Prevalence of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and access to supportive care in cancer in Brazil, China, France, Russia and the USA.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of treatment with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy in the general adult population of five countries (Brazil, China, France, Russia and the USA) and to evaluate the use of different Supportive Care in Cancer (SCC) services. METHODS: A total of 11,100 individuals representing the general population over 18 years of age were recruited from the five countries via a rigorous quota sampling method. RESULTS: There are between 4.1% and 8.78% of respondents reported having undergone medical cancer treatment. Among these subpopulations, the use of at least one SCC was reported by 63% to 86% of respondents. The most commonly used SCC was psychological counselling in France, dietary counselling in Brazil and China, participating in a focus group in the USA and using alternative medicine in Russia. Alternative medicines were chosen by 50% to 61% of patients in every country. CONCLUSION: This study provides information on the prevalence of patients treated by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in representative populations from five countries. Among them, SCC was widely used. However, these uses varied both in proportion and choice, given the cultural differences in patients' and families' health beliefs and values, differences among organisations, in available resources and in ethics and policies among countries.

Prevalence of Skin Reactions and Self-Reported Allergies in 5 Countries with Their Social Impact Measured through Quality of Life Impairment.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of allergies increases worldwide. Allergies may increase the risk of skin reactions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of allergies and skin reactions in the adult population, the strength of their relationship, and their impact on the quality of life. METHODS: An online survey was conducted in a representative population of 11,067 adults from China, USA, Brazil, Russia, and France. RESULTS: Overall, 35.6% of respondents reported having allergies, they were predominantly fair-skinned women, and younger than responders reporting no allergy. Among patients reporting allergies, 68.6% declared that their allergy makes their skin reacts. A strong association between allergy and major skin reactions was observed, which were associated with skin discomforts such as itching, burning, and pain. Skin discomforts were associated with an increased risk of quality of life alteration. CONCLUSIONS: Quantifying the prevalence and the association of allergies with skin reactions and discomfort sensations is critical to evaluating the impact on quality of life. Since skin barrier alteration is hypothesized as a risk factor and a route of sensitization for allergy development, the daily use of topical treatments, such as moisturizers, could help prevent allergic skin reactions, discomfort and impaired quality of life in individuals with an altered skin barrier.

Sensitive skin in Brazil and Russia: an epidemiological and comparative approach.

BACKGROUND: Sensitive skin is characterized by the occurrence of sensations of tingling, prickling, heat, burning, pain or itching and, on occasion, erythema, in response to multiple physical, chemical or hormonal factors that do not have irritant properties by themselves. OBJECTIVE: We chose here to evaluate sensitive skin in two countries with very different populations, climates and lifestyles: Russia and Brazil. METHOD: Representative nationwide samples of the Russian and Brazilian populations aged 15 and over were selected. The same methodology was used: the individuals were questioned by telephone and selected as per the quotas method (sex, age, householder profession, rural/urban location and region). RESULTS: In the Brazilian population, 22.3% versus 45.7%, in favour of women, reported having a "sensitive" skin. Significant differences were only observed by geographic residence. In the Russian population, 25.4% versus 50.1%, in favour of women, reported having a "sensitive" skin. Significant differences were observed in skin sensitivity according to social-professional categories, region of residence and subject age. The same results were found in both populations for sensitivity to cosmetics and food intake. CONCLUSION: Respondents with rather sensitive or very sensitive skin are 2 or 3 times more reactive to climatic, environmental factors, cosmetics and food intake.

Correlations between ankle circumference, symptoms, and quality of life demonstrate the clinical relevance of minimal leg swelling reduction: results of a study in 1,036 Argentinean patients.

BACKGROUND: Clinical classification (C) of patients suffering from chronic venous disorders according to the Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology Classification takes into account signs and symptoms, but the C3 (venous edema) class has been identified as poorly specific. Patients in whom physicians fail to observe significant edema (sign) frequently report a feeling of swelling (symptom). Previous studies of venoactive drugs have demonstrated significant reduction in leg volume, but the correlation with a clinical improvement was lacking. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical status of a sample of Argentinean patients presenting with venous symptoms and signs. To demonstrate the relationship between the reduction of leg swelling and the improvement of symptoms of chronic venous disorders (CVDs) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with CVD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand thirty-six patients were included prospectively and submitted to medical interrogation and examination and specific and generic self-questionnaires. Patients included were reassessed using the same tools after phlebotropic treatment (Ruscus+hesperidin+ascorbic acid), the prescription of which was expected to induce variations in clinical status. RESULTS: Significant correlations were observed between ankle circumference reduction and improvement of all symptoms in C2 to C3 patients: heaviness, pain, paraesthesia, and cramps. Such correlations were found in C0 to C1 patients. There was a correlation between improvement attained in QoL and the physical dimension of the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the relevance of moderate ankle swelling, which is not usually described clinically as edema and is probably a typical symptom of chronic venous disorders. Future studies should focus on this insufficiently analyzed clinical feature and put to better use more specific QoL questionnaires.