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Subedi R, Houssami N, Nickson C, Nepal A, Campbell D, David M, Yu XQ. Factors influencing the time to diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer among women in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Breast 2024; 75:103714. [PMID: 38522173 PMCID: PMC10973645 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2024.103714] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Shorter time from symptoms recognition to diagnosis and timely treatment would be expected to improve the survival of patients with breast cancer (BC). This review identifies and summarizes evidence on time to diagnosis and treatment, and associated factors to inform an improved BC care pathways in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). METHODS A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases including Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Global Health, covering publications between January 1, 2010, and November 6, 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies published in English from LMICs that reported on time from symptoms recognition to diagnosis and/or from diagnosis to treatment, as well as factors influencing these timelines. Study quality was assessed independently by two reviewers using a standard checklist. Pre-contact, post-contact and treatment intervals and delays in these intervals are presented. Barriers and facilitators for shorter time to diagnosis and treatment found by individual studies after adjusting with covariates are summarized. RESULTS The review identified 21 studies across 14 countries and found that BC cases took a longer time to diagnosis than to treatment. However, time to treatment also exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended period for optimal survival. There was inconsistency in terminology and benchmarks for defining delays in time intervals. Low socioeconomic status and place of residence emerged as frequent barriers, while initial contact with a private health facility or specialist was commonly reported as a facilitator for shorter time to diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS Guidelines or consensus recommendations are essential for defining the optimal time intervals to BC diagnosis and treatment. Our review supported WHO's Global Breast Cancer Initiative recommendations. Increasing public awareness, strengthening of healthcare professional's capacities, partial decentralization of diagnostic services and implementation of effective referral mechanisms are recommended to achieve a shorter time to diagnosis and treatment of BC in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjeeta Subedi
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Nehmat Houssami
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carolyn Nickson
- The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Denise Campbell
- The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael David
- The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia; School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Xue Qin Yu
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
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Ramli FI, Thokala P, Tong T, Unger-Saldaña K. Understanding breast cancer patient pathways and their impact on survival in Mexico. J Cancer Policy 2024; 40:100482. [PMID: 38663531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2024.100482] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding patient pathways from discovery of breast symptoms to treatment start can aid in identifying ways to improve access to timely cancer care. This study aimed to describe the patient pathways experienced by uninsured women from detection to treatment initiation for breast cancer in Mexico City and estimate the potential impact of earlier treatment on patient survival. METHODS We used process mining, a data analytics technique, to create maps of the patient pathways. We then compared the waiting times and pathways between patients who initially consulted a private service versus those who sought care at a public health service. Finally, we conducted scenario modelling to estimate the impact of early diagnosis and treatment on patient survival. RESULTS Our study revealed a common pathway followed by breast cancer patients treated at the two largest public cancer centres in Mexico City. However, patients who initially sought care in private clinics experienced shorter mean wait times for their first medical consultation (66 vs 88 days), and diagnostic confirmation of cancer (57 vs 71 days) compared to those who initially utilized public clinics. Our scenario modelling indicated that improving early diagnosis to achieve at least 60% of patients starting treatment at early stages could increase mean patient survival by up to two years. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the potential of process mining to inform healthcare policy for improvement of breast cancer care in Mexico. Also, our findings indicate that reducing diagnostic and treatment intervals for breast cancer patients could result in substantially better patient outcomes. POLICY SUMMARY This study revealed significant differences in time intervals along the pathways of women with breast cancer according to the type of health service first consulted by the patients: whether public primary care clinics or private doctors. Policies directed to reduce these inequities in access to timely cancer care are desperately needed to reduce socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin Izzati Ramli
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Faculty of Industrial Management, University Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, Malaysia
| | - Praveen Thokala
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Thaison Tong
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Bahrami M, Sebzari AR, Nasiri A. Caregivers' demands: caring atmosphere expected by cancer patients' caregivers-a qualitative content analysis. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:389. [PMID: 38802620 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08575-3] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Family caregivers play a critical role in providing care for patients with cancer. However, the quality of their caregiving can be greatly impacted if the demands and expectations they experience are not identified. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the demands and perceived expectations of caregivers while caring for cancer patients. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted from June 2022 to September 2023. Face-to-face and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the experiences of 19 Iranian family caregivers of patients with cancer. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. The interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis and the rigor of the study was ensured by employing Lincoln and Guba's criteria. RESULTS Three main themes and six subthemes were identified through data analysis. The themes that emerged from the caregivers' experiences included the following: (1) ambiguity in the healthcare system, (2) need for empathetic communication, and (3) forgotten caregivers in the healthcare system. CONCLUSION Caregivers often feel overlooked, resulting in unfulfilled needs and expectations. It is imperative to explore potential solutions that provide caregivers information, empathetic communication, and support. Nurses, as key members of the healthcare team, should play a significant role in addressing this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Bahrami
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Sebzari
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ahmad Nasiri
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
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Elshami M, Qawasmi MA, Ghithan RJ, Al-Slaibi I, Alser M, Shurrab NR, Ismail IO, Mahfouz II, AbdulQader Fannon A, Hawa MR, Giacaman N, Ahmaro M, Okshiya HM, Zaatreh RK, AbuKhalil WA, Usrof FD, Melhim NK, Madbouh RJ, Abu Hziema HJ, Abed-Allateef Lahlooh R, Ubaiat SN, Jaffal NA, Alawna RK, Abed SN, Abuzahra BN, Abu Kwaik AJ, Dodin MH, Taha RO, Alashqar DM, Mobarak RAA, Smerat T, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Barriers to Timely Seeking of Breast Cancer Care Among Palestinian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. JCO Glob Oncol 2024; 10:e2300373. [PMID: 38386955 PMCID: PMC10898679 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00373] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Examining the association of breast cancer (BC) symptom awareness with time to help seeking and exploring barriers to timely presentation may enhance the effectiveness of BC awareness campaigns and early detection efforts. This study aimed to assess the anticipated time for seeking medical advice when experiencing a potential BC symptom among women in Palestine and to identify their barriers to early presentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS A convenience sampling method was used to recruit adult women from hospitals, primary health care facilities, and public areas across 11 governorates in Palestine. A translated-into-Arabic version of the validated BC Awareness Measure was used. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: sociodemographic information, recognition of 13 BC symptoms and reporting time for seeking medical advice, and barriers to early presentation. RESULTS A total of 5,257 questionnaires were included. The proportion of participants who would seek medical advice immediately varied on the basis of the nature of BC symptoms. For symptoms related to the breast, the proportion ranged from 25.7% for redness of the breast skin to 53.5% for a lump or thickening in the breast. For symptoms related to the nipple, the proportion ranged from 30.7% for nipple rash to 48.0% for discharge or bleeding from the nipple. Exhibiting good BC symptom awareness was associated with a higher likelihood of seeking medical advice within a week for all BC symptoms. Emotional barriers were the most frequently reported barriers. There was no association between increasing levels of BC awareness and reporting fewer or more barriers. CONCLUSION The nature of BC symptoms had an impact on help-seeking behaviors. Participants with good BC symptom awareness were more likely to seek medical advice earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Malak Ayman Qawasmi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Hebron University, Hebron, Palestine
| | | | | | - Mohammed Alser
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Manar Ahmaro
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | - Faten Darwish Usrof
- Faculty of Health Sciences Master of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nour Ali Jaffal
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tasneem Smerat
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron, Palestine
| | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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Magwesela FM, Msemakweli DO, Fearon D. Barriers and enablers of breast cancer screening among women in East Africa: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1915. [PMID: 37794414 PMCID: PMC10548570 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16831-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is among the most common cancers globally with a projected increase in incidence and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. The majority of the patients in East Africa present with advanced disease contributing to poor disease outcomes. Breast cancer screening enables earlier detection of the disease and therefore reduces the poor outcomes associated with the disease. This study aims to identify and synthesize the reported barriers and enablers of breast cancer screening among East African women. METHODS Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library were searched for articles published on the subject from start to March 2022 using PRISMA guidelines. Also, forward citation, manual search of references and searching of relevant journals were done. A thematic synthesis was carried out on the "results/findings" sections of the identified qualitative papers followed by a multi-source synthesis with quantitative findings. RESULTS Of 4560 records identified, 51 were included in the review (5 qualitative and 46 quantitative), representing 33,523 women. Thematic synthesis identified two major themes - "Should I participate in breast cancer screening?" and "Is breast cancer screening worth it?". Knowledge of breast cancer and breast cancer screening among women was identified as the most influencing factor. CONCLUSION This review provides a rich description of factors influencing uptake of breast cancer screening among East African women. Findings from this review suggest that improving knowledge and awareness among both the public and providers may be the most effective strategy to improve breast cancer screening in Eastern Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Fearon
- College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK
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Bayable A, Tegenaw A, Tesfaye Z, Lidetu T, Assefa A, Dessie G. Delay in health-seeking behaviour and associated factors among adult patients with cancer in Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071406. [PMID: 37643843 PMCID: PMC10465914 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Delays in obtaining proper cancer treatment can lead to advanced stages at diagnosis. Despite the problems, there is not enough evidence regarding delay in presentation. This study aims to assess delay in health-seeking behaviour and associated factors among adult patients with cancer in Ethiopia. DESIGN Multicentre cross-sectional study design. SETTING Data were collected from selected oncology centres in Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS A multistage sampling technique was used to select 635 study participants from May 9 to June 9 2022. OUTCOME MEASURES Patients who have a duration of ≥3 months from symptom recognition to the first healthcare visit were considered as delay in health-seeking behaviour. Data were entered using Epi data and exported to SPSS for further analysis. Before analysis, model fitness was carried out using Hosmer and Lemeshow test. Variables with a p value<0.25 in the bivariable analysis were included in multivariable logistic regression. In multivariable logistic regression, a p value<0.05 significant level was considered as the factor for delay in health-seeking behaviour. RESULTS In this study, a total of 628 adult patients with cancer participated. A total of 72.6% of patients had a delay in health-seeking behaviour. Variables such as being female (AOR=2.81; 95% CI=1.29 to 6.14), rural residence (AOR=2.82; 95% CI=1.43 to 5.58), low social support (AOR=4.16; 95% CI=2.04 to 8.49), not having comorbidity (AOR=4.44; 95% CI=2.28 to 8.66), stage III cancer (AOR=3.73; 95% CI=1.37 to 9.98), stage IV cancer (AOR=3.07; 95% CI=1.28 to 6.41), additional symptoms (AOR=3.03; 95% CI=1.55 to 5.94), never heard about cancers (AOR=4.09; 95% CI=2.06 to 8.11) and never heard about cancer screening (AOR=2.16; 95% CI=1.06 to 4.40) were identified as factors for delay in health-seeking behaviour. CONCLUSION This study showed that relatively higher magnitude in which approximately three-fourth of adult patients with cancer were delayed in seeking medical attention. As a result, more effort must be made to tackle delay in health-seeking behaviour and associated factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alem Bayable
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Abebu Tegenaw
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Zerihun Tesfaye
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Tadios Lidetu
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Assefa
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine and Health Science, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Getenet Dessie
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Unger-Saldaña K, Bandala-Jacques A, Huerta-Gutierrez R, Zamora-Muñoz S, Hernández-Ávila JE, Cabrera-Galeana P, Mohar A, Lajous M. Breast cancer survival in Mexico between 2007 and 2016 in women without social security: a retrospective cohort study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 23:100541. [PMID: 37408951 PMCID: PMC10319338 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Essential indicators of health system performance for breast cancer are lacking in Mexico. We estimated survival and clinical stage distribution for women without social insurance who were treated under a health financing scheme that covered 60% of the Mexican population. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study cross-linking reimbursement claims for 56,847 women treated for breast cancer between 2007 and 2016 to a mortality registry. We estimated overall- and clinical stage-specific survival and breast cancer survival according to patient age, state of residence, marginalization, type of treatment facility, and patient volume of the treatment facility. We also explored the distribution of clinical stage according to age, year of treatment initiation, and state where the woman was treated. We used log-rank tests and estimated 95% CIs to compare differences between patient groups. Findings Median age was 52 years (interquartile range [IQR] 45, 61) (Sixty five percent patients (36,731/56,847) had advanced disease at treatment initiation. Five-year overall survival was 72.2% (95% CI 71.7, 72.6). For early disease (excluding stage 0), 5-year overall survival was 89.0% (95% CI 88.4, 89.5), for locally advanced disease 69.9% (95% CI 69.0, 70.2) and for metastatic 36.9% (95% CI 35.4, 38.4). Clinical stage at treatment initiation and breast cancer survival remained unchanged in the period analyzed. Clinical stage and survival differed across age groups, state of residence, and type of facility where women received treatment. Interpretation In the absence of population-based cancer registries, medical claims data may be efficiently leveraged to estimate essential cancer-related performance indicators. Funding The authors received no financial support for this research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Bandala-Jacques
- Center for Research on Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Huerta-Gutierrez
- Institute of Public Health and Center for Stroke Research, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Salvador Zamora-Muñoz
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Alejandro Mohar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and National Cancer Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martin Lajous
- Center for Research on Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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Unger-Saldaña K, Arroyo-Valerio A, Turrubiates GS, Gómez-Navarro JA, Bargalló-Rocha E, Quintero-Beuló G, Isla-Ortiz D, Jiménez-Ríos MÁ, García HAM, Salgado IRL, Mohar A. Time intervals to care and health service use experiences of uninsured cancer patients treated under public financing in Mexico City. Cancer Epidemiol 2023; 84:102366. [PMID: 37086645 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2023.102366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study assesses the time intervals from symptom discovery to treatment start and describes the health service use experiences of uninsured patients with cancer of the breast, cervix uteri, testicle, and prostate before their arrival to the cancer hospital. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 1468 patients who were diagnosed between June 2016 and May 2017 and received treatment for the selected cancers in two of the largest public cancer hospitals in Mexico City, financed through Seguro Popular. Data was collected through a survey administered via face-to-face interviews with patients and a review of their medical files. RESULTS The median time between detection (symptom discovery or first abnormal screening test) and treatment start was 6.6 months. For all types of cancer, the longest interval was the diagnostic interval -between the first use of healthcare services and the confirmation of cancer. Less than 20% cancer patients were diagnosed in the earliest stages that are associated with the best chances of long-term survival. The participants described a high use of private services for their first consultation, the use of several different types of health services and multiple consultations before arrival to the cancer centers, and 35% perceived being misdiagnosed by the first doctor they consulted. CONCLUSIONS Most cancer patients treated in the two largest public institutions available for the uninsured faced long delays to get diagnosed and started treatment at advanced stages. Strengthening quality and access for effective early cancer diagnosis and treatment is key to improve patient outcomes in low and middle-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - América Arroyo-Valerio
- Dirección de Investigación, Hospital General de México "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Enrique Bargalló-Rocha
- Departamento de Tumores Mamarios, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gregorio Quintero-Beuló
- Servicio de Oncología, Hospital General de México "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - David Isla-Ortiz
- Departmento de Tumores Ginecológicos, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Alejandro Mohar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
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Garduño-Alanis A, Morales-González L, Ángeles-Llerenas A, Delgado-Ramírez JZ, Ortega-Olvera C, Torres-Mejía G. The effect of the number of biopsies on the delay in the time from the delivery of mammography results to breast cancer histopathological diagnosis. Cancer Causes Control 2022; 33:1355-1361. [PMID: 36029415 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01622-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The delay in the time (in calendar days) from the delivery of mammography results to histopathological breast cancer (BC) diagnosis could be associated with more advanced clinical stages, a worse prognosis and higher mortality. Therefore, we assessed the association between the number of biopsies and the delay in the time (in calendar days) from the delivery of mammography results to histopathological BC. METHODS A survey was performed on 563 women aged between 35 and 69 years with histopathologically confirmed BC who attended 11 Mexican hospitals. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of having a delay in the time (in calendar days) from the delivery of mammography results to histopathological BC diagnosis (≥ 60 days) among women with ≥ 3 biopsies were 2.99 times the odds of those who had only one biopsy (95% CI 1.35, 6.63). CONCLUSION The number of biopsies should be considered as a predictor of the time delay between the delivery of the mammography result and the diagnostic result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Garduño-Alanis
- School of Nursing and Obstetrics, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Paseo Tollocan s/n, Esquina Jesús Carranza, Col. Moderna de la Cruz, C.P. 50180, Toluca, MEX., Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Morales-González
- Research Department, Universidad de la Salud del Estado de México, Vialidad Toluca Atlacomulco 1946, Col. La Aviación, C.P. 50295, Toluca, MEX., Mexico
| | - Angélica Ángeles-Llerenas
- Center for Population Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - José Zaim Delgado-Ramírez
- Center for Population Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Carolina Ortega-Olvera
- School of Nursing and Nutrition, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, Av. Niño Artillero #130, Zona Universitaria, C.P. 78240, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Torres-Mejía
- Center for Population Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Haier J, Schaefers J. Economic Perspective of Cancer Care and Its Consequences for Vulnerable Groups. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133158. [PMID: 35804928 PMCID: PMC9265013 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For cancer patients, many different reasons can cause financial burdens and economic threads. Sociodemographic factors, rural/remote location and income are known determinants for these vulnerable groups. This economic vulnerability is related to the reduced utilization of cancer care and the impact on outcome. Financial burden has been reported in many countries throughout the world and needs to be addressed as part of the sufficient quality of cancer care. Abstract Within healthcare systems in all countries, vulnerable groups of patients can be identified and are characterized by the reduced utilization of available healthcare. Many different reasons can be attributed to this observation, summarized as implementation barriers involving acceptance, accessibility, affordability, acceptability and quality of care. For many patients, cancer care is specifically associated with the occurrence of vulnerability due to the complex disease, very different target groups and delivery situations (from prevention to palliative care) as well as cost-intensive care. Sociodemographic factors, such as educational level, rural/remote location and income, are known determinants for these vulnerable groups. However, different forms of financial burdens likely influence this vulnerability in cancer care delivery in a distinct manner. In a narrative review, these socioeconomic challenges are summarized regarding their occurrence and consequences to current cancer care. Overall, besides direct costs such as for treatment, many facets of indirect costs including survivorship costs for the cancer patients and their social environment need to be considered regarding the impact on vulnerability, treatment compliance and abundance. In addition, individual cancer-related financial burden might also affect the society due to the loss of productivity and workforce availability. Healthcare providers are requested to address this vulnerability during the treatment of cancer patients.
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Nnaji CA, Ezenwankwo EF, Kuodi P, Walter FM, Moodley J. Timeliness of diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers and associated factors in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057685. [PMID: 35121607 PMCID: PMC8819798 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Addressing the barriers to early breast and cervical cancer diagnosis in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires a sound understanding and accurate assessment of diagnostic timeliness. This review aimed to map the current evidence on the time to breast and cervical cancer diagnosis and associated factors in LMICs. DESIGN Scoping review. SOURCES MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, Scopus and CINAHL. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies describing the time to diagnosis and associated factors in the context of breast and cervical cancer in LMICs published from 1 January 2010 to 20 May 2021. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently screened all abstracts and full texts using predefined inclusion criteria. The review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Evidence was narratively synthesised using predefined themes. RESULTS Twenty-six studies conducted across 24 LMICs were included in the review, most (24/26) of which focused on breast cancer. Studies varied considerably in their conceptualisation and assessment of diagnostic time, events, intervals and delays, with a minority of the studies reporting the use of validated methods and tools. Patient-related intervals and delays were more frequently evaluated and reported than provider-related and health system-related intervals and delays. Across studies, there were variations in the estimated lengths of the appraisal, help-seeking, patient and diagnostic intervals for both cancers and the factors associated with them. CONCLUSIONS Despite the significant burden of breast and cervical cancer in LMICs, there is limited information on the timeliness of diagnosis of these cancers. Major limitations included variations in conceptualisation and assessment of diagnostic events and intervals. These underscore the need for the use of validated and standardised tools, to improve accuracy and translation of findings to better inform interventions for addressing diagnostic delays in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwudi A Nnaji
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Elochukwu F Ezenwankwo
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Paul Kuodi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | - Fiona M Walter
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jennifer Moodley
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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12
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Integration of breast cancer care in a middle-income country: learning from Suandok Breast Cancer Network (SBCN). BMC Cancer 2022; 22:26. [PMID: 34980028 PMCID: PMC8722177 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-09153-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer incidence in Northern Thailand has shown a continuous increase since records began in 1983. In 2002 the urgency of the situation prompted Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital to initiate the Suandok Breast Cancer Network (SBCN). Methods The SBCN is a not-for-profit organization in the university hospital which serves as a training and education center and provides highly specialized medical care for patients in Chiang Mai and in 5 provinces of northern Thailand, with the key mission of improving breast cancer care. The short-term goal was to overcome the barriers to engagement with breast cancer and its treatment and the long-term goal was to increase the overall survival rate of breast cancer patients in our region. Results We enrolled breast cancer patients treated at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital between January 2006 and December 2015 and divided into 2 cohorts: 1485 patients who were diagnosed from 2006 to 2009 (cohort 1: early implementation of SBCN) and 2383 patients who were diagnosed from 2010 to 2015 (cohort 2: full implementation of SBCN). Criteria to measure improved cancer waiting time (CWT) would include: time to diagnosis, time to surgery, and time to radiotherapy. The 5-year overall survival (OS) of the cohort 2 was higher than that in cohort 1, at 73.8 (72.0–75.5) compared to 71.5 (69.2–73.7) (p-value = 0.03). Conclusions Reasons behind the success of project include the uniformity of care encouragement, service network development and timely access to each step of breast cancer management. The model used in SBCN could be adopted as a learning guide to improve healthcare access and outcome for breast cancer patients in low- to middle-income countries. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-09153-0.
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Unger-Saldaña K, Contreras-Manzano A, Lamadrid-Figueroa H, Mohar A, Suazo-Zepeda E, Espinosa-Tamez P, Lajous M, Reich MR. Reduction in the Treatment Gap for Breast Cancer in Mexico under Seguro Popular, 2007 to 2016. Health Syst Reform 2022; 8:e2064794. [PMID: 35731961 DOI: 10.1080/23288604.2022.2064794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As Mexico's government restructures the health system, a comprehensive assessment of Seguro Popular's Fund for Protection against Catastrophic Expenses (FPGC) can help inform decision makers to improve breast cancer outcomes and health system performance. This study aimed to estimate the treatment gap for breast cancer patients treated under FPGC and assess changes in this gap between 2007 (when coverage started for breast cancer treatment) and 2016. We used a nationwide administrative claims database for patients whose breast cancer treatment was financed by FPGC in this period (56,847 women), Global Burden of Disease breast cancer incidence estimates, and other databases to estimate the population not covered by social security. We compared the observed number of patients who received treatment under FPGC to the expected number of breast cancer cases among women not covered by social security to estimate the treatment gap. Nationwide, the treatment gap was reduced by more than half: from 0.71, 95% CI (0.69, 0.73) in 2007 to 0.15, 95%CI (0.09, 0.22) in 2016. Reductions were observed across all states . This is the first study to assess the treatment gap for breast cancer patients covered under Seguro Popular. Expanded financing through FPGC sharply increased access to treatment for breast cancer. This was an important step toward improving breast cancer care, but high mortality remains a problem in Mexico. Increased access to treatment needs to be coupled with effective interventions to assure earlier cancer diagnosis and earlier initiation of high-quality treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Unger-Saldaña
- Takemi Program in International Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.,Epidemiology Research Unit, National Institute of Cancer, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Alejandro Mohar
- Epidemiology Unit, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and National Cancer Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Erick Suazo-Zepeda
- Center for Research on Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Priscilla Espinosa-Tamez
- Center for Research on Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martin Lajous
- Center for Research on Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael R Reich
- Takemi Program in International Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Bretas G, Renna NL, Bines J. Practical considerations for expediting breast cancer treatment in Brazil. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2021; 2:100028. [PMID: 36779036 PMCID: PMC9904000 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Patients in Brazil continue to present with late-stage breast cancer. Notwithstanding these figures, policies and programs to overcome this long-lasting scenario have had limited results. We enlist the main barriers for advancing breast cancer diagnosis in Brazil, based on the available evidence, and we propose feasible strategies that may serve as a platform to address this major public health challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Bretas
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Grupo Oncoclínicas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - José Bines
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Corresponding author.
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15
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Roa L, Moeller E, Fowler Z, Carrillo F, Mohar S, Williams W, Meara J, Riviello R, Uribe-Leitz T, Macias V. Assessment of surgical capacity in Chiapas, Mexico: a cross-sectional study of the public and private sector. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044160. [PMID: 34312192 PMCID: PMC8314748 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgical, anaesthesia and obstetric (SAO) care are essential, life-saving components of universal healthcare. In Chiapas, Mexico's southernmost state, the capacity of SAO care is unknown. This study aims to assess the surgical capacity in Chiapas, Mexico, as it relates to access, infrastructure, service delivery, surgical volume, quality, workforce and financial risk protection. METHODS A cross-sectional study of Ministry of Health public hospitals and private hospitals in Chiapas was performed. The translated Surgical Assessment Tool (SAT) was implemented in sampled hospitals. Surgical volume was collected retrospectively from hospital logbooks. Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare public and private hospitals. Catastrophic expenditure from surgical care was calculated. RESULTS Data were collected from 17 public hospitals and 20 private hospitals in Chiapas. Private hospitals were smaller than public hospitals and public hospitals performed more surgeries per operating room. Not all hospitals reported consistent electricity, running water or oxygen, but private hospitals were more likely to have these basic infrastructure components compared with public hospitals (84% vs 95%; 60% vs 100%; 94.1% vs 100%, respectively). Bellwether surgical procedures performed in private hospitals cost significantly more, and posed a higher risk of catastrophic expenditure, than those performed in public hospitals. CONCLUSION Capacity limitations are greater in public hospitals compared with private hospitals. However, the cost of care in the private sector is significantly higher than the public sector and may result in catastrophic expenditures. Targeted interventions to improve the infrastructure, workforce availability and data collection are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Roa
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ellie Moeller
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Zachary Fowler
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Sebastian Mohar
- Compañeros En Salud, Jaltenango, Mexico
- Hospital Basico Comunitario Angel Albino Corzo, Jaltenango, Mexico
| | - Wendy Williams
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John Meara
- Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Riviello
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tarsicio Uribe-Leitz
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Alvarado-Cabrero I, Doimi F, Ortega V, de Oliveira Lima JT, Torres R, Torregrosa L. Recommendations for streamlining precision medicine in breast cancer care in Latin America. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2021; 4:e1400. [PMID: 33939336 PMCID: PMC8714537 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of breast cancer (BC) in LMICs has increased by more than 20% within the last decade. In areas such as Latin America (LA), addressing BC at national levels evoke discussions surrounding fragmented care, limited resources, and regulatory barriers. Precision Medicine (PM), specifically companion diagnostics (CDx), links disease diagnosis and treatment for better patient outcomes. Thus, its application may aid in overcoming these barriers. Recent findings A panel of LA experts in fields related to BC and PM were provided with a series of relevant questions to address prior to a multi‐day conference. Within this conference, each narrative was edited by the entire group, through numerous rounds of discussion until a consensus was achieved. The panel proposes specific, realistic recommendations for implementing CDx in BC in LA and other LMIC regions. In these recommendations, the authors strived to address all barriers to the widespread use and access mentioned previously within this manuscript. Conclusion This manuscript provides a review of the current state of CDx for BC in LA. Of most importance, the panel proposes practical and actionable recommendations for the implementation of CDx throughout the Region in order to identify the right patient at the right time for the right treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Franco Doimi
- Department of Pathology, Oncosalud AUNA, Lima, Peru
| | - Virginia Ortega
- Department of Pathology, Diagnostico SRL, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | | | - Lilian Torregrosa
- Department of Breast and Soft Tissue Surgery, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Solikhah S, Lianawati L, Matahari R, Rejeki DSS. Determinants of Breast Cancer Screening Practice among Women in Indonesia: A Nationwide Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021; 22:1435-1441. [PMID: 34048171 PMCID: PMC8408399 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2021.22.5.1435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer remains the leading cause of death for women globally, including in Indonesia. Breast cancer screening plays a vital role in reducing deaths caused by breast cancer. However, breast cancer screening rate is still low and studies on determinants for breast cancer screening is limited in Indonesia. This study aimed to identify the determinants of breast cancer screening among women in Indonesia. Methods: This population-based study was conducted among 827 women who lived in either rural and urban areas, using a stratified sampling design where were based on province and locality combinations. Data were analysed using a binary logistic regression model to assess the associations between independent and dependent variables. Results: As many as 827 women with an average age of 29.91 (± 11.14) years old participated in this study. The overall breast cancer screening among women was 18.74%. Knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, signs, and symptoms (adj.OR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.20 – 2.56), age of 35 to 39 years old (adj.OR. = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.02 – 2.26), and household income of ≥6,000,000 IDR (≥457 USD) (adj.OR. = 5.19, 95%CI: 1.43–18.84) were associated with breast cancer screening attendance. In contrast, Christian women had a significantly lower breast cancer screening rate that women from other religions (adj. OR. = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.24 – 0.85). Conclusion: The overall breast cancer screening attendance was poor among Indonesian women population. Age, household income, religion, and knowledge of breast cancer risk factors were identified as the determinant factors for breast cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solikhah Solikhah
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Ratu Matahari
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dwi Sarwani Sri Rejeki
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia
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18
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Dos Santos Andrade LS, De Melo Santos TT, Case de Oliveira ME, Lima Gomes KA, Araújo Pereira Soares AR, Almeida de Oliveira T, Weller M. Shorter delay to treatment by integrated diagnostic services and NGO-provided support among breast cancer patients in two Brazilian referral centres. J Public Health Res 2021; 10:1880. [PMID: 33709643 PMCID: PMC8314677 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.1880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of breast cancer requires a complicated series of diagnostic exams. The present study addressed the delay of patients who used publicly and privately financed diagnostic services. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) donated diagnostic mammograms and biopsies. DESIGN AND METHODS Data from 304 patients were obtained from two Brazilian referral centres. In one referral centre (FAP), diagnostic mammography, clinic-histopathological exam and immunohistochemistry were outsourced, whereas in the other centre (HNL), these services were integrated. Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis and non-parametric tests were used to compare variables and time intervals. RESULTS If diagnostic mammography was financed privately and covered by private health insurance, the likelihood of a delay of >90 days between the first medical visit and the initiation of treatment decreased 2.15-fold (95%CI: 1.06- 4.36; p=0.033) and 4.44-fold (95%CI: 1.58-12.46; p=0.004), respectively. If the clinic-histopathological exam was outsourced (FAP) and publicly or privately financed, the median time between diagnostic mammography and the diagnostic result was 53 and 65 days in the integrated (HNL) and outsourced public system, compared to 29 days in the outsourced private system (p<0.050). The median time between the first medical visit and the diagnostic results of patients who were supported by NGOs, who financed their diagnostic services privately, and who used exclusively public diagnostic services was, respectively, 28.0, 48.5 and 77.5 days (p<0.050). CONCLUSION Patients who used privately financed health services had shorter delays. Compared to outsourcing, the integration of the publicly financed clinic- histopathological exam diminished the delay. The support of patients by NGOs accelerated patient flow.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kedma Anne Lima Gomes
- Post Graduate Program in Public Health, State University of Paraíba (UEPB), Campina Grande-Paraíba.
| | | | | | - Mathias Weller
- Post Graduate Program in Public Health, State University of Paraíba (UEPB), Campina Grande-Paraíba.
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Moodley J, Constant D, Mwaka AD, Scott SE, Walter FM. Anticipated help seeking behaviour and barriers to seeking care for possible breast and cervical cancer symptoms in Uganda and South Africa. Ecancermedicalscience 2021; 15:1171. [PMID: 33680085 PMCID: PMC7929770 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2021.1171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Breast and cervical cancers are leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Most women present with advanced-stage disease and have poor outcomes. This study aimed to describe anticipated help-seeking behaviour for possible breast and cervical cancer symptoms, barriers to accessing health care and factors associated with less timely anticipated help-seeking in urban and rural settings in Uganda and South Africa (SA). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional community-based survey between August and December 2018. Data were collected from one randomly selected woman per household using the African Women Awareness of CANcer breast and cervical cancer tool. Anticipated help-seeking behaviour was dichotomised into waiting <1week or ≥1 week to seek care. Multivariable analysis identified factors associated with anticipated help-seeking behaviour. Results One thousand, seven hundred fifty-eight women participated (Uganda 873, SA 885, median age 34, interquartile ranges 26-47). Most would discuss symptoms with someone close to them (87.7% for breast, 83.0% for cervical symptoms). The majority anticipated seeking care from a health facility in <1 week: 86.1% and 88.0%, respectively, for breast and cervical symptoms. 38.7% of women expected to encounter at least 1 barrier when seeking care. Lack of money for transport or clinic costs was the most common barrier (24.6% of participants). For both cancers and in both countries, women who reported more barriers were significantly less likely to anticipate seeking timely care. In SA, rural location was also associated with longer anticipated time to seek care, adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 2.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48-5.76 and aPR 2.42, 95% CI 1.08-5.45 for breast and cervical cancer, respectively. Conclusion Interventions that improve community level cancer knowledge and highlight the importance of prompt help-seeking for possible symptoms are important to promote timely care seeking. In addition, addressing financial barriers by reducing transport and clinic costs and tackling geographical inequities in access to care could support women in seeking timely care for possible symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Moodley
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council Gynaecology Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9398-5202
| | - Deborah Constant
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7176-9963
| | - Amos Deogratius Mwaka
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Upper Mulago Jill Road PO Box 7072, Kampala, +256, Uganda.,https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7952-2327
| | - Suzanne Emilie Scott
- Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, SE1 9RT, UK.,https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5536-9612
| | - Fiona Mary Walter
- The Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK.,https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7191-6476
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20
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Determinants of delay in diagnosis and end stage at presentation among breast cancer patients in Iran: a multi-center study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21477. [PMID: 33293634 PMCID: PMC7723040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78517-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the reasons for high mortality of breast cancer (BC) is long delay in seeking medical care and end stage at presentation. This study was designed to measure the association between a wide range of socio-demographic and clinical factors with diagnostic delay in BC and stage at presentation among Iranian patients. From June 2017 to December 2019, 725 patients with newly diagnosed BC in Shiraz and Kermanshah were selected and information on BC diagnosis delay was obtained from the patient’s medical record. Data on socio-economic status was obtained via a structured interview. Our findings suggest that 45.8% of the patients were diagnosed at a late stage (stage 3 or higher). A total of 244 (34%) patients had more than 3 months delay in diagnosis. We found a significant association between stage at diagnosis and place of residence (adjusted odds ratio (aOR rural vs. urban = 1.69, 95% CI 1.49–1.97), marital status (aOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.42–1.88), family history of BC (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.01–2.13), and history of benign breast disease (BBD) (aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.39–2.72) or unaware of breast self-examination (BSE) (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.42–1.85), delay time (aOR 3.25, 95% CI 1.04–5.21), and left breast tumor (aOR right vs. left 2.64, 95% CI 1.88–3.71) and smoking (aOR no vs. yes 1.59, 95% CI 1.36–1.97). Also, delay in diagnosis was associated with age, family income, health insurance, place of residence, marital status, menopausal status, history of BBD, awareness of breast self-examination, type of first symptoms, tumor histology type, BMI and comorbidity (p < 0.05 for all). Factors including history of BBD, awareness of BSE, and suffering from chronic diseases were factors associated with both delay in diagnosis and end stage of disease. These mainly modifiable factors are associated with the progression of the disease.
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21
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Martinez-Cannon BA, Zertuche-Maldonado T, de la Rosa Pacheco S, Cardona-Huerta S, Canavati-Marcos M, Gomez-Macias GS, Villarreal-Garza C. Comparison of characteristics in Mexican women with breast cancer according to healthcare coverage. WOMENS HEALTH 2020; 16:1745506520949416. [PMID: 32811351 PMCID: PMC7444103 DOI: 10.1177/1745506520949416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To compare the sociodemographic, diagnostic, clinical, and treatment-related characteristics and outcomes of patients with breast cancer in two hospitals in Mexico according to type of healthcare coverage. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of women with breast cancer according to public or private healthcare coverage in two hospitals was done. Patients were treated by the same group of physicians and healthcare infrastructure. Groups were compared using the chi-square test for categorical variables, Mann–Whitney U-test and Student’s t-test for quantitative variables, and Kaplan–Meier estimator and log-rank test for time dependent outcomes (including recurrence-free and overall survival). A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 282 women were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 52 years. Women with public healthcare coverage were diagnosed more frequently with self-detected tumors (82.8% vs 47.9%, p < 0.001) and advanced clinical stage (III and IV) (31.1% vs 17.8%, p = 0.014). More women with public healthcare insurance underwent initial systemic treatment (41.1% vs 17.8%, p < 0.001) and mastectomy (70.1% vs 54.9%, p = 0.020), and received more chemotherapy (79.4% vs 43.8%, p < 0.001) and adjuvant radiotherapy (68.9% vs 53.4%, p = 0.017). Overall, no differences were found in survival outcomes according to healthcare coverage. Trends suggesting worse recurrence-free and overall survival were observed in patients with public coverage at 3 years follow-up in stage III (85.7% vs 67.3% and 100% vs 84.6%, respectively) and triple negative disease (83.3% vs 74.5% and 100% vs 74.1%, respectively). Conclusion: Strategies to promote preventive medicine, diagnostic mammograms, and prompt diagnosis of breast cancer in Mexican women with public health coverage are needed. Access to the main treatment modalities by Seguro Popular and good quality care by an experienced group of physicians likely explains the similar outcomes between patients with private and public healthcare coverage. However, trends suggesting worse survival for patients with public medical coverage with stage III and triple-negative disease should encourage close follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertha Alejandra Martinez-Cannon
- School of Medicine, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico.,Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico
| | | | | | - Servando Cardona-Huerta
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico
| | - Mauricio Canavati-Marcos
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico
| | | | - Cynthia Villarreal-Garza
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico
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Pierz AJ, Randall TC, Castle PE, Adedimeji A, Ingabire C, Kubwimana G, Uwinkindi F, Hagenimana M, Businge L, Musabyimana F, Munyaneza A, Murenzi G. A scoping review: Facilitators and barriers of cervical cancer screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer in Sub-Saharan African health settings. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2020; 33:100605. [PMID: 32637528 PMCID: PMC7327246 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2020.100605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
To address gaps in access to cervical cancer screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer services in Sub-Saharan African (SSA), this scoping review was conducted to explore facilitators and barriers that exist on the patient-, provider-, and system-level. An extensive literature search was conducted in accordance with scoping review methodology and the Cochrane guidelines. Our search criteria were limited to original research studies conducted in community or clinical settings in SSA within the last 10 years (2010-2020). Themes found from this review included patient knowledge and provider education, access to screening services, trust, health-related behaviors, attitudes, values, and practices, community and social values, health infrastructure, resource allocation, and political will. Identified barriers included lack of knowledge about cervical and breast cancer among patients, gaps in education and training among providers, and lack of resources and health infrastructure at the facility level and within the overall health system. Facilitators included perceived risk of cancer, support and encouragement of the provider, and utilization of novel approaches in low-resource settings by health systems. To better address individual-, provider-, and health system and facility-based facilitators and barriers to care, there is a need for political and financial investment and further research on the health service delivery in specific national health systems, especially in the context of the global campaign to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Pierz
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Thomas C. Randall
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philip E. Castle
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Adebola Adedimeji
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Charles Ingabire
- Division of Clinical Education and Research, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Marc Hagenimana
- Cancer Diseases Unit, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Lydia Businge
- Division of Clinical Education and Research, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Francoise Musabyimana
- Division of Clinical Education and Research, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Athanase Munyaneza
- Division of Clinical Education and Research, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Gad Murenzi
- Division of Clinical Education and Research, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
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23
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Unger-Saldaña K, Fitch-Picos K, Villarreal-Garza C. Breast Cancer Diagnostic Delays Among Young Mexican Women Are Associated With a Lack of Suspicion by Health Care Providers at First Presentation. J Glob Oncol 2020; 5:1-12. [PMID: 31335236 PMCID: PMC6690634 DOI: 10.1200/jgo.19.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There is insufficient evidence in the literature regarding the association between young age and diagnostic delay of breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to determine whether young age increases the risk of diagnostic delays among patients with BC and also to identify the mechanisms through which young age affects diagnostic delay. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 592 patients with symptomatic BC treated at two of the largest public cancer hospitals in Mexico City available for the uninsured and those covered by Seguro Popular. A validated questionnaire was administered via face-to-face interviews with the patients, and their medical files were reviewed. Path analyses, using multivariable logistic regression models, were conducted to assess the relationship between age and diagnostic delay, as well as the role of potential confounders. RESULTS Younger participants (40 years of age or younger) had significantly longer diagnostic intervals and presented with more advanced cancer stage than did their older counterparts. Younger participants more often sought initial health care in private services led by gynecologists, more frequently experienced a lack of cancer suspicion by the first physician they consulted, used a higher number of different health services, and had more medical consultations before arrival to a cancer care center. Younger age was significantly associated with longer diagnostic delays after controlling for education, occupation, lack of health insurance, history of benign breast conditions, type of first health service used, specialty of the first physician consulted, first symptom presented, and benign interpretation of the first breast image study. CONCLUSION Young age increased the risk of diagnostic delays, which seems to be a result of an increased risk of lack of cancer suspicion at the first health care service consulted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cynthia Villarreal-Garza
- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico.,Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
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24
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Santos TTDM, Andrade LSDS, de Oliveira MEC, Gomes KAL, de Oliveira TA, Weller M. Availability of Diagnostic Services and their Impact on Patient Flow in Two Brazilian Referral Centres of Breast Cancer Treatment. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:317-324. [PMID: 32102505 PMCID: PMC7332143 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.2.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND System delay (SD) is a leading cause of advanced stage of disease and poor prognosis among Brazilian breast cancer patients. METHODS Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to identify variables that contributed to SD among 128 breast cancer patients. Time intervals between first medical consultation and treatment initiation were compared among patients of two referral centres: Patients of a referral centre with outsourced (FAP), respectively, integrated (HNL) diagnostic services. RESULTS Women who used a specialized private clinic at the beginning of patient flow had an 2.32 fold increased chance (95% CI: 1.17 - 4.60; p = 0.016) of hospital admission within 90 days after first medical consultation, compared to women who used a public health care provider (HCP). Of 73 and 34 patients of the FAP hospital and the HNL, respectively, 10 (13.7%) and 11 (32.5%) used one HCP prior to hospital admission (p = 0.000). The median time between first medical consultation and treatment initiation was 150 days. The median time between first medical consultation and hospital admission was 136.0 and 52.0 days for patients of the FAP hospital, respectively the HNL (p < 0.050). The median time between first medical consultation and diagnostic mammography was 36.5 and 23.0 days for patients from the FAP hospital and the HNL (p < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS Usage of public diagnostic services was associated with increased SD, whereas the usage of private diagnostic services diminished it. The usage of a lower number of HCPs accelerated patient flow.
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25
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de Sanjose S, Tsu VD. Prevention of cervical and breast cancer mortality in low- and middle-income countries: a window of opportunity. Int J Womens Health 2019; 11:381-386. [PMID: 31308762 PMCID: PMC6617716 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s197115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast and cervical cancer are the two most common women’s cancers worldwide. Countries have invested for decades in early detection programs for breast and cervical cancer through screening, community education, and opportunistic case detection by health professionals. However, effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been limited due to low coverage, insufficient laboratory capacities for diagnosis, health information systems (HIS) that are not designed to track patients or monitor program performance, barriers that inhibit women’s uptake of services, and inadequate treatment options. Even where some screening activities exist, there has not been sufficient attention to ensuring completion of appropriate diagnosis and treatment after women receive a positive screening test result or report symptoms suggesting cervical or breast cancer. Because of this failure to provide adequate follow-up care, these women miss the potential benefit from early detection and have a higher than average risk to develop cancer or progress to more advanced cancer stages that could have been avoided. There are several critical steps in a woman’s journey from good health to elevated cancer risk, then to cancer prevention or diagnosis, and finally to treatment. There is a window of opportunity that extends from the time a positive finding is identified—by a cervical or breast screening test or recognition of a breast abnormality—to the point when cervical precancer treatment is delivered or a treatment plan for diagnosed breast cancer is initiated. Building on existing health systems and adapting measurable, affordable, and culturally acceptable interventions can achieve a lasting impact. If women can successfully navigate this window of opportunity, they can avoid progression to cervical cancer or greatly reduce the need for invasive treatments for breast cancer and improve their chances for survival and improved quality of life. We propose several actions that can lead us on the path towards reduction of this cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivien D Tsu
- Sexual and Reproductive Health, PATH, Seattle, WA, USA
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26
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Williams AA, Mancini NS, Kia C, Wolf MR, Gupta S, Cote MP, Arciero RA. Recurrent Shoulder Instability: Do Morbidity and Treatment Differ Based on Insurance? Orthop J Sports Med 2019; 7:2325967119841079. [PMID: 31065553 PMCID: PMC6487768 DOI: 10.1177/2325967119841079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients with public insurance often face barriers to obtaining prompt orthopaedic care. For patients with recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder instability, delayed care may be associated with increasing bone loss and subsequently more extensive surgical procedures. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether differences exist in patients undergoing treatment for shoulder instability between those with Medicaid versus non-Medicaid insurance. We hypothesized that at the time of surgery, Medicaid patients would have experienced greater delays in care, would have a more extensive history of instability, would have more bone loss, and would require more extensive surgical procedures than other patients. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients were identified who underwent surgical stabilization for traumatic anterior shoulder instability between January 1, 2011, and December 1, 2015, at a single sports medicine practice. Clinic, billing, and operative records were reviewed for each patient to determine age, sex, insurance type, total number of instability episodes, time from first instability episode to surgery, intraoperative findings, and procedure performed. Glenoid bone loss was quantified by use of preoperative imaging studies. Results: During this time period, 206 patients (55 Medicaid, 131 private insurance, 11 Tricare, 9 workers’ compensation) underwent surgical stabilization for traumatic anterior shoulder instability. Average wait time from initial injury to surgery was 1640 days (95% CI, 1155-2125 days) for Medicaid patients compared with 1237 days (95% CI, 834-1639 days) for others (P = .005). Medicaid patients were more likely to have sustained 5 or more instability events at the time of surgery (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.64-6.69; P = .001), had a higher risk of having 15% or more glenoid bone loss on preoperative imaging (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.3-10.0; P = .01), and had a higher risk of requiring Latarjet or other open stabilization procedures as opposed to an arthroscopic repair (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.5-6.2; P = .002) when compared with other patients. Conclusion: Among patients undergoing surgery for traumatic anterior shoulder instability, patients with Medicaid had significantly more delayed care. Correspondingly, they reported a more extensive history of instability, were more likely to have severe bone loss, and required more invasive stabilization procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel A Williams
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Nickolas S Mancini
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Cameron Kia
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Megan R Wolf
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Simran Gupta
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mark P Cote
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Robert A Arciero
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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27
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Villarreal-Garza C, Lopez-Martinez EA, Muñoz-Lozano JF, Unger-Saldaña K. Locally advanced breast cancer in young women in Latin America. Ecancermedicalscience 2019; 13:894. [PMID: 30792811 PMCID: PMC6372300 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2019.894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to organise, summarise and critically assess existing knowledge on locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) among young women in Latin America. We discuss the most relevant findings in six sections: 1) epidemiology of breast cancer in young women in Latin America; 2) being young as a factor for worse prognosis; 3) LABC in young women in the region; 4) aggressive tumour behaviour among young women; 5) delays in diagnosis and treatment and 6) burden of advanced disease. We point out the need to dedicate resources to enhance earlier diagnosis and prompt referrals of young women with breast cancer; promote research regarding prevalence, biologic characteristics, outcomes and reasons for diagnosis and treatment delays for this age group; and finally, implement supportive care programmes as a means of improving patients and their families’ well-being. The recognition of the current standpoint of breast cancer in young patients across the continent should shed some light on the importance of this pressing matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Villarreal-Garza
- Breast Cancer Center, TecSalud, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 66278, Mexico.,Research and Breast Cancer Department, Mexican National Cancer Institute, Mexico City 14080, Mexico.,Joven and Fuerte Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer, Mexico City 03720, Mexico
| | - Edna A Lopez-Martinez
- Breast Cancer Center, TecSalud, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 66278, Mexico.,Joven and Fuerte Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer, Mexico City 03720, Mexico
| | - Jose Felipe Muñoz-Lozano
- Breast Cancer Center, TecSalud, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 66278, Mexico.,Joven and Fuerte Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer, Mexico City 03720, Mexico
| | - Karla Unger-Saldaña
- CONACYT fellow-Epidemiology Unit, Mexican National Cancer Institute, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
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