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Wong A, Morgis R, Entenman J, Ramirez SI, Hays AL, Wright TS, Scartozzi CM, Ruffin MT, Moss JL. Exploratory Analysis of Concordance Between Clinician-Collected and Self-Sampled Human Papillomavirus Tests in a Small Cohort of Average- and High-Risk Patients. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2024; 5:259-266. [PMID: 38516651 PMCID: PMC10956530 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2024.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Cervical cancer screening rates have stagnated, but self-sampling modalities have the potential to increase uptake. This study compares the test characteristics of self-sampled high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) tests with clinician-collected hrHPV tests in average-risk (i.e., undergoing routine screening) and high-risk patients (i.e., receiving follow-up after abnormal screening results). Methods In this cross-sectional study, a relatively small cohort of average-risk (n = 35) and high-risk (n = 12) participants completed both clinician-collected and self-sampled hrHPV testing, along with a brief phone survey. We assessed hrHPV positivity, concordance, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, and specificity across both methods (for types 16, 18, or other hrHPV). We also explored the relationship between test concordance and sociodemographic/behavioral factors. Results Among average-risk participants, hrHPV positivity was 6% for both test methods (i.e., hrHPV-positive cases: n = 2), resulting in reported concordance, PPV, NPV, sensitivity, and specificity of 100%. Among high-risk participants, hrHPV positivity was 100% for clinician-collected tests but only 67% for self-sampled tests, showing varied concordance and sensitivity. Concordance was not associated with sociodemographic or behavioral factors. Conclusions Self-sampled hrHPV testing demonstrated high accuracy for average-risk patients in this exploratory study. However, its performance was less consistent in high-risk patients who had already received an abnormal screening result, which could be attributed to spontaneous viral clearance over time. The limited number of participants, particularly HPV-positive cases, suggests caution in interpreting these results. Further research with larger cohorts is necessary to validate these findings and to explore the integration of self-sampled hrHPV testing into routine clinical care, particularly for patients with a history of cervical abnormalities. Clinical Trial Registration NCT04591977, NCT04585243.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Wong
- Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rebecca Morgis
- Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Juliette Entenman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah I. Ramirez
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy L. Hays
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tonya S. Wright
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina M. Scartozzi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mack T. Ruffin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Moss
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Montalcini T, Pujia A, Donini LM, Frittitta L, Galvano F, Natali A, Pironi L, Porrini M, Riso P, Rivellese AA, Russo D, Scapagnini G, Serafini M, Tagliabue A, De Lorenzo A. A Call to Action: Now Is the Time to Screen Elderly and Treat Osteosarcopenia, a Position Paper of the Italian College of Academic Nutritionists MED/49 (ICAN-49). Nutrients 2020; 12:E2662. [PMID: 32878316 PMCID: PMC7550989 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a risk factor for the development of multiple chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Life expectancy has increased in certain countries but this phenomenon is associated with a reduction of years of healthy life. Aging is associated with a number of physical and functional changes, especially sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is a clinical condition associated with a decrease in skeletal muscle and muscle strength, however, sarcopenia is a reversible condition. On the basis of the current scientific literature, sarcopenia could more appropriately capture an individual's vulnerability to negative health-related outcomes since it represents an early form of the chronic diseases. Recognition of this clinical condition can improve the management of older individuals in many different clinical settings. Despite the limitations of the indirect methods used to study body composition, the Italian College of the Academic Nutritionists ME/49 recommends that health authorities and health professionals around the world should make a greater effort to diagnose sarcopenia earlier and to manage it more effectively. In line with the development of cancer screening, the use of two diagnostic tools for sarcopenia (BIA and DXA) should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Montalcini
- Department of Clinical and Experiment Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Grecia, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Arturo Pujia
- Department of Clinical and Experiment Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Grecia, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo M. Donini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of la Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lucia Frittitta
- Department of Clinical and Experiment Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 86-95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Science, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 86-95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Andrea Natali
- Department of Clinical and Experiment Medicine, University of Pisa, Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti, 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Loris Pironi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Via Pupilli, 1, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Marisa Porrini
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Environment Science, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono, 7, 20122 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.)
| | - Patrizia Riso
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Environment Science, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono, 7, 20122 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.)
| | - Angela Albarosa Rivellese
- Department of Clinical and Experiment Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Corso Umberto I, 40, 80138 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Science, University of Catanzaro Magna Grecia, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Scapagnini
- Department of Medicine and Health Science, University of Molise, Via F. De Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Mauro Serafini
- Department of Bioscience and food technology, University of Teramo, Via Renato Balzarini, 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Anna Tagliabue
- Department of Public Health, University of Pavia, Corso Str. Nuova, 65, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Antonino De Lorenzo
- Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy;
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Rothnie K, Cotton SC, Fielding S, Gray NM, Little J, Cruickshank ME, Walker LG, Avis M, Sharp L. Measuring the psychosocial burden in women with low-grade abnormal cervical cytology in the TOMBOLA trial: psychometric properties of the Process and Outcome Specific Measure (POSM). Health Qual Life Outcomes 2014; 12:154. [PMID: 25767846 PMCID: PMC4252018 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-014-0154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a need for an instrument to measure the psychosocial burden of receiving an abnormal cervical cytology result which can be used regardless of the clinical management women receive. Methods 3331 women completed the POSM as part of baseline psychosocial assessment in a trial of management of low grade cervical cytological abnormalities. Factor analysis and reliability assessment of the POSM were conducted. Results Two factors were extracted from the POSM: Factor 1, containing items related to worry; and Factor 2 containing items relating to satisfaction with information and support received and change in the way women felt about themselves. Factor 1 had good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.769), however reliability of the Factor 2 was poorer (0.482). Data collected at four subsequent time points demonstrated that the factor structure was stable over time. Conclusion This study demonstrates the presence and reliability of a scale measuring worries within the POSM. This analysis will inform its future use in this population and in other related contexts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12955-014-0154-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Mojica CM, Bastani R. Receipt of diagnostic tests for breast cancer: validity of self-reports among low-income, mostly latina, indigent women. Eval Health Prof 2010; 33:437-51. [PMID: 20457716 DOI: 10.1177/0163278710367802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the validity of self-reported completion of diagnostic testing after an abnormal breast cancer screening test. This study assesses the validity of self-reported diagnostic follow-up among 819 low-income, mostly Latina, indigent women with a breast abnormality at two public hospitals in Los Angeles County. Survey responses on receipt of a mammogram, ultrasound, fine needle aspiration, surgical biopsy, or clinical breast exam for diagnostic evaluation of the breast abnormality were compared to medical record data. The authors calculated concordance, Cohen's κ statistic, and sensitivity and specificity. Kappa values indicated slight agreement for mammogram, ultrasound, and clinical breast exam, and moderate agreement for fine needle aspiration and surgical biopsy. Sensitivity of self-reports was high for all tests; specificity was poor for all tests except surgical biopsy. Self-reports of receipt of diagnostic testing for a breast abnormality among low-income, mostly Latina, indigent women are not accurate when compared to medical records.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Mojica
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Health Promotion Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78240, USA.
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5
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Screening. Oncology 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/0-387-31056-8_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Stewart KA, Neumann PJ, Fletcher SW, Barton MB. The effect of immediate reading of screening mammograms on medical care utilization and costs after false-positive mammograms. Health Serv Res 2007; 42:1464-82. [PMID: 17610433 PMCID: PMC1955276 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2006.00660.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether decreased anxiety associated with immediate reading of screening mammograms resulted in lower downstream utilization and costs among women with false-positive mammograms. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING We identified 1,140 women, > or =age 40, with false-positive mammograms and 12-month follow-up after participating in a trial of immediate versus batch mammographic reading between February 1999 and January 2001 in a multispecialty group managed care practice in Massachusetts. STUDY DESIGN We determined downstream utilization and costs for study participants by immediate and batch reading status. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Demographic, comorbidity, and medical care utilization data were obtained from survey data and computerized medical record databases. Costs included direct medical costs, patient time, travel and copayments, and additional professional time costs associated with immediate reading. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Immediate reading cost an additional $4.40 per screening mammogram. Women with immediate readings had more follow-up mammograms (781 versus 750, p=.018) and fewer diagnostic ultrasounds (176 versus 219, p=.016) than women with batch readings. Costs to the health plan for breast care were approximately 10 percent higher for immediate readings in multivariable analyses (p=.046), but no significant difference was seen in total societal costs (p=.072). CONCLUSIONS Immediate mammogram reading was associated with increased costs to the health plan and changes in follow-up radiology procedures. These costs must be examined alongside beneficial effects of immediate reading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Stewart
- Department of Health Care Policy, 180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Gray NM, Sharp L, Cotton SC, Avis M, Philips Z, Russell I, Walker LG, Whynes D, Little J. Developing a questionnaire to measure the psychosocial impact of an abnormal cervical smear result and its subsequent management: the TOMBOLA (Trial of Management of Borderline and Other Low-grade Abnormal Smears) trial. Qual Life Res 2006; 14:1553-62. [PMID: 16110935 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-004-8146-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the process of developing and testing a new questionnaire, Process Outcome Specific Measure (POSM), including an assessment of its content validity and reliability. The questionnaire was developed within the context of Trial Of Management of Borderline and Other Low-grade Abnormal smears (TOMBOLA) to assess the psychosocial impact of a low-grade abnormal cervical smear result and the subsequent management. A literature search, focus groups and thorough pre-testing involving experts and patients resulted in a short (15-item), easily completed and understood questionnaire. Questions address issues including cancer, health, fertility and sexual concerns. Repeatability was assessed in 110 TOMBOLA recruits using weighted k; all but one of the questions showed levels of reliability near to, or above, 0.5. Cronbach's standardised alpha was 0.73, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Each POSM item was correlated with the anxiety and depression sub-scales of the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). All except one of the questions correlated more highly with the total POSM score than with the HADS sub-scales thus indicating discriminant validity. The POSM will enable comparison of the alternative management policies for low-grade cervical smears in terms of the benefits (or otherwise) perceived by the women managed by these policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Gray
- Department of Public Health, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK.
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Bastani R, Yabroff KR, Myers RE, Glenn B. Interventions to improve follow-up of abnormal findings in cancer screening. Cancer 2004; 101:1188-200. [PMID: 15316914 PMCID: PMC1811062 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.20506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The potential reduction in morbidity and mortality through cancer screening cannot be realized without receipt of appropriate follow-up care for abnormalities identified via screening. In this paper, the authors critically examine the existing literature on correlates of receipt of appropriate follow-up care for screen-detected abnormalities, as well as the literature on interventions designed to increase rates of receipt of follow-up care. Lessons learned describe what is known and not known about factors that are related to or predict receipt of follow-up care. Similarly, effective interventions to increase follow-up are described and gaps identified. A conceptual model is developed that categorizes the health care system in the United States as comprising four levels: policy, practice, provider, and patient. Some patient-level factors that influence follow-up receipt are identified, but the lack of data severely limit the understanding of provider, practice, and policy-level correlates. The majority of intervention studies to increase follow-up receipt have focused on patient-level factors and have targeted follow-up of abnormal Papanicolaou smears. Insufficient information is available regarding the effectiveness of provider, practice, or policy-level interventions. Standard definitions of what constitutes appropriate follow-up are lacking, which severely limit comparability of findings across studies. The validity of various methods of obtaining outcome data has not been clearly established. More research is needed on interventions targeting provider, system, and policy-level factors, particularly interventions focusing on follow-up of colorectal and breast abnormalities. Standardization of definitions and measures is needed to facilitate comparisons across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Bastani
- Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095-6900, USA.
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Miles A, Wardle J, Atkin W. Receiving a screen-detected diagnosis of cancer: The experience of participants in the UK flexible sigmoidoscopy trial. Psychooncology 2003; 12:784-802. [PMID: 14681952 DOI: 10.1002/pon.705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The experience of receiving a screen-detected diagnosis of colorectal cancer was explored using open-ended interviews. Twenty four people who had been diagnosed with cancer at flexible sigmoidoscopy screening were interviewed at their homes over the telephone. Thematic analysis of the transcripts showed that the experience of gaining a diagnosis of cancer through screening was characterised by a lack of prior expectation that cancer would be detected and feelings of shock. This was largely because of the absence of symptoms and current feelings of well-being. Some interviewees expressed feelings of relief and gratitude at having cancer diagnosed at an early enough stage that 'something could be done about it'. The experience of receiving a screen-detected diagnosis could be summarised as one of 'moderated shock' whereby the shock of the unexpected diagnosis was often moderated by the news that the cancer had been caught early. Whilst these screen-detected cancers were diagnosed relatively rapidly, a significant number of interviewees had a period in which they were effectively 'symptomatic' (e.g. knew they had an adenoma but did not know whether it was malignant or benign). However, they did not use this period to prepare themselves for a possible cancer diagnosis. Raising awareness of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence may help reduce the shock of a screen-detected diagnosis. However, any interventions aimed at reducing the distress of a screen-detected cancer would need to consider the overall benefit to screening attenders, most of whom will have benign polyps detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Miles
- Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, UK
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10
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Nelson K, Geiger AM, Mangione CM. Effect of health beliefs on delays in care for abnormal cervical cytology in a multi-ethnic population. J Gen Intern Med 2002; 17:709-16. [PMID: 12220368 PMCID: PMC1495105 DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2002.11231.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Women from racial and ethnic minorities in the United States have higher rates of cervical cancer and present with later stage disease compared to whites. Delays in care for abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smears can lead to missed cases of cervical cancer or late-stage presentation and may be one explanation for these differences. OBJECTIVE To determine if race and ethnicity, health beliefs, and cancer knowledge are associated with delays in care for abnormal Pap smears. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS, AND SETTING We conducted a mailed survey with telephone follow-up of all women with an abnormal Pap smear who received care at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center between October 1998 and October 1999 (n = 1,049). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A delay in care was defined as not attending the first scheduled clinic visit to follow up on an abnormal Pap smear, or requiring multiple contact attempts, including a certified letter, to schedule a follow-up visit. Our response rate was 70% (n = 733) and the sample was 51% Latina. Spanish-speaking Latinas and women of Asian descent were more likely to endorse fatalistic beliefs and misconceptions about cancer. Thirteen percent of the sample delayed follow-up on their abnormal Pap smear. Women who delayed care were more fatalistic and endorsed more misconceptions about cervical cancer. Delays in care were not independently associated with race and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Health beliefs and cancer knowledge differed by race and ethnicity among women in a large managed care organization. Fatalistic health beliefs and misconceptions about cancer, but not race and ethnicity, were independently associated with delays in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Nelson
- Primary and Specialty Medical Care Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System and the Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, 98108-1597, USA.
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Barton MB, Moore S, Polk S, Shtatland E, Elmore JG, Fletcher SW. Increased patient concern after false-positive mammograms: clinician documentation and subsequent ambulatory visits. J Gen Intern Med 2001; 16:150-6. [PMID: 11318909 PMCID: PMC1495181 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2001.00329.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure how often a breast-related concern was documented in medical records after screening mammography according to the mammogram result (normal, or true-negative vs false-positive) and to measure changes in health care utilization in the year after the mammogram. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Large health maintenance organization in New England. PATIENTS Group of 496 women with false-positive screening mammograms and a comparison group of 496 women with normal screening mammograms, matched for location and year of mammogram. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS 1) Documentation in clinicians' notes of patient concern about the breast and 2) ambulatory health care utilization, both breast-related and non-breast-related, in the year after the mammogram. Fifty (10%) of 496 women with false-positive mammograms had documentation of breast-related concern during the 12 months after the mammogram, compared to 1 (0.2%) woman with a normal mammogram (P =.001). Documented concern increased with the intensity of recommended follow-up (P =.009). Subsequent ambulatory visits, not related to the screening mammogram, increased in the year after the mammogram among women with false-positive mammograms, both in terms of breast-related visits (incidence ratio, 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69 to 5.93) and non-breast-related visits (incidence ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.25). CONCLUSIONS Clinicians document concern about breast cancer in 10% of women who have false-positive mammograms, and subsequent use of health care services are increased among women with false-positive mammogram results.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Barton
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass, USA.
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Setting the Target for a Better Cervical Screening Test. Obstet Gynecol 2000. [DOI: 10.1097/00006250-200011000-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Few studies have examined the impact of abnormal mammograms on subsequent mammography screening and psychosocial outcomes specifically as a function of the length of time that has passed since the abnormal test result. This cross-sectional report compared breast cancer screening practices and psychosocial outcomes among three groups of women. These groups were women who (1) never had an abnormal mammogram, (2) had an abnormal mammogram 2 or more years prior to the study's baseline interview, and (3) had an abnormal mammogram within 2 years prior to the study's baseline interview. Women who had an abnormal mammogram at least 2 years prior to the baseline interview expressed greater 10-year and lifetime risks of getting breast cancer than women who never had an abnormal mammogram. Women who had abnormal mammograms, independent of when they occurred, were substantially more worried about getting breast cancer than were women who never had abnormal mammograms. Women who had an abnormal mammogram within 2 years prior to the baseline interview were more likely to be on schedule for mammography, compared with women who never had an abnormal mammogram.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Lipkus
- Duke University Medical Center, Cancer Prevention, Detection, and Control Research Program, Durham, NC 27701, USA.
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Abstract
Increasing numbers of mammograms being performed in the United States will be accompanied inevitably by an increasing number of false positives. According to reliable estimates from a survey of radiology facilities, U.S. women in their forties experience close to one million false positive mammograms every year. To determine the impact of false positive mammograms and the broader psychological impact of mammography, we conducted literature searches of Medline, CancerLit, and PsycInfo. We identified nine studies examining the impact of false positive mammograms. Most found short-term increases in such psychological measures as anxiety, distress, and intrusive thoughts. One study found substantial effects on these measures three months after an abnormal mammogram. Another study found an 18-month impact on anxiety. Few studies have used behavioral outcomes, but one reported overpractice of breast self-exam among women who had received false positive results. Another found no reduction in adherence to mammography among women who have had an abnormal test. The more general mammography literature suggests that many women are anxious about mammography before the exam; women with lower levels of education, African Americans, and women with a family history of breast cancer may be more vulnerable to distress. Unfortunately, this literature suffers major limitations, such as small sample sizes, inconsistent and sometimes inappropriate measures, variations in the time frames for measurement, few studies with women aged 40-49, and a paucity of U.S. research. More research is needed to characterize at-risk women and to test interventions designed to reduce the negative impact of abnormal mammograms. Improved communication is also needed throughout the entire mammography process.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K Rimer
- Duke University Medical Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Elmore JG, Barton MB, Moceri VM, Polk S, Arena PJ, Fletcher SW. Ten-year risk of false positive screening mammograms and clinical breast examinations. N Engl J Med 1998; 338:1089-96. [PMID: 9545356 DOI: 10.1056/nejm199804163381601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 597] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cumulative risk of a false positive result from a breast-cancer screening test is unknown. METHODS We performed a 10-year retrospective cohort study of breast-cancer screening and diagnostic evaluations among 2400 women who were 40 to 69 years old at study entry. Mammograms or clinical breast examinations that were interpreted as indeterminate, aroused a suspicion of cancer, or prompted recommendations for additional workup in women in whom breast cancer was not diagnosed within the next year were considered to be false positive tests. RESULTS A total of 9762 screening mammograms and 10,905 screening clinical breast examinations were performed, for a median of 4 mammograms and 5 clinical breast examinations per woman over the 10-year period. Of the women who were screened, 23.8 percent had at least one false positive mammogram, 13.4 percent had at least one false positive breast examination, and 31.7 percent had at least one false positive result for either test. The estimated cumulative risk of a false positive result was 49.1 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 40.3 to 64.1 percent) after 10 mammograms and 22.3 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 19.2 to 27.5 percent) after 10 clinical breast examinations. The false positive tests led to 870 outpatient appointments, 539 diagnostic mammograms, 186 ultrasound examinations, 188 biopsies, and 1 hospitalization. We estimate that among women who do not have breast cancer, 18.6 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 9.8 to 41.2 percent) will undergo a biopsy after 10 mammograms, and 6.2 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 3.7 to 11.2 percent) after 10 clinical breast examinations. For every 100 dollars spent for screening, an additional 33 dollars was spent to evaluate the false positive results. CONCLUSIONS Over 10 years, one third of women screened had an abnormal test result that required additional evaluation, even though no breast cancer was present. Techniques are needed to decrease false positive results while maintaining high sensitivity. Physicians should educate women about the risk of a false positive result from a screening test for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195-6429, USA
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Marcus AC, Kaplan CP, Crane LA, Berek JS, Bernstein G, Gunning JE, McClatchey MW. Reducing loss-to-follow-up among women with abnormal Pap smears. Results from a randomized trial testing an intensive follow-up protocol and economic incentives. Med Care 1998; 36:397-410. [PMID: 9520963 DOI: 10.1097/00005650-199803000-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluates the efficacy of two interventions designed to reduce loss-to-follow-up among women with abnormal Pap smears. METHODS The two interventions were evaluated in two large public hospitals using a randomized 2 x 2 factorial design. One intervention involved an intensive follow-up protocol that relied on multiple attempts (mail and telephone) to contact the patient. The second intervention provided patients with economic vouchers to offset out-of-pocket expenses associated with the follow-up visits. Loss-to-follow-up was addressed by medical chart reviews and telephone interviews. RESULTS The study population (n = 1453) was primarily Hispanic, married or otherwise living with a significant other, relatively young in age, and with no source of payment for health care. Overall, 30% of the total sample was loss-to-follow-up (i.e., no return visits). Among patients assigned to the control condition, loss-to-follow-up was 36.1% compared with 27.8% for the intensive follow-up condition, 28.8% for the voucher condition, and 29.0% for the intensive follow-up plus voucher condition. Both intervention conditions significantly improved follow-up rates. The odds ratio for intensive follow-up was 1.56 compared with 1.50 for the voucher intervention. The combined intervention condition (intensive follow-up x voucher program) did not have a significant effect after taking into account the main effects of the two interventions. Correlates of loss-to-follow-up included age (younger women had lower return rates), race/ethnicity (African American women had lower return rates), live-in relationship (women who were not married or living as married had lower return rates), and severity of the abnormal Pap smear (less severe abnormalities were associated with lower return rates). CONCLUSIONS Both interventions were associated with moderate reductions in loss-to-follow-up in this underserved population. The implications of these findings are discussed relative to implementing cervical cancer control programs within state and local health departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Marcus
- AMC Cancer Research Center, Denver, CO 80214, USA
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Marcus AC, Crane LA. A review of cervical cancer screening intervention research: implications for public health programs and future research. Prev Med 1998; 27:13-31. [PMID: 9465350 DOI: 10.1006/pmed.1997.0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we review the published literature with respect to cervical cancer screening intervention research. Mass media campaigns appear to work best in promoting cervical cancer screening when multiple media are used, when they promote specific screening programs that eliminate or reduce access barriers, or when they are used in combination with other strategies. Many positive examples of using outreach staff to promote cervical cancer screening, as well as using mobile examination rooms in the community, were found. Substantial evidence that letters mailed to patient populations are efficacious was found, especially in promoting interval screening; however, bulk mailings to nonpatient populations have generally not been successful. Both physician and patient prompts have shown promise as well as opportunistic screenings in both the outpatient and the inpatient settings. In addition, several strategies for reducing loss to follow-up among women with abnormal test results were identified, including telephone follow-up, educational mailouts, audiovisual programs, clinic-based educational presentations and workshops, transportation incentives, and economic vouchers. Of special note is the success of other countries in establishing centralized recall systems to promote interval screening for cervical cancer. Ultimately, such systems could replace the need for opportunistic screening in underserved populations and perhaps many community outreach efforts. It is argued that health departments represent a logical starting point for developing a network of recall systems in the United States for underserved women.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Marcus
- AMC Cancer Research Center, Denver, Colorado 80214, USA
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Miller SM, Siejak KK, Schroeder CM, Lerman C, Hernandez E, Helm CW. Enhancing adherence following abnormal Pap smears among low-income minority women: a preventive telephone counseling strategy. J Natl Cancer Inst 1997; 89:703-8. [PMID: 9168185 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/89.10.703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the incidence of precancerous conditions of the cervix has recently been increasing, prompt initial and long-term follow-up care can effectively reduce unnecessary morbidity and mortality. For example, the 4-year survival rates among those individuals at greatest risk for cervical cancer (i.e., minority women of low socioeconomic status) approach 95% with early detection. Women who present with advanced disease have a much poorer outlook (0%-39% survival). Yet, high-risk individuals are least likely to adhere to recommended diagnostic regimens. PURPOSE We tested the effectiveness of a brief telephone counseling intervention directed to low-income, inner-city women after they had received an abnormal Pap smear result. The women were counseled on the importance of having an initial and 6-month repeat follow-up diagnostic procedure (i.e., colposcopic examination of the cervix). METHODS A randomized trial design was used to compare the effects on these women of telephone counseling with (n = 192) or without (n = 203) a booster counseling telephone call prior to the appointment for a repeat colposcopy 6 months later, with a telephone appointment confirmation/reminder call (n = 216) and with standard care (i.e., no telephone contact) (n = 217). The telephone counseling protocol probed for and addressed three psychologic barriers to adherence (i.e., attendance at appointment for colposcopy examination): 1) encoding/expectancy (e.g., did the patient understand her risk of developing cervical cancer?); 2) affective/emotional (e.g., was the woman worried about the condition and its consequences?); and 3) self-regulatory/practical (e.g., was the woman likely to forget medical appointments?). Logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of the intervention group and the type of psychologic barriers elicited on colposcopy adherence. RESULTS The results of logistic regression analysis (using those who received an appointment confirmation/reminder telephone call as the comparison group) revealed that telephone counseling produced significantly higher adherence rates to the initial colposcopy visit compared with telephone confirmation (300 [76%] of 395 women versus 147 [68%] of 216; odds ratio [OR] = 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04-2.17). Additionally, standard care resulted in significantly lower adherence rates than did telephone confirmation (109 [50%] of 217 women versus 147 [68%] of 216; OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.32-0.73). Regarding attendance at the 6-month repeat colposcopy appointments, the 80 patients who had received telephone counseling prior to the initial visit (and were recommended for follow-up colposcopy) were significantly more likely to adhere than were the 47 patients who had received telephone confirmation (49 [61%] of 80 women versus 17 [36.2%] of 47; OR = 2.70; 95% CI = 1.15-6.51). The 6-month adherence rates for patients in the telephone confirmation group and the standard care group (n = 30) were low and did not differ significantly (17 [36.2%] of 47 women versus nine [30.0%] of 30; OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.40-2.89). Forgetting medical appointments (OR = 0.31; 95% CI = 0.19-0.51) and having scheduling conflicts (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.28-0.72) were also associated with lower rates of adherence. CONCLUSION The use of telephone counseling appears to be an effective strategy for enhancing initial and long-term adherence to a follow-up cervical diagnostic procedure in a traditionally underserved population. Patients who respond to a positive Pap test result with a particular profile of psychologic barriers may require more intensive and targeted counseling interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Miller
- Division of Population Science, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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