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Botey AP, Barber T, Robson PJ, O'Neill BM, Green LA. Using care pathways for cancer diagnosis in primary care: a qualitative study to understand family physicians' mental models. CMAJ Open 2023; 11:E486-E493. [PMID: 37279982 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20220084] [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] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care pathways are tools that can help family physicians navigate the complexities of the cancer diagnostic process. Our objective was to examine the mental models associated with using care pathways for cancer diagnosis of a group of family physicians in Alberta. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study using cognitive task analysis, with interviews in the primary care setting between February and March 2021. Family physicians whose practices were not heavily oriented toward patients with cancer and who did not work closely with specialized cancer clinics were recruited with the support of the Alberta Medical Association and leveraging our familiarity with Alberta's Primary Care Networks. We conducted simulation exercise interviews with 3 pathway examples over Zoom, and we analyzed data using both macrocognition theory and thematic analysis. RESULTS Eight family physicians participated. Macrocognitive functions (and subthemes) related to mental models were sense-making and learning (confirmation and validation, guidance and support, and sense-giving to patients), care coordination and diagnostic decision-making (shared understanding). Themes related to the use of the pathways were limited use in diagnosis decisions, use in guiding and supporting referral, only relevant and easy-to-process information, and easily accessible. INTERPRETATION Our findings suggest the importance of designing pathways intentionally for streamlined integration into family physicians' practices, highlighting the need for co-design approaches. Pathways were identified as a tool that, used in combination with other tools, may help gather information and support cancer diagnosis decisions, with the goals of improving patient outcomes and care experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pujadas Botey
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (Pujadas Botey), Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alta.; School of Public Health (Pujadas Botey, Robson) and Department of Family Medicine (Barber, Green), University of Alberta; Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (O'Neill, Robson), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta.
| | - Tanya Barber
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (Pujadas Botey), Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alta.; School of Public Health (Pujadas Botey, Robson) and Department of Family Medicine (Barber, Green), University of Alberta; Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (O'Neill, Robson), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta
| | - Paula J Robson
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (Pujadas Botey), Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alta.; School of Public Health (Pujadas Botey, Robson) and Department of Family Medicine (Barber, Green), University of Alberta; Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (O'Neill, Robson), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta
| | - Barbara M O'Neill
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (Pujadas Botey), Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alta.; School of Public Health (Pujadas Botey, Robson) and Department of Family Medicine (Barber, Green), University of Alberta; Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (O'Neill, Robson), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta
| | - Lee A Green
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (Pujadas Botey), Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alta.; School of Public Health (Pujadas Botey, Robson) and Department of Family Medicine (Barber, Green), University of Alberta; Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (O'Neill, Robson), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta
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Farooq A, Keehn AR, Xu Y, Kong S, Cheung WY, Quan ML, MacLean AR. Patient and disease characteristics, treatment practices and oncologic outcomes among patients with colorectal cancer: a population-based analysis. Can J Surg 2023; 66:E71-E78. [PMID: 36792127 PMCID: PMC9943546 DOI: 10.1503/cjs.024320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing among young adults. We sought to report on patient and disease characteristics, treatment practice patterns and outcomes in this population. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative health data from the Alberta Cancer Registry (2004-2015), including demographic and tumour characteristics, and treatment received. Outcome measures included overall and cancer-specific deaths. We used Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier curves to assess for factors associated with survival. RESULTS We included 18 070 patients with CRC (n = 1583 [8.8%] < 50 yr, n = 16 487 [91.2 %] ≥ 50 yr). Younger patients were more likely to present with locally advanced disease (21.0% v. 18.0%, p < 0.0001), stage III (16.4 % v. 14.6%, p < 0.0001) or metastatic (16.7% v. 13.8%, p < 0.0001) involvement. Younger patients were more likely to receive surgery (87.2% v. 80.9%, p < 0.0001), chemotherapy (59.6% v. 34.1%, p < 0.0001) or radiation therapy (49.5% v. 37.2%, p < 0.001). At 5 years, overall and cancer-specific survival was better among younger patients than older patients (30.6% v. 51.5% overall deaths, 27.5% v. 38.4% cancer-specific deaths, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Despite higher stage and higher grade disease, young patients with CRC had more favourable oncologic outcomes than stage-matched older patients, which may be related to younger patients receiving more aggressive treatment. Further investigation should focus on optimal treatment patterns for young patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameer Farooq
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Farooq, Keehn, Xu, Kong, Quan, MacLean); the Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Keehn, Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan); and the Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan)
| | - Alysha R Keehn
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Farooq, Keehn, Xu, Kong, Quan, MacLean); the Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Keehn, Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan); and the Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan)
| | - Yuan Xu
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Farooq, Keehn, Xu, Kong, Quan, MacLean); the Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Keehn, Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan); and the Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan)
| | - Shiying Kong
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Farooq, Keehn, Xu, Kong, Quan, MacLean); the Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Keehn, Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan); and the Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan)
| | - Winson Y Cheung
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Farooq, Keehn, Xu, Kong, Quan, MacLean); the Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Keehn, Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan); and the Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan)
| | - May Lynn Quan
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Farooq, Keehn, Xu, Kong, Quan, MacLean); the Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Keehn, Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan); and the Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan)
| | - Anthony R MacLean
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Farooq, Keehn, Xu, Kong, Quan, MacLean); the Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Keehn, Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan); and the Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. (Xu, Kong, Cheung, Quan)
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Basappa SN, Finney Rutten LJ, Hruska CB, Olson JE, Jacobson DJ, Rhodes DJ. Breast Cancer Mode of Detection in a Population-Based Cohort. Mayo Clin Proc 2023; 98:278-289. [PMID: 36737116 PMCID: PMC9907001 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate how breast cancers come to clinical attention (mode of detection [MOD]) in a population-based cohort, determine the relative frequency of different MODs, and characterize patient and tumor characteristics associated with MOD. PATIENTS AND METHODS We used the Rochester Epidemiology Project to identify women ages 40 to 75 years with a first-time diagnosis of breast cancer from May 9, 2017, to May 9, 2019 (n=500) in a 9-county region in Minnesota. We conducted a retrospective medical record review to ascertain the relative frequency of MODs, evaluating differences between screening mammography vs all other MODs by breast density and cancer characteristics. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to examine the likelihood of MOD for breast density and stage of disease. RESULTS In our population-based cohort, 162 of 500 breast cancers (32.4%) were detected by MODs other than screening mammography, including 124 (24.8%) self-detected cancers. Compared with women with mammography-detected cancers, those with MODs other than screening mammography were more frequently younger than 50 years of age (P=.004) and had higher-grade tumors (P=.007), higher number of positive lymph nodes (P<.001), and larger tumor size (P<.001). Relative to women with mammography-detected cancers, those with MODs other than screening mammography were more likely to have dense breasts (odds ratio, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.20 to 2.92; P=.006) and advanced cancer at diagnosis (odds ratio, 3.58; 95% CI, 2.29 to 5.58; P<.001). CONCLUSION One-third of all breast cancers in this population were detected by MODs other than screening mammography. Increased likelihood of nonmammographic MODs was observed among women with dense breasts and advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna N Basappa
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Lila J Finney Rutten
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Carrie B Hruska
- Division of Medical Physics, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Janet E Olson
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Debra J Jacobson
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Deborah J Rhodes
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Health, New Haven, CT.
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Ewart E, Barton A, Chen L, Cuthbert R, Toplak K, Burrows A. Assurance of Timely Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment by a Regional Breast Health Clinic Serving Both Urban and Rural-Remote Communities. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:1232-1242. [PMID: 36661744 PMCID: PMC9858490 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to breast cancer diagnostic regional wait times exceeding both national and provincial standards and to symptomatic patient referrals for diagnostic mammography taking longer than abnormal screening mammography referrals, the Rae Fawcett Breast Health Clinic (RFBHC) was opened in 2017 in a mid-sized Canadian hospital serving both urban and rural-remote communities. We investigated whether the RFBHC improved wait times to breast cancer diagnosis, improved compliance with national and provincial breast cancer standards, and decreased the wait time disparity associated with referral source. Statistical analyses of wait time differences were conducted between patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer prior to and after the RFBHC establishment. Study group compliance with national and provincial standards and wait time differences by referral source were also analysed. A survey was administered to assess overall patient experience with the RFBHC and clinic wait times. RFBHC patients had a shorter mean wait to breast cancer diagnosis (24.4 vs. 45.7 days, p ≤ 0.001) and a shorter mean wait to initial breast cancer treatment (49.1 vs. 78.9 days, p ≤ 0.001) than pre-RFBHC patients. After the RFBHC establishment, patients who attended the RFBHC had a shorter mean wait time to breast cancer diagnosis (24.4 vs. 36.9 days, p = 0.005) and to initial treatment (49.1 vs. 73.1 days, p ≤ 0.001) than patients who did not attend the clinic. Compliance with national and provincial breast cancer standards improved after the RFBHC establishment and the wait time disparity between screening mammography referrals and symptomatic patient referrals decreased. Survey results indicate that the RFBHC is meeting patient expectations. We concluded that the establishment of a breast health clinic in a Canadian center serving urban and rural-remote communities improved breast diagnostic services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ross Cuthbert
- Department of Surgery, The University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 11th Floor, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
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Groome PA, Webber C, Maxwell CJ, McClintock C, Seitz D, Mahar A, Marrie RA. Multiple Sclerosis and the Cancer Diagnosis: Diagnostic Route, Cancer Stage, and the Diagnostic Interval in Breast and Colorectal Cancer. Neurology 2022; 98:e1798-e1809. [PMID: 35501160 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The multiple sclerosis (MS) population's survival from breast cancer and colorectal cancer is compromised. Cancer screening and timely diagnoses affect cancer survival and have not been studied in the MS cancer population. We investigated whether the diagnostic route, cancer stage, or diagnostic interval differed in patients with cancer with and without MS. METHODS We conducted a matched population-based cross-sectional study of breast cancers (2007-2015) and colorectal cancers (2009-2012) in patients with MS from Ontario, Canada, using administrative data. Exclusion criteria included second or concurrent primary cancers, no health care coverage, and, for the patients without MS, those with any demyelinating disease. We based 1:4 matching of MS to non-MS on birth year, sex (colorectal only), postal code, and cancer diagnosis year (breast only). Cancer outcomes were diagnostic route (screen-detected vs symptomatic), stage (stage I vs all others), and diagnostic interval (time from first presentation to diagnosis). Multivariable regression analyses controlled for age, sex (colorectal only), diagnosis year, income quintile, urban/rural residence, and comorbidity. RESULTS We included 351 patients with MS and breast cancer, 1,404 matched patients with breast cancer without MS, 54 patients with MS and colorectal cancer, and 216 matched patients with colorectal cancer without MS. MS was associated with fewer screen-detected cancers in breast (odds ratio [OR] 0.68 [95% CI 0.52, 0.88]) and possibly colorectal (0.52 [0.21, 1.28]) cancer. MS was not associated with differences in breast cancer stage at diagnosis (stage I cancer, OR 0.81 [0.64, 1.04]). MS was associated with greater odds of stage I colorectal cancer (OR 2.11 [1.03, 4.30]). The median length of the diagnostic interval did not vary between people with and without MS in either the breast or colorectal cancer cohorts. Controlling for disability status attenuated some findings. DISCUSSION Breast cancers were less likely to be detected through screening and colorectal cancer more likely to be detected at early stage in people with MS than without MS. MS-related disability may prevent people from getting mammograms and colonoscopies. Understanding the pathways to earlier detection in both cancers is critical to developing and planning interventions to ameliorate outcomes for people with MS and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patti A Groome
- From ICES Queen's (P.A.G., C.M., D.S., A.M.) and Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute (P.A.G.), Queen's University, Kingston; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.W.); Bruyère Research Institute (C.W.), Ottawa; ICES (C.J.M.), Toronto; Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health & Health Systems (C.J.M.), University of Waterloo; Departments of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences (D.S.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary; and Department of Community Health Sciences (A.M., R.A.M.), Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (A.M.), and Department of Internal Medicine (R.A.M.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Colleen Webber
- From ICES Queen's (P.A.G., C.M., D.S., A.M.) and Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute (P.A.G.), Queen's University, Kingston; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.W.); Bruyère Research Institute (C.W.), Ottawa; ICES (C.J.M.), Toronto; Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health & Health Systems (C.J.M.), University of Waterloo; Departments of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences (D.S.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary; and Department of Community Health Sciences (A.M., R.A.M.), Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (A.M.), and Department of Internal Medicine (R.A.M.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Colleen J Maxwell
- From ICES Queen's (P.A.G., C.M., D.S., A.M.) and Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute (P.A.G.), Queen's University, Kingston; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.W.); Bruyère Research Institute (C.W.), Ottawa; ICES (C.J.M.), Toronto; Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health & Health Systems (C.J.M.), University of Waterloo; Departments of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences (D.S.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary; and Department of Community Health Sciences (A.M., R.A.M.), Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (A.M.), and Department of Internal Medicine (R.A.M.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Chad McClintock
- From ICES Queen's (P.A.G., C.M., D.S., A.M.) and Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute (P.A.G.), Queen's University, Kingston; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.W.); Bruyère Research Institute (C.W.), Ottawa; ICES (C.J.M.), Toronto; Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health & Health Systems (C.J.M.), University of Waterloo; Departments of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences (D.S.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary; and Department of Community Health Sciences (A.M., R.A.M.), Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (A.M.), and Department of Internal Medicine (R.A.M.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Dallas Seitz
- From ICES Queen's (P.A.G., C.M., D.S., A.M.) and Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute (P.A.G.), Queen's University, Kingston; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.W.); Bruyère Research Institute (C.W.), Ottawa; ICES (C.J.M.), Toronto; Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health & Health Systems (C.J.M.), University of Waterloo; Departments of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences (D.S.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary; and Department of Community Health Sciences (A.M., R.A.M.), Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (A.M.), and Department of Internal Medicine (R.A.M.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Alyson Mahar
- From ICES Queen's (P.A.G., C.M., D.S., A.M.) and Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute (P.A.G.), Queen's University, Kingston; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.W.); Bruyère Research Institute (C.W.), Ottawa; ICES (C.J.M.), Toronto; Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health & Health Systems (C.J.M.), University of Waterloo; Departments of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences (D.S.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary; and Department of Community Health Sciences (A.M., R.A.M.), Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (A.M.), and Department of Internal Medicine (R.A.M.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- From ICES Queen's (P.A.G., C.M., D.S., A.M.) and Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute (P.A.G.), Queen's University, Kingston; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.W.); Bruyère Research Institute (C.W.), Ottawa; ICES (C.J.M.), Toronto; Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health & Health Systems (C.J.M.), University of Waterloo; Departments of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences (D.S.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary; and Department of Community Health Sciences (A.M., R.A.M.), Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (A.M.), and Department of Internal Medicine (R.A.M.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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Factors associated with breast cancer recurrence and survival at Sangre Grande Hospital, Trinidad. Cancer Causes Control 2021; 32:763-772. [PMID: 33835281 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-021-01427-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to determine the demographic, pathological, and treatment-related factors that predict recurrence and survival in a Trinidadian cohort of breast cancer patients. METHODS The inclusion criteria for this study were female, over 18 years, and with a primary breast cancer diagnosis confirmed by a biopsy report occurring between 2010 and 2015 at Sangre Grande Hospital, Trinidad. Univariate associations with 5-year recurrence-free survival and 5-year overall survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method for categorical variables and Cox Proportional Hazards for continuous variables. A multivariate model for prediction of recurrence and survival was determined using Cox regression. RESULTS For the period 2010-2015, 202 records were abstracted. Five-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were found to be 74.3% and 56.4%, respectively. Median times from first suspicious finding to date of biopsy report, date of surgery, and date of chemotherapy were 63 days, 125 days, and 189 days, respectively. In the univariate analysis, age (p = 0.038), stage (p < 0.001), recurrence (p = 0.035), surgery (p = 0.016), ER (p < 0.001) status, PR status (p < 0.001), and subtype (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with survival. Additionally, stage (p = 0.004), N score (p = 0.002), ER (p = 0.028) status, PR (p = 0.018) status, and subtype (p = 0.025) were significantly associated with recurrence. In the Cox multivariate model, Stage 4 was a significant predictor of survival (HR 6.77, 95% CI [0.09-2.49], p = 0.047) and N3 score was a significant predictor of recurrence (HR 4.47, 95% CI [1.29-15.54], p = 0.018). CONCLUSION This study reports a 5-year breast cancer survival rate of 74.3%, and a recurrence-free survival rate of 56.4% in Trinidad for the period 2010-2015.
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Pujadas Botey A, Robson PJ, Hardwicke-Brown AM, Rodehutskors DM, O’Neill BM, Stewart DA. From symptom to cancer diagnosis: Perspectives of patients and family members in Alberta, Canada. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239374. [PMID: 32970713 PMCID: PMC7514000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant intervals from the identification of suspicious symptoms to a definitive diagnosis of cancer are common. Streamlining pathways to diagnosis may increase survival, quality of life post-treatment, and patient experience. Discussions of pathways to diagnosis from the perspective of patients and family members are crucial to advancing cancer diagnosis. AIM To examine the perspectives of a group of patients with cancer and family members in Alberta, Canada, on factors associated with timelines to diagnosis and overall experience. METHODS A qualitative approach was used. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with patients with cancer (n = 18) and patient relatives (n = 5) were conducted and subjected to a thematic analysis. FINDINGS Participants struggled emotionally in the diagnostic period. Relevant to their experience were: potentially avoidable delays, concerns about health status, and misunderstood investigation process. Participants emphasized the importance of their active involvement in the care process, and had unmet supportive care needs. CONCLUSION Psychosocial supports available to potential cancer patients and their families are minimal, and may be important for improved experiences before diagnosis. Access to other patients' lived experiences with the diagnostic process and with cancer, and an enhanced supportive role of family doctors might help improve experiences for patients and families in the interval before receiving a diagnosis of cancer, which may have a significant impact on wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pujadas Botey
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Paula J. Robson
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Barbara M. O’Neill
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Douglas A. Stewart
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Departments of Oncology and Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Szukis HA, Qin B, Xing CY, Doose M, Xu B, Tsui J, Lin Y, Hirshfield KM, Ambrosone CB, Demissie K, Hong CC, Bandera EV, Llanos AAM. Factors Associated with Initial Mode of Breast Cancer Detection among Black Women in the Women's Circle of Health Study. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:3529651. [PMID: 31354818 PMCID: PMC6637674 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3529651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Mammogram-detected breast cancers have a better prognosis than those identified through clinical breast exam (CBE) or through self-detection, primarily because tumors detected by mammography are more likely to be smaller and do not involve regional nodes. In a sample of 1,322 Black women, aged 40-75 years, diagnosed with breast cancer between 2002 and 2016, we evaluated factors associated with CBE and self-detection versus screening mammogram as the initial mode of breast cancer detection, using multivariable logistic regression models. Compared with screening mammogram, history of routine screening mammogram (OR 0.20, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.54) and performance of breast self-examination (BSE) (OR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.74) before diagnosis were associated with lower odds of CBE as the initial mode of detection, while performance of CBEs before diagnosis (OR 11.04, 95% CI: 2.24, 54.55) was positively associated. Lower body mass index (<25.0 kg/m2 vs. ≥35.0 kg/m2: OR 2.46, 95% CI: 1.52, 3.98), performance of BSEs before diagnosis (less than once per month: OR 4.08, 95% CI: 2.45, 6.78; at least monthly: OR 4.99, 95% CI: 3.13, 7.97), and larger tumor size (1.0-2.0 cm vs. <1.0 cm: OR 2.92, 95% CI: 1.84, 4.64; >2.0 cm vs. <1.0 cm: OR 6.41, 95% CI: 3.30, 12.46) were associated with increased odds of self-detection relative to screening mammogram. The odds of CBE and self-detection as initial modes of breast cancer detection among Black women are independently associated with breast care and breast cancer screening services before diagnosis and with larger tumors at diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A. Szukis
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Bo Qin
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Cathleen Y. Xing
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Michelle Doose
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Baichen Xu
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Jennifer Tsui
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Yong Lin
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Biometrics Division, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Kim M. Hirshfield
- Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Christine B. Ambrosone
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kitaw Demissie
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, SUNY Downstate School of Public Health, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Chi-Chen Hong
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Elisa V. Bandera
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Adana A. M. Llanos
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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9
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Groome PA, Webber C, Whitehead M, Moineddin R, Grunfeld E, Eisen A, Gilbert J, Holloway C, Irish JC, Langley H. Determining the Cancer Diagnostic Interval Using Administrative Health Care Data in a Breast Cancer Cohort. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2019; 3:1-10. [PMID: 31112418 PMCID: PMC6874005 DOI: 10.1200/cci.18.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Population-based administrative health care data could be a valuable resource with which to study the cancer diagnostic interval. The objective of the current study was to determine the first encounter in the diagnostic interval and compute that interval in a cohort of patients with breast cancer using an empirical approach. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with breast cancer diagnosed in Ontario, Canada, between 2007 and 2015. We used cancer registry, physician claims, hospital discharge, and emergency department visit data to identify and categorize cancer-related encounters that were more common in the three months before diagnosis. We used statistical control charts to define lookback periods for each encounter category. We identified the earliest cancer-related encounter that marked the start of the diagnostic interval. The end of the interval was the cancer diagnosis date. RESULTS The final cohort included 69,717 patients with breast cancer. We identified an initial encounter in 97.8% of patients. Median diagnostic interval was 36 days (interquartile range [IQR], 19 to 71 days). Median interval decreased with increasing stage at diagnosis and varied across initial encounter categories, from 9 days (IQR, 1 to 35 days) for encounters with other cancer as the diagnosis to 231 days (IQR 77 to 311 days) for encounters with cyst aspiration or drainage as the procedure. CONCLUSION Diagnostic interval research can inform early detection guidelines and assess the success of diagnostic assessment programs. Use of administrative data for this purpose is a powerful tool for improving diagnostic processes at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patti A. Groome
- Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- ICES Queen’s, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen Webber
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Eva Grunfeld
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Eisen
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Gilbert
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Hugh Langley
- Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- South East Regional Cancer Program, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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10
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du Rouchet E, Dendoncker C. Accès au premier traitement : apport d’un centre de prise en charge rapide. ONCOLOGIE 2019. [DOI: 10.3166/onco-2019-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pour une patiente porteuse d’un cancer du sein, l’accès au premier traitement comprend plusieurs étapes : établissement d’un diagnostic anatomopathologique, annonce et établissement du plan personnalisé de soins, bilans préthérapeutiques, accès au plateau technique. La durée du délai global de ce parcours intervient dans le pronostic de la maladie pour les stades précoces. De plus, il convient de gérer toutes les incertitudes, diagnostiques puis pronostiques, qui vont inévitablement bouleverser l’équilibre psychologique de la patiente. À la lumière des écrits, des recommandations et de l’expérience de plus de 20 ans d’un centre multidisciplinaire, les auteurs proposent une organisation de centre expert de prise en charge de la personne avec suspicion de cancer du sein, dans son intégralité somatique et psychique.
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11
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Jiang L, Gilbert J, Langley H, Moineddin R, Groome PA. Breast cancer detection method, diagnostic interval and use of specialized diagnostic assessment units across Ontario, Canada. HEALTH PROMOTION AND CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION IN CANADA-RESEARCH POLICY AND PRACTICE 2019; 38:358-367. [PMID: 30303656 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.38.10.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer is detected through screening or through signs and symptoms. In Canada, mammograms for breast cancer screening are offered in organized programs or independently (opportunistic screening). Province of Ontario breast Diagnostic Assessment Units (DAUs) are facility-based programs that provide coordinated breast cancer diagnostic services, as opposed to usual care, in which the primary care provider arranges the tests and consultations. This study describes breast cancer detection method, diagnostic interval and DAU use across Ontario. METHODS The study cohort consisted of 6898 women with invasive breast cancer diagnosed in 2011. We used the Ontario Cancer Registry linked to administrative health care databases. We determined the detection method using the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) data and physician claims. The diagnostic interval was the time between the initial screen, specialist referral or first diagnostic test and the cancer diagnosis. The diagnostic route (whether through DAU or usual care) was determined based on the OBSP records and biopsy or surgery location. We mapped the diagnostic interval and DAU coverage geographically by women's residence. RESULTS In 2011, 36% of Ontario breast cancer patients were screen-detected, with a 48% rate among those aged 50 to 69. The provincial median diagnostic interval was 32 days, with county medians ranging from 15 to 65 days. Provincially, 48.4% were diagnosed at a DAU, and this ranged from zero to 100% across counties. CONCLUSION The screening detection rate in age-eligible breast cancer patients was lower than published population-wide screening rates. Geographic mapping of the diagnostic interval and DAU use reveals regional variations in cancer diagnostic care that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jiang
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Hugh Langley
- South East Regional Cancer Program, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rahim Moineddin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patti A Groome
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Delay in breast cancer diagnosis: a Brazilian cohort study. Public Health 2019; 167:88-95. [PMID: 30641460 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the delay in breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and its risk factors. STUDY DESIGN A cohort study of BC patients referred to treatment at oncological reference hospital, Brazil. Delay in BC diagnosis was defined as a time interval ≥90 days between the first contact with a care provider and a BC diagnosis. METHODS The association between independent variables and delay was performed by univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS Five hundred and twenty-six women were included in the study. Delay was observed in 68.8% and was associated with performing histopathological examination at oncological reference hospital (odds ratio [OR]: 3.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.91-8.20) or at another public health service (OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.50-3.56) and attending gynecological consultations annually (OR: 3.24; 95% CI: 1.97-5.33) or every 2-3 years (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.55-5.28). Patients who presented a lump as the first sign or symptom had a lower chance of delay (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.29-0.65). CONCLUSIONS Improvements in the structure and access to health services are needed to reduce the time to diagnosis.
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13
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Lofters AK, McBride ML, Li D, Whitehead M, Moineddin R, Jiang L, Grunfeld E, Groome PA. Disparities in breast cancer diagnosis for immigrant women in Ontario and BC: results from the CanIMPACT study. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:42. [PMID: 30626375 PMCID: PMC6327524 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5201-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada, clinical practice guidelines recommend breast cancer screening, but there are gaps in adherence to recommendations for screening, particularly among certain hard-to-reach populations, that may differ by province. We compared stage of diagnosis, proportion of screen-detected breast cancers, and length of diagnostic interval for immigrant women versus long-term residents of BC and Ontario. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked administrative databases in BC and Ontario. We identified all women residing in either province who were diagnosed with incident invasive breast cancer between 2007 and 2011, and determined who was foreign-born using the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada database. We used descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses to describe the sample and study outcomes. We conducted multivariate analyses (modified Poisson regression and quantile regression) to control for potential confounders. RESULTS There were 14,198 BC women and 46,952 Ontario women included in the study population, of which 11.8 and 11.7% were foreign-born respectively. In both provinces, immigrants and long-term residents had similar primary care access. In both provinces, immigrant women were significantly less likely to have a screen-detected breast cancer (adjusted relative risk 0.88 [0.79-0.96] in BC, 0.88 [0.84-0.93] in Ontario) and had a significantly longer median diagnostic interval (2 [0.2-3.8] days in BC, 5.5 [4.4-6.6] days in Ontario) than long-term residents. Women from East Asia and the Pacific were less likely to have a screen-detected cancer and had a longer diagnostic interval, but were diagnosed at an earlier stage than long-term residents. In Ontario, women from Latin America and the Caribbean and from South Asia were less likely to have a screen-detected cancer, had a longer median diagnostic interval, and were diagnosed at a later stage than long-term residents. These findings were not explained by access to primary care. CONCLUSIONS There are inequalities in breast cancer diagnosis for Canadian immigrant women. We have identified particular immigrant groups (women from Latin America and the Caribbean and from South Asia) that appear to be subject to disparities in the diagnostic process that need to be addressed in order to effectively reduce gaps in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. K. Lofters
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, M5B 1W8 Canada
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Canada
| | - M. L. McBride
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - D. Li
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - R. Moineddin
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Canada
| | - L. Jiang
- ICES, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
- Critical Care Services Ontario, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - E. Grunfeld
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - P. A. Groome
- ICES, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
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14
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Groome PA, McBride ML, Jiang L, Kendell C, Decker KM, Grunfeld E, Krzyzanowska MK, Winget M. Lessons Learned: It Takes a Village to Understand Inter-Sectoral Care Using Administrative Data across Jurisdictions. Int J Popul Data Sci 2018; 3:440. [PMID: 32935017 PMCID: PMC7299469 DOI: 10.23889/ijpds.v3i3.440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer care is complex and exists within the broader healthcare system. The CanIMPACT team sought to enhance primary cancer care capacity and improve integration between primary and cancer specialist care, focusing on breast cancer. In Canada, all medically-necessary healthcare is publicly funded but overseen at the provincial/territorial level. The CanIMPACT Administrative Health Data Group's (AHDG) role was to describe inter-sectoral care across five Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia. This paper describes the process used and challenges faced in creating four parallel administrative health datasets. We present the content of those datasets and population characteristics. We provide guidance for future research based on 'lessons learned'. The AHDG conducted population-based comparisons of care for breast cancer patients diagnosed from 2007-2011. We created parallel provincial datasets using knowledge from data inventories, our previous work, and ongoing bi-weekly conference calls. Common dataset creation plans (DCPs) ensured data comparability and documentation of data differences. In general, the process had to be flexible and iterative as our understanding of the data and needs of the broader team evolved. Inter-sectoral data inconsistencies that we had to address occurred due to differences in: 1) healthcare systems, 2) data sources, 3) data elements and 4) variable definitions. Our parallel provincial datasets describe the breast cancer diagnostic, treatment and survivorship phases and address ten research objectives. Breast cancer patient demographics reflect inter-provincial general population differences. Across provinces, disease characteristics are similar but underlying health status and use of healthcare services differ. Describing healthcare across Canadian jurisdictions assesses whether our provincial healthcare systems are delivering similar high quality, timely, accessible care to all of our citizens. We have provided a description of our experience in trying to achieve this goal and, for future use, we include a list of 'lessons learned' and a list of recommended steps for conducting this kind of work. KEY FINDINGS The conduct of inter-sectoral research using linked administrative health data requires a committed team that is adequately resourced and has a set of clear, feasible objectives at the start.Guiding principles include: maximization of sectoral participation by including single-jurisdiction expertise and making the most inclusive data decisions; use of living documents that track all data decisions and careful consideration about data quality and availability differences.Inter-sectoral research requires a good understanding of the local healthcare system and other contextual issues for appropriate interpretation of observed differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patti Ann Groome
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario Canada
| | - Mary L McBride
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Li Jiang
- Critical Care Services Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cynthia Kendell
- Cancer Outcomes Research Program, Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kathleen M Decker
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Epidemiology and Cancer Registry, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Eva Grunfeld
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monika K Krzyzanowska
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marcy Winget
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, U.S.A.
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15
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5-year overall survival after early breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy: A retrospective case-control multicentre French study. Eur J Cancer 2018; 95:30-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2018.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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16
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Brousselle A, Breton M, Benhadj L, Tremblay D, Provost S, Roberge D, Pineault R, Tousignant P. Explaining time elapsed prior to cancer diagnosis: patients' perspectives. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:448. [PMID: 28659143 PMCID: PMC5490154 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2390-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada. Early cancer diagnosis could improve patients’ prognosis and quality of life. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing elapsed time between the first help-seeking trigger and cancer diagnosis with respect to the three most common and deadliest cancer types: lung, breast, and colorectal. Methods This paper presents the qualitative component of a larger project based on a sequential explanatory design. Twenty-two patients diagnosed were interviewed, between 2011 to 2013, in oncology clinics of four hospitals in the two most populous regions in Quebec (Canada). Transcripts were analyzed using the Model of Pathways to Treatment. Results Pre-diagnosis elapsed time and phases are difficult to appraise precisely and vary according to cancer sites and symptoms specificity. This observation makes the Model of Pathways to Treatment challenging to use to analyze patients’ experiences. Analyses identified factors contributing to elapsed time that are linked to type of cancer, to patients, and to health system organization. Conclusions This research allowed us to identify avenues for reducing the intervals between first symptoms and cancer diagnosis. The existence of inequities in access to diagnostic services, even in a universal healthcare system, was highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Brousselle
- Département des Sciences de la Santé Communautaire, Centre de recherche - Hôpital Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles LeMoyne bureau 200, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Mylaine Breton
- Département des Sciences de la Santé Communautaire, Centre de recherche - Hôpital Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles LeMoyne bureau 200, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Dominique Tremblay
- École des Sciences Infirmières, Centre de recherche - Hôpital Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Provost
- Direction de Santé Publique de Montréal, Institut de Recherche en Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Danièle Roberge
- Département des Sciences de la Santé Communautaire, Centre de recherche - Hôpital Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles LeMoyne bureau 200, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
| | - Raynald Pineault
- Direction de Santé Publique de Montréal, Institut de Recherche en Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Institut National de Santé Publique, Montreal, Canada
| | - Pierre Tousignant
- Direction de Santé Publique de Montréal, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Institut National de Santé Publique, Montreal, Canada
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17
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Tejeda S, Gallardo RI, Ferrans CE, Rauscher GH. Breast cancer delay in Latinas: the role of cultural beliefs and acculturation. J Behav Med 2016; 40:343-351. [PMID: 27572092 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-016-9789-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cultural beliefs about breast cancer may act as a barrier to Latina women seeking preventive services or timely follow-up for breast symptoms regardless of access. This study examines the association between factors and breast cancer cultural beliefs and the extent to which cultural beliefs are associated with delays in breast cancer care. Participants who were Latina, ages 30-79, and had been diagnosed with a primary breast cancer were examined (n = 181). Interviews included a 15-item cultural beliefs scale spanning beliefs inconsistent with motivation to seek timely healthcare. Self-reported date of symptom discovery, date of first medical presentation, and date of first treatment were used to construct measures of prolonged patient, clinical, and total delay. Logistic regression with model-based standardization was used to estimate crude and confounder-adjusted prevalence differences for prolonged delay by number of cultural beliefs held. Women held a mean score of three cultural beliefs. The belief most commonly held was, "Faith in God can protect you from breast cancer" (48 %). Holding three or more cultural beliefs was associated with lower acculturation, lower socioeconomic status and less access to care (p < 0.01). After adjusting for age, education, income, acculturation, trust, and insurance, likelihood of prolonged total delay remained 21 percentage points higher in women who held a higher number cultural beliefs (p = 0.02). Cultural beliefs may predispose Latina women to prolong delays in seeking diagnosis and treatment for breast symptoms. Cultural beliefs represent a potential point of intervention to decrease delays among Latina breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Tejeda
- School of Public Health, Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rani I Gallardo
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carol Estwing Ferrans
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Garth H Rauscher
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 West Taylor Street (M/C 923), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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