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Westerlinck P, Coucke P, Albert A. Development of a cancer risk model and mobile health application to inform the public about cancer risks and risk factors. Int J Med Inform 2024; 189:105503. [PMID: 38820648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and evaluate a mobile health application, the Cancer Risk Calculator (CRC), aimed at improving public health literacy by providing personalized information on cancer risks and preventive measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS The CRC was developed through a comprehensive process involving the identification of necessary content, integration of average cancer risks using data from reliable sources, creation of a novel risk model emphasizing modifiable factors, and the application's development for easy access. The application covers 38 cancer types, 18 subtypes, and approximately 790 risk factors, utilizing data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and scientific literature. RESULTS CRC offers users personalized risk assessments across a broad range of cancers, emphasizing modifiable risk factors to encourage preventive behaviors. It distinguishes itself by covering more cancer types and risk factors than existing tools, with preliminary user feedback indicating its utility in promoting health literacy and lifestyle changes. DISCUSSION The CRC application stands out as an innovative tool in health informatics, significantly enhancing public understanding of cancer risks. Its development underscores the potential of digital health technologies to bolster preventive healthcare strategies through improved health literacy. CONCLUSION The Cancer Risk Calculator is a pivotal development in mobile health technology, offering comprehensive and personalized insights into cancer risks and prevention. It serves as a valuable resource for public health education, facilitating informed decisions and lifestyle modifications for cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Westerlinck
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Centre (CHU), Liège, Belgium.
| | - Philippe Coucke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Centre (CHU), Liège, Belgium
| | - Adelin Albert
- Department of Biostatistics, University Hospital Centre (CHU), Liège, Belgium
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McDonald FEJ, Skrabal Ross X, Hubbard G, Konings S, Jeitani A. Cancer awareness in Australian adolescents. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1468. [PMID: 37528377 PMCID: PMC10391846 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16406-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over one-third of cancer cases are attributable to modifiable risk factors. Because health-related behaviors are often established at adolescence, it is important that adolescents understand the risks and lifestyle decisions that may reduce their chances of developing cancer. This study aims to identify the levels of cancer awareness of adolescents in Australia. METHODS Paper questionnaires were used to collect information about baseline levels of cancer awareness. These questionnaires included socio-demographic questions and the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) with slight modifications to ensure their suitability for the Australian adolescent population. Students aged 11 to 19 years were recruited from 13 Australian high schools between 2016 and 2019. RESULTS A total of 766 adolescents (58% female, mean age = 14.5 years) completed the questionnaires. Adolescents' cancer awareness was low. Adolescents who knew someone with cancer recognized significantly more cancer risk factors and cancer warning signs than those who did not know someone with cancer (t (756) = 2.35, p = .019; t (747) = 5.57, p = .001). Those from high Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) schools significantly recognized more cancer risk factors than those from low ICSEA schools (t (764) = 2.42, p = .016). Females recognized significantly more warning signs than males (t (583) = 3.11, p = .002) and students from senior high school grades recognized more warning signs than those from junior grades (t (754) = 2.24, p = .02). Most adolescents (78%) were aware of skin cancer as one of the most common cancers in Australia, however half or less were aware of other common cancers. Although most adolescents would seek medical help in the presence of possible cancer symptoms as soon as possible, approximately 20% of them would not see a doctor promptly. Emotional barriers were the most common reasons to delay seeing a doctor (56%), for example "being worried about hearing bad news" (27%). CONCLUSIONS Australian adolescents show poor awareness of cancer risk factors and cancer warning signs. A number of demographic and experience factors were found to be related to lower cancer awareness. Education is essential to raise cancer awareness, promote healthy lifestyles from adolescence and avoid a preventable cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F E J McDonald
- Research, Policy and Patient Department, GPO Box 3821, Canteen, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - X Skrabal Ross
- Research, Policy and Patient Department, GPO Box 3821, Canteen, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia.
| | - G Hubbard
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of the Highlands and Islands, Scotland, Inverness, UK
| | - S Konings
- Psycho-Oncology Department, Clinique Saint-Jean, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - A Jeitani
- Research, Policy and Patient Department, GPO Box 3821, Canteen, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
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Maeda-Minami A, Takagi M, Mano Y, Ishikawa H, Matsuyama Y, Mutoh M. Association between Statins and Incidence of Cancer in Patients with Dyslipidemia Using Large-Scale Health Insurance Claims Data. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2023; 16:37-45. [PMID: 35914924 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-22-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent experimental studies have examined the efficacy of statins in preventing cancer, but the findings of clinical studies are inconsistent, and studies on Japanese patients are limited. This study aimed to clarify the association between statins and cancer risk among Japanese patients. We conducted a large population-based retrospective cohort study using the Japanese health insurance claims database, including patients newly diagnosed with dyslipidemia between 2005 and 2015. Patients who were on newly prescribed statins during the study period were designated as statin users. They were matched 1:1 with randomly selected drug nonusers who were not prescribed drugs for dyslipidemia according to age, sex, and year of first diagnosis of dyslipidemia. There were 23,746 patients in each group. The mean duration of follow-up for statin users and drug nonusers was approximately 2 years. Using a Cox proportional hazards model, significant reduction in cancer risk was observed in statin users compared with that in drug nonusers [adjusted HR = 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72-0.97; adjusted for patient background factors]. The results of subgroup analyses suggested that prescribed statins reduced the incidence of cancer of the digestive organs (adjusted HR = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63-0.99) as well as reduced cancer risk in patients with nonsmokers (adjusted HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.65-0.92). Our results suggest that statin use may reduce cancer risk in patients with dyslipidemia. PREVENTION RELEVANCE This study clarified the relationship between statin use and cancer risk in patients with dyslipidemia. Our study will contribute to medicine selection in patients with hypercholesterolemia level. See related Spotlight, p. 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Maeda-Minami
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takagi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasunari Mano
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hideki Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular-Targeting Prevention, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yutaka Matsuyama
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michihiro Mutoh
- Department of Molecular-Targeting Prevention, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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An Observational Cross-Sectional Study on Cancer Awareness and Beliefs about Carcinogens among Saudi Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052528. [PMID: 35270220 PMCID: PMC8909344 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Public knowledge about the risk factors of cancer is essential to ensure an effective prevention program. This study aims to explore the knowledge of the general Saudi population about cancer and carcinogens and to determine the misconceptions about carcinogens to help create appropriate evidence-based prevention awareness programs. A questionnaire of 63 questions related to biographic data, source of knowledge, risk factors, and the burden of cancer was distributed online. The internet was the most sought source for cancer-related information (75.2%). The inclusion of cancer-related subjects in the educational curriculum was believed to be the best way to educate children about cancer (48.4%). Knowledge about cancer risk factors was good overall for 10 out of the 27 risk factors assessed in the study, with cigarette smoking being the most well-known risk factor (91.5%), followed by hookah smoking (85.6%), and nuclear waste exposure (80%). However, only 16.3% of participants were aware of the risk associated with Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), and less than half of the participants knew the risk associated with poor physical activity. About 45% (44.9%) believed that envy and spiritual causes are associated with cancer. Most of the study participants (70%) considered cancer to be a significant health issue in Saudi, mainly due to the increasing incidence rate (44%). Conclusion: This study showed a good level of awareness regarding cancer risk factors and environmental carcinogens, which could serve as a roadmap for future awareness programs and studies targeted at the knowledge of other risk factors for cancer.
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Nwafor EO, Lu P, Zhang Y, Liu R, Peng H, Xing B, Liu Y, Li Z, Zhang K, Zhang Y, Liu Z. Chlorogenic acid: Potential source of natural drugs for the therapeutics of fibrosis and cancer. Transl Oncol 2021; 15:101294. [PMID: 34861551 PMCID: PMC8640119 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis and cancer is described by some epidemiological studies as chronic stages of different disease conditions typically characterized by uncontrolled accumulation of extra-cellular matrix (ECM), thereby leading to inflammation of tissues and organ (lungs, heart, liver and kidney) dysfunction. It is highly prevalent, and contributes to increased mortality rate worldwide. Currently, the therapeutical approaches involving selected medications (bemcentinib, pirfenidone and nintedanib) obtained synthetically, and used in clinical practices for fibrosis and cancer management and treatment has shown to be unsatisfactorily, especially during progressive stages of the disease. With regards to finding a more potent, effective, and promising curative for fibrosis and cancer, there is need for continuous experimental studies universally. However, phytochemical constituents’ particularly phenolic compounds [Chlorogenic acid (CGA)] obtained from coffee, and coffee beans have been predominantly utilized in experimental studies, due to its multiple pharmacological properties against various disease forms. Considering its natural source alongside minimal toxicity level, CGA, a major precursor of coffee have gained considerable attention nowadays from researchers worldwide, owing to its wide, efficacious and beneficial action against fibrosis and cancer. Interestingly, the safety of CGA has been proven. Furthermore, numerous experimental studies have also deduced massive remarkable outcomes in the use of CGA clinically, as a potential drug candidate against treatment of fibrosis and cancer. In the course of this review article, we systematically discussed the beneficial contributions of CGA with regards to its source, absorption, metabolism, mechanistic effects, and molecular mechanisms against different fibrosis and cancer categorization, which might be a prospective remedy in the future. Moreover, we also highlighted CGA (in vitro and in vivo analytical studies) defensive effects against various disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebuka-Olisaemeka Nwafor
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Tuanbo New Town West District, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Peng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Tuanbo New Town West District, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Tuanbo New Town West District, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Tuanbo New Town West District, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Hui Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Tuanbo New Town West District, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Bin Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Tuanbo New Town West District, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yiting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Tuanbo New Town West District, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Tuanbo New Town West District, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Kuibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Tuanbo New Town West District, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yukun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Tuanbo New Town West District, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Zhidong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Tuanbo New Town West District, Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 301617, China.
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Batchelor S, Miller ER, Lunnay B, Macdonald S, Ward PR. Revisiting Candidacy: What Might It Offer Cancer Prevention? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910157. [PMID: 34639459 PMCID: PMC8508007 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The notion of candidacy emerged three decades ago through Davison and colleagues’ exploration of people’s understanding of the causes of coronary heart disease. Candidacy was a mechanism to estimate one’s own or others risk of disease informed by their lay epidemiology. It could predict who would develop illness or explain why someone succumbed to it. Candidacy’s predictive ability, however, was fallible, and it was from this perspective that the public’s reticence to adhere to prevention messages could be explained, as ultimately anybody could be ‘at-risk’. This work continues to resonate in health research, with over 700 citations of Davison’s Candidacy paper. Less explored however, is the candidacy framework in its entirety in other illness spheres, where prevention efforts could potentially impact health outcomes. This paper revisits the candidacy framework to reconsider it use within prevention. In doing so, candidacy within coronary heart disease, suicide prevention, diabetes, and cancer will be examined, and key components of candidacy and how people negotiate their candidacy within differing disease contexts will be uncovered. The applicability of candidacy to address modifiable breast cancer risk factors or cancer prevention more broadly will be considered, as will the implications for public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Batchelor
- Discipline of Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, Australia; (S.B.); (E.R.M.); (B.L.)
| | - Emma R. Miller
- Discipline of Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, Australia; (S.B.); (E.R.M.); (B.L.)
| | - Belinda Lunnay
- Discipline of Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, Australia; (S.B.); (E.R.M.); (B.L.)
| | - Sara Macdonald
- General Practice and Primary Care, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK;
| | - Paul R. Ward
- Discipline of Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, Australia; (S.B.); (E.R.M.); (B.L.)
- Correspondence:
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