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class after six months of therapy (P=0.014). The survival rate after 72 months was 45%. Conclusion: This study showed clinical improvement and a nonsignificant survival rate in patients with CCC after the use of CRT.

Is there a correlation between the spinal instability neoplastic score and mechanical pain in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression? A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The decision for selecting patients for surgical treatment of metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) is challenging even for experienced surgeons. Recently, the spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS) has been proposed to help surgeons in the evaluation of spinal stability in the setting of spinal metastases. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between SINS and preoperative visual analog scale (VAS), as well as the pre- and post-operative association of the VAS and neurological function. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary referral cancer center. Seventy-nine patients with MSCC were surgically treated from June 2012 to March 2015. Pain status before and after surgery was assessed using VAS score, and neurological status was evaluated using the American Spine Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) before and after surgery. Pain was classified as VAS (0-4) none or mild pain; VAS (5-8) moderate pain; and VAS (9-10) as severe pain. Neurological function was scored as AIS A: Complete deficits, AIS B-D: Incomplete deficits, AIS E: Neurologically intact. SINS degrees were classified as 0-6-stable; 7-12 potentially unstable, and 13-18-unstable. Spearman's correlation coefficient test was utilized for correlation between pain and SINS; Chi-square association test was utilized for evaluating pre- and post-operative pain and AIS, as well as the association between SINS and tumor types. RESULTS: A higher SINS correlates with severe mechanical pain preoperatively (ρ = 0.38, P = 0.001); surgical procedure improved neurological function (P = 0.0001), and decrease pain (P = 0.84). Finally, a higher SINS was also associated with osteolytic tumors (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The SINS correlates with mechanical pain. Surgery provides a significant improvement in pain and neurological status, especially in patients who presented higher SINS scores and some degree of preoperative neurological function.

Prognostic factors and overall survival of breast cancer in the city of Goiania, Brazil: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the overall survival and prognostic factors of women with breast cancer in the city of Goiânia. METHODS: this is a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study that included women with malignant neoplasms of the breast identified by the Goiânia Population-based Cancer Registry. The variables studied were age at diagnosis, tumor size, staging, axillary lymph node involvement, tumor grade, disease extent, hormone receptors, and c-erb-B2 oncoprotein. We performed overall survival analyzes of five and ten years. RESULTS: we included 2,273 patients in the study, with an overall survival of 72.1% in five years and 57.8% in ten years. In the multivariate analysis adjusted for tumor size, the factors that influenced the prognosis were axillary lymph nodes, histological grade, progesterone receptor, c erb B2, T staging and disease extension. CONCLUSION: overall survival in ten years is below that observed in other countries, and possibly reflects what happens with the majority of the Brazilian population. The prognostic factors found in this population follow the same international patterns.

Prognostic factors and overall survival of breast cancer in the city of Goiania, Brazil: a population-based study / Fatores prognósticos do câncer de mama e sobrevida global em cinco e dez anos na cidade de Goiânia, Brasil: estudo de base populacional

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the overall survival and prognostic factors of women with breast cancer in the city of Goiânia. Methods: this is a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study that included women with malignant neoplasms of the breast identified by the Goiânia Population-based Cancer Registry. The variables studied were age at diagnosis, tumor size, staging, axillary lymph node involvement, tumor grade, disease extent, hormone receptors, and c-erb-B2 oncoprotein. We performed overall survival analyzes of five and ten years. Results: we included 2,273 patients in the study, with an overall survival of 72.1% in five years and 57.8% in ten years. In the multivariate analysis adjusted for tumor size, the factors that influenced the prognosis were axillary lymph nodes, histological grade, progesterone receptor, c erb B2, T staging and disease extension. Conclusion: overall survival in ten years is below that observed in other countries, and possibly reflects what happens with the majority of the Brazilian population. The prognostic factors found in this population follow the same international patterns.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a sobrevida global e os fatores prognósticos de mulheres com câncer de mama na cidade de Goiânia. Métodos: estudo observacional, retrospectivo, transversal, que incluiu mulheres portadoras de neoplasias malignas da mama identificadas pelo Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional de Goiânia. As variáveis estudadas foram: idade ao diagnóstico, tamanho do tumor, estadiamento, comprometimento dos linfonodos axilares, grau tumoral, extensão da doença, receptores hormonais e oncoproteína c-erb-B2. Foram realizadas análises de sobrevida global, de cinco e de dez anos. Resultados: foram incluídas no estudo 2273 pacientes, com sobrevida global em cinco anos de 72,1% e de 57,8% em dez anos. Na análise multivariada ajustada pelo tamanho do tumor, os fatores que influenciaram o prognóstico foram: linfonodos axilares, grau histológico, receptor de progesterona, c-erb-B2, estadiamento T e extensão da doença. Conclusão: a sobrevida global em dez anos está abaixo da observada em outros países, e possivelmente reflete o que acontece com a maioria da população brasileira. Os fatores prognósticos encontrados nesta população seguem o mesmo padrão internacional.

Trends in breast cancer surgery at Brazil's public health system.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze time trend patterns in Breast Cancer (BC) surgeries performed at Brazil's Public Health System, known as SUS from 2008 to 2014. METHODS: Ecological study of time series, based on the database system from SUS. Information on surgical procedures performed for BC treatment was collected. Analysis of the absolute number of surgeries was performed using Poisson Regression through Jointpoint Regression, and the trends were calculated through the annual percentage change (APC), with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%, and statistical significance when P < 0.05. RESULTS: Data analysis from 193.596 breast surgeries revealed a reduced number of simple mastectomies (APC -4.4%; CI -7.4 to -1.4; P < 0.05); stable trends in radical mastectomy with lymphadenectomy (APC -1.0%; CI -2.4 to 0.5; P = 0.1) and breast conserving surgery (APC 0.4%; CI -1.6 to 2.4; P = 0.6). Also, we observed a reduced number of axillary lymphadenectomy dissection (APC -16.8%; CI -26.8 to -5.4; P < 0.05); increased trends in breast reconstruction with implants after 2011 (APC 9.1%; CI 0.1-18.8; P < 0.05) and with flaps after 2012 (APC 61.3%; CI 41.3-84.0; P < 0.05). The overall rate of patients with breast reconstruction increased from 15% in 2008 to 29.2% in 2014. CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant increase in breast reconstruction in public health system in Brazil, and also a reduction in simple mastectomy and axillary lymphadenectomy.

Monitoring the profile of cervical cancer in a developing city.

BACKGROUND: Medical records are frequently consulted to verify whether the treatment and guiding principles were correct. Determine incidence and mortality trends of in situ and invasive neoplasms of the uterine cervix, in the period 1988-2004 in Goiânia, Brazil. METHODS: The incident cases were identified through the Population-Based Cancer Registry of Goiânia. Population data were collected from census data of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. For mortality analysis, data were extracted from the Mortality Information System. The Poisson Regression was utilized to determine the annual incidence and mortality rates. RESULTS: A total of 4446 cases of in situ and invasive neoplasms of the uterine cervix were identified. No significant reductions were verified in invasive cervical cancer rates (p=0.386) during the study period, while in situ carcinomas presented an annual increasing trend of 13.08% (p<0.001). A decreasing trend was observed for mortality (3.02%, p=0.017). CONCLUSION: No reduction was observed for the incidence of invasive cancer of the uterine cervix; however, increasing trends were verified for in situ lesions with a consequent reduction in mortality rates. These increasing trends may be the result of recently-implemented screening programs or due to improvements in the notification system.

[Venous and lymphatic alterations in women with lymphedema after axillary lymphadenectomy in breast cancer treatment]. / Alterações venosas e linfáticas em mulheres com linfedema após linfadenectomia axilar no tratamento do câncer de mama.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the venous axillary-subclavian and lymphatic systems of women with lymphedema after axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer treatment. METHODS: This was a case series involving 11 women with unilateral upper limb lymphedema after axillary lymphedenectomy for the treatment of breast cancer. The study was carried out in the Mastology Program of the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, during the period between March 2010 and March 2011. Doppler velocimetry ultrasonography was used to detect the presence of venous changes in the subclavian and axillary veins. Lymphatic changes were evaluated by lymphoscintigraphy in both upper limbs. Fisher's exact test was used for the comparison between limbs. RESULTS: Subclavian vein flow volume in the upper limb with lymphedema was significantly different from that in the contralateral limb (p<0.001), 54.6% of the women had increased flow. In the axillary vein, 45.4% had increased flow and 45.4% had decreased flow, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) between limbs. Compared to the contralateral limb, significant lymphatic changes (p<0.05) were also found in the vessel route (not visualized), number of lymphatic vessels (none), axillary lymph nodes (absent) and dermal reflux (present). In the contralateral upper limb without lymphedema, no venous or lymphatic alterations were encountered. CONCLUSION: The women subjected to axillary lymphadenectomy for the treatment of breast cancer presented both venous and lymphatic changes in the upper limb with lymphedema.

Alterações venosas e linfáticas em mulheres com linfedema após linfadenectomia axilar no tratamento do câncer de mama / Venous and lymphatic alterations in women with lymphedema after axillary lymphadenectomy in breast cancer treatment

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações do sistema venoso axilo-subclávio e do sistema linfático em mulheres com linfedema após linfadenectomia axilar para o tratamento do câncer de mama. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de série de casos, envolvendo 11 mulheres com linfedema unilateral de membro superior após linfadenectomia axilar para o tratamento do câncer de mama. O estudo foi realizado em hospital universitário do Brasil Central no período compreendido entre os meses de março de 2010 e março de 2011. Avaliou-se a presença de alterações venosas nas veias subclávia e axilar, por meio do exame de ultrassonografia com dopplervelocimetria, e de alterações linfáticas, pela linfocintilografia, em ambos os membros superiores. O teste Exato de Fisher foi utilizado na comparação entre os membros. RESULTADOS: No membro superior com linfedema, detectou-se diferença significativa na veia subclávia, em relação ao membro contralateral, quanto ao volume do fluxo (p<0,001), sendo que 54,6% das mulheres apresentaram fluxo aumentado. Já, na veia axilar, 45,4% apresentaram fluxo aumentado e 45,4% reduzido, com diferença significante (p<0,01) na comparação entre os membros. Também foram observadas alterações linfáticas significativas (p<0,05), em relação ao membro contralateral, representadas pelo trajeto do vaso (não visibilizado), número de vasos linfáticos (nenhum), linfonodos axilares (ausentes) e refluxo dérmico (presente). No membro superior contralateral sem linfedema, não foram encontradas alterações venosas ou linfáticas. CONCLUSÃO: As mulheres submetidas à linfadenectomia axilar para o tratamento do câncer de mama apresentam tanto alterações venosas quanto linfáticas no membro superior com linfedema.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the venous axillary-subclavian and lymphatic systems of women with lymphedema after axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer treatment. METHODS: This was a case series involving 11 women with unilateral upper limb lymphedema after axillary lymphedenectomy for the treatment of breast cancer. The study was carried out in the Mastology Program of the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, during the period between March 2010 and March 2011. Doppler velocimetry ultrasonography was used to detect the presence of venous changes in the subclavian and axillary veins. Lymphatic changes were evaluated by lymphoscintigraphy in both upper limbs. Fisher's exact test was used for the comparison between limbs. RESULTS: Subclavian vein flow volume in the upper limb with lymphedema was significantly different from that in the contralateral limb (p<0.001), 54.6% of the women had increased flow. In the axillary vein, 45.4% had increased flow and 45.4% had decreased flow, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) between limbs. Compared to the contralateral limb, significant lymphatic changes (p<0.05) were also found in the vessel route (not visualized), number of lymphatic vessels (none), axillary lymph nodes (absent) and dermal reflux (present). In the contralateral upper limb without lymphedema, no venous or lymphatic alterations were encountered. CONCLUSION: The women subjected to axillary lymphadenectomy for the treatment of breast cancer presented both venous and lymphatic changes in the upper limb with lymphedema.

Cervical cancer mortality trends in Brazil: 1980-2009.

The objective was to describe time trends in cervical cancer mortality rates in Brazil as a whole and in the country's major geographic regions and States from 1980 to 2009. This was an ecological time series study using data recorded in the Mortality Information System (SIM) and census data collected by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Analysis of mortality trends was performed using Poisson regression. Cervical cancer mortality rates in Brazil tended to stabilize. In the geographic regions, a downward trend was observed in the South (-4.1%), Southeast (-3.3%), and Central-West (-1%) and an upward trend in the Northeast (3.5%) and North (2.7%). The largest decreases were observed in the States of São Paulo (-5.1%), Rio Grande do Sul, Espírito Santo, and Paraná (-4.0%). The largest increases in mortality trends occurred in Paraíba (12.4%), Maranhão (9.8%), and Tocantins (8.9%). Cervical cancer mortality rates stabilized in the country as a whole, but there was a downward trend in three geographic regions and 10 States, while two geographic regions and another 10 States showed increasing rates.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer in a low-incidence area of Brazil.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES Esophageal cancer is the eighth commonest type of cancer worldwide, occupying sixth place in terms of mortality. Smoking and alcohol use are known risk factors for this type of cancer. The aim here was to evaluate the risk factors for esophageal cancer in a low-incidence area. DESIGN AND SETTING Case-control study in Goiânia, with 99 cases of esophageal cancer and 223 controls. METHODS The variables were sociodemographic, dietary, occupational and lifestyle data. The sample was analyzed using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and Mantel-Haenszel approach for multivariate analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 5% significance and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS The risk of esophageal cancer was higher in patients ≥ 55 years (OR = 1.95; P < 0.001). Patients from rural areas were at greater risk of esophageal cancer (OR = 4.9; P < 0.001). Smoking was a risk factor among the cases (OR = 3.8; P < 0.001), as was exposure to woodstoves (OR = 4.42; P < 0.001). The practice of oral sex was not a risk factor (OR = 0.45; P = 0.04). Consumption of apples, pears, vegetables, cruciferous vegetables and fruit juices were protective against esophageal cancer. CONCLUSION In a region in which the incidence of esophageal cancer is low, the most significant risk factors were exposure to woodstoves, smoking and living in rural areas.

Cervical cancer mortality trends in Brazil: 1980-2009 / Tendência da mortalidade por câncer do colo do útero no Brasil: 1980 a 2009 / Tendencia de la mortalidad por cáncer del cuello de útero en Brasil: 1980 a 2009

The objective was to describe time trends in cervical cancer mortality rates in Brazil as a whole and in the country's major geographic regions and States from 1980 to 2009. This was an ecological time series study using data recorded in the Mortality Information System (SIM) and census data collected by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Analysis of mortality trends was performed using Poisson regression. Cervical cancer mortality rates in Brazil tended to stabilize. In the geographic regions, a downward trend was observed in the South (-4.1%), Southeast (-3.3%), and Central-West (-1%) and an upward trend in the Northeast (3.5%) and North (2.7%). The largest decreases were observed in the States of São Paulo (­5.1%), Rio Grande do Sul, Espírito Santo, and Paraná (-4.0%). The largest increases in mortality trends occurred in Paraíba (12.4%), Maranhão (9.8%), and Tocantins (8.9%). Cervical cancer mortality rates stabilized in the country as a whole, but there was a downward trend in three geographic regions and 10 States, while two geographic regions and another 10 States showed increasing rates.

O objetivo deste estudo foi fornecer um quadro quanto à tendência da mortalidade por câncer do colo de útero no Brasil, em suas regiões e estados, entre 1980 e 2009. Estudo ecológico de série temporal, com uso de informações sobre óbitos (Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade - SIM) e base demográfica (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE). Foram realizadas análises das tendências da mortalidade por meio da regressão de Poisson. Houve estabilização nas taxas de mortalidade no Brasil. Nas regiões, houve queda no Sul (-4,1%), Sudeste (-3,3%) e Centro-Oeste (-1%); aumento no Nordeste (3,5%) e Norte (2,7%). As maiores reduções foram observadas em São Paulo (-5,1%), Rio Grande do Sul, Espírito Santo e Paraná (-4,0%). Os maiores aumentos foram observados na Paraíba (12,4%), Maranhão (9,8%) e Tocantins (8,9%). No Brasil, houve estabilização na mortalidade por câncer do colo do útero. No entanto, houve redução em 3 regiões e em 10 estados, enquanto, em 2 regiões e em outros 10 estados, a mortalidade segue aumentando. Uma das razões para essa disparidade pode ser o menor acesso ao tratamento para as pacientes de áreas menos desenvolvidas.

El objetivo fue analizar la mortalidad por cáncer de cuello de útero en Brasil, en sus macrorregiones y estados en el período de 1980 a 2009. Se trata de un estudio ecológico de serie temporal, con uso de información sobre óbitos del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM), y base demográfica del Instituto Brasileño de Geografía y Estadística (IBGE). Se realizaron análisis de las tendencias de la mortalidad, mediante la regresión de Poisson. En Brasil se observó la estabilización en las tasas de mortalidad. En las macrorregiones, hubo caída en el Sur (-4,1%), Sudeste (-3,3%) y Centro-Oeste (-1%); aumento en el Nordeste (3,5%) y Norte (2,7%). En los estados, las principales caídas fueron observadas en São Paulo (-5,1%), Rio Grande do Sul, Espírito Santo y Paraná (-4%). Los mayores aumentos se observaron en Paraíba (12,4%), Maranhão (9,8%) y Tocantins (8,9%). Conclusión: Brasil presenta estabilización en las tasas de mortalidad. No obstante, hubo una reducción en 3 macrorregiones y en 10 estados, mientras que en 2 macrorregiones y en 10 estados la mortalidad sigue aumentando. Una de las razones para esa disparidad puede ser el menor acceso al tratamiento para las pacientes de áreas menos desarrolladas.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer in a low-incidence area of Brazil / Fatores de risco para o câncer de esôfago em uma área de baixa incidência no Brasil

Esophageal cancer is the eighth commonest type of cancer worldwide, occupying sixth place in terms of mortality. Smoking and alcohol use are known risk factors for this type of cancer. The aim here was to evaluate the risk factors for esophageal cancer in a low-incidence area.

Case-control study in Goiânia, with 99 cases of esophageal cancer and 223 controls.

The variables were sociodemographic, dietary, occupational and lifestyle data. The sample was analyzed using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and Mantel-Haenszel approach for multivariate analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 5% significance and 95% confidence intervals.

The risk of esophageal cancer was higher in patients ≥ 55 years (OR = 1.95; P < 0.001). Patients from rural areas were at greater risk of esophageal cancer (OR = 4.9; P < 0.001). Smoking was a risk factor among the cases (OR = 3.8; P < 0.001), as was exposure to woodstoves (OR = 4.42; P < 0.001). The practice of oral sex was not a risk factor (OR = 0.45; P = 0.04). Consumption of apples, pears, vegetables, cruciferous vegetables and fruit juices were protective against esophageal cancer.

In a region in which the incidence of esophageal cancer is low, the most significant risk factors were exposure to woodstoves, smoking and living in rural areas. .

O câncer de esôfago é o oitavo tipo mais comum em todo o mundo, ocupando o sexto lugar em termos de mortalidade. Fatores de risco conhecidos para esse tipo de câncer são o consumo de tabaco e o álcool. O objetivo foi avaliar os fatores de risco para câncer de esôfago em uma área de baixa incidência.

Estudo caso-controle em Goiânia, com 99 casos de câncer de esôfago e 223 controles.

As variáveis foram dados sociodemográficos, alimentares, ocupacionais e de estilo de vida. A amostra foi analisada pelo teste do qui-quadrado, Mann-Whitney e de Mantel-Haenszel para análise multivariada. Foram calculados a odds ratio (OR) com significância em 5% e o intervalo de confiança de 95%.

O risco de câncer de esôfago foi maior em pacientes ≥ 55 anos (OR = 1,95, P < 0,001). Pacientes de áreas rurais estavam em risco maior de câncer de esôfago (OR = 4,9; P < 0,001). O tabagismo foi um fator de risco entre os casos (OR = 3,8; P < 0,001), bem como exposição ao fogão a lenha (OR = 4,42; P < 0,001). A prática do sexo oral não foi fator de risco (OR = 0.45; P = 0,04). Consumo de maçãs, peras, legumes, vegetais crucíferos e sucos de frutas foi protetor contra o câncer de esôfago.

Em uma região em que a incidência de câncer de esôfago é baixa, os fatores de risco mais significativos foram a exposição a fogão a lenha, tabagismo e viver em zona rural. .

Frequência e fatores preditivos relacionados a metástase linfática em câncer gástrico precoce / Frequency and predictive factors related to lymphatic metastasis in early gastric cancer

RACIONAL: O tratamento padrão do câncer gástrico ainda apresenta alta morbidade e mortalidade em populações ocidentais. Grupos de pacientes com risco negligenciável de metástase linfonodal podem se beneficiar de tratamentos menos invasivos. Dados referentes à frequência e fatores preditivos relacionados a metástase linfática em câncer gástrico precoce são raros. OBJETIVOS: Realizar a análise de frequência e fatores preditivos relacionados à metástase linfática em pacientes com câncer gástrico precoce tratados em centro terciário do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Novecentos e vinte e três pacientes foram submetidos à gastrectomias por adenocarcinoma gástrico. Destes, 126 tinham tumores precoces e foram avaliadas características clínicas e patológicas relacionadas e metástases linfáticas. RESULTADOS: Metástases linfonodais foram observadas em 7,8% dos pacientes com tumores mucosos e 22,6% dos tumores submucosos. A presença de ulceração, tipo histológico de Lauren, tumores maiores que 50 mm, invasão de submucosa e presença de invasão linfática ou vascular foram fatores significativos em análise univariada. A presença de ulceração, lesões maiores que 50 mm, infiltração da camada submucosa e invasão linfática foram fatores independentemente relacionados à metástase linfática em análise multivariada. CONCLUSÃO: Ulceração, lesões maiores que 50 mm, infiltração da camada submucosa e invasão linfática são fatores de risco independentes relacionados à metástase linfática em câncer gástrico precoce.

BACKGROUND: The standard treatment of gastric cancer still has high morbidity and mortality in western populations. Groups of patients with negligible risk of lymph node metastasis may benefit from less invasive treatments. Data regarding the frequency and predictive factors related to lymphatic metastasis in early gastric cancer are rare. AIM: To perform the analysis of frequency and predictive factors related to lymphatic metastasis in patients with early gastric cancer treated in a tertiary center in Brazil. METHODS: Nine hundred and twenty three patients underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma at the hospital. Of these, 126 had early tumors and were included in the analysis. Clinical and pathological related findings and lymphatic metastasis were evaluated. RESULTS: Lymph node metastases were observed in 7.8% of patients with mucosal tumors and 22.6% of submucosal tumors. The presence of ulceration, Lauren histologic type, tumors larger than 50 mm, submucosal invasion, and presence of lymphatic or vascular invasion were significant factors in univariate analysis. The presence of ulceration, lesions larger than 50 mm, infiltration of the submucosal layer and lymphatic invasion were factors independently related to lymphatic metastasis in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Ulceration, lesions larger than 50 mm, infiltration of the submucosal layer and lymphatic invasion are independent risk factors related to lymphatic metastasis in early gastric cancer.