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Urbute A, Frederiksen K, Thomsen LT, Kesmodel US, Kjaer SK. Overweight and obesity as risk factors for cervical cancer and detection of precancers among screened women: A nationwide, population-based cohort study. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 181:20-27. [PMID: 38103421 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.12.002] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is a known risk factor for many types of cancer. However, there is no clear evidence whether overweight and obesity increases the risk of cervical cancer. We investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and detection of squamous and glandular cervical cancer and precancer. METHODS Based on the Medical Birth Registry, we conducted a nationwide cohort study in Denmark of 384,559 women with BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2 (pre-pregnancy BMI reported at the start of the pregnancy) having a cervical cytology screening at age 23-49 years within 5 years following the date of childbirth. The cohort was followed for 10 years from the first cervical cytology screening after the childbirth. We assessed absolute risks of cervical lesions according to BMI with the Aalen-Johansen estimator. We conducted Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analyses were adjusted for age, calendar year, parity, oral contraception use, HPV vaccination, smoking, country of origin, and education. RESULTS Overweight and obesity were associated with higher rates of cervical cancer (HR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.49 and HR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.91-1.43, respectively) and lower rates of cervical precancer detection (HR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.84-0.92 and HR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.63-0.71, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Higher than normal BMI was associated with higher incidence rates of cervical cancer and lower rates of precancer detection, emphasizing the importance of further research in possible mechanisms behind this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aivara Urbute
- Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Institute, Strandboulevarden 49, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Frederiksen
- Statistics and Data analysis, Danish Cancer Institute, Strandboulevarden 49, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise T Thomsen
- Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Institute, Strandboulevarden 49, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrik Schiøler Kesmodel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Reberbansgade 9, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Susanne K Kjaer
- Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Institute, Strandboulevarden 49, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Harris NR, Howe-Heyman A. Systematic Reviews to Inform Practice, November/December 2023. J Midwifery Womens Health 2023; 68:780-786. [PMID: 38013605 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nena R Harris
- Family Nursing, Frontier Nursing University, Fort Mill, South Carolina
| | - Abby Howe-Heyman
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Yerrabelli RS, Palsgaard PK, Hojati A, Johnson AJW. Improving visualization of the cervix during pelvic exams: A simulation using a physical model of the speculum and human vagina as a steppingstone to reducing disparities in gynecological cancers. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283145. [PMID: 37751425 PMCID: PMC10522035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pelvic exams are frequently complicated by collapse of the lateral vaginal walls, obstructing the view of the cervix. To overcome this, physicians frequently repurpose a glove or a condom as a sheath placed over the speculum blades to retract the lateral vaginal walls. Despite their regular use in clinical practice, little research has been done comparing the relative efficacy of these methods. Better visualization of the cervix can benefit patients by decreasing examination-related discomfort, improving cancer screening accuracy, and preventing the need to move the examination to the operating room under general anesthesia. This study presents a physical model that simulates vaginal pressure being exerted around a speculum. Using it, we conduct controlled experiments comparing the efficacy of different condom types, glove materials, glove sizes, and techniques to place gloves on the speculum. The results show that the best sheath is the middle finger of nitrile-material gloves. They provide adequate lateral wall retraction without significantly restricting the opening of the speculum. In comparison, condoms provide a smaller amount of retraction due to loosely fitting the speculum. They may still be a reasonable option for a different speculum size. However, vinyl-material gloves are an impractical option for sheaths; they greatly restrict speculum opening, occasionally even breaking the speculum, which overcome its retraction benefits. Glove size, condom brand, and condom material (latex vs polyisoprene) had minimal impact. This study serves as a guide for clinicians as they use easily accessible tools to perform difficult pelvic exams. We recommend that physicians consider nitrile gloves as the preferred option for a sheath around a speculum. Additionally, this study demonstrates proof-of-concept of a physical model that quantitatively describes different materials on their ability to improve cervical access. This model can be used in future research with more speculum and material combinations, including with materials custom-designed for vaginal retraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Sai Yerrabelli
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
- Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Peggy K. Palsgaard
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
- Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ashkhan Hojati
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
- Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Amy J. Wagoner Johnson
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
- Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
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Clarke MA. HPV Testing and its Role in Cervical Cancer Screening. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 66:448-469. [PMID: 37650662 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The recognition that persistent infection with carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical precancer and cancer has led to the introduction of HPV testing into cervical cancer screening, either as a primary screening test or in conjunction with cervical cytology (i.e., co-testing). HPV testing has much higher sensitivity for detection of cervical precancer and provides greater long-term reassurance if negative compared to cytology. However, most HPV infections are transient, and do not progress to invasive cancer, thus triage tests are required to identify individuals who should be referred to colposcopy for diagnostic evaluation. This chapter begins with a description of the biology, natural history, and epidemiology of HPV as a foundation for understanding the role of HPV in cervical carcinogenesis. This section is followed by a detailed discussion regarding the introduction of HPV-based testing and triage into cervical cancer screening and management. Summarized triage tests include cervical cytology, HPV genotyping, p16/Ki-67 dual stain, and HPV and cellular methylation markers. The final section of this chapter includes an important discussion on cervical cancer disparities, particularly within the United States, followed by concluding remarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Clarke
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
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Stoltz DJ, Liebert CA, Seib CD, Bruun A, Arnow KD, Barreto NB, Pratt JS, Eisenberg D. Preventive Health Screening in Veterans Undergoing Bariatric Surgery. Am J Prev Med 2022; 63:979-986. [PMID: 36100538 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals with obesity are vulnerable to low rates of preventive health screening. Veterans with obesity seeking bariatric surgery are also hypothesized to have gaps in preventive health screening. Evaluation in a multidisciplinary bariatric surgery clinic is a point of interaction with the healthcare system that could facilitate improvements in screening. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of 381 consecutive patients undergoing bariatric surgery at a Veterans Affairs Hospital from January 2010 to October 2021. Age- and sex-appropriate health screening rates were determined at initial referral to a multidisciplinary bariatric surgery clinic and at the time of surgery. Rates of guideline concordance at both time points were compared using McNemar's test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for nonconcordance. RESULTS Concordance with all recommended screening was low at initial referral and significantly improved by time of surgery (39.1%‒63.8%; p<0.001). Screening rates significantly improved for HIV (p<0.001), cervical cancer (p=0.03), and colon cancer (p<0.001). Increases in BMI (p=0.005) and the number of indicated screening tests (p=0.029) were associated with reduced odds of concordance at initial referral. Smoking history (p=0.012) and increasing distance to the nearest Veterans Affairs Medical Center (p=0.039) were associated with reduced odds of change from nonconcordance at initial referral to concordance at the time of surgery. CONCLUSIONS Rates of preventive health screening in Veterans with obesity are low. A multidisciplinary bariatric surgery clinic is an opportunity to improve preventive health screening in Veterans referred for bariatric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Stoltz
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Cara A Liebert
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Surgical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Carolyn D Seib
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Surgical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California; Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research Education (S-SPIRE) Center, Stanford, California
| | - Aida Bruun
- Surgical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Katherine D Arnow
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research Education (S-SPIRE) Center, Stanford, California
| | - Nicolas B Barreto
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research Education (S-SPIRE) Center, Stanford, California
| | - Janey S Pratt
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Surgical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Dan Eisenberg
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Surgical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California; Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research Education (S-SPIRE) Center, Stanford, California
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Women with obesity participate less in cervical cancer screening and are more likely to have unsatisfactory smears: Results from a nationwide Danish cohort study. Prev Med 2022; 159:107072. [PMID: 35460722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Some studies found an association between obesity and increased cervical cancer risk, but potential mechanisms are unknown. In this nationwide register-based cohort study, we investigated the association between overweight/obesity and cervical cancer screening participation and risk of unsatisfactory smears. The study population was identified in the Danish Medical Birth Registry. We included 342,526 women aged 23-49 years with pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) registered during 2004-2013. Screening participation and unsatisfactory smears during up to four years after child birth were identified in a nationwide pathology register. We used absolute risk regression to estimate the relative absolute risk (RAR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of screening participation according to BMI, adjusted for age, calendar year, sociodemographic characteristics, parity and previous high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Among those who were screened (n = 295,482), we used log-binomial regression to investigate the relative risk (RR) of an unsatisfactory smear according to BMI, adjusted for age, year, parity, oral contraceptive use and pathology department. A lower proportion of obese women (79.3%) than women of normal weight (85.8%) were screened, and obese women had lower adjusted probability of being screened than women of normal weight (RARadjusted = 0.94, 95% CI, 0.93-0.95). A higher proportion of obese women (2.4%) than women of normal weight (1.7%) had an unsatisfactory smear, and this association remained after adjustments (RRadjusted = 1.28, 95% CI, 1.19-1.38). In conclusion, women with obesity were less likely to participate in cervical cancer screening and more likely to have an unsatisfactory smear than women of normal weight.
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Wentzensen N, Clarke MA, Perkins RB. Impact of COVID-19 on cervical cancer screening: Challenges and opportunities to improving resilience and reduce disparities. Prev Med 2021; 151:106596. [PMID: 34217415 PMCID: PMC8241689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has a major impact on a wide range of health outcomes. Disruptions of elective health services related to cervical screening, management of abnormal screening test results, and treatment of precancers, may lead to increases in cervical cancer incidence and exacerbate existing health disparities. Modeling studies suggest that a short delay of cervical screening in subjects with previously negative HPV results has minor effects on cancer outcomes, while delay of management and treatment can lead to larger increases in cervical cancer. Several approaches can mitigate the effects of disruption of cervical screening and management. HPV-based screening has higher accuracy compared to cytology, and a negative HPV result provides longer reassurance against cervical cancer; further, HPV testing can be conducted from self-collected specimens. Self-collection expands the reach of screening to underserved populations who currently do not participate in screening. Self-collection and can also provide alternative screening approaches during the pandemic because testing can be supported by telehealth and specimens collected in the home, substantially reducing patient-provider contact and risk of COVID-19 exposure, and also expanding the reach of catch-up services to address backlogs of screening tests that accumulated during the pandemic. Risk-based management allows prioritizing management of patients at highest risk of cervical cancer while extending screening intervals for those at lowest risk. The pandemic provides important lessons for how to make cervical screening more resilient to disruptions and how to reduce cervical cancer disparities that may be exacerbated due to disruptions of health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Wentzensen
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Megan A Clarke
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca B Perkins
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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