Trends in Oral Tongue Cancer Incidence in the US.

Importance: Oral tongue cancer (OTC) incidence has increased rapidly among young (<50 years) non-Hispanic White individuals in the US during the past 2 decades; however, it is unknown if age-associated trajectories have persisted. Objective: To examine US trends in OTC incidence and project future case burden. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional analysis of OTC incidence trends used the US Cancer Statistics Public Use Database, which covers approximately 98% of the US population, and included individuals with an OTC diagnosis reported to US cancer registries between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2019. Exposures: Sex, race and ethnicity, and age. Main Outcomes and Measures: Estimated average annual percentage change in OTC incidence from 2001 to 2019. Given the substantial incidence rate increases among non-Hispanic White individuals compared with those of racial and ethnic minority groups, subsequent analyses were restricted to non-Hispanic White individuals. Forecasted OTC incidence trends and case burden among non-Hispanic White individuals to 2034. Results: There were 58 661 new cases of OTC identified between 2001 and 2019. Male individuals (57.6%), non-Hispanic White individuals (83.7%), those aged 60 years or older (58.0%), and individuals with localized stage disease at diagnosis (62.7%) comprised most cases. OTC incidence increased across all age, sex, and racial and ethnic groups, with marked increases observed among non-Hispanic White individuals (2.9% per year; 95% CI, 2.2%-3.7%). Increases among female individuals aged 50 to 59 years were most notable and significantly outpaced increases among younger non-Hispanic White female individuals (4.8% per year [95% CI, 4.1%-5.4%] vs 3.3% per year [95% CI, 2.7%-3.8%]). While all non-Hispanic White birth cohorts from 1925 to 1980 saw sustained increases, rates stabilized among female individuals born after 1980. Should trends continue, the burden of new OTC cases among non-Hispanic White individuals in the US is projected to shift more toward older individuals (from 33.1% to 49.3% among individuals aged 70 years or older) and female individuals (86% case increase vs 62% among male individuals). Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that the period of rapidly increasing OTC incidence among younger non-Hispanic White female individuals in the US is tempering and giving way to greater increases among older female individuals, suggesting a birth cohort effect may have been associated with previously observed trends. Recent increases among non-Hispanic White individuals 50 years or older of both sexes have matched or outpaced younger age groups. Continuing increases among older individuals, particularly female individuals, may be associated with a shift in the OTC patient profile over time.

Undiagnosed Cancer Cases in the US During the First 10 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Importance: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the normal course of cancer screening and detection in the US. A nationwide analysis of the extent of this disruption using cancer registry data has not been conducted. Objective: To assess the observed and expected cancer rate trends for March through December 2020 using data from all 50 US states and the District of Columbia. Design, Settings, and Participants: This was a population-based cross-sectional analysis of cancer incidence trends using data on cases of invasive cancer diagnosis reported to the US Cancer Statistics from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2020. Data analyses were performed from July 6 to 28, 2023. Exposure(s): Age, sex, race, urbanicity, and state-level response to the COVID-19 pandemic at the time of cancer diagnosis. Main Outcomes and Measures: Used time-series forecasting methods to calculate expected cancer incidence rates for March 1 through December 31, 2020, from prepandemic trends (January 2018-February 2020). Measured relative difference between observed and expected cancer incidence rates and numbers of potentially missed cancer cases. Results: This study included 1 297 874 cancer cases reported in the US from March 1 through December 31, 2020, with an age-adjusted incidence rate of 326.5 cases per 100 000 population. Of the observed cases, 657 743 (50.7%) occurred in male patients, 757 106 (58.3%) in persons 65 years or older, and 1 066 566 (82.2%) in White individuals. Observed rates of all-sites cancer incidence in the US were 28.6% (95% prediction interval [PI], 25.4%-31.7%) lower than expected during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic response (March-May 2020); 6.3% (95% PI, 3.8%-8.8%) lower in June to December 2020; and overall, 13.0% (95% PI, 11.2%-14.9%) lower during the first 10 months of the pandemic. These differences indicate that there were potentially 134 395 (95% PI, 112 544-156 680) undiagnosed cancers during that time frame. Prostate cancer accounted for the largest number of potentially missed cases (22 950), followed by female breast (16 870) and lung (16 333) cancers. Screenable cancers saw a total rate reduction of 13.9% (95% PI, 12.2%-15.6%) compared with the expected rate. The rate of female breast cancer showed evidence of recovery to previous trends after the first 3 months of the pandemic, but levels remained low for colorectal, cervical, and lung cancers. From March to May 2020, states with more restrictive COVID-19 responses had significantly greater disruptions, yet by December 2020, these differences were nonsignificant for all sites except lung, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. Conclusions and Relevance: This cross-sectional analysis of cancer incidence trends found a substantial disruption to cancer diagnoses in the US during the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall and differential findings can be used to inform where the US health care system should be looking to make up ground in cancer screening and detection.

Cancer disparities in Appalachian Kentucky.

PURPOSE: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and the disease burden is elevated in Appalachian Kentucky, due in part to health behaviors and inequities in social determinants of health. This study's goal was to evaluate Appalachian Kentucky's cancer burden compared to non-Appalachian Kentucky, and Kentucky compared to the United States (excluding Kentucky). METHODS: The following data were analyzed: annual all-cause and all-site cancer mortality rates from 1968 to 2018; 5-year all-site and site-specific cancer incidence and mortality rates from 2014 to 2018; aggregated screening and risk factor data from 2016 to 2018 for the United States (excluding Kentucky), Kentucky, non-Appalachian Kentucky, and Appalachian Kentucky; and human papilloma virus vaccination prevalence by sex from 2018 for the United States and Kentucky. FINDINGS: Since 1968, the United States has experienced a large decrease in all-cause and cancer mortality, but the reduction in Kentucky has been smaller and slower, driven by even smaller and slower reductions within Appalachian Kentucky. Appalachian Kentucky has higher overall cancer incidence and mortality rates and higher rates for several site-specific cancers compared to non-Appalachian Kentucky. Contributing factors include screening rate disparities and increased rates of obesity and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Appalachian Kentucky has experienced persistent cancer disparities, including elevated all-cause and cancer mortality rates for 50+ years, widening the gap between this region and the rest of the country. In addition to addressing social determinants of health, increased efforts aimed at improving health behaviors and increased access to health care resources could help reduce this disparity.

Recent and Projected Trends in Oral Tongue Cancer in the United States: A Demographic Shift in Case Burden as Early Onset Increases Among Females Subside.

Background: Oral tongue cancer (OTC) incidence has increased rapidly among young (< 50 years) non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals in the United States (U.S.) over the last two decades; however, it is unknown if age-associated trajectories have persisted. Furthermore, incidence trends for all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have never been investigated. Materials and methods: Using U.S. Cancer Statistics data, we investigated incidence trends from 2001-2019, overall and according to age, sex, race/ethnicity, and state of residence. We used age-period-cohort analysis to explore temporal patterns among birth cohorts and to project future trends and case counts. Results: OTC incidence increased across all age, sex, and racial/ethnic groups, with marked increases observed among the NHWs (2.9%/year; 95%CI, 2.2%-3.7%). Incidence among NHWs increased in most U.S. states, particularly in the Southeast. Increases were significantly greater among NHW females compared to males (3.6%/year vs 2.6%/year; P = 0.022). Increases among females aged 50-59 years were most notable and significantly outpaced increases among younger females (4.8%/year [95% CI, 4.1%-5.4%] vs. 3.3%/year [95% CI, 2.7%-3.8%]; P < .001). While both NHW male and female birth cohorts from 1925 to 1980 saw sustained increases, rates stabilized among females born after 1980. Should trends continue, the burden of new OTC cases among NHWs in the U.S. is projected to shift to older individuals (33.1% versus 49.3% aged ≥ 70) and females (86% case increase versus 62% among males). Conclusion: The period of rapidly increasing OTC incidence among younger NHW females in the U.S. is tempering and giving way to greater increases among older females, suggesting that a birth cohort effect may have influenced previously observed trends. Recent increases among NHWs aged ≥ 50 of both sexes have matched or outpaced younger age groups. Continuing increases among older individuals, particularly females, will lead to a shift in the OTC patient profile over time.

Community Outreach and Engagement at U.S. Cancer Centers: Notes from the Third Cancer Center Community Impact Forum.

Community outreach and engagement (COE) is a fundamental activity of cancer centers as they aim to reduce cancer disparities in their geographic catchment areas. As part of COE, NCI-Designated Cancer Centers must monitor the burden of cancer in their catchment area, implement and evaluate evidence-based strategies, stimulate catchment area relevant research, support clinical trial enrollment, and participate in policy and advocacy initiatives, in addition to other responsibilities. The Cancer Center Community Impact Forum (CCCIF) is a national annual meeting of COE professionals who work at or with cancer centers across the country. CCCIF grew out of earlier discussions at American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) annual meetings, where COE was often discussed, but not exclusively. The third annual CCCIF meeting-hosted by the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University-was held in June 2022 in Philadelphia, PA, where more than 200 participants listened to dynamic presentations across 12 COE-related panel sessions. CCCIF leadership and ASPO AD/PL Workshop Planners worked together on the agenda. The 12 sessions used a COE lens to focus on: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Policy; State Cancer Coalitions; Evaluation and Metrics; Implementation Science; In-reach; Outreach; Training and Education; Funding, Personnel and Resources; Clinical Trials; Innovative Methods; and Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. This article is a summary of main points and key lessons from each session, as well as a summary of overarching themes that were evident across the sessions.

Communication Interactions, Needs, and Preferences During Clinical Encounters of African American Parent-Child Dyads.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates remain suboptimal among African American adolescents. Although provider recommendations during clinical encounters are believed to be highly effective in increasing uptake and series completion, little has been reported about parent-child perspectives on the counseling received during these encounters. Among African American parent-child dyads, we sought to explore and compare interactions, needs, and preferences during clinical encounters by child's HPV vaccination status. We applied a qualitative, phenomenological study design to conduct semi-structured interviews with African American parent-child dyads representing children who were unvaccinated (n = 10), had initiated but not completed (n = 11), or had completed the HPV vaccine series (n = 9). Using iterative, inductive-deductive thematic analysis, five themes were generated: (1) parents' attitudes varied about the HPV vaccine but were mostly positive for vaccines in general; (2) patient-parent-provider clinical encounters from the parent perspective; (3) patient-parent-provider clinical encounters from the child perspective; (4) methods of distribution of supplemental HPV information; and (5) communication desired on HPV vaccination by parents and children. Parents stating they received a provider's recommendation increased by vaccination status (unvaccinated: 6 out of 10; initiated: 7 out of 11; completed: 9 out of 9). Most parents and children were not satisfied with provider communication on the HPV vaccine and used supplemental materials to inform decision-making. Ongoing communication on the HPV vaccine was requested even post-vaccination of the child. During clinical encounters, children and parental messaging needs are similar yet dissimilar. We offer communication strategies and messaging that can be used for African American parent-child dyads by child HPV vaccination status during a clinical encounter.

Lung and Colorectal Cancer Disparities in Appalachian Kentucky: Spatial Analysis on the Influence of Education and Literacy.

Low educational attainment and high cancer incidence and mortality rates have long been a challenge in Appalachian Kentucky. Prior studies have reported disparities in cancer incidence and mortality between Appalachian and non-Appalachian populations, but the influence of education on this disparity has not been extensively studied. Herein, all cancers and two cancer sites with available screenings (colorectal and lung) were joined with education indicators (educational attainment and literacy) and one geographic indicator across all 120 Kentucky counties. This dataset was used to build choropleth maps and perform simple linear and spatial regression to assess statistical significance and to measure the strength of the linear relationship between county-level education and cancer-related outcomes in Appalachian and non-Appalachian Kentucky. Among all cancer sites, age-adjusted cancer incidence and mortality was higher in Appalachian versus non-Appalachian Kentucky. The percentage of the population not completing high school was positively correlated with increased colorectal and lung cancer incidence and mortality in Appalachia. Similarly, counties with a higher percentage of the population lacking basic literacy had the strongest correlation with colorectal and lung cancer incidence and mortality, which were concentrated in Appalachian Kentucky. Our findings suggest a need for implementing interventions that increase educational attainment and enhance basic literacy as a means of improving cancer outcomes in Appalachia.

Correction: Development of a Tailored Mobile Phone-Based Intervention to Facilitate Parent-Child Communication and Build Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Confidence: Formative Qualitative Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/43041.].

Cancer InFocus: Tools for Cancer Center Catchment Area Geographic Data Collection and Visualization.

BACKGROUND: The NCI added Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) requirements for NCI-designated cancer centers in 2017, including the charge of characterizing the cancer burden in the geographic area served by their center (i.e., catchment area). Doing so helps cancer centers better identify needs and areas of inequality in their populations to guide research and outreach. To accomplish this, current and comprehensive data must be gathered from multiple sources and analyzed by the COE-a task that is tedious and inefficient. In this paper we present an efficient solution, known as Cancer InFocus, to collecting and visualizing quantitative data that we have generalized for use by other cancer centers on their catchment areas. METHODS: Cancer InFocus utilizes open source programming languages and modern data collection techniques to gather and transform publicly-available data from various sources for use in specific geographic contexts. RESULTS: Cancer InFocus delivers a choice of two routes for creating interactive online mapping applications that visualize cancer incidence and mortality rates, along with relevant social determinant and risk factor variables, at various geographic levels for a defined cancer center catchment area. CONCLUSIONS: Generalized software has been produced to collect and visualize data on any set of U.S. counties, which can be automated to continue providing the most up-to-date data. IMPACT: Cancer InFocus provides tools for cancer centers to accomplish the critical task of maintaining current and comprehensive catchment area data. The open source format will facilitate future enhancements through user collaboration.

Development of a Tailored Mobile Phone-Based Intervention to Facilitate Parent-Child Communication and Build Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Confidence: Formative Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine hesitancy is on the rise, and provider communication is a first-line strategy to address parental concerns. The use of the presumptive approach and motivational interviewing by providers may not be enough to influence parental decision-making owing to the providers' limited time, self-efficacy, and skills to implement these strategies. Interventions to enhance provider communication and build parental HPV vaccine confidence have been undertested. Delivering tailored patient education to parents via mobile phones before they visit the health care provider may address time constraints during clinic visits and positively affect vaccine uptake. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the development and evaluate the acceptability of a mobile phone-based, family-focused intervention guided by theory to address concerns of HPV vaccine-hesitant parents before the clinic visit, as well as explore intervention use to facilitate parent-child communication. METHODS: The health belief model and theory of reasoned action guided intervention content development. A multilevel stakeholder engagement process was used to iteratively develop the HPVVaxFacts intervention, including a community advisory board review, a review by an advisory panel comprising HPV vaccine-hesitant parents, a health communications expert review, semistructured qualitative interviews with HPV vaccine-hesitant parents (n=31) and providers (n=15), and a content expert review. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes in the interview data. RESULTS: The qualitative interviews yielded 4 themes: overall views toward mobile device use for health information, acceptability of HPVVaxFacts, facilitators of HPVVaxFacts use, and barriers to HPVVaxFacts use. In parent interviews after reviewing HPVVaxFacts prototypes, almost all parents (29/31, 94%) stated they intended to have their child vaccinated. Most of the parents stated that they liked the added adolescents' corner to engage in optional parent-child communication (ie, choice to share and discuss information with their child; 27/31, 87%) and shared decision-making in some cases (8/31, 26%). After incorporating all input, the final intervention consisted of a 10-item survey to identify the top 3 concerns of parents, followed by tailored education that was mapped to each of the following concerns: evidential messages, images or graphics to enhance comprehension and address low literacy, links to credible websites, a provider video, suggested questions to ask their child's physician, and an optional adolescents' corner to educate the patient and support parent-child communication. CONCLUSIONS: The multilevel stakeholder-engaged process used to iteratively develop this novel intervention for HPV vaccine-hesitant families can be used as a model to develop future mobile health interventions. This intervention is currently being pilot-tested in preparation for a randomized controlled trial aiming to increase HPV vaccination among adolescent children of vaccine-hesitant parents in a clinic setting. Future research can adapt HPVVaxFacts for other vaccines and use in other settings (eg, health departments and pharmacies).

Measurement of provider fidelity to immunization guidelines: a mixed-methods study on the feasibility of documenting patient refusals of the human papillomavirus vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Assessment and feedback is a common implementation strategy to improve healthcare provider fidelity to clinical guidelines. For immunization guidelines, fidelity is often measured with doses administered during eligible visits. Adding a patient refusal measure captures provider fidelity more completely (i.e., all instances of a provider recommending a vaccine, resulting in vaccination or refusal) and enables providers to track patient vaccine hesitancy patterns. However, many electronic health record (EHR) systems have no structured field to document multiple instances of refusals for specific vaccines, and existing billing codes for refusal are not vaccine specific. This study assessed the feasibility of a novel method for refusal documentation used in a study focused on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. METHODS: An observational, descriptive-comparative, mixed-methods study design was used to conduct secondary data analysis from an implementation-effectiveness trial. The parent trial compared coach-based versus web-based practice facilitation, including assessment and feedback, to increase HPV vaccination in 21 community-based private pediatric practices. Providers were instructed to document initial HPV vaccine refusals in the EHR's immunization forms and subsequent refusals using dummy procedure codes, for use in assessment and feedback reports. This analysis examined adoption and maintenance of the refusal documentation method during eligible well visits, identified barriers and facilitators to documentation and described demographic patterns in patient refusals. RESULTS: Seven practices adopted the refusal documentation method. Among adopter practices, documented refusals started at 2.4% of eligible well visits at baseline, increased to 14.2% at the start of implementation, peaked at 24.0%, then declined to 18.8%. Barriers to refusal documentation included low prioritization, workflow integration and complication of the billing process. Facilitators included high motivation, documentation instructions and coach support. Among adopter practices, odds of refusing HPV vaccine were 25% higher for patients aged 15-17 years versus 11-12 years, and 18% lower for males versus females. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the value of patient refusal documentation for measuring HPV vaccination guideline fidelity and ways that it can be improved in future research. Creation of vaccine-specific refusal billing codes or EHR adaptations to enable documenting multiple instances of specific vaccine refusals would facilitate consistent refusal documentation. Trial Registration NCT03399396 Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on 1/16/2018.

Healthcare providers' practice protocols, strategies, and needed tools to address parental HPV vaccine hesitancy: An exploratory study.

Parental hesitancy related to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines has increased during the pandemic, and there is a call to action by the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable to improve vaccination rates. While there are evidence-based strategies available to address parental hesitancy, there are few clear guidelines on how to engage parents to build confidence in the HPV vaccine within the clinical settings. The purpose of this investigation is to explore practice protocols, individual provider strategies, and perceived tools needed to address HPV vaccine hesitant parents from the perspective of providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Fifteen healthcare providers participated in qualitative, semi-structured interviews between May 2021 and March 2022. An inductive, qualitative content analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Five themes were described: 1) Provider experiences engaging with HPV vaccine hesitant parents; 2) Existing protocols in the clinics to address HPV vaccine hesitant parents; 3) Strategies used by providers to address parental HPV vaccine hesitancy; 4) Sample message content used by providers to address parental HPV vaccine concerns; and 5) Perceived strategies and tools needed to address parental vaccine hesitancy. Recommendations to address parental hesitancy include recommending HPV vaccinationat 9 years, using a strong recommendation and continued discussion, applying evidence-based approaches and/or promising strategies, linking parents to credible outside sources, and ongoing follow-up if delayed or declined. These findings can be used by researchers and clinicians to improve strategies and messages to inform the development of a protocol to standardize encounters and communication for patient-parent-provider encounters that can influence parental decision-making around HPV vaccine uptake.

[Efforts towards the consolidation of public policies for the prevention of HPV-associated cancers in Puerto RicoEsforços realizados em Porto Rico para a consolidação de políticas públicas de prevenção de cânceres associados ao HPV]. / Esfuerzos realizados en Puerto Rico hacia la consolidación de políticas públicas para la prevención de cánceres asociados al VPH.

The purpose of this special report is to describe chronologically the events that contributed to the development and approval of legislation and subsequent implementation of a school vaccination mandate in order to prevent HPV and HPV-associated cancers in Puerto Rico (PR). Starting in 2010, PR initiated public-policy approvals aimed at improving cancer registries and HPV vaccine coverage through health insurance for adolescents aged 11 to 18 years. In 2014, scientific and community efforts succeeded in documenting the magnitude of morbidity caused by HPV and jointly developing HPV vaccine prevention and promotion strategies. In August 2018, PR became one of the first four territories of the United States of America to implement the HPV vaccine school entry requirement to decrease the incidence of HPV-associated cancers on the island. In 2019, it was enshrined in law that every immunization provider must submit immunization data to the Puerto Rico Immunization Registry. The case of PR demonstrates that public policy-making alongside collaboration between academic, scientific, and community coalitions can achieve population change and measurable outcomes aimed at HPV prevention. Countries with a similar public health problem could adopt efforts similar to those presented herein and align them with the World Health Organization goal of eradicating cervical cancer by 2030.

O propósito deste relatório especial é descrever cronologicamente os eventos que contribuíram para o desenvolvimento e a aprovação de legislação, e a implementação da exigência escolar de vacinação em Porto Rico (PR), a fim de prevenir o HPV e os cânceres associados a ele. A partir de 2010, PR iniciou as aprovações de políticas públicas com o objetivo de aprimorar o registro dos casos de câncer e a cobertura vacinal contra o HPV, por meio de planos de saúde, em adolescentes de 11 a 18 anos. Em 2014, esforços científicos e comunitários permitiram documentar a magnitude das doenças causadas pelo HPV e elaborar conjuntamente estratégias de prevenção e promoção da vacina contra o HPV. Em agosto de 2018, PR foi um dos primeiros quatro territórios dos Estados Unidos da América a implementar a vacina contra o HPV como exigência escolar, a fim de diminuir a incidência de cânceres associados ao HPV na ilha. Em 2019 ficou garantido por lei que todos os vacinadores devem enviar informações ao Registro de Imunização. O caso de PR demonstra que o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas, em conjunto com parcerias entre coalizões acadêmicas, científicas e comunitárias, alcança mudanças populacionais e resultados mensuráveis dirigidos à prevenção do HPV. Países com uma problemática de saúde pública similar poderiam adotar esforços semelhantes aos apresentados e alinhá-los ao objetivo da Organização Mundial da Saúde: a erradicação do câncer cervical até 2030.

Esfuerzos realizados en Puerto Rico hacia la consolidación de políticas públicas para la prevención de cánceres asociados al VPH

[RESUMEN]. El propósito de este informe especial es describir cronológicamente los eventos que contribuyeron al desarrollo y aprobación de la legislación e implementación del requisito escolar de vacunación en Puerto Rico (PR), con el fin de prevenir el VPH y los cánceres asociados a este. A partir del 2010, PR inició las aprobaciones de políticas públicas con el objetivo de mejorar el registro de casos de los cánceres y la cobertura de la vacuna contra el VPH a través de los planes médicos en adolescentes de 11 a 18 años. En el 2014, los esfuerzos científicos y comunitarios lograron documentar la magnitud de las enfermedades causadas por el VPH, y desarrollar en conjunto, estrategias de prevención y promoción de la vacuna contra el VPH. En agosto de 2018, PR logró ser uno de los primeros cuatro territorios de los Estados Unidos de América en implementar la vacuna contra el VPH como requisito escolar con el fin de disminuir la incidencia de cánceres asociados al VPH en la isla. En el 2019 se garantizó por ley que todo proveedor de vacunación debe reportar al Registro de Inmunización. El caso de PR demuestra que el desarrollo de políticas públicas junto con colaboraciones entre coaliciones académicas, científicas y comunitarias, logran cambios poblacionales y resultados medibles dirigidos a la prevención de VPH. Países con una problemática de salud pública similar podrían adoptar esfuerzos similares a los presentados, y alinearlos al objetivo de la Organización Mundial de la Salud: erradicación del cáncer cervical para 2030.

[ABSTRACT]. The purpose of this special report is to describe chronologically the events that contributed to the development and approval of legislation and subsequent implementation of a school vaccination mandate in order to prevent HPV and HPV-associated cancers in Puerto Rico (PR). Starting in 2010, PR initiated public policy approvals aimed at improving cancer registries and HPV vaccine coverage through health insurance for adolescents aged 11 to 18 years. In 2014, scientific and community efforts succeeded in documenting the magnitude of morbidity caused by HPV and jointly developing HPV vaccine prevention and promotion strategies. In August 2018, PR became one of the first four territories of the United States of America to implement the HPV vaccine school entry requirement to decrease the incidence of HPV-associated cancers on the island. In 2019, it was enshrined in law that every immunization provider must submit immunization data to the Puerto Rico Immunization Registry. The case of PR demonstrates that public policy-making alongside collaboration between academic, scientific, and community coalitions can achieve population change and measurable outcomes aimed at HPV prevention. Countries with a similar public health problem could adopt efforts similar to those presented herein and align them with the World Health Organization goal of eradicating cervical cancer by 2030.

[RESUMO]. O propósito deste relatório especial é descrever cronologicamente os eventos que contribuíram para o desenvolvimento e a aprovação de legislação, e a implementação da exigência escolar de vacinação em Porto Rico (PR), a fim de prevenir o HPV e os cânceres associados a ele. A partir de 2010, PR iniciou as aprovações de políticas públicas com o objetivo de aprimorar o registro dos casos de câncer e a cobertura vacinal contra o HPV, por meio de planos de saúde, em adolescentes de 11 a 18 anos. Em 2014, esforços científicos e comunitários permitiram documentar a magnitude das doenças causadas pelo HPV e elaborar conjuntamente estratégias de prevenção e promoção da vacina contra o HPV. Em agosto de 2018, PR foi um dos primeiros quatro territórios dos Estados Unidos da América a implementar a vacina contra o HPV como exigência escolar, a fim de diminuir a incidência de cânceres associados ao HPV na ilha. Em 2019 ficou garantido por lei que todos os vacinadores devem enviar informações ao Registro de Imunização. O caso de PR demonstra que o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas, em conjunto com parcerias entre coalizões acadêmicas, científicas e comunitárias, alcança mudanças populacionais e resultados mensuráveis dirigidos à prevenção do HPV. Países com uma problemática de saúde pública similar poderiam adotar esforços semelhantes aos apresentados e alinhá-los ao objetivo da Organização Mundial da Saúde: a erradicação do câncer cervical até 2030.

Exploring determinants and strategies for implementing self-management support text messaging interventions in safety net clinics.

Background: Text message-delivered interventions for chronic disease self-management have potential to reduce health disparities, yet limited research has explored implementing these interventions into clinical care. We partnered with safety net clinics to evaluate a texting intervention for type 2 diabetes called REACH (Rapid Encouragement/Education And Communications for Health) in a randomized controlled trial. Following evaluation, we explored potential implementation determinants and recommended implementation strategies. Methods: We interviewed clinic staff (n = 14) and a subset of intervention participants (n = 36) to ask about REACH's implementation potential. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) as an organizing framework, we coded transcripts and used thematic analysis to derive implementation barriers and facilitators. We integrated the CFIR-ERIC (Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change) Matching Tool, interview feedback, and the literature to recommend implementation strategies. Results: Implementation facilitators included low complexity, strong evidence and quality, available clinic resources, the need for a program to support diabetes self-management, and strong fit between REACH and both the clinics' existing workflows and patients' needs and resources. The barriers included REACH only being available in English, a lack of interoperability with electronic health record systems, patients' concerns about diabetes stigma, limited funding, and high staff turnover. Categories of recommended implementation strategies included training and education, offering flexibility and adaptation, evaluating key processes, and securing funding. Conclusion: Text message-delivered interventions have strong potential for integration in low-resource settings as a supplement to care. Pursuing implementation can ensure patients benefit from these innovations and help close the research to practice gap.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Impact on Cervical Precancers in a Low-Vaccination Population.

INTRODUCTION: Demonstrating human papillomavirus vaccine impact is critical for informing guidelines to increase vaccination and decrease human papillomavirus‒related outcomes, particularly in states with suboptimal vaccination coverage, such as Tennessee. This study examines the trends in high-grade cervical lesion incidence among Tennessee Medicaid-enrolled women aged 18-39 years and the subset of women who were screened for cervical cancer. METHODS: Using a validated claims-based model to identify incident cervical intraepithelial neoplasia Grades 2 or 3 or adenocarcinoma in situ events, annual age group‒specific incidence rates from Tennessee Medicaid billing data, 2008-2018, were calculated. Significant trends were determined by Joinpoint. Analyses were conducted in 2020. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2018, high-grade cervical lesion incidence significantly declined in women aged 18-20 years (average annual percentage change= -31.9, 95% CI= -38.6, -24.6), 21-24 years (average annual percentage change= -12.9, 95% CI= -22.3, -2.4), and 25-29 years (average annual percentage change= -6.4, 95% CI= -8.1, -4.6). Among screened women, rates significantly declined for ages 18-20 years (average annual percentage change= -20.3, 95% CI= -25.3, -15.0), 21-24 years (average annual percentage change= -10.2, 95% CI= -12.6, -7.8), and 25-29 years (average annual percentage change= -2.6, 95% CI= -3.9, -1.2). Trends from 2008 to 2018 were stable for older age groups (30-34 and 35-39 years). CONCLUSIONS: Results show reductions in high-grade cervical lesion incidence among ages most likely to have benefited from the human papillomavirus vaccine. Declines among young, screened women suggest causes other than reduction in screening. Evidence of vaccine impact in populations with low-vaccination coverage, such as Tennessee, is promising.

Human papillomavirus vaccine initiation and up-to-date vaccine coverage for adolescents after the implementation of school-entry policy in Puerto Rico.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been proven effective in the prevention of infection with high-risk HPV types, which can lead to the development of six HPV-related cancers. Puerto Rico (PR) adopted a mandatory HPV vaccination school-entry policy that took effect in August 2018. While school-entry requirements are generally accepted as an effective approach for increasing vaccination rates, there are few studies that have documented their impact on improving HPV vaccination rates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the HPV school-entry policy in PR on HPV vaccine coverage. We used a pre-post natural experiment. The study population included adolescents registered in the PR Immunization Registry during 2008-2019. We calculated HPV vaccine initiation and up-to-date (UTD) vaccine coverage rates. We estimated age-standardized rates (ASR) and standardized rate ratio with 95%CI. Vaccine data corresponding to a total of 495,327 adolescents were included for analysis; 50.9% were male and 49.1% were females. After policy implementation, a marked increase in raw HPV vaccine initiation among 11- to 12-year-old adolescents was observed across years 2017 (a pre-policy year), 2018, and 2019 (58.3%, 76.3%, and 89.8%, respectively). UTD coverage also showed a moderate increase after policy implementation among 11- to 12-year-old adolescents. The gap between sexes in vaccine initiation and UTD coverage narrowed over time; the ASRs in 2019 showed an increase of 19% in initiation and 7% increase in UTD relative to 2017 for males and females combined (both significant at p<0.05). This study demonstrated evidence of improvement in HPV vaccination rates following implementation of the school-entry policy and a narrowed sex gap in vaccine rates over time in PR. Future analyses should assess how the policy continues to affect vaccine coverage in subsequent years and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted HPV vaccination uptake.

Esfuerzos realizados en Puerto Rico hacia la consolidación de políticas públicas para la prevención de cánceres asociados al VPH / Efforts towards the consolidation of public policies for the prevention of HPV-associated cancers in Puerto Rico / Esforços realizados em Porto Rico para a consolidação de políticas públicas de prevenção de cânceres associados ao HPV

RESUMEN El propósito de este informe especial es describir cronológicamente los eventos que contribuyeron al desarrollo y aprobación de la legislación e implementación del requisito escolar de vacunación en Puerto Rico (PR), con el fin de prevenir el VPH y los cánceres asociados a este. A partir del 2010, PR inició las aprobaciones de políticas públicas con el objetivo de mejorar el registro de casos de los cánceres y la cobertura de la vacuna contra el VPH a través de los planes médicos en adolescentes de 11 a 18 años. En el 2014, los esfuerzos científicos y comunitarios lograron documentar la magnitud de las enfermedades causadas por el VPH, y desarrollar en conjunto, estrategias de prevención y promoción de la vacuna contra el VPH. En agosto de 2018, PR logró ser uno de los primeros cuatro territorios de los Estados Unidos de América en implementar la vacuna contra el VPH como requisito escolar con el fin de disminuir la incidencia de cánceres asociados al VPH en la isla. En el 2019 se garantizó por ley que todo proveedor de vacunación debe reportar al Registro de Inmunización. El caso de PR demuestra que el desarrollo de políticas públicas junto con colaboraciones entre coaliciones académicas, científicas y comunitarias, logran cambios poblacionales y resultados medibles dirigidos a la prevención de VPH. Países con una problemática de salud pública similar podrían adoptar esfuerzos similares a los presentados, y alinearlos al objetivo de la Organización Mundial de la Salud: erradicación del cáncer cervical para 2030.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this special report is to describe chronologically the events that contributed to the development and approval of legislation and subsequent implementation of a school vaccination mandate in order to prevent HPV and HPV-associated cancers in Puerto Rico (PR). Starting in 2010, PR initiated public-policy approvals aimed at improving cancer registries and HPV vaccine coverage through health insurance for adolescents aged 11 to 18 years. In 2014, scientific and community efforts succeeded in documenting the magnitude of morbidity caused by HPV and jointly developing HPV vaccine prevention and promotion strategies. In August 2018, PR became one of the first four territories of the United States of America to implement the HPV vaccine school entry requirement to decrease the incidence of HPV-associated cancers on the island. In 2019, it was enshrined in law that every immunization provider must submit immunization data to the Puerto Rico Immunization Registry. The case of PR demonstrates that public policy-making alongside collaboration between academic, scientific, and community coalitions can achieve population change and measurable outcomes aimed at HPV prevention. Countries with a similar public health problem could adopt efforts similar to those presented herein and align them with the World Health Organization goal of eradicating cervical cancer by 2030.

RESUMO O propósito deste relatório especial é descrever cronologicamente os eventos que contribuíram para o desenvolvimento e a aprovação de legislação, e a implementação da exigência escolar de vacinação em Porto Rico (PR), a fim de prevenir o HPV e os cânceres associados a ele. A partir de 2010, PR iniciou as aprovações de políticas públicas com o objetivo de aprimorar o registro dos casos de câncer e a cobertura vacinal contra o HPV, por meio de planos de saúde, em adolescentes de 11 a 18 anos. Em 2014, esforços científicos e comunitários permitiram documentar a magnitude das doenças causadas pelo HPV e elaborar conjuntamente estratégias de prevenção e promoção da vacina contra o HPV. Em agosto de 2018, PR foi um dos primeiros quatro territórios dos Estados Unidos da América a implementar a vacina contra o HPV como exigência escolar, a fim de diminuir a incidência de cânceres associados ao HPV na ilha. Em 2019 ficou garantido por lei que todos os vacinadores devem enviar informações ao Registro de Imunização. O caso de PR demonstra que o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas, em conjunto com parcerias entre coalizões acadêmicas, científicas e comunitárias, alcança mudanças populacionais e resultados mensuráveis dirigidos à prevenção do HPV. Países com uma problemática de saúde pública similar poderiam adotar esforços semelhantes aos apresentados e alinhá-los ao objetivo da Organização Mundial da Saúde: a erradicação do câncer cervical até 2030.

Enhancing Cancer care of rural dwellers through telehealth and engagement (ENCORE): protocol to evaluate effectiveness of a multi-level telehealth-based intervention to improve rural cancer care delivery.

BACKGROUND: Despite lower cancer incidence rates, cancer mortality is higher among rural compared to urban dwellers. Patient, provider, and institutional level factors contribute to these disparities. The overarching objective of this study is to leverage the multidisciplinary, multispecialty oncology team from an academic cancer center in order to provide comprehensive cancer care at both the patient and provider levels in rural healthcare centers. Our specific aims are to: 1) evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a multi-level telehealth-based intervention consisting of provider access to molecular tumor board expertise along with patient access to a supportive care intervention to improve cancer care delivery; and 2) identify the facilitators and barriers to future larger scale dissemination and implementation of the multi-level intervention. METHODS: Coordinated by a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, this study will include providers and patients across several clinics in two large healthcare systems serving rural communities. Using a telehealth-based molecular tumor board, sequencing results are reviewed, predictive and prognostic markers are discussed, and treatment plans are formulated between expert oncologists and rural providers. Simultaneously, the rural patients will be randomized to receive an evidence-based 6-week self-management supportive care program, Cancer Thriving and Surviving, versus an education attention control. Primary outcomes will be provider uptake of the molecular tumor board recommendation and patient treatment adherence. A mixed methods approach guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research that combines qualitative key informant interviews and quantitative surveys will be collected from both the patient and provider in order to identify facilitators and barriers to implementing the multi-level intervention. DISCUSSION: The proposed study will leverage information technology-enabled, team-based care delivery models in order to deliver comprehensive, coordinated, and high-quality cancer care to rural and/or underserved populations. Simultaneous attention to institutional, provider, and patient level barriers to quality care will afford the opportunity for us to broadly share oncology expertise and develop dissemination and implementation strategies that will enhance the cancer care delivered to patients residing within underserved rural communities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov , NCT04758338 . Registered 17 February 2021 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/.