Cancer survival differentials for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland: the impact of remoteness.

PURPOSE: In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (First Nations population) often have low overall cancer survival, as do all residents of geographically remote areas. This study aimed to quantify the survival disparity between First Nations and other Queenslanders for 12 common cancer types by remoteness areas. METHODS: For all Queensland residents aged 20-89 years diagnosed with a primary invasive cancer during 1997-2016, we ran flexible parametric survival models incorporating age, First Nations status, sex, diagnosis time period, area-level socioeconomic status, remoteness categories and where appropriate, broad cancer type. Three survival measures were predicted: cause-specific survival, survival differences and the comparative survival ratio, each standardised to First Nations peoples' covariate distributions. RESULTS: The standardised five-year cause-specific cancer survival was 60% for urban First Nations and 65% for other Queenslanders, while remote residents were 54% (First Nations) and 58% (other). The absolute survival differential between First Nations and other Queenslanders was often similar, regardless of remoteness of residence. The greatest absolute difference in five-year standardised cancer survival was for head and neck cancers, followed by cervical cancer. The five-year comparative survival ratio (First Nations: other Queenslanders) for urban cancer patients was 0.91 (95% CI 0.90-0.93), similar to outer regional, inner regional and remote areas. The greatest comparative survival differential was for oesophageal cancer. CONCLUSION: First Nations' survival inequalities are largely independent of geographical remoteness. It remains a priority to determine the contribution of other potential factors such as the availability of culturally acceptable diagnostic, management and/or support services.

Spatial patterns of prostate-specific antigen testing in asymptomatic men across Australia: a population-based cohort study, 2017-2018.

OBJECTIVES: In Australia, while prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing rates vary by broad area-based categories of remoteness and socio-economic status, little is known about the extent of variation within them. This study aims to describe the small-area variation in PSA testing across Australia. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective population-based cohort study. METHODS: We received data for PSA testing from the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule. The cohort included men (n = 925,079) aged 50-79 years who had at least one PSA test during 2017-2018. A probability-based concordance was applied across multiple iterations (n = 50) to map each postcode to small areas (Statistical Areas 2; n = 2,129). For each iteration, a Bayesian spatial Leroux model was used to generate smoothed indirectly standardized incidence ratios across each small area, with estimates combined using model averaging. RESULTS: About a quarter (26%) of the male population aged 50-79 years had a PSA test during 2017-2018. Testing rates among small areas varied 20-fold. Rates were higher (exceedance probability>0.8) compared with the Australian average in the majority of small areas in southern Victoria and South Australia, south-west Queensland, and some coastal regions of Western Australia but lower (exceedance probability<0.2) in Tasmania and Northern Territory. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial geographical variation in PSA testing rates across small areas of Australia may be influenced by differences in access to and guidance provided by clinicians and attitudes and preferences of men. Greater understanding of PSA testing patterns by subregions and how these patterns relate to health outcomes could inform evidence-based approaches to identifying and managing prostate cancer risk.

Variations in outcomes for Indigenous women with breast cancer in Australia: A systematic review.

This systematic review examines variations in outcomes along the breast cancer continuum for Australian women by Indigenous status. Multiple databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles published from 1 January 1990 to 1 March 2015 focussing on adult female breast cancer patients in Australia and assessing survival, patient and tumour characteristics, diagnosis and treatment by Indigenous status. Sixteen quantitative studies were included with 12 rated high, 3 moderate and 1 as low quality. No eligible studies on referral, treatment choices, completion or follow-up were retrieved. Indigenous women had poorer survival most likely reflecting geographical isolation, advanced disease, patterns of care, comorbidities and disadvantage. They were also more likely to be diagnosed when younger, have advanced disease or comorbidities, reside in disadvantaged or remote areas, and less likely to undergo mammographic screening or surgery. Despite wide heterogeneity across studies, an overall pattern of poorer survival for Indigenous women and variations along the breast cancer continuum of care was evident. The predominance of state-specific studies and small numbers of included Indigenous women made forming a national perspective difficult. The review highlighted the need to improve Indigenous identification in cancer registries and administrative databases and identified key gaps notably the lack of qualitative studies in current literature.

Increasing thyroid cancer incidence in Queensland, Australia 1982-2008 - true increase or overdiagnosis?

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer incidence has been increasing worldwide. Some suggest greater ascertainment of indolent tumours is the only driver, but others suggest there has been a true increase. Increases in Australia appear to have been among the largest in the world, so we investigated incidence trends in the Australian state of Queensland to help understand reasons for the rise. METHODS: Thyroid cancers diagnoses in Queensland 1982-2008 were ascertained from the Queensland Cancer Registry. We calculated age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) and used Poisson regression to estimate annual percentage change (APC) in thyroid cancer incidence by socio-demographic and tumour-related factors. RESULTS: Thyroid cancer ASR in Queensland increased from 2·2 to 10·6/100 000 between 1982 and 2008 equating to an APC of 5·5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4·7-6·4] in men and 6·1% (95% CI 5·5-6·6) in women. The rise was evident, and did not significantly differ, across socio-economic and remoteness-of-residence categories. The largest increase seen was in the papillary subtype in women (APC 7·9%, 95% CI 7·3-8·5). Incidence of localized and more advanced-stage cancers rose over time although the increase was greater for early-stage cancers. CONCLUSION: There has been a marked increase in thyroid cancer incidence in Queensland. The increase is evident in men and women across all adult age groups, socio-economic strata and remoteness-of-residence categories as well as in localized and more advanced-stage cancers. Our results suggest 'overdiagnosis' may not entirely explain rising incidence. Contemporary aetiological data and individual-level information about diagnostic circumstances are required to further understand reasons for rising thyroid cancer incidence.

A systematic review of inequalities in psychosocial outcomes for women with breast cancer according to residential location and Indigenous status in Australia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review was to examine variations in psychosocial outcomes by residential location and Indigenous status in women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) in Australia. METHODS: Systematic searches were undertaken using multiple databases covering articles between 1 January 1990 and 1 March 2015 focusing on adult women with BC in an Australian setting and measuring quality of life (QOL), psychological distress or psychosocial support. RESULTS: Thirteen quantitative and three qualitative articles were included. Two quantitative and one qualitative article were rated high quality, seven moderate and the remaining were low quality. No studies examining inequalities by Indigenous status were identified. Non-metropolitan women were more likely to record lower QOL relating to breast cancer-specific concerns and reported a lack of information and resources specific to their needs. Continuity of support, ongoing care and access to specialist and allied health professionals were major concerns for non-metropolitan women. Non-metropolitan women identified unmet needs in relation to travel, fear of cancer recurrence and lack of psychosocial support. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there was a lack of evidence relating to variations in psychosocial outcomes for women with BC according to residential status or Indigenous status. While the review identified some specific concerns for non-metropolitan women with BC, it was limited by the lack of good quality studies using standardised measures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Changes in the site distribution of common melanoma subtypes in Queensland, Australia over time: implications for public health campaigns.

BACKGROUND: An examination of melanoma incidence according to anatomical region may be one method of monitoring the impact of public health initiatives. OBJECTIVES: To examine melanoma incidence trends by body site, sex and age at diagnosis or body site and morphology in a population at high risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Population-based data on invasive melanoma cases (n = 51473) diagnosed between 1982 and 2008 were extracted from the Queensland Cancer Registry. Age-standardized incidence rates were calculated using the direct method (2000 world standard population) and joinpoint regression models were used to fit trend lines. RESULTS: Significantly decreasing trends for melanomas on the trunk and upper limbs/shoulders were observed during recent years for both sexes under the age of 40 years and among males aged 40-59years. However, in the 60 and over age group, the incidence of melanoma is continuing to increase at all sites (apart from the trunk) for males and on the scalp/neck and upper limbs/shoulders for females. Rates of nodular melanoma are currently decreasing on the trunk and lower limbs. In contrast, superficial spreading melanoma is significantly increasing on the scalp/neck and lower limbs, along with substantial increases in lentigo maligna melanoma since the late 1990s at all sites apart from the lower limbs. CONCLUSIONS: In this large study we have observed significant decreases in rates of invasive melanoma in the younger age groups on less frequently exposed body sites. These results may provide some indirect evidence of the impact of long-running primary prevention campaigns.

Geographic remoteness and risk of advanced colorectal cancer at diagnosis in Queensland: a multilevel study.

BACKGROUND: We examine the relationships between geographic remoteness, area disadvantage and risk of advanced colorectal cancer. METHODS: Multilevel models were used to assess the area- and individual-level contributions to the risk of advanced disease among people aged 20-79 years diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Queensland, Australia between 1997 and 2007 (n=18,561). RESULTS: Multilevel analysis showed that colorectal cancer patients living in inner regional (OR=1.09, 1.01-1.19) and outer regional (OR=1.11, 1.01-1.22) areas were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer than those in major cities (P=0.045) after adjusting for individual-level variables. The best-fitting final model did not include area disadvantage. Stratified analysis suggested this remoteness effect was limited to people diagnosed with colon cancer (P=0.048) and not significant for rectal cancer patients (P=0.873). CONCLUSION: Given the relationship between stage and survival outcomes, it is imperative that the reasons for these rurality inequities in advanced disease be identified and addressed.

Second cancer incidence and cancer mortality among chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) are known to have increased risks of second cancer. The incidence of second cancers after CLL has not been reported in detail for Australia, a country with particularly high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). METHODS: The study cohort comprised of all people diagnosed with a primary CLL between 1983 and 2005 in Australia. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using Australian population rates. RESULTS: Overall, the risk of any second incident cancer was more than double that of the general population (SIR=2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.07, 2.27) and remained elevated for at least 9 years after CLL. Risks were increased for many cancers, particularly melanoma (SIR=7.74, 95% CI=6.85, 8.72). The risk of melanoma increased at younger ages, but was constant across >9 years of follow-up. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients also had an increased risk of death because of melanoma (SMR=4.79, 95% CI=3.83, 5.90) and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC; SMR=17.0, 95% CI=14.4, 19.8), suggesting that these skin cancers may be more aggressive in CLL patients. CONCLUSION: We speculate that a shared risk factor, such as general immune suppression, modulated by UVR exposure may explain the increased risk of melanoma and NMSC in CLL patients.

Body-site distribution of skin cancer, pre-malignant and common benign pigmented lesions excised in general practice.

BACKGROUND: Concern about skin cancer is a common reason for people from predominantly fair-skinned populations to present to primary care doctors. OBJECTIVES: To examine the frequency and body-site distribution of malignant, pre-malignant and benign pigmented skin lesions excised in primary care. METHODS: This prospective study conducted in Queensland, Australia, included 154 primary care doctors. For all excised or biopsied lesions, doctors recorded the patient's age and sex, body site, level of patient pressure to excise, and the clinical diagnosis. Histological confirmation was obtained through pathology laboratories. RESULTS: Of 9650 skin lesions, 57·7% were excised in males and 75·0% excised in patients ≥ 50 years. The most common diagnoses were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (35·1%) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (19·7%). Compared with the whole body, the highest densities for SCC, BCC and actinic keratoses were observed on chronically sun-exposed areas of the body including the face in males and females, the scalp and ears in males, and the hands in females. The density of BCC was also high on intermittently or rarely exposed body sites. Females, younger patients and patients with melanocytic naevi were significantly more likely to exert moderate/high levels of pressure on the doctor to excise. CONCLUSIONS: More than half the excised lesions were skin cancer, which mostly occurred on the more chronically sun-exposed areas of the body. Information on the type and body-site distribution of skin lesions can aid in the diagnosis and planned management of skin cancer and other skin lesions commonly presented in primary care.

Population-based survival estimates for childhood cancer in Australia during the period 1997-2006.

BACKGROUND: This study provides the latest available relative survival data for Australian childhood cancer patients. METHODS: Data from the population-based Australian Paediatric Cancer Registry were used to describe relative survival outcomes using the period method for 11,903 children diagnosed with cancer between 1983 and 2006 and prevalent at any time between 1997 and 2006. RESULTS: The overall relative survival was 90.4% after 1 year, 79.5% after 5 years and 74.7% after 20 years. Where information onstage at diagnosis was available (lymphomas, neuroblastoma, renal tumours and rhabdomyosarcomas), survival was significantly poorer for more-advanced stage. Survival was lower among infants compared with other children for those diagnosed with leukaemia, tumours of the central nervous system and renal tumours but higher for neuroblastoma. Recent improvements in overall childhood cancer survival over time are mainly because of improvements among leukaemia patients. CONCLUSION: The high and improving survival prognosis for children diagnosed with cancer in Australia is consistent with various international estimates. However, a 5-year survival estimate of 79% still means that many children who are diagnosed with cancer will die within 5 years, whereas others have long-term health morbidities and complications associated with their treatments. It is hoped that continued developments in treatment protocols will result in further improvements in survival.

Trends in incidence of childhood cancer in Australia, 1983-2006.

BACKGROUND: There are few population-based childhood cancer registries in the world containing stage and treatment data. METHODS: Data from the population-based Australian Paediatric Cancer Registry were used to calculate incidence rates during the most recent 10-year period (1997-2006) and trends in incidence between 1983 and 2006 for the 12 major diagnostic groups of the International Classification of Childhood Cancer. RESULTS: In the period 1997-2006, there were 6184 childhood cancer (at 0-14 years) cases in Australia (157 cases per million children). The commonest cancers were leukaemia (34%), that of the central nervous system (23%) and lymphomas (10%), with incidence the highest at 0-4 years (223 cases per million). Trend analyses showed that incidence among boys for all cancers combined increased by 1.6% per year from 1983 to 1994 but have remained stable since. Incidence rates for girls consistently increased by 0.9% per year. Since 1983, there have been significant increases among boys and girls for leukaemia, and hepatic and germ-cell tumours, whereas for boys, incidence of neuroblastomas and malignant epithelial tumours has recently decreased. For all cancers and for both sexes combined, there was a consistent increase (+0.7% per year, 1983-2006) at age 0-4 years, a slight non-significant increase at 5-9 years, and at 10-14 years, an initial increase (2.7% per year, 1983-1996) followed by a slight non-significant decrease. CONCLUSION: Although there is some evidence of a recent plateau in cancer incidence rates in Australia for boys and older children, interpretation is difficult without a better understanding of what underlies the changes reported.

A review of prostate-specific antigen screening prevalence and risk perceptions for first-degree relatives of men with prostate cancer.

First-degree relatives of men with prostate cancer have a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer than men without a family history. The present review examines the prevalence and predictors of testing in first-degree relatives, perceptions of risk, prostate cancer knowledge and psychological consequences of screening. Medline, PsycInfo and Cinahl databases were searched for articles examining risk perceptions or screening practices of first-degree relatives of men with prostate cancer for the period of 1990 to August 2007. Eighteen studies were eligible for inclusion. First-degree relatives participated in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing more and perceived their risk of prostate cancer to be higher than men without a family history. Family history factors (e.g. being an unaffected son rather than an unaffected brother) were consistent predictors of PSA testing. Studies were characterized by sampling biases and a lack of longitudinal assessments. Prospective, longitudinal assessments with well-validated and comprehensive measures are needed to identify factors that cue the uptake of screening and from this develop an evidence base for decision support. Men with a family history may benefit from targeted communication about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer testing that responds to the implications of their heightened risk.

Elderly patients with stage III or IV ovarian cancer: should they receive standard care?

Due to the higher risk of morbidity and perioperative mortality compared to younger patients, elderly patients with advanced ovarian cancer are challenging to treat. A population-based analysis was performed to predict treatment outcomes and establish risk factors for early death of elderly patients with advanced ovarian cancer using a cohort of 3994 women diagnosed with stage III or IV ovarian cancer between 1992 and 1999, registered with the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Cancer Registries. A multivariate accelerated failure time model allowed estimation of a risk factor model for overall survival. Patient's age, stage at presentation, presence of comorbidities, and oncology treatment facility were independently associated with overall survival at 12 months from diagnosis. Patients were assigned to low (0-7 points), moderate (8-14 points) or high (>/=15 points) risk groups according to accumulation of risk factors, which showed good ability to predict 12-month mortality (receiver-operator characteristics curve [ROC] derivation cohort = 0.763; ROC validation cohort = 0.756). Across all three risk groups, patients who received both surgery and chemotherapy showed significantly improved survival as compared to patients who received only surgery or chemotherapy. For patients 80 years and over who had upfront surgery, perioperative mortality was significantly greater in the high-risk group (21%; 95% CI = 16-26%) compared to patients within the moderate (8%; 95% CI = 5-12%) and low-risk groups (0%; 95% CI = 0-11%). The risk factor profile established could be helpful to plan future clinical trials to establish optimal treatment for elderly patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer.

Measurement of community beliefs about colorectal cancer.

Few educational campaigns have focused on bowel cancer, though studies have indicated that members of the community need and want current information about relevant issues. In order to facilitate research in this area, reliable and valid measures of community attitudes are needed. Content validity of a survey instrument was obtained through use of a Delphi process with Directors of Education from the Australia Cancer Council and focus group discussions with informed members of the public. The subsequent survey of community perceptions about colorectal cancer included a broad range of content areas related to the risk of bowel cancer, preventing and coping with bowel cancer and beliefs about susceptibility and severity. The construct validity of these content areas was investigated by use of a factor analysis and confirmation of an association with related predictor variables. Two measures related to personal influence and anticipated coping responses showed favourable psychometric properties, including moderate to high levels of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. A test of the concurrent validity of these measures requires further development of instruments related to colorectal cancer or adaptation of measures from other areas of health research.

Telephone administration of the SF-36 health survey: validation studies and population norms for adults in Queensland.

The Rand Corporation medical outcomes short-form 36 health survey (SF-36) is a multidimensional measure of self-perceived general health status, which has been validated in adult populations in the United States and Great Britain, and, more recently, in an Australian population. The SF-36 is increasingly being used in health outcomes research internationally, mainly as a self-administered tool, and clearly has potential for use in Australia. This study aimed to assess the acceptability, reliability and validity of telephone administration of the instrument in the Queensland adult population, and to provide reliable population norms. We report the results of a telephone survey in which we interviewed 12,793 adults. It was the first large-scale, statewide application of the SF-36 in Australia. A response rate of 82 per cent was achieved, and the SF-36 satisfied psychometric criteria for reliability and construct validity. Population norms broken down by age and sex are provided. They will be important for the interpretation of future studies using the SF-36 in particular population or patient groups.