Anxiety in women referred for colposcopy: a prospective observational study

Predictors of significant distress in cervical cancer patients: a cross sectional study

PURPOSE

This cross-sectional study aims to investigate parameters that predict relevant levels of distress in women in a perioperative setting undergoing treatment for cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 495 patients with cervical cancer that were treated at the university hospital Aachen between 2010 and 2022 were analysed based on their respective National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer score (DT) and Problem List (PL) and their clinical history. 105 patients were enrolled in the study. 18 medical and demographic variables were analysed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Three variables contributed significantly to the prediction of a DT score ≥ 5. Significant distress was defined as a DT score of ≥ 5, which was observed in 70.5% of the participants (mean: 5.58 ± 2.892). Women who chose to receive psycho-oncological counselling were more likely to have a DT score ≥ 5 (Odds Ratio(OR) = 3.323; Confidence Interval (CI95%): 1.241-8.900; p-value: 0.017). In addition, women who did not receive chemoradiation had significantly higher DT scores (OR = 3.807; CI 95%:1.185-12.236; p-value: 0.025), as did women whose Distress Thermometer was assessed in the first month after their initial diagnosis (OR = 3.967; CI 95%:1.167-13.486; p-value: 0.027).

CONCLUSION

Increased distress in women with cervical cancer is common especially in the first month after diagnosis, in patients who do not receive chemoradiation and in patients who seek psycho-oncological counselling. Surgical factors do not play a major role in patient distress.

Impact of human papillomavirus age-related prevalence and vaccination levels on interpretation of cervical screening modalities: a modelling study

OBJECTIVE

Cervical screening is a life-saving intervention, which reduces the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer in the population. Human papillomavirus (HPV) based screening modalities hold unique promise in improving screening accuracy. HPV prevalence varies markedly by age, as does resultant cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), with higher rates recorded in younger women. With the advent of effective vaccination for HPV drastically reducing prevalence of both HPV and CIN, it is critical to model how the accuracy of different screening approaches varies with age cohort and vaccination status. This work establishes a model for the age-specific prevalence of HPV factoring in vaccine coverage and predicts how the accuracy of common screening modalities is affected by age profile and vaccine uptake.

DESIGN

Modelling study of HPV infection rates by age, ascertained from European cohorts prior to the introduction of vaccination. Reductions in HPV due to vaccination were estimated from the bounds predicted from multiple modelling studies, yielding a model for age-varying HPV and CIN grades 2 and above (CIN2+) prevalence.

SETTING

Performance of both conventional liquid-based cytology (LBC) screening and HPV screening with LBC reflex (HPV reflex) was estimated under different simulated age cohorts and vaccination levels.

PARTICIPANTS

Simulated populations of varying age and vaccination status.

RESULTS

HPV-reflex modalities consistently result in much lower incidence of false positives than LBC testing, with an accuracy that improves even as HPV and CIN2+ rates decline.

CONCLUSIONS

HPV-reflex tests outperform LBC tests across all age profiles, resulting in greater test accuracy. This improvement is especially pronounced as HPV infection rates fall and suggests HPV-reflex modalities are robust to future changes in the epidemiology of HPV.

The effect of colposcopy counseling with a feminist model on anxiety in Thai women with abnormal cervical cytology results: A time-series quasi-experimental study

Background

Due to the cervical cancer screening campaign, there is a gradual increase in the number of women diagnosed with abnormal cervical cytology results. Most women experience high anxiety upon learning about these results, leading to adverse psychological effects. Therefore, nurses play a vital role in counseling these women to alleviate their concerns.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effect of colposcopy counseling with a feminist model on anxiety in Thai women with abnormal cervical cytology results.

Methods

The study employed a time-series quasi-experimental design with a comparison group. It was conducted at the colposcopy clinic of a university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 2022 to April 2023. A total of 68 women with abnormal cervical cytology results were purposively recruited based on inclusion criteria. The comparison group (n = 34) received only usual care, while the experimental group (n = 34) received colposcopy counseling and usual care. Colposcopy counseling was provided after collecting baseline data. Anxiety was assessed at baseline, immediate post-test, and 12th week post-test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, independent t-test, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in anxiety across the three-time points between the two groups (F1, 66 = 0.062, p = 0.804). However, anxiety in the experimental group significantly decreased over time (p <0.05). In contrast, anxiety in the comparison group at baseline was not significantly different from that at the immediate post-test (p = 0.480).

Conclusion

Colposcopy counseling was effective in reducing anxiety in Thai women with abnormal cervical cytology results, especially during the initial period after receiving the results. Nonetheless, anxiety could gradually decrease regardless of the intervention. Therefore, colposcopy counseling by nurses and healthcare providers is helpful for women in relieving anxiety during their first colposcopy attendance.

A Glimmer of Hope for Patients with a T3 Transformation Zone: miRNAs Are Potential Biomarkers for Cervical Dysplasia

BACKGROUND

This pilot study assesses the potential use of miRNAs in the triage of colposcopy patients with type 3 (nonvisible) cervical transformation zone (TZ). Type 3 TZ is a constitutional finding associated with many problems and controversies in colposcopy patient management. Here, we present miRNAs as a potential biomarker for the detection of CIN3 in these cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cervical mucosa samples (CMS) were collected from patients presenting with T3 transformation zone during routine workup using the Cytobrush. Depending on the histological and cytological result, as well as the result of the routinely performed HPV PCR, patients were divided into three groups: patients with a high-grade intraepithelial lesion (CIN3) and a positive high-risk HPV test (CIN3 group), patients without an intraepithelial lesion and a positive high-risk HPV test (HPV group), and healthy controls (N = no intraepithelial lesion and negative HPV test). The cervical mucus samples included in the study were tested for their expression levels of distinct miRNAs using qPCR.

RESULTS

All investigated miRNAs were consistently detectable in every sample. The CMSs of histologically graded CIN 3 showed consistently high expression levels of all eight miRNAs, whereas the CMSs from healthy patients (N) show generally lower expression levels. However, CMSs from patients of the HPV group represented a very heterogeneous group.

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented here can provide a solid basis for future research into a triage test for patients with a T3 transformation zone on the basis of commonly used clinical equipment.

Acceptability of risk-based triage in cervical cancer screening: A focus group study

BACKGROUND

Compared to the previous cytology-based program, the introduction of primary high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) based screening in 2017 has led to an increased number of referrals. To counter this, triage of hrHPV-positive women in cervical cancer screening can potentially be optimized by taking sociodemographic and lifestyle risk factors for cervical abnormalities into account. Therefore, it is essential to gain knowledge of the views of women (30-60 years) eligible for cervical cancer screening.

OBJECTIVE

The main goal of this qualitative study was to gain insight in the aspects that influence acceptability of risk-based triage in cervical cancer screening.

DESIGN

A focus group study in which participants were recruited via four general medical practices, and purposive sampling was used to maximize heterogeneity with regards to age, education level, and cervical cancer screening experiences.

APPROACH

The focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 28 women (average age: 45.2 years) eligible for cervical cancer screening in The Netherlands participated in seven online focus group discussions. Half of the participants was higher educated, and the participants differed in previous cervical cancer screening participation and screening result.

KEY RESULTS

In total, 5 main themes and 17 subthemes were identified that determine the acceptability of risk-stratified triage. The main themes are: 1) adequacy of the screening program: an evidence-based program that is able to minimize cancer incidence and reduce unnecessary referrals; 2) personal information (e.g., sensitive topics and stigma); 3) emotional impact: fear and reassurance; 4) communication (e.g., transparency); and 5) autonomy (e.g., prevention).

CONCLUSION

The current study highlights several challenges regarding the development and implementation of risk-based triage that need attention in order to be accepted by the target group. These challenges include dealing with sensitive topics and a transparent communication strategy.

The Efficacy of Oral Etoricoxib in Pain Control During Colposcopy-Directed Cervical Biopsy: A Randomized Control Trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of oral etoricoxib administration before colposcopic procedure for pain relief during and after colposcopy.

METHODS

A prospective double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the colposcopy unit of Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand from August 2022 to January 2023. The participants were women undergoing colposcopy. They were allocated into two groups: etoricoxib group and control group. Thirty minutes prior to colposcopy, the participants received etoricoxib or placebo tablet. A numerical rating scale was used to evaluate pain upon speculum insertion, 3% acetic acid application, directed cervical biopsy (CDB), endocervical curettage (ECC), and 10 minutes and 24 hours after colposcopy.

RESULT

One hundred and ten women were recruited and were divided equally into study and control groups. The mean age of participants was 42.6 years old. One-fourth of cases (29/110) had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more histology. Subjects in etoricoxib group had less median pain scores during CDB, ECC, and 10-minute and 24-hour post procedure than the control group with statistical significance. Both groups had comparable side effects.

CONCLUSION

Administration of oral etoricoxib 30 minutes before colposcopy could reduce pain during and up to 24-hour post colposcopy with minimal side effects.

The clinical relevance of human papillomavirus negative status in unsatisfactory cervical cytology

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) negativity at the time of unsatisfactory cervical cytology.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, records were reviewed for patients who had unsatisfactory cervical cytology with HR-HPV testing performed from January 2015 through September 2019 at a large teaching hospital. Pathology results of follow-up cervical cytology and biopsies were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 1282 patients with unsatisfactory cervical cytology and negative HR-HPV testing, repeat cytology was negative for intraepithelial lesion (NIL) in 952 (75%) patients, unsatisfactory in 273 (22%) patients, and abnormal in 41 (3%) patients. Median follow-up time was 91 days. The concordance of HR-HPV status between initial unsatisfactory cervical cytology and subsequent satisfactory cervical cytology was 96.3% for HR-HPV negative patients and 68.8% for HR-HPV positive patients. Compared to women who were HR-HPV negative, women who were HR-HPV positive on initial unsatisfactory cytology were at higher risk of subsequent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or greater (odds ratio = 4.91, 95% confidence interval: 1.34-18.03 for E6/E7 mRNA positivity alone; odds ratio = 46.13, 95% confidence interval: 13.45-158.01 for HR-HPV genotype 16 or 18/45 positivity).

CONCLUSION

In the 3 month follow-up of patients with unsatisfactory cervical cytology and negative HR-HPV testing, approximately 3% had abnormal cytology but no cases of HPV related pathology of CIN 2 or greater were found. There was high concordance of negative HR-HPV testing results with those on follow-up satisfactory cervical cytology.

Patients' expectations of preventive measures of medical institutions during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Germany in women with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer: a cross-sectional, web-based survey

OBJECTIVES

To identify patient-approved contingency measures for protection of patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) from COVID-19 infection and to use these findings to improve staff's preparedness to cope with the course of this pandemic or similar situations.

METHODS DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS

We conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey of women with an increased risk of breast or ovarian cancer, regardless of whether they had experienced an active malignant disease during the pandemic. A self-reported questionnaire, developed for this study, was used to assess expectations and opinions about preventive measures within medical institutions.

RESULTS

Sixty-four (71.9%) of the 89 potential participants responded to at least one question regarding contingency measures within medical institutions. Approximately 37% of the respondents preferred having information about their facility's hygiene protocols before appointment; 57.8% of the respondents endorsed regular SARS-CoV-2 testing of patients prior to medical appointments and 95.3% endorsed regular testing of HCWs. Additionally, 84.4% of the respondents supported HCWs' use of surgical masks and 68.8% supported HCWs' use of masks with greater protection. Notably, 75.0% of the respondents advocated for the presence of a significant other during medical consultations; 71.9% approved the use of telemedicine and 93.8% endorsed changes in appointment practices to enable social distancing. No significant associations were found between respondents' sociodemographic, disease-specific or pandemic-specific factors and their opinions on hygiene precautions.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients at high risk of infection or severe course of COVID-19 approve strict contingency measures designed to lower the transmission of COVID-19 in medical facilities. Moreover, vulnerable groups may profit from contingency plans in healthcare facilities in order to follow preventive measures, avoid diagnostic delay or avoid worsening of pre-existing conditions. However, they also value the presence of a significant other during medical consultations and procedures.