Cancer screening in the United States, 2008: a review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and cancer screening issues

[Colorectal cancer screening with virtual colonography]

BACKGROUND

Since 2003, a decline in the age-standardized incidence rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been observed in Germany. Nonetheless, one in eight cancer cases still affects the colon or rectum. The prognosis has improved, with the relative 5‑year survival rate for CRC being approximately 65%.

METHODS

This positive trend is probably a result of preventive measures introduced over the last 20 years. This could be further improved, however, as CRC can not only be detected early but in almost all cases also prevented through the identification of benign precursors. Less than half of all eligible individuals participate in screening via colonoscopy. This implies that further, possibly even imaging, screening test methods should be explored and offered. Studies have reported that virtual colonography techniques have a comparable accuracy to endoscopy of about 90% for polyp sizes larger than 5 mm. The data for computed tomography (CT) is more extensive than for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

CONCLUSION

Significant challenges are posed however by the fact that in Germany CT colonography (CTC) is not considered a viable screening option due to radiation protection concerns, and MRI screening is not an established screening method. Radiologists should be familiar with classification using the CT Colonography Reporting and Data System (C-RADS), which uses criteria such as CT density, morphology, size, and location for classification. C‑RADS classification follows the categories: C0 (inadequate study), C1 (normal), C2a (indeterminate), C2b (benign), C3 (suspicious), and C4 (malignant), as well as extracolonic categories E1/2 (no clinically significant findings), E3 (likely insignificant findings), and E4 (likely significant findings).

miR-4780 Derived from N2-Like Neutrophil Exosome Aggravates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Angiogenesis in Colorectal Cancer

Despite significant advances in diagnostic methods and treatment strategies, the prognosis for patients with advanced colon cancer remains poor, and mortality rates are often high due to metastasis. Increasing evidence showed that it is of significant importance to investigate how the tumor microenvironment participates in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this manuscript, neutrophils were sequentially stimulated with all-trans retinoic acid and transforming growth factor-β in turn to induce the neutrophil polarization. Differentially expressed miRNA in neutrophil exosomes have been sequenced by microarray profile, and the effect of N2-like neutrophil-derived exosomal miR-4780 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis was investigated. In our results, we found that neutrophils were enriched in CRC tumor tissue and that CD11b expression correlated with tumor site and serous membrane invasion. At the same time, we demonstrated that internalization of N2 exosomes exacerbated the viability, migration, and invasion of CRC cell lines and inhibited apoptosis. To further investigate the molecular mechanism, we analyzed the miRNA expression profile in the N2-like neutrophils, which led to the selection of hsa-miR-4780 for the subsequent experiment. The overexpression of miR-4780 from N2-like neutrophil-derived exosomes exacerbated EMT and angiogenesis. Moreover, miR-4780 can regulate its target gene SOX11 to effect EMT and angiogenesis in CRC cell lines. CRC with liver metastasis model also validated that aberrant expression of miR-4780 in N2-like neutrophil exosomes exacerbated tumor metastasis and development of tumor via EMT and angiogenesis. In conclusion, our current findings reveal an important mechanism by which mR-4780 from N2-like neutrophil exosomes exacerbates tumor metastasis and progression via EMT and angiogenesis.

Asymptomatic endometrial thickening in postmenopausal women: predictor of malignant pathology?

It is not standardised what is the endometrial thickness that discriminates between normal and potentially malignant. The objective of this study was to determine the endometrial thickness cut-off point from which the risk of endometrial cancer (EC) increases in asymptomatic postmenopausal women; and to evaluate the risk factors linked to malignant endometrial pathology as well as other associated ultrasound findings.This was a retrospective observational study that included hysteroscopies performed at the Hospital Materno-Infantil on 267 asymptomatic menopausal women with an increase in endometrial thickness (AET) >5 mm, from 2015 to 2019. The results shows that the prevalence of malignant pathology in asymptomatic postmenopausal women with a casual finding of endometrial thickening was 3.7%. This percentage was 16.3% when the cut-off point of AET was established at 10 mm. There was a significant association for the diagnosis of malignant pathology with this cut-off point.There is a significant association between the 10 mm endometrial thickness cut-off point from which the risk of EC increases in asymptomatic postmenopausal women.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Several studies have established the cut-off point for asymptomatic endometrial thickening (AET) for atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer at 10 mm. Although no cut-off point has optimal accuracy for the diagnosis of malignant endometrial pathology, it has been found that with a cut-off value of AET >10 mm no cases are missed. Likewise, a cut-off point of AET > 11 mm may provide a balance between cancer detection and histopathological workup extension.What do the results of this study add? A significant association was found at the cut-off point of AET > 10 mm, which suggests that screening postmenopausal women at this thickness is acceptable and unlikely to miss cases of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? After analysing our results we can conclude, like other published studies, that by establishing a cut-off point of 10 mm we obtain a good discrimination between benign and malignant pathology, which would allow us to diagnose 100% of malignant pathology. Above this cut-off point, the risk of endometrial cancer increases, and it would therefore be advisable to extend the study. A multicentre study is needed to confirm the cut-off point at which the risk of endometrial cancer increases in postmenopausal women with asymptomatic endometrial thickening.

Evaluation of endometrial thickness by transvaginal ultrasound and baseline risk factors as a predictor for endometrial abnormalities in postmenopausal women

Introduction/Purpose

To evaluate the endometrial thickness (ET) as a predictor of endometrial abnormalities in postmenopausal women and whether consideration of baseline risk factors increases diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of postmenopausal women presenting with bleeding or thickened endometrium (≥4 mm) on ultrasound, between 2003 and 2012. Risk factors for endometrial abnormality were analysed using logistic regression. Of 301 women, 220 were symptomatic and 81 were asymptomatic. The median ET was 6 mm (IQR 4-9) for symptomatic women and 9 mm (IQR 6-12) for asymptomatic women.

Results

Abnormal pathology was found in 35 symptomatic (15.9%) and 6 asymptomatic women (7.4%). For each 1 mm increase in ET, the odds of an abnormal diagnosis increased by 16.3% (95% CI 9.6-23.5) for symptomatic and 19.9% (95% CI 3.1-39.3) for asymptomatic women. The Youden's index method identified an ET threshold of ≥7.1mm for symptomatic and ≥14.5mm for asymptomatic women. In symptomatic women the sensitivity was 88.6% (95% CI 72.3-96.3) and specificity 69.2% (95% CI 61.9-75.6), while in asymptomatic women the sensitivity was 50.0% (95% CI 13.9-86.1) and specificity was 89.3% (95% CI 79.5-95.0). The addition of age in the symptomatic women model reduced the sensitivity (82.9% (95% CI 65.7-92.8)) but increased the specificity (72.4% (95% CI 65.3-78.6)).

Conclusion

ET is a significant predictor of abnormality. In the absence of risk factors, our study suggests that invasive procedures may be withheld until the ET is ≥7.1 mm with bleeding and ≥14.5 mm in asymptomatic women with no bleeding.

Survival of colorectal cancer patients in Brunei Darussalam: comparison between 2002-09 and 2010-17

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in Brunei Darussalam in 2017, posing a major burden on society.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study (n = 1035 patients diagnosed with CRC in Brunei Darussalam from 1st January 2002 until 31st December 2017) aims to compare the overall survival rates of CRC patients (2002–2017), to compare survival rates between two study periods (2002–2009 and 2010–2017) and to identify prognostic factors of CRC. Kaplan-Meier estimator and log-rank tests were performed to analyse the overall survival rates of CRC patients. Multiple Cox regression was performed to determine the prognostic factors of CRC with adjusted hazard ratios (Adj. HRs) reported.

Results

The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of CRC patients are 78.6, 62.5, and 56.0% respectively from 2002 to 2017. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of CRC patients for 2002–2009 are 82.2, 69.6, and 64.7%; 77.0, 59.1, and 51.3% for 2010–2017 respectively. A significant difference in CRC patients’ survival rate was observed between the two study periods, age groups, ethnic groups, cancer stages, and sites of cancer (p < 0.05). The Adjusted Hazard Ratios (Adj. HRs) were significantly higher in the 2010–17 period (Adj. HR = 1.78, p < 0.001), older age group ( ≥ 60 years) (Adj. HR = 1.93, p = 0.005), distant cancer (Adj. HR = 4.69, p < 0.010), tumor at transverse colon and splenic flexure of colon (Adj. HR = 2.44, p = 0.009), and lower in the Chinese(Adj. HR = 0.63, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

This study highlights the lower survival rates of CRC patients in 2010–2017, Malays, older patients, distant cancer, and tumors located at the latter half of the proximal colon (transverse colon), and predominantly LCRC (splenic flexure, descending colon, sigmoid colon, overlapping lesion colon and colon (NOS), as well as the rectosigmoid junction and rectum (NOS)). Age, ethnicity, cancer stage, and tumor location are significant prognostic factors for CRC. These findings underscore the importance of public health policies and programmes to enhance awareness on CRC from screening to developing strategies for early detection and management, to reduce CRC-associated mortality.

Aptamer-Based Detection of Circulating Targets for Precision Medicine

The past decade has witnessed ongoing progress in precision medicine to improve human health. As an emerging diagnostic technique, liquid biopsy can provide real-time, comprehensive, dynamic physiological and pathological information in a noninvasive manner, opening a new window for precision medicine. Liquid biopsy depends on the sensitive and reliable detection of circulating targets (e.g., cells, extracellular vesicles, proteins, microRNAs) from body fluids, the performance of which is largely governed by recognition ligands. Aptamers are single-stranded functional oligonucleotides, capable of folding into unique tertiary structures to bind to their targets with superior specificity and affinity. Their mature evolution procedure, facile modification, and affinity regulation, as well as versatile structural design and engineering, make aptamers ideal recognition ligands for liquid biopsy. In this review, we present a broad overview of aptamer-based liquid biopsy techniques for precision medicine. We begin with recent advances in aptamer selection, followed by a summary of state-of-the-art strategies for multivalent aptamer assembly and aptamer interface modification. We will further describe aptamer-based micro-/nanoisolation platforms, aptamer-enabled release methods, and aptamer-assisted signal amplification and detection strategies. Finally, we present our perspectives regarding the opportunities and challenges of aptamer-based liquid biopsy for precision medicine.

Improving Prediction of High-Cost Health Care Users with Medical Check-Up Data

Studies found that a small portion of the population spent the majority of health care resources, and they highlighted the importance of predicting high-cost users in the health care management and policy. Most prior research on high-cost user prediction models are based on diagnosis data with additional cost and health care utilization data to improve prediction accuracy. To further improve the prediction of high-cost users, researchers have been testing various new data sources such as self-reported health status data. In this study, we use three categories of medical check-up data, laboratory tests, self-reported medical history, and self-reported health behavior data to build high-cost user prediction models, and to assess the medical check-up features as predictors of high-cost users. Using three data-mining models, logistic regression, random forest, and neural network models, we show that under the diagnosis-based approach, medical check-up data marginally improve diagnosis-based prediction models. Under the cost-based approach, we find that medical check-up data improve cost-based prediction models marginally and medical check-up data can be a viable alternate data source to diagnosis data in predicting high-cost users.

[Image-based screening]

Screening is a special issue in medical questions concerning disease prevention. Preconditions for screening are clearly defined by the World Health Organization. High prevalence, effectiveness of therapy, availability of accepted test procedure and consensus concerning the economic concerns are necessary for successful implementation of a screening program. Preventive diagnostic studies can only be understood if one is familiar with the statistical terms sensitivity, specificity, prevalence, incidence and bias (especially overdiagnosis and lead time bias). Aspects of radiation protection are especially important in asymptomatic volunteers. The new radiation protection law in Germany also gives the opportunity to define new screening procedures even with use of radiation exposure in individual prevention programs. Potential diseases for radiological secondary prevention with high mortality are malignant tumors (especially breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer) and cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, stroke or aortic aneurysm).

Randomized, Prospective, Open-label Phase III Trial Comparing Mebo Ointment With Biafine Cream for the Management of Acute Dermatitis During Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

Acute radiation dermatitis is a common side-effect of radiotherapy in breast cancer and has a profound impact on patients' quality of life, due to pain and discomfort. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of β-sitosterol (Mebo) ointment to trolamine (Biafine) cream for the prevention and treatment of radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant radiation therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective open-label randomized phase III study developed to assess the efficacy of 2 topical agents used for management of acute radiation dermatitis. Female breast cancer patients who needed a course of radiation therapy in our institution were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups 1 with Mebo ointment and 1 with Biafine cream. Both medications were applied twice per day during the whole period of treatment and skin reactions and related symptoms were assessed weekly during the entire course. Grading of skin reactions was done according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grading system.

RESULTS

Between September 2015 and May 2017, a total of 161 patients were recruited for this trial. Mean age was similar for both groups (50.19±12.57 vs. 51.73±11.23, respectively, P=0.41). All other patients and treatment characteristics were similar in both groups, except for the use of boost (82.7% in the Biafine group vs. 36.7% in Mebo group, P=0.012). Analysis was done for reactions recorded before the beginning of the boost and for the entire course including the boost. Using univariate and multivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in grades 2 and 3 dermatitis between the 2 groups. However, the incidence of severe pruritus and severe local skin pain were both significantly reduced in the Mebo group (14.1% in Biafine vs. 2.9% in Mebo, P=0.016 for pruritus and 11.5% vs. 1.4%, respectively, P=0.02 for severe pain).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed no difference between Mebo and Biafine in the incidence and severity of breast skin dermatitis during radiation therapy. However, the use of Mebo ointment was associated with decreased severe pruritus and pain which could positively affect patient comfort and quality of life.

The burden of prostate cancer is associated with human development index: evidence from 87 countries, 1990-2016

Aim

To examine the temporal patterns of the prostate cancer burden and its association with human development.

Subject and methods

The estimates of the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer for 87 countries were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease 2016 study for the period 1990 to 2016. The human development level of a country was measured using its human development index (HDI): a summary indicator of health, education, and income. The association between the burden of prostate cancer and the human development index (HDI) was measured using pairwise correlation and bivariate regression. Mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) was employed as a proxy for the survival rate of prostate cancer.

Results

Globally, 1.4 million new cases of prostate cancer arose in 2016 claiming 380,916 lives which more than doubled from 579,457 incident cases and 191,687 deaths in 1990. In 2016, the age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) was the highest in very high-HDI countries led by Australia with ASIR of 174.1/100,000 and showed a strong positive association with HDI (r = 0.66); the age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR), however, was higher in low-HDI countries led by Zimbabwe with ASMR of 78.2/100,000 in 2016. Global MIR decreased from 0.33 in 1990 to 0.26 in 2016. Mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) exhibited a negative gradient (r = - 0.91) with human development index with tenfold variation globally with seven countries recording MIR in excess of 1 with the USA recording the minimum MIR of 0.10.

Conclusion

The high mortality and lower survival rates in less-developed countries demand all-inclusive solutions ranging from cost-effective early screening and detection to cost-effective cancer treatment. In tackling the rising burden of prostate cancer predictive, preventive and personalised medicine (PPPM) can play a useful role through prevention strategies, predicting PCa more precisely and accurately using a multiomic approach and risk-stratifying patients to provide personalised medicine.

Promoting Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Practices for Early Detection in Low-Resource Settings

Objective

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the Philippines. Philippines has one of the highest breast cancer mortality rate and the lowest mortality-to-incidence ratio in Asia. This study has three objectives: 1) explore Filipino women's knowledge, attitudes toward, and practices of breast cancer and cancer screening, 2) examine if an educational program increases women's intention to seek future breast cancer screening, and 3) examine associations between demographic variables and breast cancer screening practices.

Materials and Methods

A total of 944 women from two urban areas (Calasciao and Tacloban City) and one rural area (Sogood) of the Philippines participated in this cross-sectional study. Study participants attended an educational program and completed study questionnaires regarding demographics, knowledge about, and practices of breast self-exams, clinical breast exams and mammography as well as reported barriers toward future screening.

Results

The results showed a disparity between knowledge of routine breast cancer screening and actuals screening behaviors. Following breast health education and screening programs, participants reported greater intention to adhere to recommended breast cancer screening guidelines. The multivariate analyses showed that education level is a significant predictor for CBE and mammography uptake in current study.

Conclusion

This study has implications for breast cancer control among women in low-resources settings. Designing and implementing effective educational programs that increase women's awareness about breast cancer and promote screening uptake are important steps to reduce the burden affected by breast cancer among women in the Philippines and other South Asian low- to middle-income countries.

Age-Specific Risk Factors for Advanced Stage Colorectal Cancer, 1981-2013

INTRODUCTION

Epidemiologic studies have identified an increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) among younger adults. By using a statewide population-based cancer registry, this study examines sociodemographic and clinical disparities in CRC and characterizes advanced stage CRC risk factors with specific attention to age-specific risk factors.

METHODS

Data from the Florida Cancer Data System from 1981 through 2013 were analyzed for adult CRC patients. Patients were divided into 2 age groups: younger than 50 years and 50 years or older. Stage of presentation was categorized as early (localized) or advanced (regional or distant). Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were fitted to identify risk factors for advanced stage CRC presentation. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

From 1981 through 2013, there were 182,095 Florida adults diagnosed with CRC. Those aged younger than 50 years were significantly more likely to have advanced stage CRC compared with those aged 50 or older. Among those younger than 50 years, current and former tobacco smokers and those of black or other race were significantly more likely to have advanced stage CRC. Among those aged 50 or older, Hispanics had significantly higher risk of advanced stage presentation compared with non-Hispanics, although this association was not significant in those younger than 50 years.

CONCLUSION

We identified significant age-specific risk factors for advanced stage CRC presentation. With CRC incidence on the rise among younger adults, it is important to identify and to target screening and interventions for groups at high risk for advanced stage CRC presentation.

Characteristics and Correlates of Woman Eligible for Targeted Screening Mammography in Oman

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine the characteristics of women eligible for a high-yield screening mammography program in Oman.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of women who underwent breast cancer screening at the Oman Cancer Association from 22 December 2009 to 6 February 2011. Women with a Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) score of 4-5 were compared with those with a score of 1-3 based on well-known breast cancer risk factors using the case-control approach analysis.

RESULTS

A BI-RADS score of 4-5 was found in 16.2% of women screened for breast cancer. A higher likelihood of a BI-RADS score of 4 or 5 was observed among women who did not breastfeed (odds ratio (OR) = 2.564; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.690, 3.890), had their first pregnancy at an older age (OR = 1.062; 95% CI: 1.041, 1.083), used oral contraceptives (OR = 1.397; 95% CI: 1.008, 1.938), and those who reported a positive family history of malignancies (OR = 1.633; 95% CI: 1.285, 2.076). A BI-RADS score of 4 or 5 was significantly less likely in women with a higher number of full-term pregnancies (OR = 0.919; 95% CI: 0.890, 0.948). BI-RADS 4-5 were independently predicted in women with a lower number of full-term pregnancies, did not breastfeed, used oral contraceptives, and who had a positive family history of malignancies. These variables explained 84.0% of the variation in mammogram results.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of a national screening program for breast cancer, the high-risk approach for screening should be considered. Women with the above characteristics should be identified and motivated to seek mammogram regularly to warrant a better outcome.

Impact of Patient-Provider Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Concordance on Cancer Screening: Findings from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

Background: Racial and ethnic minorities experience lower rates of cancer screening compared with non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). Previous studies evaluating the role of patient-provider race, ethnicity, or gender concordance in cancer screening have been inconclusive.Methods: In a cross-sectional analysis using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), data from 2003 to 2010 were assessed for associations between patient-provider race, ethnicity, and/or gender concordance and, screening (American Cancer Society guidelines) for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Multivariable logistic analyses were conducted to examine associations of interest.Results: Of the 32,041 patient-provider pairs in our analysis, more than 60% of the patients were NHW, 15% were non-Hispanic black (NHB), and 15% were Hispanic. Overall, patients adherent to cancer screening were more likely to be non-Hispanic, better educated, married, wealthier, and privately insured. Patient-provider gender discordance was associated with lower rates of breast [OR, 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.76-0.90], cervical (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.91), and colorectal cancer (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.90) screening in all patients. This association was also significant after adjusting for racial and/or ethnic concordance. Conversely, among NHWs and NHBs, patient-provider racial and/or ethnic concordance was not associated with screening. Among Hispanics, patient-provider ethnic discordant pairs had higher breast (58% vs. 52%) and colorectal cancer (45% vs. 39%) screening rates compared with concordant pairs.Conclusions: Patient-provider gender concordance positively affected cancer screening. Patient-provider ethnic concordance was inversely associated with receipt of cancer screening among Hispanics. This counter-intuitive finding requires further study.Impact: Our findings highlight the importance of gender concordance in improving cancer screening rates. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(12); 1804-11. ©2017 AACR.

Comparison of trends in colorectal cancer screening in the US end-stage renal disease population and the US Medicare population

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

iTRAQ-based quantitative analysis of cancer-derived secretory proteome reveals TPM2 as a potential diagnostic biomarker of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. We aimed to find novel molecules as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CRC. A serum-free conditioned medium was successfully collected from three pairs of CRC tissue and adjacent normal tissue. iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis was applied to compare the differences in secretome between primary CRC mucosa and adjacent normal mucosa. A total of 145 kinds of proteins were identified. Of these proteins, 29 were significantly different between CRC and normal tissue. Tropomyosin 2 β (TPM2) exhibited the most significant differences; as such, this protein was selected for further validation. Quantitative real-time PCR indicated that the mRNA expression of TPM2 significantly decreased in the CRC tissue compared with the paired adjacent normal tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis also confirmed that TPM2 was barely detected at protein levels in the CRC tissue. In summary, this study revealed potential molecules for future biomarker applications and provided an efficient approach for the differential analysis of cancer-associated secretome. TPM2 may be valuable for the early diagnosis of CRC.

The Effectiveness of Health Screening

Using a matched insurant-general practitioner panel data set, we estimate the effect of a general health-screening program on individuals' health status and health-care cost. To account for selection into treatment, we use regional variation in the intensity of exposure to supply-determined screening recommendations as an instrumental variable. We find that screening participation increases inpatient and outpatient health-care costs up to 2 years after treatment substantially. In the medium run, we find cost savings in the outpatient sector, whereas in the long run, no statistically significant effects of screening on either health-care cost component can be discerned. In sum, screening participation increases health-care cost. Given that we do not find any statistically significant effect of screening participation on insurants' health status (at any point in time), we do not recommend a general health-screening program. However, given that we find some evidence for cost-saving potential for the sub-sample of younger insurants, we suggest more targeted screening programs.

Patient willingness for repeat screening and preference for CT colonography and optical colonoscopy in ACRIN 6664: the National CT Colonography trial

BACKGROUND

Current American Cancer Society recommendations for colon cancer screening include optical colonoscopy every 10 years or computed tomography colonography (CTC) every 5 years. Bowel preparation (BP) is currently required for both screening modalities.

PURPOSE

To compare ACRIN 6664: the National CT Colonography Trial (NCTCT) participant experiences with CTC and optical colonoscopy (OC), procedure preference, and willingness to return for each procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants from fifteen NCTCT sites, who underwent CTC followed by OC under sedation, were invited to complete questionnaires 2 weeks postexam, asking about procedure preference, physical discomfort, and embarrassment experienced and whether that discomfort and embarrassment was better or worse than expected during BP, CTC, and OC, as well as willingness to return for repeat CTC and OC at different time intervals.

RESULTS

A total of 2,310 of 2,600 patients (89%) returned their questionnaires. Of patients reporting a preference, 1,058 (46.6%) preferred CTC, 569 (25.0%) preferred OC, and 626 (27.6%) reported no preference. Participant-reported discomfort worse than expected differed significantly between CTC (32.9%) and OC (5.0%) (P<0.001). About 79.3% were willing to be screened again with CTC in 5 years, and 96.6% with OC in 10 years. Discomfort and embarrassment worse than expected with OC were associated with increased intention to adhere with CTC in the future. Conversely, embarrassment experienced during CTC and discomfort worse than expected on CTC were associated with increased intention to adhere with OC in the future.

CONCLUSION

While a larger proportion of participants indicated that they preferred CTC to OC, willingness to undergo repeat CTC compared to OC was limited by unanticipated exam discomfort and embarrassment and CTC's shorter screening interval.

Colorectal cancer screening among Latinos in three communities on the Texas-Mexico border

OBJECTIVE

To assess colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) prevalence and psychosocial correlates of CRCS among Latinos in South Texas.

METHOD

Using multivariable analyses, we examined the association of perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, pros and cons, subjective norms, knowledge and fatalism on CRCS among 544 Latinos (50 years and older).

RESULTS

In this socioeconomically disadvantaged population, 40% had never heard of any CRCS test, only 34% reported ever completing any type of CRCS, and only 25% were adherent to CRCS guidelines. Insurance status, gender, perceived cons, CRCS self-efficacy, and CRCS norms were significantly associated with CRCS.

CONCLUSION

CRCS interventions in this population should focus on improving access, increasing self-efficacy and perceived norms, and decreasing negative perceptions of CRCS.

CT colonography for evaluation of colorectal cancer

AIM: To evaluate the value of computed tomography colonography (CTC) in the evaluation of colorectal cancer by comparing its performance with colonoscopy.

METHODS: Forty-one patients who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer by colonoscopic biopsy and underwent CTC and colonoscopy were included in the study. CTC and colonoscopy were compared for their performance in the evaluation of colorectal cancer.

RESULTS: The locations of tumors revealed by CTC and colonoscopy were consistent. However, colonoscopy had its limitation in determining the size of the tumor, and tumor size was measured by colonoscopy in 54% (23/43) of cases , in contrast to 95% (41/43) of cases by CTC. There was no statistical significance in the pathological type revealed by the two techniques (P = 0.621). Colonoscopy failed to evaluate the condition outside the intestinal tract and the proximal colon in cases with colon obstruction, resulting in incomplete examination. The grade of subjective tolerability was significantly lower for colonoscopy than for CTC (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION: CTC can evaluate colorectal cancer effectively, although it cannot replace colonoscopy entirely. CTC can be chosen as a preferred means for patients who cannot tolerate colonoscopy as well as patients who have incomplete colonoscopy examination.

Follow-up to abnormal cancer screening tests: considering the multilevel context of care

The call for multilevel interventions to improve the quality of follow-up to abnormal cancer screening has been out for a decade, but published work emphasizes individual approaches, and conceptualizations differ regarding the definition of levels. To investigate the scope and methods being undertaken in this focused area of follow-up to abnormal tests (breast, colon, cervical), we reviewed recent literature and grants (2007-2012) funded by the National Cancer Institute. A structured search yielded 16 grants with varying definitions of "follow-up" (e.g., completion of recommended tests, time to diagnosis); most included minority racial/ethnic group participants. Ten grants concentrated on measurement/intervention development and 13 piloted or tested interventions (categories not mutually exclusive). All studies considered patient-level factors and effects. Although some directed interventions at provider levels, few measured group characteristics and effects of interventions on the providers or levels other than the patient. Multilevel interventions are being proposed, but clarity about endpoints, definition of levels, and measures is needed. The differences in the conceptualization of levels and factors that affect practice need empirical exploration, and we need to measure their salient characteristics to advance our understanding of how context affects cancer care delivery in a changing practice and policy environment.

Distinguishing screening from diagnostic mammograms using Medicare claims data

BACKGROUND

Medicare claims data may be a fruitful data source for research or quality measurement in mammography. However, it is uncertain whether claims data can accurately distinguish screening from diagnostic mammograms, particularly when claims are not linked with cancer registry data.

OBJECTIVES

To validate claims-based algorithms that can identify screening mammograms with high positive predictive value (PPV) in claims data with and without cancer registry linkage.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Development of claims-derived algorithms using classification and regression tree analyses within a random half-sample of bilateral mammogram claims with validation in the remaining half-sample.

SUBJECTS

Female fee-for-service Medicare enrollees aged 66 years and older, who underwent bilateral mammography from 1999 to 2005 within Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) registries in 4 states (CA, NC, NH, and VT), enabling linkage of claims and BCSC mammography data (N=383,730 mammograms obtained from 146,346 women).

MEASURES

Sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of algorithmic designation of a "screening" purpose of the mammogram using a BCSC-derived reference standard.

RESULTS

In claims data without cancer registry linkage, a 3-step claims-derived algorithm identified screening mammograms with 97.1% sensitivity, 69.4% specificity, and a PPV of 94.9%. In claims that are linked to cancer registry data, a similar 3-step algorithm had higher sensitivity (99.7%), similar specificity (62.7%), and higher PPV (97.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Simple algorithms can identify Medicare claims for screening mammography with high predictive values in Medicare claims alone and in claims linked with cancer registry data.

[Screening for colorectal cancer: even with virtual colography?]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is responsible for 27,000 deaths and 65,000 new cancers in Germany each year, although this should be unnecessary as CRC is preventable because it is possible to remove the precursors, harmless polyps and adenomas. However, only 2.5 % of people in health insurance make use of screening colonoscopy annually so that it becomes necessary to check out other screening tests. The most commonly used test is the Guaiak-based test for fecal occult blood (gFOBT) which is highly specific but not very sensitive (only approximately 10 %). New immunological stool tests are more sensitive but the specificity is reduced from 90 % to approximately 80 %. Virtual colonoscopy based on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is comparable to endoscopy for diagnostics with overall accuracy rates of approximately 80-90 % for polyps larger than 5 mm but for radiation protection reasons CT is not usable in Germany and MRI is internationally not adequately established by large study trials. For the future there is much hope in molecular blood tests. It is of great importance that every physician is aware of the different tests, their strengths and weaknesses and advises all patients to use the different screening possibilities.

Designing audience-centered interactive voice response messages to promote cancer screenings among low-income Latinas

INTRODUCTION

Cancer screening rates among Latinas are suboptimal. The objective of this study was to explore how Latinas perceive cancer screening and the use and design of interactive voice response (IVR) messages to prompt scheduling of 1 or more needed screenings.

METHODS

Seven focus groups were conducted with Latina community health center patients (n = 40) in need of 1 or more cancer screenings: 5 groups were of women in need of 1 cancer screening (breast, cervical, or colorectal), and 2 groups were of women in need of multiple screenings. A bilingual researcher conducted all focus groups in Spanish using a semistructured guide. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and translated into English for analysis. Emergent themes were identified by using thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

Participants were familiar with cancer screening and viewed it positively, although barriers to screening were identified (unaware overdue for screening, lack of physician referral, lack of insurance or insufficient insurance coverage, embarrassment or fear of screening procedures, fear of screening outcomes). Women needing multiple screenings voiced more concern about screening procedures, whereas women in need of a single screening expressed greater worry about the screening outcome. Participants were receptive to receiving IVR messages and believed that culturally appropriate messages that specified needed screenings while emphasizing the benefit of preventive screening would motivate them to schedule needed screenings.

CONCLUSION

Participants' receptiveness to IVR messages suggests that these messages may be an acceptable strategy to promote cancer screening among underserved Latina patients. Additional research is needed to determine the effectiveness of IVR messages in promoting completion of cancer screening.

The role of social capital in African-American women's use of mammography

Black/African-American women are more likely to get breast cancer at a young age and/or be diagnosed at a late disease stage, pointing to a greater need to promote mammography for Black women at earlier ages than are currently recommended. This study explores how perceived neighborhood social capital, that is, perceptions of how tight-knit a neighborhood is and what power that confers to neighborhood members, relates to use of mammography for Black women in Philadelphia. Living in a community with tight social ties (social cohesion) or that have a collective motivation for community change (collective efficacy) may increase the likelihood that an individual woman in that community will hear health messages from other community members and neighbors (diffusion of information) and will have access to health-related resources that allow them to engage in healthy behaviors. No prior studies have explored the role of social capital in decisions for mammography use. Using multilevel logistic regression, we analyzed self-report of mammography in the past year for 2586, Black women over age 40 across 381 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA census tracts. Our study included individual demographic and aggregates of individual-level social capital data from the Public Health Management Corporation's 2004, 2006, and 2008 Community Health Database waves, and 2000 US Census sociodemographic characteristics. Individual perceptions that a Black woman's neighborhood had high social capital, specifically collective efficacy, had a positive and statistically significant association with mammography use (OR = 1.40, CI: 1.05, 1.85). Our findings suggest that an individual woman's perception of greater neighborhood social capital may be related to increased mammography use. Although this analysis could not determine the direction of causality, it suggests that social capital may play a role in cancer preventive screening for African-American women in Philadelphia, which warrants further study.

Quality of family history collection with use of a patient facing family history assessment tool

Background

Studies have shown that the quality of family health history (FHH) collection in primary care is inadequate to assess disease risk. To use FHH for risk assessment, collected data must have adequate detail. To address this issue, we developed a patient facing FHH assessment tool, MeTree. In this paper we report the content and quality of the FHH collected using MeTree.

Methods

Design: A hybrid implementation-effectiveness study. Patients were recruited from 2009 to 2012. Setting: Two community primary care clinics in Greensboro, NC. Participants: All non-adopted adult English speaking patients with upcoming appointments were invited to participate. Intervention: Education about and collection of FHH with entry into MeTree. Measures: We report the proportion of pedigrees that were high-quality. High-quality pedigrees are defined as having all the following criteria: (1) three generations of relatives, (2) relatives’ lineage, (3) relatives’ gender, (4) an up-to-date FHH, (5) pertinent negatives noted, (6) age of disease onset in affected relatives, and for deceased relatives, (7) the age and (8) cause of death (Prim Care31:479–495, 2004.).

Results

Enrollment: 1,184. Participant demographics: age range 18-92 (mean 58.8, SD 11.79), 56% male, and 75% white. The median pedigree size was 21 (range 8-71) and the FHH entered into MeTree resulted in a database of 27,406 individuals. FHHs collected by MeTree were found to be high quality in 99.8% (N = 1,182/1,184) as compared to <4% at baseline. An average of 1.9 relatives per pedigree (range 0-50, SD 4.14) had no data reported. For pedigrees where at least one relative has no data (N = 497/1,184), 4.97 relatives per pedigree (range 1-50, SD 5.44) had no data. Talking with family members before using MeTree significantly decreased the proportion of relatives with no data reported (4.98% if you talked to your relative vs. 10.85% if you did not, p-value < 0.001.).

Conclusion

Using MeTree improves the quantity and quality of the FHH data that is collected and talking with relatives prior to the collection of FHH significantly improves the quantity and quality of the data provided. This allows more patients to be accurately risk stratified and offered appropriate preventive care guided by their risk level.

Trial number

NCT01372553

The cancer information overload (CIO) scale: establishing predictive and discriminant validity

OBJECTIVE

Survey data suggests that approximately three-fourths of adults are overwhelmed by cancer information - a construct we label cancer information overload (CIO). A significant limitation of existing research is that it relies on a single-item measure. The objective of the current study is to develop and validate a multi-item measure of CIO.

METHODS

Study 1 (N=209) surveyed healthcare and manufacturing employees at eight worksites. Colonoscopy insurance claims data were culled eighteen months later to evaluate the predictive validity of CIO. Study 2 (N=399) surveyed adults at seven shopping malls. CIO and cancer fatalism were measured to examine the properties of the two constructs.

RESULTS

Study 1 identified a reliable 8-item CIO scale that significantly predicted colonoscopy insurance claims 18 months after the initial survey. Study 2 confirmed the factor structure identified in Study 1, and demonstrated that CIO, cancer fatalism about prevention, and cancer fatalism about treatment are best modeled as three distinct constructs.

CONCLUSION

The perception that there are too many recommendations about cancer prevention to know which ones to follow is an indicator of CIO, a widespread disposition that predicts colon cancer screening and is related to, but distinct from, cancer fatalism.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Many adults exhibit high CIO, a disposition that undermines health efforts. Communication strategies that mitigate CIO are a priority. In the short-term, health care providers and public health professionals should monitor the amount of information provided to patients and the public.

Cancer screening in the United States, 2014: a review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and current issues in cancer screening

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Each year the American Cancer Society publishes a summary of its guidelines for early cancer detection, a report on data and trends in cancer screening rates, and select issues related to cancer screening. In this issue of the journal, we summarize current American Cancer Society cancer screening guidelines. In addition, the latest data on the use of cancer screening from the National Health Interview Survey is described, as are several issues related to screening coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including the expansion of the Medicaid program.

Addressing health literacy in patient decision aids

Background

Effective use of a patient decision aid (PtDA) can be affected by the user’s health literacy and the PtDA’s characteristics. Systematic reviews of the relevant literature can guide PtDA developers to attend to the health literacy needs of patients. The reviews reported here aimed to assess:

1. a) the effects of health literacy / numeracy on selected decision-making outcomes, and b) the effects of interventions designed to mitigate the influence of lower health literacy on decision-making outcomes, and

2. the extent to which existing PtDAs a) account for health literacy, and b) are tested in lower health literacy populations.

Methods

We reviewed literature for evidence relevant to these two aims. When high-quality systematic reviews existed, we summarized their evidence. When reviews were unavailable, we conducted our own systematic reviews.

Results

Aim 1: In an existing systematic review of PtDA trials, lower health literacy was associated with lower patient health knowledge (14 of 16 eligible studies). Fourteen studies reported practical design strategies to improve knowledge for lower health literacy patients. In our own systematic review, no studies reported on values clarity per se, but in 2 lower health literacy was related to higher decisional uncertainty and regret. Lower health literacy was associated with less desire for involvement in 3 studies, less question-asking in 2, and less patient-centered communication in 4 studies; its effects on other measures of patient involvement were mixed. Only one study assessed the effects of a health literacy intervention on outcomes; it showed that using video to improve the salience of health states reduced decisional uncertainty. Aim 2: In our review of 97 trials, only 3 PtDAs overtly addressed the needs of lower health literacy users. In 90% of trials, user health literacy and readability of the PtDA were not reported. However, increases in knowledge and informed choice were reported in those studies in which health literacy needs were addressed.

Conclusion

Lower health literacy affects key decision-making outcomes, but few existing PtDAs have addressed the needs of lower health literacy users. The specific effects of PtDAs designed to mitigate the influence of low health literacy are unknown. More attention to the needs of patients with lower health literacy is indicated, to ensure that PtDAs are appropriate for lower as well as higher health literacy patients.

New molecular diagnosis and screening methods for colorectal cancer using fecal protein, DNA and RNA

Several screening methods for reducing the mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been reported in recent decades. Fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) are widely used for CRC screening and immunochemical FOBTs perform better than guaiac FOBTs; however, the sensitivity and specificity of immunochemical FOBTs remain unsatisfactory. To resolve this problem, novel fecal molecular methods based on fecal protein, DNA and RNA analyses have been developed. Regarding fecal proteins, several marker proteins indicating intestinal bleeding and cancer cell-specific proteins have been investigated. Regarding fecal DNA, numerous gene mutation and gene methylation analyses have been reported. Consequently, fecal DNA analysis was recommended as a CRC screening method in 2008. In addition, gene expression analyses of CRC-specific genes and miRNAs in fecal RNA have been investigated over the last decade. This review article summarizes molecular methods using fecal samples for CRC screening, focusing on reports within the last 5 years.

Sensitive detection of protein and miRNA cancer biomarkers using silicon-based photonic crystals and a resonance coupling laser scanning platform

Enhancement of the fluorescent output of surface-based fluorescence assays by performing them upon nanostructured photonic crystal (PC) surfaces has been demonstrated to increase signal intensities by >8000×. Using the multiplicative effects of optical resonant coupling to the PC in increasing the electric field intensity experienced by fluorescent labels ("enhanced excitation") and the spatially biased funneling of fluorophore emissions through coupling to PC resonances ("enhanced extraction"), PC enhanced fluorescence (PCEF) can be adapted to reduce the limits of detection of disease biomarker assays, and to reduce the size and cost of high sensitivity detection instrumentation. In this work, we demonstrate the first silicon-based PCEF detection platform for multiplexed biomarker assay. The sensor in this platform is a silicon-based PC structure, comprised of a SiO2 grating that is overcoated with a thin film of high refractive index TiO2 and is produced in a semiconductor foundry for low cost, uniform, and reproducible manufacturing. The compact detection instrument that completes this platform was designed to efficiently couple fluorescence excitation from a semiconductor laser to the resonant optical modes of the PC, resulting in elevated electric field strength that is highly concentrated within the region <100 nm from the PC surface. This instrument utilizes a cylindrically focused line to scan a microarray in <1 min. To demonstrate the capabilities of this sensor-detector platform, microspot fluorescent sandwich immunoassays using secondary antibodies labeled with Cy5 for two cancer biomarkers (TNF-α and IL-3) were performed. Biomarkers were detected at concentrations as low as 0.1 pM. In a fluorescent microarray for detection of a breast cancer miRNA biomarker miR-21, the miRNA was detectable at a concentration of 0.6 pM.

Uncontrolled confounding in studies of screening effectiveness: an example of colonoscopy

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the expected magnitude of error produced by uncontrolled confounding from health behaviours in observational medical record-based studies evaluating effectiveness of screening colonoscopy.

METHODS

We used data from the prospective National Institutes of Health American Association of Retired Persons (NIH-AARP) Diet and Health Study to assess the impact of health behaviour related factors (lifestyle, education, and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAID]) on the association between colonoscopy and colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality. We first examined the difference between adjusted and unadjusted results within the cohort data, and then estimated a broader range of likely confounding errors based on the Breslow-Day approach that uses prevalence of confounders among persons with and without exposure, and the rate ratio reflecting the association between these confounders and the outcome of interest. As dietary factors and habits are often inter-correlated, we combined these variables (physical activity, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, alcohol consumption, and intakes of red meat, processed meat, fibre, milk, and calcium) into a "healthy lifestyle score" (HLS).

RESULTS

The estimated error (a ratio of biased-to-true result) attributable to confounding by HLS was 0.959-0.997, indicating less than 5% departure from the true effect of colonoscopy on CRC mortality. The corresponding errors ranged from 0.970 to 0.996 for NSAID, and from 0.974 to 1.006 for education (all ≤3% difference). The results for other CRC screening tests were similar.

CONCLUSION

Health behaviour-related confounders, either alone or in combination, seem unlikely to strongly affect the association between colonoscopy and CRC mortality in observational studies of CRC screening.

Effectiveness of a theory-based intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening among Iranian health club members: a randomized trial

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of death in the world. There are few published studies that have used theory-based interventions designed to increase colorectal cancer screening in community lay health organizations. The present study was guided by the theoretical concepts of the preventive health model. Twelve health clubs of a municipal district in Tehran were randomized to two study groups with equal ratio. The control group received usual services throughout the study while the intervention group also received a theory-based educational program on colorectal cancer screening plus a reminder call. Screening behavior, the main outcome, was assessed 4 months after randomization. A total of 360 members aged 50 and older from 12 health clubs completed a baseline survey. Participants in the intervention group reported increased knowledge of colorectal cancer and screening tests at 4 months follow-up (p's < .001). Moreover, exposure to the theory-based intervention significantly improved self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility, efficacy of screening, social support, and intention to be screened for colorectal cancer, from baseline to 4 months follow-up (p's < .001). The screening rate for colorectal cancer was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (odds ratio = 15.93, 95% CI = 5.57, 45.53). Our theory-based intervention was found to have a significant effect on colorectal cancer screening use as measured by self-report. The findings could have implications for colorectal cancer screening program development and implementation in primary health care settings and through other community organizations.

Syringic acid from Tamarix aucheriana possesses antimitogenic and chemo-sensitizing activities in human colorectal cancer cells

CONTEXT

For its variety of biological activities, Tamarix aucheriana (Decne.) Baum. (Tamaricaceae) has an extensive history as a traditional Arab medicine.

OBJECTIVES

Antimitogenic and chemo-sensitizing activities of syringic acid (SA) were studied against human colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chromatographic and spectral data were used for the isolation and identification of SA. MTT, flow cytometry, in vitro invasion and angiogenesis assays, fluoremetry, ELISA and Real Time qPCR were used to test antimitogenic and chemo-sensitizing activities of SA, cell cycle, apoptosis, proteasome and NFκB-DNA-binding activities, cancer cell invasion and angiogenesis, and expression of cell cycle/apoptosis-related genes.

RESULTS

SA showed a time- and dose-dependent (IC₅₀ = 0.95-1.2 mg mL⁻¹) antimitogenic effect against cancer cells with little cytotoxicity on normal fibroblasts (≤20%). SA-altered cell cycle (S/G2-M or G1/G2-M phases) in a time-dependent manner, induced apoptosis, inhibited DNA-binding activity of NFκB (p ≤ 0.0001), chymotrypsin-like/PGPH (peptidyl-glutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing) (p ≤ 0.0001) and the trypsin-like (p ≤ 0.002) activities of 26S proteasome and angiogenesis. SA also differentially sensitized cancer cells to standard chemotherapies with a marked increase in their sensitivity to camptothecin (500-fold), 5FU (20,000-fold), doxorubicin (210-fold), taxol (3134-fold), vinblastine (1000-fold), vincristine (130-fold) and amsacrine (107-fold) compared to standard drugs alone.

DISCUSSION

SA exerted its chemotherapeutic and chemo-sensitizing effects through an array of mechanisms including cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, inhibition of cell proliferation, cell migration, angiogenesis, NFκB DNA-binding and proteasome activities.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate the potential of SA as an antimitogenic and chemo-sensitizing agent for human colorectal cancer.

Patient and primary care provider experience using a family health history collection, risk stratification, and clinical decision support tool: a type 2 hybrid controlled implementation-effectiveness trial

BACKGROUND

Family health history (FHH) is the single strongest predictor of disease risk and yet is significantly underutilized in primary care. We developed a patient facing FHH collection tool, MeTree, that uses risk stratification to generate clinical decision support for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, hereditary cancer syndromes, and thrombosis. Here we present data on the experience of patients and providers after integration of MeTree into 2 primary care practices.

METHODS

This was a Type 2 hybrid controlled implementation-effectiveness study in 3 community-based primary care clinics in Greensboro, NC. All non-adopted adult English speaking patients with upcoming routine appointments were invited. Patients were recruited from December 2009 to the present and followed for one year. Ease of integration of MeTree into clinical practice at the two intervention clinics was evaluated through patient surveys after their appointment and at 3 months post-visit, and physician surveys 3 months after tool integration.

RESULTS

Total enrollment =1,184. Average time to complete MeTree = 27 minutes. Patients found MeTree: easy to use (93%), easy to understand (97%), useful (98%), raised awareness of disease risk (85%), and changed how they think about their health (86%). Of the 26% (N = 311) asking for assistance to complete the tool, age (65 sd 9.4 vs. 57 sd 11.8, p-value < 0.00) and large pedigree size (24.4 sd 9.81 vs. 22.2 sd 8.30, p-value < 0.00) were the only significant factors; 77% of those requiring assistance were over the age of 60. Providers (N = 14) found MeTree: improved their practice (86%), improved their understanding of FHH (64%), made practice easier (79%), and worthy of recommending to their peers (93%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that MeTree has broad acceptance and support from both patients and providers and can be implemented without disruption to workflow.

What is the risk posed by prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer carries an extraordinarily varied prognosis. Previously, most men presented with clinical symptoms often succumbed to their disease several years following treatment with hormonal manipulation. With the advent of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, most men are now diagnosed with localized, well- to moderately differentiated disease. The most powerful predictor of long-term outcome is the Gleason score, followed by tumor volume. Over the past two decades, changes in the interpretation of Gleason patterns have resulted in the reclassification of many well-differentiated tumors as higher grade tumors. Men with well-differentiated disease have an excellent prognosis and often survive 10-20 years without intervention. Conversely, men with poorly differentiated disease often succumb to their cancer within a decade. PSA can estimate tumor volume, but poorly differentiated disease may not produce much PSA. We are unable to predict accurately the risk posed by a specific prostate cancer.

Multiplexed electrochemical protein detection and translation to personalized cancer diagnostics

Measuring diagnostic panels of multiple proteins promises a new, personalized approach to early detection and therapy of diseases like cancer. Levels of biomarker proteins in patient serum can provide a continually updated record of disease status. Research in electrochemical detection of proteins has produced exquisitely sensitive approaches. Most utilize ELISA-like sandwich immunoassays incorporating various aspects of nanotechnology. Several of these ultrasensitive methodologies have been extended to microfluidic multiplexed protein detection, but engineered solutions are needed to measure more proteins in a single device from a small patient sample such as a drop of blood or tissue lysate. To achieve clinical or point-of-care (POC) use, simplicity and low cost are essential. In multiplexed microfluidic immunoassays, required reagent additions and washing steps pose a significant problem calling for creative engineering. A grand challenge is to develop a general cancer screening device to accurately measure 50-100 proteins in a simple, cost-effective fashion. This will require creative solutions to simplified reagent addition and multiplexing.

Application of the fecal microRNA test to the residuum from the fecal occult blood test

OBJECTIVE

Though the fecal occult blood test is used for colorectal cancer screening worldwide, it does not have a particularly high sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer. Here we investigated the applicability of the fecal microRNA test to fecal samples that had been used for a previous fecal occult blood test and stored under various conditions.

METHODS

Five colorectal cancer patients and five healthy volunteers were enrolled. Fecal samples were stored for 0-5 days at 4°C, room temperature or 37°C. Total RNA was extracted from the fecal occult blood test residuum and microRNA expression was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

There were no remarkable differences either in colorectal cancer patients or in controls with regard to the concentration of RNA extracted from the fecal occult blood test residuum in any of the storage groups compared with the samples prepared on day 0 (Group 0). Ribosomal RNA stored at room temperature or 37°C degraded rapidly. In contrast, the ribosomal RNA stored at 4°C remained intact for at least 5 days. The microRNAs in samples stored at 4°C and room temperature were conserved; however, the microRNAs stored at 37°C were significantly degraded compared with Group 0 (P < 0.05). In the residuum stored at 4°C up to 5 days, the relative quantification of miR-106a normalized with miR-24 in colorectal cancer patients was significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). In contrast, the quantification of normalized miR-106a was remarkably low in samples stored at room temperature and 37°C.

CONCLUSIONS

Fecal microRNA of sufficient quality for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis was extracted from the fecal occult blood test residuum stored at 4°C for up to 5 days.

Cancer screening in the United States, 2013: a review of current American Cancer Society guidelines, current issues in cancer screening, and new guidance on cervical cancer screening and lung cancer screening

Each year the American Cancer Society (ACS) publishes a summary of its recommendations for early cancer detection, a report on data and trends in cancer screening rates, and select issues related to cancer screening. In this issue of the journal, current ACS cancer screening guidelines are summarized, as are updated guidelines on cervical cancer screening and lung cancer screening with low-dose helical computed tomography. The latest data on the use of cancer screening from the National Health Interview Survey also are described, as are several issues related to screening coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.

Colorectal cancer following negative colonoscopy: is 5-year screening the correct interval to recommend?

BACKGROUND

Despite the high sensitivity of screening colonoscopy, polyps and cancers can still go undetected. With the polyp-to-cancer transformation cycle averaging 7-10 years, present guidelines recommend repeat colonoscopy within 10 years after negative screening. However, not all colorectal malignancies follow this decade-long progression. This study evaluates the incidence and pathology of colorectal cancers following a previous negative screening colonoscopy.

METHODS

Records of patients who underwent a colectomy at our institution, from 1998 to 2009, were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 1,784 patient records were screened using exclusion criteria for inclusion in this study. The patients were divided as follows: Group 1 included patients with a negative colonoscopy within the previous 5 years; Group 2 included patients without a previous colonoscopy or with a previous colonoscopy more than 5 years prior. Group 1 patients were evaluated by colonoscopy for anemia, diverticulitis, signs of obstruction, and bleeding. Age, tumor location, operation performed, and pathology findings were recorded. The χ(2) test and paired t test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 233 patients were included in this study. Group 1 contained 43 patients with a mean age of 73 years (range = 35-94, median = 75). Group 2 had 190 patients with a mean age of 68 years (range = 19-91, median = 70). Group 1 consisted of 18 male and 25 female patients, and Group 2 included 94 male and 96 female patients. Both groups were further classified into the following age categories: <50 years, 50-80 years, and >80 years. Eighteen percent of the total study population had newly discovered colorectal cancer within a 5-year colonoscopy screening period. There were no significant differences in the distribution of the T and N stages between the two groups and no statistically significant differences when the rate of lymphovascular invasion (19 vs. 17 %; p = 0.39) and perineural invasion (7 vs. 11 %; p = 0.58) were compared.

CONCLUSIONS

Within 5 years, 18 % of our study population developed colorectal cancer. Most of these malignancies were found within the 50-80-year age group and located predominantly in the right colon and distally in the sigmoid and rectum. While distal cancers may be visualized by flexible sigmoidoscopy, those located more proximally may be missed, necessitating the need for a full colonoscopy. Although staging was similar between the two groups, Group 1 tumors were less aggressive despite having appeared within 5 years. As a result of our incidence of colorectal cancer within a 5-year interval, a shorter period for routine colonoscopy may be considered.