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Mogensen H, Erdmann F, Mader L, Vrelits Sørensen G, Talbäck M, Tjørnelund Nielsen T, Hasle H, Heyman M, Winther JF, Feychting M, Tettamanti G, Kenborg L. Early mortality in children with cancer in Denmark and Sweden: The role of social background in a setting with universal healthcare. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:1719-1730. [PMID: 38259167 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Socioeconomic differences in overall survival from childhood cancer have been shown previously, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate if social inequalities were seen already for early mortality in settings with universal healthcare. From national registers, all children diagnosed with cancer at ages 0-19 years, during 1991-2014, in Sweden and Denmark, were identified, and information on parental social characteristics was collected. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of early mortality (death within 90 days after cancer diagnosis) by parental education, income, employment, cohabitation, and country of birth using logistic regression. For children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), clinical characteristics were obtained. Among 13,926 included children, 355 (2.5%) died within 90 days after diagnosis. Indications of higher early mortality were seen among the disadvantaged groups, with the most pronounced associations observed for maternal education (ORadj_Low_vs_High 1.65 [95% CI 1.22-2.23]) and income (ORadj_Q1(lowest)_vs_Q4(highest) 1.77 [1.25-2.49]). We found attenuated or null associations between social characteristics and later mortality (deaths occurring 1-5 years after cancer diagnosis). In children with ALL, the associations between social factors and early mortality remained unchanged when adjusting for potential mediation by clinical characteristics. In conclusion, this population-based cohort study indicated differences in early mortality after childhood cancer by social background, also in countries with universal healthcare. Social differences occurring this early in the disease course requires further investigation, also regarding the timing of diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Mogensen
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Friederike Erdmann
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Division of Childhood Cancer Epidemiology, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Luzius Mader
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cancer Registry Bern-Solothurn, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gitte Vrelits Sørensen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mats Talbäck
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mats Heyman
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jeanette Falck Winther
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maria Feychting
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giorgio Tettamanti
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Line Kenborg
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Mensah ABB, Nunoo H, Boamah Mensah K, Okyere J, Dzomeku VM, Apiribu F, Agyenim Boateng K, Asoogo C, Opare-Lokko E, Clegg-Lamptey JN. Being the nurse for my child at home: A qualitative analysis of parental recognition, appraisal, and reactions to childhood cancer in Ghana. J Child Health Care 2023:13674935231225715. [PMID: 38154028 DOI: 10.1177/13674935231225715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Parental involvement in childhood cancer care is of utmost importance, but the understanding of parental recognition, appraisal, and reactions to childhood cancer in settings such as Ghana is limited. We conducted an empirical phenomenological study to explore these aspects among Ghanaian parents. Twenty parents were purposively sampled to participate in semi-structured interviews between June and September 2022. All interviews were transcribed and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. We found that parents recognised symptoms through personal observation and their child's self-report, often perceiving them as non-severe. Emotional reactions upon receiving their child's cancer diagnosis included psychological distress, fear, doubts, and confusion. Enduring emotions experienced by parents were fears of disease recurrence and impending death of their child. Parents assumed the role of nurses at home, monitoring therapy effects, managing pain and symptoms, and dressing wounds. In conclusion, parents in Ghana play a crucial role in the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment pathways of childhood cancer. To enhance their ability to recognise symptoms and take timely actions, it is recommended to implement media programs and health education initiatives targeting parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adwoa Bemah Boamah Mensah
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Humaima Nunoo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Onwe Government Hospital, Ejisu-Juaben, Ashanti region, Ghana
| | - Kofi Boamah Mensah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joshua Okyere
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Veronica Millicent Dzomeku
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Felix Apiribu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kofi Agyenim Boateng
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Comfort Asoogo
- Peadiatric Oncology Unit, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Edwina Opare-Lokko
- Faculty of Family Medicine, Ghana College of Surgeons and Physicians, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joe-Nat Clegg-Lamptey
- Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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3
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Nijman RG, Tan CD, Hagedoorn NN, Nieboer D, Herberg JA, Balode A, von Both U, Carrol ED, Eleftheriou I, Emonts M, van der Flier M, de Groot R, Kohlmaier B, Lim E, Martinón-Torres F, Pokorn M, Strle F, Tsolia M, Yeung S, Zachariasse JM, Zavadska D, Zenz W, Levin M, Vermont CL, Moll HA, Maconochie IK. Are children with prolonged fever at a higher risk for serious illness? A prospective observational study. Arch Dis Child 2023:archdischild-2023-325343. [PMID: 37185174 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes of children with fever ≥5 days presenting to emergency departments (EDs). DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING 12 European EDs. PATIENTS Consecutive febrile children <18 years between January 2017 and April 2018. INTERVENTIONS Children with fever ≥5 days and their risks for serious bacterial infection (SBI) were compared with children with fever <5 days, including diagnostic accuracy of non-specific symptoms, warning signs and C-reactive protein (CRP; mg/L). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES SBI and other non-infectious serious illness. RESULTS 3778/35 705 (10.6%) of febrile children had fever ≥5 days. Incidence of SBI in children with fever ≥5 days was higher than in those with fever <5 days (8.4% vs 5.7%). Triage urgency, life-saving interventions and intensive care admissions were similar for fever ≥5 days and <5 days. Several warning signs had good rule in value for SBI with specificities >0.90, but were observed infrequently (range: 0.4%-17%). Absence of warning signs was not sufficiently reliable to rule out SBI (sensitivity 0.92 (95% CI 0.87-0.95), negative likelihood ratio (LR) 0.34 (0.22-0.54)). CRP <20 mg/L was useful for ruling out SBI (negative LR 0.16 (0.11-0.24)). There were 66 cases (1.7%) of non-infectious serious illnesses, including 21 cases of Kawasaki disease (0.6%), 28 inflammatory conditions (0.7%) and 4 malignancies. CONCLUSION Children with prolonged fever have a higher risk of SBI, warranting a careful clinical assessment and diagnostic workup. Warning signs of SBI occurred infrequently but, if present, increased the likelihood of SBI. Although rare, clinicians should consider important non-infectious causes of prolonged fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruud G Nijman
- Department of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Division of Medicine, St. Mary's hospital - Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, London, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Chantal D Tan
- Department of General Paediatrics, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nienke N Hagedoorn
- Department of General Paediatrics, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Daan Nieboer
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jethro Adam Herberg
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anda Balode
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Rīgas Stradiņa Universitāte, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ulrich von Both
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
- Partner site Munich, German Centre for Infection Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Enitan D Carrol
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Irini Eleftheriou
- Second Department of Paediatrics, P & A Kyriakou Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marieke Emonts
- Paediatric Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Allergy, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust and Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Michiel van der Flier
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Section Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ronald de Groot
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Section Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Benno Kohlmaier
- Department of General Paediatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Emma Lim
- Paediatric Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Allergy, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Federico Martinón-Torres
- Genetics, Vaccines, Infections and Paediatrics Research group (GENVIP), Hospital Clinico Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marko Pokorn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Franc Strle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maria Tsolia
- Second Department of Paediatrics, P & A Kyriakou Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Tropical and Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Joany M Zachariasse
- Department of General Paediatrics, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dace Zavadska
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Rīgas Stradiņa Universitāte, Riga, Latvia
| | - Werner Zenz
- Department of General Paediatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Levin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Clementien L Vermont
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henriette A Moll
- Department of General Paediatrics, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ian K Maconochie
- Department of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Division of Medicine, St. Mary's hospital - Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, London, UK
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CHRISTENSEN V, PARKER K, Kimi LH, SAXTON L, COTTRELL E. 'Never once was I thinking the c-word': Parent perspectives on the facilitators and barriers to getting a childhood cancer diagnosis. J Clin Nurs 2022:10.1111/jocn.16511. [PMID: 36059140 PMCID: PMC9984568 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16511] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe the facilitators and barriers of getting from 'something's not right' to a childhood cancer diagnosis from the perspective of parents living in the United States of America. BACKGROUND It is common for families to experience long trajectories from when they first notice symptoms to receiving a childhood cancer diagnosis. Understanding this trajectory within the social and cultural contexts of the United States healthcare system is the first step in developing strategies for reducing this timeframe and mitigating some of the psychosocial impact for parents in receiving a childhood cancer diagnosis. This study examines the interpretations and meanings parents attributed to their child's symptoms, their decisions regarding seeking medical care, interactions with healthcare providers and the time course of events. DESIGN An inductive qualitative inquiry. METHODS In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 55 participants representing 39 unique cases of childhood cancer were conducted. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. COREQ guidelines were followed. RESULTS Participants described multiple barriers and facilitators in their path to receiving a childhood cancer diagnosis. Facilitators included noticing something 'wasn't right' and physician in agreement that symptoms were unusual; acute symptoms requiring action; advocating for a diagnosis; and obtaining a second opinion. Barriers included parents having to interpret symptoms in the context of daily life; physician dismissiveness even when symptoms persisted; and not feeling they could question their physician's assessment. CONCLUSION Families experience multiple facilitators and barriers in their trajectory to receiving a childhood cancer diagnosis. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Understanding the path to diagnosis from the parent perspective may increase opportunities for shared decision-making. Clinician educational modules that include family perspectives may improve patient/parent-provider relationships. PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTION Participants described their family's cancer journey through narrative storytelling. Participants had the opportunity to review and make edits to their transcript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian CHRISTENSEN
- Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098
| | - Kellee PARKER
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road. Mail Code: CDRCP
| | - Lai Hin Kimi
- Oregon Health and Science University, School of Medicine, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098
| | - Lauren SAXTON
- Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098
| | - Erika COTTRELL
- Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098,OCHIN, Inc. 1881 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97201
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5
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Pedersen LH, Erdmann F, Aalborg GL, Hjalgrim LL, Larsen HB, Schmiegelow K, Winther JF, Dalton SO. Socioeconomic position and prediagnostic health care contacts in children with cancer in Denmark: a nationwide register study. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1104. [PMID: 34649500 PMCID: PMC8518314 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08837-x] [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: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While underlying mechanisms and pathways of social inequalities in cancer survival have been extensively examined in adults, this is less so for children with cancer. Hypothesized mechanisms include prediagnostic utilization of and navigation through the health care system, which may differ by socioeconomic resources of the families. In this nationwide register-based study we investigated the association between measures of family socioeconomic position in relation to prediagnostic health care contacts and stage of disease at diagnosis in children with cancer in Denmark. Methods We identified all children diagnosed with a cancer at ages 0–15 years in 1998–2016 (N = 3043) from the Danish Childhood Cancer Registry. We obtained comprehensive information on measures of socioeconomic position, parental health and prediagnostic contacts to both general practitioners and hospitals 24 months prior to diagnosis from various national registries. We fitted multivariable conditional logistic regression models for the association of family socioeconomic and health-related variables with firstly, frequent health care contacts and secondly, advanced stage. Results We found higher odds ratios (OR) of frequent both overall and emergency health care contacts in the last 3 months before diagnosis in children from households with short parental education and mixed affiliation to work market, when compared to children with high family socioeconomic position. Further, children of parents with depression or of non-Western origin, respectively, had higher OR for frequent overall and emergency contacts. We found no association between socioeconomic position, parental health and stage of disease. Conclusion Families with socioeconomic disadvantage, non-Western origin or depression more frequently utilize prediagnostic health care services, both generally and in the acute setting, indicating that some disadvantaged families may struggle to navigate the health care system when their child is sick. Reassuringly, this was not reflected in disparities in stage at diagnosis. In order to improve the diagnostic process and potentially reduce health care contacts, attention and support should be given to families with a high number of health care contacts over a short period of time. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08837-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Hjøllund Pedersen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Survivorship and Inequality in Cancer, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Friederike Erdmann
- Division of Childhood Cancer Epidemiology, Institute for Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gitte Lerche Aalborg
- Statistics and Data Analysis, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisa Lyngsie Hjalgrim
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Bækgaard Larsen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kjeld Schmiegelow
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton
- Survivorship and Inequality in Cancer, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Oncology & Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Naestved, Denmark
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6
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Pedersen LH, Wahlberg A, Cordt M, Schmiegelow K, Dalton SO, Larsen HB. Parent's perspectives of the pathway to diagnosis of childhood cancer: a matter of diagnostic triage. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:969. [PMID: 33092610 PMCID: PMC7584100 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05821-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis is crucial for the treatment of childhood cancer as it in some cases can prevent progression of disease and improve prognoses. However, childhood cancer can be difficult to diagnose and barriers to early diagnosis are multifactorial. New knowledge about factors influencing the pathway to diagnosis contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that influence this time span. Qualitative research in the field is sparse but can be expected to lead to additional useful insights that could contribute to efforts shorten time to diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to explore parents' experiences of the pathway to diagnosis in the time between their noticing bodily or behavioural changes and their child's diagnosis. METHODS The study is a qualitative interview study carried out in large Danish hospital. Thirty-two interviews with a total of 46 parents of children with cancer were included for analysis. The children were diagnosed with haematological cancers (n = 17), solid tumours (n = 9) or brain tumours (n = 6). Data were analysed applying the theoretical model of pathways to treatment and an inductive-deductive approach. A revised 'diagnostic triage' model was developed and validated by member checking. RESULTS The pathway to diagnosis was influenced by various factors which we present as consistent parts of a new diagnostic triage model. Each factor impacts the level of urgency assigned to bodily and behavioural changes by parents, general practitioners and specialists. The model of diagnostic triage was developed and validated to understand mechanisms influencing time from the point parents notice changes in their child to diagnosis. The model identifies dynamic movement between parental triage in everyday life and professional triage in a healthcare system, both affecting appraisal and case escalation according to: 1) the nature of bodily and behavioural changes, 2) parental intuition, 3) social relations, 4) professional-child-parent interaction, and 5) specialist-child-parent interaction. CONCLUSIONS Diagnostic triage is a model which explains mechanisms that shape the pathway to diagnosis. It is a contribution aimed at supporting the clinical diagnostic process, that ultimately could ensure more timely testing, referral and diagnosis, and also a novel theoretical framework for future research on diagnostic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayo Wahlberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Cordt
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kjeld Schmiegelow
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton
- Danish Cancer Society Research Centre, Survivorship and Inequality in Cancer, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Oncology & Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Naestved, Denmark
| | - Hanne Bækgaard Larsen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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7
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Koo MM, Lyratzopoulos G, Herbert A, Abel GA, Taylor RM, Barber JA, Gibson F, Whelan J, Fern LA. Association of Self-reported Presenting Symptoms With Timeliness of Help-Seeking Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer in the BRIGHTLIGHT Study. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2015437. [PMID: 32880648 PMCID: PMC7489839 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.15437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Evidence regarding the presenting symptoms of cancer in adolescents and young adults can support the development of early diagnosis interventions. Objective To examine common presenting symptoms in adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 24 years who subsequently received a diagnosis of cancer and potential variation in time to help-seeking by presenting symptom. Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter study is a cross-sectional analysis of the BRIGHTLIGHT cohort study, which was conducted across hospitals in England. Participants included adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 24 years with cancer. Information on 17 prespecified presenting symptoms and the interval between symptom onset and help-seeking (the patient interval) was collected through structured face-to-face interviews and was linked to national cancer registry data. Data analysis was performed from January 2018 to August 2019. Exposures Self-reported presenting symptoms. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were frequencies of presenting symptoms and associated symptom signatures by cancer group and the proportion of patients with each presenting symptom whose patient interval was longer than 1 month. Results The study population consisted of 803 adolescents and young adults with valid symptom information (443 male [55%]; 509 [63%] aged 19-24 years; 705 [88%] White). The number of symptoms varied by cancer group: for example, 88 patients with leukemia (86%) presented with 2 or more symptoms, whereas only 9 patients with melanoma (31%) presented with multiple symptoms. In total, 352 unique symptom combinations were reported, with the 10 most frequent combinations accounting for 304 patients (38%). Lump or swelling was reported by more than one-half the patients (419 patients [52%; 95% CI, 49%-56%]). Other common presenting symptoms across all cancers were extreme tiredness (308 patients [38%; 95% CI, 35%-42%]), unexplained pain (281 patients [35%; 95% CI, 32%-38%]), night sweats (192 patients [24%; 95% CI, 21%-27%]), lymphadenopathy (191 patients [24%; 95% CI, 21%-27%]), and weight loss (190 patients [24%; 95% CI, 21%-27%]). The relative frequencies of presenting symptoms also varied by cancer group; some symptoms (such as lump or swelling) were highly prevalent across several cancer groups (seen in >50% of patients with lymphomas, germ cell cancers, carcinomas, bone tumors, and soft-tissue sarcomas). More than 1 in 4 patients (27%) reported a patient interval longer than 1 month; this varied from 6% (1 patient) for fits and seizures to 43% (18 patients) for recurrent infections. Conclusions and Relevance Adolescents and young adults with cancer present with a broad spectrum of symptoms, some of which are shared across cancer types. These findings point to discordant presenting symptom prevalence estimates when information is obtained from patient report vs health records and indicate the need for further symptom epidemiology research in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjoung M. Koo
- Epidemiology of Cancer and Healthcare Outcomes Research Group, Department of Behavioural Sciences and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- Epidemiology of Cancer and Healthcare Outcomes Research Group, Department of Behavioural Sciences and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Annie Herbert
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Gary A. Abel
- University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel M. Taylor
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife, and Allied Health Professional-led Research, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julie A. Barber
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Faith Gibson
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children’s Health, Illness and Disability, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Whelan
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna A. Fern
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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8
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Lilja-Fischer JK, Schrøder H, Nielsen VE. Pediatric malignancies presenting in the head and neck. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2019; 118:36-41. [PMID: 30578994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Childhood cancer is rare and often difficult to diagnose. In the head and neck region, benign diseases are much more common. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of childhood cancer cases with a primary head and neck presentation, to describe symptoms, physical findings, diagnostic interval and tentative diagnoses. METHODS Registry-based retrospective cohort study, with patients identified in the Danish Childhood Cancer Registry. Review of medical records, imaging reports and pathology reports. All childhood cancer patients less than 15 years of age with primary disease presentation in the head and neck region from the Central Danish Region in the years 2003-2013. Outcome measures were proportion of patients with a primary head and neck presentation; frequency of physical findings; diagnostic intervals; and frequency of tentative diagnoses. RESULTS 85 patients (15% of all childhood cancers) had primary disease presentation in the head & neck region (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12 - 18%). A total of 24% (CI: 21 - 28%) of patients had any symptoms or findings from the head and neck region at presentation. Most common symptoms and findings were a swelling or a tumor, and possibly general symptoms. Diagnostic interval was more than three weeks in three out of four of patients. Primary suspicion was most commonly an infectious disease. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of patients with childhood cancer have disease presentation in the head and neck. Worth noting is, that symptoms and findings are easily mistaken for an infectious disease, which probably explains the significant diagnostic interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Kinggaard Lilja-Fischer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Schrøder
- Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Viveque E Nielsen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
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Friis Abrahamsen C, Ahrensberg JM, Vedsted P. Utilisation of primary care before a childhood cancer diagnosis: do socioeconomic factors matter?: A Danish nationwide population-based matched cohort study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e023569. [PMID: 30121615 PMCID: PMC6104784 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Early diagnosis of childhood cancer is critical. Nevertheless, little is known about the potential role of inequality. This study aims to describe the use of primary care 2 years before a childhood cancer diagnosis and to investigate whether socioeconomic factors influence the use of consultations and diagnostic tests in primary care. DESIGN A national population-based matched cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This study uses observational data from four Danish nationwide registers. All children aged 0-15 diagnosed with cancer during 2008-2015 were included (n=1386). Each case was matched based on gender and age with 10 references (n=13 860). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was additional rates for consultations and for invoiced diagnostic tests for children with cancer according to parental socioeconomic factors. Furthermore, we estimated the association between socioeconomic factors and frequent use of consultations, defined as at least four consultations, and the odds of receiving a diagnostic test within 3 months of diagnosis. RESULTS Children with cancer from families with high income had 1.46 (95% CI 1.23 to 1.69) additional consultations 3 months before diagnosis, whereas children from families with low income had 1.85 (95% CI 1.60 to 2.11) additional consultations. The highest odds of frequent use of consultations was observed among children from low-income families (OR: 1.94, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.03). A higher odds of receiving an invoiced diagnostic test was seen for children from families with mid-educational level (OR: 1.46, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.95). CONCLUSION We found a socioeconomic gradient in the use of general practice before a childhood cancer diagnosis. This suggests that social inequalities exist in the pattern of healthcare utilisation in general practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jette Møller Ahrensberg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Research Center for Emergency Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Vedsted
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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10
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Søgaard KK, Farkas DK, Sørensen HT. Pneumonia diagnosis in childhood and incidence of leukaemia, lymphoma and brain cancer: a Danish nationwide cohort study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e019860. [PMID: 29289943 PMCID: PMC5778340 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is an ongoing debate on the possible association between infections in early childhood and subsequent cancer risk, but it remains unclear if a hospital admission for infection is associated with risk of childhood cancer diagnosis. We examined if a hospital-based diagnosis of pneumonia was a clinical marker of the three most common childhood cancers. DESIGN Population-based cohort study. SETTING Denmark, hospital diagnoses, 1994-2013. METHODS Using national health registries, we compared the observed incidence of leukaemia, lymphoma and brain cancer among 83 935 children with a hospital-based pneumonia diagnosis with that expected among children in the general population. We calculated absolute cancer risks and standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) as a measure of relative risk. RESULTS The cancer SIRs were substantially increased during the first 6 months of follow-up; lymphoid leukaemia: 6.2 (95% CI 3.5 to 10.3); myeloid leukaemia: 14.8 (95% CI 6.0 to 30.6); Hodgkin's lymphoma: 60.8 (95% CI 26.2 to 120), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: 15.9 (95% CI 5.2 to 37.2) and brain cancer: 4.4 (95% CI 1.9 to 8.7). The 6-month absolute risks of leukaemia, lymphoma and brain cancer were all low, reaching 0.05% when combined. An increased risk persisted beyond 5 years for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and brain cancer. However, the 5-year absolute cancer risk was 0.14%. CONCLUSIONS The short-term incidence of leukaemia, lymphoma and brain cancer was higher than expected and persisted beyond 5 years for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and brain cancer. However, the absolute cancer risk was low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine Kobberøe Søgaard
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Henrik Toft Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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11
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Minute M, Cozzi G, Plotti C, Montanari G, Pecile P, Zanazzo GA, Ventura A, Barbi E. Children with cancer: a survey on the experience of Italian primary care pediatricians. Ital J Pediatr 2017; 43:48. [PMID: 28545557 PMCID: PMC5445274 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-017-0365-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is the second cause of death in children and its diagnosis can be difficult, due to the presence of vague and non-specific symptoms. The primary care pediatrician is often involved in the diagnostic process, but no longer in child care once the treatment started. Care models involving both primary care pediatricians and oncologic referral centre highlighted a higher family satisfaction when they worked together. We conducted a survey on primary care pediatricians involved in childhood cancer in order to describe the actual situation. METHODS We conducted a retrospective survey enrolling primary care pediatricians from a north-eastern area of Italy. They received a questionnaire that consisted in two parts: the first one aimed to assess the physician's seniority and experience and the second one pertained to each case of cancer and explored the relationship between the pediatrician, the family and the referral centre, and pediatricians degree of satisfaction and emotional impact. RESULTS We obtained data from 79 pediatricians who described 150 cancer cases. In 99 cases the primary care pediatrician had visited the child at the onset of symptoms and had referred him to the hospital. In 89 cases, he understood the severity of the disease. In 53.3% of cases the pediatrician was informed by the referral centre. The relationship between the pediatrician and child's family improved in 38% of cases and this was related with their participation to the multidisciplinary meetings on child health. CONCLUSIONS Primary pediatricians' sharing in the management of their patients with cancer was not satisfactory. Development of specific protocols targeted to an integrated care is needed to increase primary pediatricians' involvement and families' satisfactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Minute
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, via dell'Istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Cozzi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, via dell'Istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Plotti
- University of Trieste, piazzale Europa 1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montanari
- Azienda per l'Assistenza Sanitaria numero 5 Friuli Occidentale, Via della Vecchia Ceramica 1, 33170, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Paolo Pecile
- Azienda per l'Assistenza Sanitaria numero 4 Friuli Centrale, via Pozzuolo 330, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Giulio Andrea Zanazzo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, via dell'Istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ventura
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, via dell'Istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy.,University of Trieste, piazzale Europa 1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Egidio Barbi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, via dell'Istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
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13
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Schrøder H, Rechnitzer C, Wehner PS, Rosthøj S, Møller JK, Lausen B, Petersen G, Nørgaard M. Danish Childhood Cancer Registry. Clin Epidemiol 2016; 8:461-464. [PMID: 27822085 PMCID: PMC5094529 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s99508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of database The overall aim is to monitor the quality of childhood cancer care in Denmark; to register late effects of treatment; to analyze complications of permanent central venous catheters (CVCs); to study blood stream infections in children with cancer; and to study acute toxicity of high-dose methotrexate infusions in children with leukemia. Study population All children below 15 years of age at diagnosis living in Denmark diagnosed after January 1, 1985 according to the International Classification of Diseases 10, including diagnoses DC00–DD48. Main variables Cancer type, extent of disease, treatment, participation in international studies, recurrence of malignant disease, survival, yearly follow-up status, causes of death, and development of secondary malignancies. Type of CVC, causes for removal of the CVC, type of blood stream infection, pathogens isolated, antimicrobial sensitivity, and outcome of antimicrobial chemotherapy. Descriptive data Since 1985, 4,944 children below 15 years of age have been registered in the database. There has been no significant change in the incidence of childhood cancer in Denmark since 1985. The 5-year survival has increased significantly since 1985 and is now 86%. The median number of days from diagnosis to initiation of therapy is 7 days and in 80% of the children less than 14 days. Clinical data of 95% of the patients are reported to open international studies. Conclusion The survival of Danish children with cancer since 2003 compares favorably with other international population-based studies. The annual reports support the collaboration within pediatric oncology in Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Schrøder
- Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus
| | - Catherine Rechnitzer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen
| | - Peder Skov Wehner
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense
| | - Steen Rosthøj
- Department of Pediatrics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg
| | | | - Birgitte Lausen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen
| | - Gitte Petersen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen
| | - Mette Nørgaard
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Rubin G, Berendsen A, Crawford SM, Dommett R, Earle C, Emery J, Fahey T, Grassi L, Grunfeld E, Gupta S, Hamilton W, Hiom S, Hunter D, Lyratzopoulos G, Macleod U, Mason R, Mitchell G, Neal RD, Peake M, Roland M, Seifert B, Sisler J, Sussman J, Taplin S, Vedsted P, Voruganti T, Walter F, Wardle J, Watson E, Weller D, Wender R, Whelan J, Whitlock J, Wilkinson C, de Wit N, Zimmermann C. The expanding role of primary care in cancer control. Lancet Oncol 2015; 16:1231-72. [PMID: 26431866 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(15)00205-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 355] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The nature of cancer control is changing, with an increasing emphasis, fuelled by public and political demand, on prevention, early diagnosis, and patient experience during and after treatment. At the same time, primary care is increasingly promoted, by governments and health funders worldwide, as the preferred setting for most health care for reasons of increasing need, to stabilise health-care costs, and to accommodate patient preference for care close to home. It is timely, then, to consider how this expanding role for primary care can work for cancer control, which has long been dominated by highly technical interventions centred on treatment, and in which the contribution of primary care has been largely perceived as marginal. In this Commission, expert opinion from primary care and public health professionals with academic and clinical cancer expertise—from epidemiologists, psychologists, policy makers, and cancer specialists—has contributed to a detailed consideration of the evidence for cancer control provided in primary care and community care settings. Ranging from primary prevention to end-of-life care, the scope for new models of care is explored, and the actions needed to effect change are outlined. The strengths of primary care—its continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for individuals and families—are particularly evident in prevention and diagnosis, in shared follow-up and survivorship care, and in end-of-life care. A strong theme of integration of care runs throughout, and its elements (clinical, vertical, and functional) and the tools needed for integrated working are described in detail. All of this change, as it evolves, will need to be underpinned by new research and by continuing and shared multiprofessional development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Rubin
- School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, Durham University, Stockton on Tees, UK.
| | - Annette Berendsen
- Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Rachel Dommett
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Craig Earle
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jon Emery
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tom Fahey
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luigi Grassi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eva Grunfeld
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - David Hunter
- School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, Durham University, Stockton on Tees, UK
| | | | - Una Macleod
- Hull-York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Robert Mason
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Geoffrey Mitchell
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard D Neal
- North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales
| | | | - Martin Roland
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bohumil Seifert
- Department of General Practice, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jeff Sisler
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Stephen Taplin
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter Vedsted
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Teja Voruganti
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fiona Walter
- Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jane Wardle
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eila Watson
- Department of Clinical Health Care, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - David Weller
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Jeremy Whelan
- Research Department of Oncology, University College London, London, UK
| | - James Whitlock
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clare Wilkinson
- North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales
| | - Niek de Wit
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Division of Medical Oncology and Haematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Walker D, Hamilton W, Walter FM, Watts C. Strategies to accelerate diagnosis of primary brain tumors at the primary-secondary care interface in children and adults. CNS Oncol 2015; 2:447-62. [PMID: 25054667 DOI: 10.2217/cns.13.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This article presents a shared view from practitioners with special interests in diagnosing and managing primary brain tumors in both primary and secondary care, in adult and pediatric disciplines; it examines the complexity of identifying whether it would be of benefit and feasible to try to identify those with brain tumors earlier, how this could be achieved and what evidence exists to justify such an approach. The experience of the HeadSmart Campaign in childhood brain tumor, using awareness as a method for driving service change, is used to illustrate how diagnostic practice can be changed across the primary and secondary care interface. This article highlights the importance of focusing upon the needs of patients with primary brain tumors as they represent a significant set of life-threatening and disabling diseases with significant implications for cancer and palliative services.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Walker
- Children's Brain Tumor Research Centre, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
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Risk of childhood cancer with symptoms in primary care: a population-based case-control study. Br J Gen Pract 2014; 63:e22-9. [PMID: 23336454 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp13x660742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines describing symptoms in children that should alert GPs to consider cancer have been developed, but without any supporting primary-care research. AIM To identify symptoms and signs in primary care that strongly increase the likelihood of childhood cancer, to assist GPs in selection of children for investigation. DESIGN AND SETTING A population-based case-control study in UK general practice. METHOD Using electronic primary care records from the UK General Practice Research Database, 1267 children aged 0-14 years diagnosed with childhood cancer were matched to 15 318 controls. Clinical features associated with subsequent diagnosis of cancer were identified using conditional logistic regression, and likelihood ratios and positive predictive values (PPVs) were estimated for each. RESULTS Twelve symptoms were associated with PPVs of ≥0.04%, which represents a greater than tenfold increase in prior probability. The six symptoms with the highest PPVs were pallor (odds ratio, OR = 84; PPV = 0.41% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12% to 1.34%), head and neck masses (OR = 17; PPV = 0.30%; 95% CI = 0.10% to 0.84%), masses elsewhere (OR = 22; PPV = 0.11%; 95% CI = 0.06% to 0.20%), lymphadenopathy (OR = 10; PPV = 0.09%; 95% CI = 0.06% to 0.13%), symptoms/signs of abnormal movement (OR = 16; PPV = 0.08%; 95% CI = 0.04% to 0.14%), and bruising (OR = 12; PPV = 0·08%; 95% CI = 0.05% to 0.13%). When each of these 12 symptoms was combined singly with at least three consultations in a 3-month period, the probability of cancer was between 11 and 76 in 10 000. CONCLUSION Twelve features of childhood cancers were identified, each of which increased the risk of cancer at least tenfold. These symptoms, particularly when combined with multiple consultations, warrant careful evaluation in general practice.
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