Cancer incidence in indigenous populations of Western Amazon, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to estimate a population-based cancer incidence among indigenous populations in the State of Acre, Brazilian Western Amazon, to provide knowledge about cancer epidemiological profiles contributing to healthcare policies and service planning. Although cancer epidemiology in Brazil is well described through incidence and mortality estimate in the general population, cancer estimates among indigenous peoples are still unknown. DESIGN: This is a descriptive study of cancer incidence among the indigenous population (2000-2012) in the State of Acre, Brazil. The sources used were population-based cancer registries of Goiânia, hospital-based cancer registry of Acre, São Paulo, and Porto Velho; Special Indigenous Health Districts databases of Acre, Goiânia, and São Paulo; Mortality Information System, and Rio Branco's public and private laboratories' reports. Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) was calculated using cancer incidence rates of Goiânia as reference. RESULTS: From 137 cancer cases, 51.8% occurred in women and 32.1% in people aged 70 + . Among men, the most frequent cancer sites were stomach (25.8%), liver (15.1%), colorectal (7.6%), leukemia (7.6%), and prostate (6.1%). Among women, the most frequent were cervical (50.7%), stomach (8.5%), leukemia (5.6%), liver (4.3%), and breast (4.3%). Among men, there was an excess of cancer cases for stomach (SIR=1.75; 95%CI:1.67-1.83), liver (SIR=1.77; 95%CI:1.66-1.88), and leukemia (SIR=1.64; 95%CI:1.49-1.78). In women, an excess of cancer cases was observed for cervical (SIR=4.49; 95%CI:4.34-4.64) and liver (SIR=2.11; 95%CI:1.88-2.34). A lower cancer incidence for prostate (SIR=0.06; 95%CI:0.05-0.07) and female breast (SIR=0.12; 95%CI:0.11-0.14) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical, stomach, and liver cancers corresponded to 52% of the cases and were highly incident among the Brazilian indigenous population of Western Amazon compared to non-indigenous counterparts. Despite the low frequency of breast and prostate cancer, the fact they were present among indigenous peoples suggests a complex epidemiological transition framework in these populations.

Gene-Environment Interaction between Arg72Pro SNP and Selected Environmental Exposures among Brazilian Women Diagnosed with Benign Breast Disease.

BACKGROUND: Benign breast disease (BBD) is a factor strongly associated with breast cancer worldwide. Arg72Pro SNP association with breast cancer is controversial due to the suggestion that environmental factors are required to modulate such risk. There are no studies evaluating these environmental interactions of the aforementioned SNP within BBD. AIM: To determine the frequency of SNP Arg72Pro in a cohort of women diagnosed with BBD; and to investigate gene-environmental interactions with environmental factors. RESULTS: The genotype frequency was 44.6% for Arg/Pro, 39.3% for Arg/Arg genotype, and 16.3% for Pro/Pro homozygote. Gene-environment interaction analysis shows that when Arg/Arg is considered as reference, there is an ORinteraction with Arg/Pro and fabric exposure (OR=1.90;95%CI:1.04,3.48), solvents (OR=2.21;95%CI:1.01,4.83) and chlorine, bleaches, disinfectants, and liquid wax exposure (OR=2.52;95%CI:1.07,5.91). Analysis with Pro/Pro genotype as the reference showed an interaction between alcohol consumption and recessive model (OR=1.58;95%CI:1.00,2.51). Gene-environmental interactions were observed too between exposure to hair dyes, straighteners or relaxers and Arg/Arg (OR=3.26;95%CI:1.21,8.82). CONCLUSION: The Arg/Pro genotype was the most frequent in the BBD cohort. When compared with the Arg/Arg genotype, the presence of Arg/Pro genotype and solvents, fabric and cleaning products exposure increased the risk of BBD. When compared with Pro/Pro genotype, there were interactions between recessive model with alcohol consumption and exposure to hair products on the risk of BBD.

Thyroid cancer in Brazil: a descriptive study of cases held on hospital-based cancer registries, 2000-2016. / Câncer de tireoide no Brasil: estudo descritivo dos casos informados pelos registros hospitalares de câncer, 2000-2016.

Objective To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of primary thyroid cancer hospital cases in Brazil. Methods This is a descriptive study of cases held on hospital cancer records who had their first consultation for treatment in the period 2000-2016 and who were monitored by the hospitals providing those records. Results Of the 52,912 cases, 83.4% were female and 96.9% were differentiated carcinoma cases. The median time to diagnosis was shorter for anaplastic cases (11 days) and for those living in Brazil's Southern region (5 days). Treatment was initiated within 60 days in 88.8% of cases that arrived at the hospitals without diagnosis and in 34.9% of those who arrived with diagnosis. Conclusion The findings are consistent with thyroid cancer epidemiology, with a predominance of female cases and differentiated carcinomas. Analysis of time-to-treatment suggests access difficulties for those who already had diagnosis when they arrived at the hospitals.

Thyroid cancer in Brazil: a descriptive study of the cases reported by the Hospital Cancer Registries, 2000-2016 / Cáncer de tiroides en Brasil: estudo descritivo de los casos informados por los registros hospitalarios, 2000-2016 / Câncer de tireoide no Brasil: estudo descritivo dos casos informados pelos registros hospitalares de câncer, 2000-2016

Objective. To describe clinical and epidemiological profile of hospital thyroid cancer cases in Brazil. Methods. Descriptive study of cases reported by hospital-based cancer registry between 2000-2016 whose monitoring was performed by the informing registry. Results. Of the 52,912 cases, 83.4% were female and 96.9% were differentiated carcinomas. The median time to diagnosis was shorter for anaplastic cases (11 days) and for Southern region (5 days). Treatment was initiated within 60 days in 88.8% of cases that arrived at the registry institution without a diagnosis and in 34.9% of those who arrived with a diagnosis. Conclusion. Findings are consistent with the epidemiology of thyroid cancer, with a predominance of female cases and differentiated carcinoma. Analyzing time-to-treatment suggests difficulties in accessing for those who arrived at the registry institutions with a diagnosis.

Objetivo. Descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico de casos hospitalares de câncer primário de tireoide no Brasil. Métodos. Estudo descritivo dos casos informados pelos registros hospitalares de câncer que tiveram primeira consulta para tratamento no período 2000-2016 e cujo acompanhamento foi realizado pela instituição do registro informante. Resultados. Dos 52.912 casos, 83,4% eram femininos e 96,9% eram carcinomas diferenciados. Apresentaram menor tempo mediano para diagnóstico os casos anaplásicos (11 dias) e os residentes da região Sul do país (5 dias). O tratamento foi iniciado em até 60 dias em 88,8% dos casos que chegaram à instituição do registro sem diagnóstico e em 34,9% dos que chegaram com diagnóstico. Conclusão. Os achados são consistentes com a epidemiologia do câncer de tireoide, com predominância do sexo feminino e do carcinoma diferenciado. A análise do tempo para início do tratamento sugere dificuldades de acesso para aqueles que chegaram às instituições dos registros com diagnóstico.

Câncer de tireoide no Brasil: estudo descritivo dos casos informados pelos registros hospitalares de câncer, 2000-2016 / Cáncer de tiroides en Brasil: estudo descriptivo de los casos informados por los registros hospitalarios, 2000-2016 / Thyroid cancer in Brazil: a descriptive study of cases held on hospital-based cancer registries, 2000-2016

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico de casos hospitalares de câncer primário de tireoide no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo descritivo dos casos informados pelos registros hospitalares de câncer que tiveram primeira consulta para tratamento no período 2000-2016 e cujo acompanhamento foi realizado pela instituição do registro informante. Resultados: Dos 52.912 casos, 83,4% eram femininos e 96,9% eram carcinomas diferenciados. Apresentaram menor tempo mediano para diagnóstico os casos anaplásicos (11 dias) e os residentes da região Sul do país (5 dias). O tratamento foi iniciado em até 60 dias em 88,8% dos casos que chegaram à instituição do registro sem diagnóstico e em 34,9% dos que chegaram com diagnóstico. Conclusão: Os achados são consistentes com a epidemiologia do câncer de tireoide, com predominância do sexo feminino e do carcinoma diferenciado. A análise do tempo para início do tratamento sugere dificuldades de acesso para aqueles que chegaram às instituições dos registros com diagnóstico.

Objetivo: Describir el perfil clínico y epidemiológico de los casos de cáncer de tiroides en Brasil. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de casos reportados por los registros hospitalarios de cáncer que tuvieron su primera consulta de tratamiento en el período 2000-2016 y el monitoreo fue realizado por la institución del registro. Resultados: De los 52.912 casos, 83,4% eran mujeres y 96,9% era de carcinomas diferenciados. El tiempo promedio hasta el diagnóstico fue menor en los anaplásicos (11 días) y en la región Sur (5 días). El tratamiento se inició dentro de los 60 días en 88.8% de los casos que llegaron a la institución de registro sin diagnóstico y en 34.9% de los que llegaron con diagnóstico. Conclusión: Los resultados son consistentes con la epidemiología del cáncer de tiroides, con predominio del sexo femenino y carcinomas diferenciados. El análisis del tiempo de tratamiento sugiere dificultades de acceso para casos que llegaron con diagnóstico.

Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of primary thyroid cancer hospital cases in Brazil. Methods: This is a descriptive study of cases held on hospital cancer records who had their first consultation for treatment in the period 2000-2016 and who were monitored by the hospitals providing those records. Results: Of the 52,912 cases, 83.4% were female and 96.9% were differentiated carcinoma cases. The median time to diagnosis was shorter for anaplastic cases (11 days) and for those living in Brazil's Southern region (5 days). Treatment was initiated within 60 days in 88.8% of cases that arrived at the hospitals without diagnosis and in 34.9% of those who arrived with diagnosis. Conclusion: The findings are consistent with thyroid cancer epidemiology, with a predominance of female cases and differentiated carcinomas. Analysis of time-to-treatment suggests access difficulties for those who already had diagnosis when they arrived at the hospitals.

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma: a 5-years survival study at a referral hospital in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Although the prognosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) therapy is considered excellent over time, some cases have a poorer prognosis and evolve into death. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the 5-year specific survival and to identify prognosis factors in a cohort of DTC adult subjects. METHODS: Survival probability was estimated by Kaplan-Meier's method in a retrospective hospital-based cohort study. Comparisons were made by log-rank test. Prognosis factors were identified using Cox risk modeling and crude and adjusted Hazard Ratio measures were obtained. Two models were estimated, considering age grouping of the 7th and 8th editions of TNM. RESULTS: Specific 5-year survival in the cohort was 98.5% (95%CI: 94.2 - 97.5). Considering TNM 7th edition, the risk estimates were 9.88 (95%CI: 1.67 - 58.33) for age group ≥ 55 years, 18.87 (95%CI: 7.38 - 48.29) for individuals with distant metastasis, 6.36 (95%CI: 2.26 - 17.91) for patients who underwent lymphadenectomy and 0.16 (95%CI: 0.06 - 0.43) for those who received radioiodine therapy. For TNM 8th edition, the risk estimates were 10.12 (95%CI: 2.05 - 50.09) for age group ≥ 55 years, 12.43 (95%CI: 4.58 - 33.77) for individuals with distant metastasis, 5.06 (95%CI: 1.82 - 14.05) for patients who underwent lymphadenectomy and 0.19 (95%CI: 0.07 - 0.51) for those who received radioiodine therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort had a very high survival over a 5-year period. The prognosis was negatively influenced by age, distant metastasis and lymphadenectomy, whereas radioiodine therapy was found to be protective.

Occupational exposure to pesticides and hematological alterations: A survey of farm residents in the South of Brazil.

This study sought to investigate the association of exposure to organochlorine (OC) and non-persistent pesticides with hematological parameters in an agricultural population in Southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 275 farm workers and their families in Farroupilha-RS. A questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, duration, frequency and type of pesticide used, among others. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum concentration of 24 OC pesticides and hematological parameters. Associations were explored through linear regression, controlling for confounders. Lifetime use of chemical classes other than organophosphates and dithiocarbamates were associated with decreased number of lymphocytes, while subjects sampled in the high pesticide use season showed higher number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin level. Detectable serum levels of many OC pesticides were associated with lower counts of white blood cells, particularly eosinophils. Although mostly null associations were observed between pesticide use and hematological parameters, findings may suggest that OC pesticides could lead to hematological alterations among agricultural workers.

Occupational exposure to pesticides and hematological alterations: A survey of farm residents in the South of Brazil / Exposição ocupacional a agrotóxicos e alterações hematológicas: Estudo transversal em moradores rurais do Sul do Brasil

Abstract This study sought to investigate the association of exposure to organochlorine (OC) and non-persistent pesticides with hematological parameters in an agricultural population in Southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 275 farm workers and their families in Farroupilha-RS. A questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, duration, frequency and type of pesticide used, among others. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum concentration of 24 OC pesticides and hematological parameters. Associations were explored through linear regression, controlling for confounders. Lifetime use of chemical classes other than organophosphates and dithiocarbamates were associated with decreased number of lymphocytes, while subjects sampled in the high pesticide use season showed higher number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin level. Detectable serum levels of many OC pesticides were associated with lower counts of white blood cells, particularly eosinophils. Although mostly null associations were observed between pesticide use and hematological parameters, findings may suggest that OC pesticides could lead to hematological alterations among agricultural workers.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre a exposição a organoclorados (OC) e agrotóxicos não persistentes e os parâmetros hematológicos em uma população agrícola de Farroupilha-RS. Foi utilizado um questionário para coletar informações sobre fatores sociodemográficos e de estilo de vida, duração, frequência e tipo de pesticidas utilizados, entre outros. Amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas e analisadas quanto a concentração sérica de 24 pesticidas OC e parâmetros hematológicos. As associações foram exploradas através de regressão linear, controlando por confundidores. O uso cumulativo de classes químicas diferentes de organofosforados e ditiocarbamatos associou-se com diminuição do número de linfócitos enquanto indivíduos que tiveram suas coletas sanguíneas realizadas na estação de maior uso de agrotóxicos tinham contagem de eritrócitos e hemoglobina maiores. Níveis séricos de diversos pesticidas organoclorados foram associados com contagens mais baixas de células brancas do sangue, particularmente eosinófilos. Embora as associações com o uso de agrotóxicos tenham sido, em geral, nulas, os resultados podem sugerir que os pesticidas OCs poderiam levar a alterações hematológicas entre os trabalhadores agrícolas.

[Cancer mortality among indigenous population in Acre State, Brazil]. / Mortalidade por câncer em populações indígenas no Estado do Acre, Brasil.

The study aimed to estimate cancer mortality among indigenous peoples in Acre State, Brazil. This was a descriptive observational study based on the nominal bank of the Brazilian Mortality Information System for the period from January 1st, 2000, to December 31st, 2012. The study analyzed the distribution death frequencies by sex and age. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated taking Goiânia (Goiás State), Acre State, and the North Region of Brazil as the references. A total of 81 deaths were identified, the majority in men (59.3%) and in individuals over 70 years of age. The five main sites in men were stomach, liver, colon and rectum, leukemia, and prostate. The five main sites in women were uterine cervix, stomach, liver, leukemia, and uterus. In indigenous men there was an excess of deaths from stomach cancer compared to the populations of Goiânia (SMR = 2.72; 2.58-2.87), Acre State (SMR = 2.05; 1.94-2.16) and North region (SMR = 3.10; 2.93-3.27). The same was observed for deaths from hepatic cell carcinomas referenced against Goiânia (SMR = 3.89; 3.66-4.14), Acre State (SMR = 1.79; 1.68-1.91), and the North of Brazil (SMR = 4.04; 3.77-4.30). Among indigenous women, there was an excess of cervical cancer in comparison to Goiânia (SMR = 4.67; 4.41-4.93), Acre State (SMR = 2.12; 2.00-2.24), and the North (SMR = 2.60; 2.45-2.75). The estimates show that preventable neoplasms such as cervical cancer and those linked to underdevelopment, such as stomach and liver cancer, account for 49.4% of deaths among indigenous peoples. Compared to the reference population, mortality from liver, stomach, and colorectal cancer and leukemias was more than twice as high in indigenous men; among indigenous women, cervical, stomach, and liver cancer and leukemias were 30% higher.

O objetivo do estudo foi estimar a mortalidade por câncer em povos indígenas no Estado do Acre, Brasil. Trata-se de estudo observacional descritivo, com base no banco nominal do SIM (Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade), referente ao período de 1º de janeiro de 2000 a 31 de dezembro de 2012. Foi analisada a distribuição de frequência de óbitos, por sexo e faixa etária, e calculada a RMP (razão de mortalidade padronizada), tendo como referência Goiânia (Goiás), Acre e Região Norte. Foram identificados 81 óbitos, a maioria de homens (59,3%) e acima de 70 anos. As cinco principais localizações em homens foram estômago, fígado, cólon e reto, leucemia e próstata. Nas mulheres, câncer cervical, estômago, fígado, leucemia e útero. Nos homens indígenas houve excesso de óbitos por câncer de estômago quando comparados às populações de Goiânia (RMP = 2,72; 2,58-2,87), Acre (RMP = 2,05; 1,94-2,16) e Região Norte (RMP = 3,10; 2,93-3,27). O mesmo foi observado para óbitos por hepatocarcinomas, tendo por referência Goiânia (RMP = 3,89; 3,66-4,14), Acre (RMP = 1,79; 1,68-1,91) e Região Norte (RMP = 4,04; 3,77-4,30). Dentre as mulheres indígenas, destaca-se o excesso de câncer cervical em relação à Goiânia (RMP = 4,67; 4,41-4,93), Acre (RMP = 2,12; 2,00-2,24) e Região Norte (RMP = 2,60; 2,45-2,75). As estimativas apontam que neoplasias passíveis de prevenção, como câncer cervical, e ligadas ao subdesenvolvimento, como estômago e fígado, corresponderam a cerca de 49,4% dos óbitos entre indígenas. Comparados à população de referência, a mortalidade por câncer de fígado, estômago, colorretal e leucemias foi maior que o dobro entre os homens indígenas; por câncer cervical, estômago, fígado e leucemias esteve acima de 30% entre as mulheres indígenas.

El objetivo del estudio fue estimar la mortalidad por cáncer en pueblos indígenas del estado de Acre. Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo, a partir del banco de datos nominal del SIM (Sistema de Información Sobre Mortalidad), referente al período de 01 de enero de 2000 a 31 de diciembre de 2012. Se analizó la distribución de frecuencia de óbitos, por sexo y franja de edad, y se calculó la RMP (razón de mortalidad estandarizada), teniendo como referencia Goiânia-GO, Acre y la región norte. Se identificaron 81 óbitos, la mayoría en hombres (59,3%) y por encima de los 70 años. Los cinco principales focos en hombres fueron: estómago, hígado, colon y recto, leucemia y próstata. En las mujeres, cáncer cervical, estómago, hígado, leucemia y útero. En los hombres indígenas, hubo exceso de óbitos por cáncer de estómago, comparados con las poblaciones de Goiânia (RMP = 2,72; 2,58-2,87), estado de Acre (RMP = 2,05; 1,94-2,16) y región norte (RMP = 3,10; 2,93-3,27). Lo mismo se observó en caso de óbitos por hepatocarcinomas, teniendo por referencia Goiânia (RMP = 3,89; 3,66-4,14), estado de Acre (RMP = 1,79; 1,68-1,91) y región norte (RMP = 4,04; 3,77-4,30). Entre las mujeres indígenas, se destaca el exceso de cáncer cervical, en relación con Goiânia (RMP = 4,67; 4,41-4,93), estado de Acre (RMP = 2,12; 2,00-2,24) y región norte (RMP = 2,60; 2,45-2,75). Las estimativas apuntan a que neoplasias susceptibles de prevención, como la cervical, y vinculadas al subdesarrollo, como la de estómago e hígado, correspondieron a cerca de un 49,4% de los óbitos entre indígenas. Comparados con la población de referencia, la mortalidad por cáncer de hígado, estómago, colorrectal y leucemias fue más que el doble entre los hombres indígenas; por cáncer cervical, estómago, hígado y leucemias estuvo por encima de un 30% entre las mujeres indígenas.

Beliefs about Breast Cancer among Women in the Western Amazon: A Population-Based Study

Objective: Evaluate the beliefs about the risk factors for breast cancer in a population of women from the western Amazon and determine the factors associated with the higher belief scores presented by this population. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study included 478 women aged >40 years residing in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. An American Cancer Society questionnaire was applied to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about breast cancer. Results: The main beliefs about the risk factors for breast cancer were breast trauma (95%), use of underwire bra (58.5%), and a high number of sexual partners (55.5%). Women from younger age groups presented higher belief scores (Bcoefficient: ­0.04, 95% CI: ­0.07; ­0.01) than those of women from older age groups. A strong association was noted between high knowledge scores of risk factors and signs/symptoms of the disease and high belief scores in the study group (Bcoefficient:0.33;95%CI:0.28;0.38). Conclusion: The results indicate the existence of important beliefs related to the risk factors for breast cancer. Women from younger age groups, women who have seen a gynecologist in the past 2 years, and women who had more knowledge about the risk factors and signs and symptoms of breast cancer had higher belief scores.

Mortalidade por câncer em populações indígenas no Estado do Acre, Brasil / Cancer mortality among indigenous population in Acre State, Brazil / Mortalidad por cáncer en poblaciones indígenas en el estado de Acre, Brasil

O objetivo do estudo foi estimar a mortalidade por câncer em povos indígenas no Estado do Acre, Brasil. Trata-se de estudo observacional descritivo, com base no banco nominal do SIM (Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade), referente ao período de 1º de janeiro de 2000 a 31 de dezembro de 2012. Foi analisada a distribuição de frequência de óbitos, por sexo e faixa etária, e calculada a RMP (razão de mortalidade padronizada), tendo como referência Goiânia (Goiás), Acre e Região Norte. Foram identificados 81 óbitos, a maioria de homens (59,3%) e acima de 70 anos. As cinco principais localizações em homens foram estômago, fígado, cólon e reto, leucemia e próstata. Nas mulheres, câncer cervical, estômago, fígado, leucemia e útero. Nos homens indígenas houve excesso de óbitos por câncer de estômago quando comparados às populações de Goiânia (RMP = 2,72; 2,58-2,87), Acre (RMP = 2,05; 1,94-2,16) e Região Norte (RMP = 3,10; 2,93-3,27). O mesmo foi observado para óbitos por hepatocarcinomas, tendo por referência Goiânia (RMP = 3,89; 3,66-4,14), Acre (RMP = 1,79; 1,68-1,91) e Região Norte (RMP = 4,04; 3,77-4,30). Dentre as mulheres indígenas, destaca-se o excesso de câncer cervical em relação à Goiânia (RMP = 4,67; 4,41-4,93), Acre (RMP = 2,12; 2,00-2,24) e Região Norte (RMP = 2,60; 2,45-2,75). As estimativas apontam que neoplasias passíveis de prevenção, como câncer cervical, e ligadas ao subdesenvolvimento, como estômago e fígado, corresponderam a cerca de 49,4% dos óbitos entre indígenas. Comparados à população de referência, a mortalidade por câncer de fígado, estômago, colorretal e leucemias foi maior que o dobro entre os homens indígenas; por câncer cervical, estômago, fígado e leucemias esteve acima de 30% entre as mulheres indígenas.

The study aimed to estimate cancer mortality among indigenous peoples in Acre State, Brazil. This was a descriptive observational study based on the nominal bank of the Brazilian Mortality Information System for the period from January 1st, 2000, to December 31st, 2012. The study analyzed the distribution death frequencies by sex and age. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated taking Goiânia (Goiás State), Acre State, and the North Region of Brazil as the references. A total of 81 deaths were identified, the majority in men (59.3%) and in individuals over 70 years of age. The five main sites in men were stomach, liver, colon and rectum, leukemia, and prostate. The five main sites in women were uterine cervix, stomach, liver, leukemia, and uterus. In indigenous men there was an excess of deaths from stomach cancer compared to the populations of Goiânia (SMR = 2.72; 2.58-2.87), Acre State (SMR = 2.05; 1.94-2.16) and North region (SMR = 3.10; 2.93-3.27). The same was observed for deaths from hepatic cell carcinomas referenced against Goiânia (SMR = 3.89; 3.66-4.14), Acre State (SMR = 1.79; 1.68-1.91), and the North of Brazil (SMR = 4.04; 3.77-4.30). Among indigenous women, there was an excess of cervical cancer in comparison to Goiânia (SMR = 4.67; 4.41-4.93), Acre State (SMR = 2.12; 2.00-2.24), and the North (SMR = 2.60; 2.45-2.75). The estimates show that preventable neoplasms such as cervical cancer and those linked to underdevelopment, such as stomach and liver cancer, account for 49.4% of deaths among indigenous peoples. Compared to the reference population, mortality from liver, stomach, and colorectal cancer and leukemias was more than twice as high in indigenous men; among indigenous women, cervical, stomach, and liver cancer and leukemias were 30% higher.

El objetivo del estudio fue estimar la mortalidad por cáncer en pueblos indígenas del estado de Acre. Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo, a partir del banco de datos nominal del SIM (Sistema de Información Sobre Mortalidad), referente al período de 01 de enero de 2000 a 31 de diciembre de 2012. Se analizó la distribución de frecuencia de óbitos, por sexo y franja de edad, y se calculó la RMP (razón de mortalidad estandarizada), teniendo como referencia Goiânia-GO, Acre y la región norte. Se identificaron 81 óbitos, la mayoría en hombres (59,3%) y por encima de los 70 años. Los cinco principales focos en hombres fueron: estómago, hígado, colon y recto, leucemia y próstata. En las mujeres, cáncer cervical, estómago, hígado, leucemia y útero. En los hombres indígenas, hubo exceso de óbitos por cáncer de estómago, comparados con las poblaciones de Goiânia (RMP = 2,72; 2,58-2,87), estado de Acre (RMP = 2,05; 1,94-2,16) y región norte (RMP = 3,10; 2,93-3,27). Lo mismo se observó en caso de óbitos por hepatocarcinomas, teniendo por referencia Goiânia (RMP = 3,89; 3,66-4,14), estado de Acre (RMP = 1,79; 1,68-1,91) y región norte (RMP = 4,04; 3,77-4,30). Entre las mujeres indígenas, se destaca el exceso de cáncer cervical, en relación con Goiânia (RMP = 4,67; 4,41-4,93), estado de Acre (RMP = 2,12; 2,00-2,24) y región norte (RMP = 2,60; 2,45-2,75). Las estimativas apuntan a que neoplasias susceptibles de prevención, como la cervical, y vinculadas al subdesarrollo, como la de estómago e hígado, correspondieron a cerca de un 49,4% de los óbitos entre indígenas. Comparados con la población de referencia, la mortalidad por cáncer de hígado, estómago, colorrectal y leucemias fue más que el doble entre los hombres indígenas; por cáncer cervical, estómago, hígado y leucemias estuvo por encima de un 30% entre las mujeres indígenas.

Thyroid Cancer Incidences From Selected South America Population-Based Cancer Registries: An Age-Period-Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has increased substantially worldwide. However, there is a lack of knowledge about age-period-cohort (APC) effects on incidence rates in South American countries. This study describes the TC incidence trends and analyzes APC effects in Cali, Colombia; Costa Rica; Goiânia, Brazil; and Quito, Ecuador. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents series, and the crude and age-standardized incidence rates were calculated. Trends were assessed using the estimated annual percentage change, and APC models were estimated using Poisson regression for individuals between age 20 and 79 years. RESULTS: An increasing trend in age-standardized incidence rates was observed among women from Goiânia (9.2%), Costa Rica (5.7%), Quito (4.0%), and Cali (3.4%), and in men from Goiânia (10.0%) and Costa Rica (3.4%). The APC modeling showed that there was a period effect in all regions and for both sexes. Increasing rate ratios were observed among women over the periods. The best fit model was the APC model in women from all regions and in men from Quito, whereas the age-cohort model showed a better fit in men from Cali and Costa Rica, and the age-drift model showed a better fit among men from Goiânia. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that overdiagnosis is a possible explanation for the observed increasing pattern of TC incidence. However, some environmental exposures may also have contributed to the observed increase.

Fraction of head and neck cancer attributable to tobacco and alcohol in cities of three Brazilian regions. / Fração de câncer de cabeça e pescoço atribuível ao tabaco e ao álcool em cidades de três regiões brasileiras.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the fraction of head and neck cancer (HNC) attributable to tobacco and alcohol in cities in the Midwest, Southeast and South regions of Brazil. METHODS: Case-control study including 1,594 cases of HNC and 1,292 hospital controls. The association of HNC with tobacco and alcohol was estimated by the odds ratio and respective 95% confidence intervals through non-conditional logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, schooling, consumption of fruits and vegetables, alcohol drinking (to examine the tobacco effect), and tobacco smoking (to examine the alcohol effect). The proportions of HNC attributable to tobacco and alcohol were estimated through the attributable fraction (AF) calculation. Separate estimates were made for Goiânia (Midwest), Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (Southeast) and Pelotas and Porto Alegre (South). RESULTS: The HNC fraction attributable to smoking was slightly higher in Goiânia (AF = 90%) than in cities in the Southeast (AF = 87%) and South (AF = 86%). The HNC fraction attributable to the consumption of alcoholic beverages presented similar and higher results in the cities of Southeast (AF = 78%) and South (AF = 77%) than in Goiânia (AF = 62%). CONCLUSION: The HNC fractions attributable to smoking were more expressive than for alcohol consumption. Although with discrete distinctions between them, the AFs to tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption in HNC observed in the cities of these three Brazilian regions were similar to those obtained in Latin America studies, but they were higher than in other parts in the world.

Fração de câncer de cabeça e pescoço atribuível ao tabaco e ao álcool em cidades de três regiões brasileiras / Fraction of head and neck cancer attributable to tobacco and alcohol in cities of three Brazilian regions

RESUMO: Objetivo: Estimar a fração de câncer de cabeça e pescoço (CCP) atribuível ao tabaco e ao álcool em cidades das regiões Centro-Oeste, Sudeste E Sul do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo caso-controle com 1.594 casos de CCP e 1.292 controles hospitalares. A associação de CCP com tabaco e álcool foi estimada pela odds ratio e intervalos de confiança de 95% via regressão logística não condicional, ajustada por idade, sexo, escolaridade, consumo de frutas e legumes, consumo de bebidas alcoólicas (para examinar o efeito do tabaco) e tabagismo (para examinar o efeito do álcool). As proporções de CCP atribuíveis ao tabaco e ao álcool foram estimadas pelo cálculo da fração atribuível (FA). Foram realizadas estimativas separadas para Goiânia (Centro-Oeste), Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo (Sudeste) e Pelotas e Porto Alegre (Sul). Resultados: A fração de CCP atribuível ao tabagismo foi discretamente mais elevada em Goiânia (FA = 90%) em comparação às cidades do Sudeste (FA = 87%) e do Sul (FA = 86%). A fração de CCP atribuível ao consumo de bebidas alcoólicas apresentou resultados similares e mais altos nas cidades do Sudeste (FA = 78%) e Sul (FA = 77%) em comparação a Goiânia (FA = 62%). Conclusão: As frações de CCP atribuíveis ao tabagismo foram mais expressivas do que para o consumo de álcool. Embora com discretas distinções entre si, as FA para tabaco e álcool observadas nas cidades das três regiões brasileiras foram semelhantes às obtidas em estudos em outras regiões da América Latina, porém, mais altas que em outras partes do mundo.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To estimate the fraction of head and neck cancer (HNC) attributable to tobacco and alcohol in cities in the Midwest, Southeast and South regions of Brazil. Methods: Case-control study including 1,594 cases of HNC and 1,292 hospital controls. The association of HNC with tobacco and alcohol was estimated by the odds ratio and respective 95% confidence intervals through non-conditional logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, schooling, consumption of fruits and vegetables, alcohol drinking (to examine the tobacco effect), and tobacco smoking (to examine the alcohol effect). The proportions of HNC attributable to tobacco and alcohol were estimated through the attributable fraction (AF) calculation. Separate estimates were made for Goiânia (Midwest), Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (Southeast) and Pelotas and Porto Alegre (South). Results: The HNC fraction attributable to smoking was slightly higher in Goiânia (AF = 90%) than in cities in the Southeast (AF = 87%) and South (AF = 86%). The HNC fraction attributable to the consumption of alcoholic beverages presented similar and higher results in the cities of Southeast (AF = 78%) and South (AF = 77%) than in Goiânia (AF = 62%). Conclusion: The HNC fractions attributable to smoking were more expressive than for alcohol consumption. Although with discrete distinctions between them, the AFs to tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption in HNC observed in the cities of these three Brazilian regions were similar to those obtained in Latin America studies, but they were higher than in other parts in the world.

Dengue infection during pregnancy and adverse maternal, fetal, and infant health outcomes in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil, 2007-2012. / Os efeitos maternos, fetais e infantis decorrentes da infecção por dengue durante a gestação em Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil, 2007-2012.

The effects of dengue infection during pregnancy have not been previously studied in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the risks of maternal, fetal, and infant complications resulting from dengue infection during pregnancy. The study compared two cohorts of pregnant women, exposed versus unexposed to dengue virus, from 2007 to 2012. Incidence rates and risk ratios were estimated for maternal, fetal, and infant complications. In the exposed cohort there were 3 fetal deaths and 5 neonatal deaths. Two maternal deaths were identified in the exposed cohort, as opposed to none in the unexposed group (p = 0.040). The exposed cohort showed a risk ratio (RR) of 3.4 (95%CI: 1.02-11.23) for neonatal death. The risk ratio for early neonatal death was 6.8 (95%CI: 1.61-28.75). Ten infant deaths occurred in children of exposed pregnant women and 7 in unexposed (RR = 6.0; 95%CI: 2.24-15.87). Women infected with dengue virus in pregnancy showed increased risk ratio for maternal, neonatal, and infant mortality.

Serum levels of organochlorine pesticides in blood donors: A biomonitoring survey in the North of Brazil, 2010-2011.

Data on exposure to organochlorine (OC) pesticides in the Brazilian population are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of serum levels of OC pesticides in Brazilian blood donors and to determine factors potentially influencing exposure levels. To conduct this biomonitoring survey, blood samples were collected from blood donors attending the Hematherapic Unit in Rio Branco, North of Brazil, in 2010-2011. A total of 1183 (99%) subjects answered to a questionnaire including information on sociodemographics, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Twenty four OC pesticides were measured in serum samples from 978 donors (82%). Associations of OC pesticide serum levels and the number of OCs detected per donor with their potential predictors were explored by logistic and Poisson regression, respectively. Of the 24 OC pesticides analyzed, the highest prevalence was observed for p,p'-dichlorodiphenylethane (p,p'-DDE) (32%), followed by lindane (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane) (20%), heptachlor (16%), and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT) (13%). 95th percentiles of levels of these four OC pesticides were: 3.85ng/mL (p,p'-DDE) (median<0.09ng/mL), 0.09ng/mL (lindane) (median<0.04ng/mL), 0.23ng/mL (heptachlor) (median<0.09ng/mL), and 0.27ng/mL (p,p'-DDT) (median<0.02ng/mL). Factors significantly associated with a more frequent detection of OC pesticides included age, gender, education, and frequency of fish, manioc flour, açai pulp, and Brazil nuts intake. Major predictors of the number of OC pesticides detected were age, marital status, income, education, and frequency of consumption of manioc flour, açai pulp, and Brazil nuts. For the first time in Brazil, a biomonitoring study has assessed the internal doses of OC pesticides in a large sample of the adult population and potential exposure determinants. Except for lindane, which was permitted for use as a wood preservative until 2007 in Brazil, occurrence of OC pesticides was lower than or in the same range as those observed in other countries.

Breast Cancer Awareness among Women in Western Amazon: a Population Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: A general lack of women`s awareness of breast cancer has been one of the barriers to screening and early presentation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate levels of knowledge about risk factors, and early warning signs of breast cancer, and to determine factors associated with better levels of comprehension. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 478 women over 40 years old, living in Rio Branco city, western Amazon. All were interviewed using the "Breast cancer knowledge, attitudes and practice scale", developed by American Cancer Society. Results: Among the respondents, only 28.6% of women were aware that advanced age highly increases the risk. Around 30% of participants recognized nipple retraction as a sign of breast cancer. Breast cancer knowledge varied according to age in such a way that the mean scores were high from 40-69 years and decreased dramatically among those aged ≥70 (ß=-0.06,p=0.031). Access to health services such as the Pap-test (ß=2.45,p=0.027) and attending a gynecologist in the past two years (ß=1.88,p=0.005) were statistically associated with the score of breast cancer knowledge. Conclusion: The findings indicate that women living in urban areas, having gynecological assessment, considering herself at high risk of developing breast cancer and thinking that breast cancer is a fatal disease are statistically associated with good knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms, even adjusting for age and education.

Occupational exposure to pesticides, reproductive hormone levels and sperm quality in young Brazilian men.

The association of occupational exposure to current-use pesticides with reproductive hormones, semen quality, and genital measures was investigated among young men in the South of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 99 rural and 36 urban men aged 18-23 years. Information on pesticide use was obtained through questionnaire. Serum and semen samples were analyzed for sex hormones and sperm parameters, respectively, and measurement of anogenital distance (AGD) and testis volume (TV) were performed. Associations were explored using multivariate linear regression. Rural men had poorer sperm morphology, higher sperm count, and lower LH levels relative to urban subjects. Lifetime use of pesticides, especially herbicides and fungicides, was associated with poorer morphology and reduced LH and prolactin, with evidence of a linear pattern. Maternal farming during pregnancy was associated with larger AGD and TV. Chronic occupational exposure to modern pesticides may affect reproductive outcomes in young men.

Os efeitos maternos, fetais e infantis decorrentes da infecção por dengue durante a gestação em Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil, 2007-2012 / Los efectos maternos, fetales e infantiles derivados de la infección por dengue durante la gestación en Río Branco, Acre, Brasil, 2007-2012 / Dengue infection during pregnancy and adverse maternal, fetal, and infant health outcomes in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil, 2007-2012

Os efeitos da infecção por dengue na gestação são desconhecidos em Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar os riscos de complicações maternas, fetais e infantis decorrentes da infecção por dengue durante a gestação. Estudo de coorte de gestantes expostas e não expostas ao vírus do dengue no período 2007-2012. Foram estimadas incidências e razões de risco de complicações maternas, fetais e infantis. Na coorte exposta houve 3 óbitos fetais e 5 neonatais. Dois óbitos maternos foram identificados na coorte exposta, desfecho ausente no grupo não exposto (p = 0,040). A coorte exposta apresentou uma razão de riscos - RR = 3,4 (IC95%: 1,02-11,23) para óbito neonatal. Em relação ao desfecho óbito neonatal precoce, a razão de riscos observada foi de 6,8 (IC95%: 1,61-28,75). Dez óbitos infantis ocorreram nos filhos de gestantes expostas e 7 nos de não expostas (RR = 6,0; IC95%: 2,24-15,87). As mulheres infectadas com o vírus do dengue na gestação apresentaram uma razão de riscos maior em relação à ocorrência de óbitos maternos, neonatais e infantis.

Los efectos de la infección por dengue en la gestación son desconocidos en Río Branco, Acre, Brasil. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar los riesgos de complicaciones maternas, fetales e infantiles, derivadas de la infección por dengue durante la gestación. Estudio de cohorte de gestantes expuestas y no expuestas al virus del dengue durante el período 2007-2012. Se estimaron incidencias y razones de riesgo de complicaciones maternas, fetales e infantiles. En la cohorte expuesta hubo 3 óbitos fetales y 5 neonatales. Dos óbitos maternos fueron identificados en la cohorte expuesta, desenlace ausente en el grupo no expuesto (p = 0,040). La cohorte expuesta presentó una razón de riesgos RR = 3,4 (IC95%: 1,02-11,23) para el óbito neonatal. En relación con el desenlace óbito neonatal precoz, la RR observada fue de 6,8 (IC95%: 1,61-28,75). Diez óbitos infantiles se produjeron en los hijos de gestantes expuestas y 7 en los de no expuestas (RR = 6,0; IC95%: 2,24-15,87). Las mujeres infectadas con el virus del dengue en la gestación presentaron una razón de riesgos mayor, en relación a la ocurrencia de óbitos maternos, neonatales e infantiles.

The effects of dengue infection during pregnancy have not been previously studied in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the risks of maternal, fetal, and infant complications resulting from dengue infection during pregnancy. The study compared two cohorts of pregnant women, exposed versus unexposed to dengue virus, from 2007 to 2012. Incidence rates and risk ratios were estimated for maternal, fetal, and infant complications. In the exposed cohort there were 3 fetal deaths and 5 neonatal deaths. Two maternal deaths were identified in the exposed cohort, as opposed to none in the unexposed group (p = 0.040). The exposed cohort showed a risk ratio (RR) of 3.4 (95%CI: 1.02-11.23) for neonatal death. The risk ratio for early neonatal death was 6.8 (95%CI: 1.61-28.75). Ten infant deaths occurred in children of exposed pregnant women and 7 in unexposed (RR = 6.0; 95%CI: 2.24-15.87). Women infected with dengue virus in pregnancy showed increased risk ratio for maternal, neonatal, and infant mortality.

Pesticide exposure and thyroid function in an agricultural population in Brazil.

Although numerous pesticides may interfere with thyroid function, however, epidemiological evidence supporting this relationship is limited, particularly regarding modern non-persistent pesticides. We sought to evaluate the association of agricultural work practices, use of contemporary-use pesticides, and OC pesticides residue levels in serum with circulating thyroid hormone levels in an agricultural population. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 275 male and female farm residents in Farroupilha, South of Brazil. Information on sociodemographics, lifestyle and agricultural work was obtained through questionnaire. Blood samples were collected on all participants and analyzed for cholinesterase activity, serum residues of OC pesticides, and levels of free T4 (FT4), total T3 (TT3) and TSH. Non-persistent pesticides exposure assessment was based on questionnaire information on current use of pesticides, and frequency and duration of use, among others. Associations were explored using multivariate linear regression models. Total lifetime years of use of fungicides, herbicides and dithiocarbamates in men was associated with increased TSH accompanied by decrease in FT4, with evidence of a linear trend. In addition, there was an association between being sampled in the high pesticide-use season and increased TSH levels. Conversely, farm work and lifetime use of all pesticides were related with slight decrease in TSH and increased TT3 and FT4, respectively. In general, pesticide use was not associated with thyroid hormones in women. Subjects with detected serum concentrations of ß-hexachlorocyclohexane, endrin, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide B, γ-chlordane, transnonachlor, heptachlor, p,p'-dichlorodiphenylethane and endosulfan II experienced slight changes in TT3; however, associations were weak and inconsistent. These findings suggest that both cumulative and recent occupational exposure to agricultural pesticides may affect the thyroid function causing hypothyroid-like effects, particularly in men.