Population-based e-records to evaluate HPV triage of screen-detected atypical squamous cervical lesions in Catalonia, Spain, 2010-15.

Equivocal lesions (ASC-US) are common abnormalities in cervical cancer screening exams. HPV testing helps to stratify the risk of progression to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or more (HSIL+). Population-based medical electronic data can be used to evaluate screening recommendations. The study uses routine electronic data from primary health centers to estimate the impact of HPV testing in a 3- and a 5-year risk of HSIL+ after an ASC-US. The study includes data derived from medical electronic information from 85,775 women who first attended a cervical cancer screening visit at the National Health System facilities of Catalonia, Spain, during 2010-11 and followed up to 2015. Included women were aged between 25-65 years old, having at least one follow-up visit, and a cervical cytology of ASC-US (N = 1,647). Women with a first result of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) (N = 945) or those with negative cytology (N = 83,183) were included for comparison. Those with a baseline HSIL+ were excluded. Incident HSIL+ was evaluated by means of Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate regression models. HPV test results were available for 63.4% of women with a baseline ASC-US. Among all ASC-US, 70 incident HSIL+ were identified at 5 years. ASC-US HPV positive women had a high risk of HSIL+ compared to women with negative cytology (adjusted HR = 32.7; 95% CI: 23.6-45.2) and a similar risk to women with baseline LSIL (HR = 29.3; 95% CI: 22.4-38.2), whereas ASC-US HPV negative women had no differential risk to that observed in baseline negative cytology. Women with ASC-US and no HPV test had an average HSIL+ risk (HR = 14.8; 95% CI: 9.7-22.5). Population-based e-medical records derived from primary health care centers allowed monitoring of screening recommendations, providing robust estimates for the study outcomes. This analysis confirms that HPV testing improved risk stratification of ASC-US lesions. The information can be used to improve diagnosis and management of screen detected lesions.

Moving towards an organized cervical cancer screening: costs and impact.

Background: HPV screening has been shown to be more cost-effective than cytology screening under most scenarios. Furthermore, it should be offered only in organized programmes with good quality assurance mechanisms. This study analyses the comparative cost of the current policy of opportunistic cytology screening vs. a hypothetical organized programme based on primary HPV screening. Methods: Total cervical cancer expenditure was defined as the sum of three cost elements: (i) direct (medical and non-medical) costs, obtained from a calibrated Markov model of the natural history of HPV and cervical cancer; (ii) programmatic costs, estimated based on other organized screening programmes; and (iii) indirect costs, extrapolated from previously published data. Results: Organized HPV screening at 5-year intervals costs consistently less across all coverage levels than opportunistic cytology screening at 3-year intervals. The current annual direct medical cost to the public health system of the opportunistic cytology at 40% coverage is estimated at €33.2 per woman screened aged 25-64. Under an organized programme of primary HPV screening at 70% coverage, the cost is estimated to be €18.4 per woman screened aged 25-64. Conclusion: Our study concludes that the economic resources currently devoted to providing opportunistic cytology screening to 40% of the target population at 3-year intervals could be more effectively used to screen 70% of the target population at 5-year intervals by switching to an organized programme based on primary HPV screening. This finding is of relevance to other European countries or regions with similar screening policies and health infrastructures.

El cribado del cáncer de cuello de útero en el Sistema Público de Salud de Cataluña. Evaluación y seguimiento durante el período 2006-2012 / Cervical cancer screening in the public health system of Catalonia (Spain). Evaluation and follow-up between 2006 and 2012

La evaluación del cribado de cáncer de cuello uterino en el sistema público de salud de Cataluña ha identificado, en mujeres de 25-65 años, una cobertura citológica a 3 años del 40,8%; un intervalo entre citologías de 2,4 años y una pérdida de seguimiento del 50% a 3 años. La introducción de la prueba de detección del virus del papiloma humano en el seguimiento de mujeres con resultados citológicos de atipias intraepiteliales de significado indeterminado y como adyuvante a la citología en mujeres con una historia de cribado inadecuada facilita el manejo y detección de las mujeres en riesgo de desarrollar una neoplasia intraepitelial cervical de grado 2 o peor (CIN2 + ). La prueba de detección del virus del papiloma humano ha demostrado tener una buena sensibilidad y especificidad a tres años para la detección de CIN2+ resultando ser sensiblemente superior a la citología. Por otro lado, ha demostrado tener unos niveles de reproducibilidad altos entre laboratorios y un fácil manejo en situaciones de rutina. El uso de protocolos homogéneos y la existencia de herramientas informáticas de amplio uso han permitido una evaluación equitativa y fiable entre centros. El protocolo ha sido complementado con actividades de formación a profesionales y una monitorización periódica de todas las actividades. En conclusión, la implantación de un programa de cribado poblacional y la introducción de la prueba de detección del virus del papiloma humano en mujeres mayores de 30 años puede mejorar considerablemente los esfuerzos para la prevención secundaria del cáncer de cuello uterino en Cataluña (AU)

Analysis of the cervical cancer screening activity in the National Health System of Catalonia has identified a cytological coverage at 3 years of 40.8%, an interval of 2.4 years between Pap smears and a loss to follow-up of 50% at 3 years in women aged 25-65 years old. The introduction of human papillomavirus testing in the management of women with cytological results of atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance and as an adjunct to cytology in women with a history of inadequate screening has facilitated the management and detection of women at risk of developing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2 + ). Human papillomavirus testing has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity at 3 years in the detection of CIN2 + and was substantially superior to cytology. Furthermore, it had good inter-laboratory reproducibility and was easy to perform in routine situations. The use of uniform protocols and the extensive availability of software tools have allowed comprehensive and reliable assessment across Catalonia. The protocol has been complemented with educational interventions for healthcare professionals and regular monitoring of all activities. We conclude that the introduction of organized screening programs and human papillomavirus testing among women older than 30 years can greatly enhance efforts for the secondary prevention of CC in Catalonia (AU)

Screening of cervical cancer in Catalonia 2006-2012.

The early detection of intraepithelial lesions of the cervix, through the periodic examination of cervical cells, has been fundamental for the prevention of invasive cervical cancer and its related mortality. In this report, we summarise the cervical cancer screening activities carried out in Catalonia, Spain, within the National Health System during 2008-2011. The study population covers over two million women resident in the area. The evaluation includes 758,690 cervical cytologies performed on a total of 595,868 women. The three-year coverage of cervical cytology among women aged between 25 and 65 years was 40.8%. About 50% of first screened women with negative results had not returned to the second screening round. The introduction of high-risk human papillomavirus DNA (HPV) detection, as a primary screening cotest with cytology among women over age 40 with a poor screening history, significantly improved the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+), being far superior to cytology alone. Cotesting did not improve the detection of CIN2+. The use of the HPV test for the triage of atypical squamous cell undetermined significance (ASC-US) improved the selection of women at high risk of CIN2+. Sampling (both cytology and HPV test) was largely performed by midwives (66.7%), followed by obstetricians (23.8%) and nurses (7%). Over half of the centres (54.8%) had full use of online medical records. During the study period, educational activities for professionals and for women were carried out periodically. The organisation of screening as a population activity in which women are actively called to the screening visit and the introduction of HPV testing as a primary screening tool are strongly recommended to ensure the maximum population impact in the reduction of the cervical cancer burden.

Revisión bibliográfica sobre la prevención del cáncer en personas inmigrantes residentes en España / Scoping review on cancer prevention in immigrants living in Spain

Fundamentos: La prevención secundaria del cáncer de mama, cuello uterino y colon se realiza mediante cribado. España en la última década ha presentado una importante oleada de migración, es conocido que los inmigrantes presentan más desigualdades de acceso a los servicios de salud respecto a la población autóctona. El objetivo es identificar lagunas en la investigación sobre la prevención del cáncer en los inmigrantes residentes en España. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica. La fuente de información fueron las bases de datos Medline/ Pubmed y MEDES-MEDicina en español y el período de búsqueda entre 1998 y 2012. Se utilizaron tres filtros temáticos: relacionados con cáncer, inmigración y geografía. Los criterios de inclusión fueron estudios de prevención del cáncer y la salud de la población inmigrante procedente de Latinoamérica, África, Asia y originario de Europa del Este y desarrollados en España. Se elaboró un protocolo ad hoc de recogida de información. Resultados: Se incluyeron 5 estudios de los 237 revisados. Los estudios incluidos fueron escritos en inglés. Cuatro de los cinco estudios utilizaron como variable de inmigración el país de origen. Un 80% de los estudios realizaron encuestas transversales. Los principales resultados fueron que la población inmigrante realizaba menos detección precoz de cáncer de mama y de cuello uterino. Por otro lado las trabajadoras sexuales presentaron porcentajes de positividad para tipos de alto riesgo oncogénicos del virus del papiloma humano. Conclusiones: Existe escasa bibliografía referente a la prevención del cáncer mediante programas de cribado en la población inmigrante. Es importante evaluar los circuitos de cribado y sus registros para mejorarlos y así poder ejecutar programas para identificar mejor los grupos poblacionales más vulnerables (AU)

Background: Secondary prevention of breast cancer, cervix and colon is performed by screening. Spain in the last decade has presented a major wave of migration; it is known that immigrants have more inequalities in access to health services compared to the native population. The objective is to review the published studies and identify gaps in research on cancer prevention among immigrants living in Spain. Methods:We have conducted a scoping review. The sources of information were the databases Medline (Pubmed) and MEDES - medicine in Spanish (1998-2012). We used three thematic filters: concerning to Cancer, immigration and geographic. Inclusion criteria were studies of cancer prevention and health of immigrants from LatinAmerica,Africa,Asia and Eastern Europe and developed in Spain. We developed an ad hoc data collection protocol. Results:We included five studies of 237 reviewed. The included studies are written in English and published in journals with impact factor. Most studies have used country of origin as the immigration variable 80% of the studies conducted cross-sectional surveys. Immigrant population had a lower participation of early detection of breast and cervical cancer. Women reported to be sex workers were more likely to be human papillomavirus positive for high risk types. Conclusion: There is little information on cancer prevention through screening programs in the immigrant population. It is important to evaluate and improve the screening circuits and registries to implement programs to better identify the most vulnerable population groups (AU)

[Scoping review on cancer prevention in immigrants living in Spain]. / Revisión bibliográfica sobre la prevención del cáncer en personas inmigrantes residentes en España.

BACKGROUND: Secondary prevention of breast cancer, cervix and colon is performed by screening. Spain in the last decade has presented a major wave of migration; it is known that immigrants have more inequalities in access to health services compared to the native population. The objective is to review the published studies and identify gaps in research on cancer prevention among immigrants living in Spain. METHODS: We have conducted a scoping review. The sources of information were the databases Medline (Pubmed) and MEDES - medicine in Spanish (1998-2012). We used three thematic filters: concerning to Cancer, immigration and geographic. Inclusion criteria were studies of cancer prevention and health of immigrants from Latin America, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe and developed in Spain. We developed an ad hoc data collection protocol. RESULTS: We included five studies of 237 reviewed. The included studies are written in English and published in journals with impact factor. Most studies have used country of origin as the immigration variable 80 % of the studies conducted cross-sectional surveys. Immigrant population had a lower participation of early detection of breast and cervical cancer. Women reported to be sex workers were more likely to be human papillomavirus positive for high risk types. CONCLUSION: There is little information on cancer prevention through screening programs in the immigrant population. It is important to evaluate and improve the screening circuits and registries to implement programs to better identify the most vulnerable population groups.

Cobertura del cribado de cáncer de cuello uterino en Cataluña (2008-2011) / Coverage of cervical cancer screening in Catalonia, Spain (2008-2011)

Objetivo Estimar la cobertura del cribado de cáncer de cuello uterino en la población catalana atendida en el Sistema Nacional de Salud durante el periodo 2008-2011, por grupos de edad y región sanitaria. Métodos Mediante la información registrada en el Sistema de Información de los Servicios de Atención Primaria se estimó la cobertura citológica de las mujeres atendidas por los equipos de atención primaria cuyos centros de atención a la salud sexual y reproductiva pertenecían al Institut Català de la Salut (ICS). Se incluyen 2.292.564 mujeres ≥15 años de edad asignadas a centros del ICS. La información fue anónima e incluyó edad, centro, fecha y resultado de la citología. Resultados Se registraron 758.690 citologías correspondientes a 595.868 mujeres. La cobertura en las mujeres de 25-65 años de edad fue del 32,4% en la población asignada y del 40,8% en la atendida. Se observó variabilidad geográfica, con una mayor cobertura en las regiones sanitarias próximas a Barcelona y un ligero aumento de los resultados patológicos durante el periodo 2008-2011 (del 3% al 3,5%, p <0,001). El intervalo promedio entre dos citologías, siendo la primera negativa, fue de 2,4 años, aunque sólo se registró una segunda citología en el 50% de las mujeres. Conclusiones La cobertura del cribado cervical del sistema público de Cataluña incluye a una de cada tres mujeres. La participación en la segunda ronda fue baja. Los sistemas informáticos existentes en los centros de atención primaria son herramientas que pueden garantizar un seguimiento de la población, y además podrían ser útiles para planificar un cribado poblacional que asegure una buena cobertura y un buen seguimiento(AU)

Objective To estimate cervical cytology coverage for the period 2008-2011 by age groups and health regions from data recorded in the medical records of women attending centers within the Catalan national health system. Methods The data used to estimate coverage were obtained from the primary care information system. This information was anonymous and included age, center, date, and the results of cytological smears for a total of 2,292,564 women aged 15 years or more. Results A total of 758,690 smears were performed in 595,868 women. Among women aged 25-65 years, the estimated coverage was 32.4% of the assigned population and was 40.8% in the population attended. Geographical variation was observed, with higher coverage among health regions closer to Barcelona. Abnormal Pap smears increased slightly from 2008 to 2011 (from 3% to 3.5%, respectively, p <0.001). In women with a negative first smear, the mean interval until the second smear was 2.4 years, but only 50% of women with a negative first smear in 2008 attended a second round during the study period. Conclusions Cervical screening coverage in the National Health Service of Catalonia includes one in three women. Second round participation was poor. Existing computer systems in primary care centers can ensure monitoring of population-based screening programs for cervical cancer. These systems could be used to plan an organized screening program to ensure wider coverage and better follow-up (AU)

[Coverage of cervical cancer screening in Catalonia, Spain (2008-2011)]. / Cobertura del cribado de cáncer de cuello uterino en Cataluña (2008-2011).

OBJECTIVE: To estimate cervical cytology coverage for the period 2008-2011 by age groups and health regions from data recorded in the medical records of women attending centers within the Catalan national health system. METHODS: The data used to estimate coverage were obtained from the primary care information system. This information was anonymous and included age, center, date, and the results of cytological smears for a total of 2,292,564 women aged 15 years or more. RESULTS: A total of 758,690 smears were performed in 595,868 women. Among women aged 25-65 years, the estimated coverage was 32.4% of the assigned population and was 40.8% in the population attended. Geographical variation was observed, with higher coverage among health regions closer to Barcelona. Abnormal Pap smears increased slightly from 2008 to 2011 (from 3% to 3.5%, respectively, p <0.001). In women with a negative first smear, the mean interval until the second smear was 2.4 years, but only 50% of women with a negative first smear in 2008 attended a second round during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical screening coverage in the National Health Service of Catalonia includes one in three women. Second round participation was poor. Existing computer systems in primary care centers can ensure monitoring of population-based screening programs for cervical cancer. These systems could be used to plan an organized screening program to ensure wider coverage and better follow-up.

Coverage of Cervical Cancer Screening in Catalonia for the Period 2008-2011 among Immigrants and Spanish-Born Women.

BACKGROUND: Female immigration in Catalonia, Spain, increased dramatically in the last 10 years. The Public Health system in the Region, provides a free of charge opportunistic cervical cancer screening. AIM: This study examines cervical cancer screening coverage and prevalence of cytology abnormalities in Catalonia by immigration status. METHODS: The study analyzes the cytologies registered among women aged 25-65 that have been attended at the Primary Health Centers (PHC) for any reason (n = 1,242,230) during 2008-2011. Coverage was estimated from Governmental data base Information System Primary Care (SISAP) that includes 77% of PHC. The database is anonymous, and includes information on age, country of birth, diagnostic center, and cytology results. RESULTS: During the period 2008-2011, 642,643 smears were performed in a total of 506,189 women over 14 years, of whom 18.3% were immigrants. Cytology coverage was higher among immigrant women compared to Spanish born (51.2 and 39% respectively). Immigrant women also had a higher prevalence of abnormal Paps compared to the Spanish population, 4.5 and 2.9% respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Immigrant women in Catalonia had a high access to the Public Health Services and to cervical cancer screening facilities. The higher prevalence of abnormal cytologies in immigrant women compared to native women indicates the relevance to prioritize cervical cancer screening activities on a regular base in new comers.