Evaluation of a population-based breast cancer screening in North China

Two-dimensional graphene nanomaterials for combined photothermal and chemotherapy-enhanced targeted therapy of breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women, accounting for 7-10 % of all malignant tumors in the body. Second only to uterine cancer, it poses a significant threat to women's health. In this study, a two-dimensional material based on GO nanoparticles was designed to combine photothermal therapy (PTT) with chemotherapy for targeted treatment of breast cancer. Firstly, HPAA was grafted onto GO through an amide reaction after EDC/NHS activation. Secondly, RGD was attached to the amino group of HPAA. Finally, the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin was loaded through intermolecular interactions. In vitro results showed that the HPAA/GO-RGD@DOX exhibited a good photothermal effect and drug release profile, with greater drug release in acidic environments compared to neutral ones. Additionally, it accelerated the apoptosis of tumor cells under laser irradiation. Importantly, in vivo experiments demonstrated that HPAA/GO-RGD@DOX, when combined with laser irradiation, effectively targeted the tumor site and inhibited tumor growth. In conclusion, HPAA/GO-RGD@DOX exhibits high tumor targeting efficiency and a strong photothermal effect. This study suggests that the HPAA/GO-RGD@DOX composite holds great promise as a new type of functional 2D nanoparticle with photothermal capabilities for breast cancer therapy.

Breast cancer screening and early diagnosis in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis on 10.72 million women

BACKGROUND

The incidence of breast cancer among Chinese women has gradually increased in recent years. This study aims to analyze the situation of breast cancer screening programs in China and compare the cancer detection rates (CDRs), early-stage cancer detection rates (ECDRs), and the proportions of early-stage cancer among different programs.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in multiple literature databases. Studies that were published between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2023 were retrieved. A random effects model was employed to pool the single group rate, and subgroup analyses were carried out based on screening model, time, process, age, population, and follow-up method.

RESULTS

A total of 35 studies, including 47 databases, satisfied the inclusion criteria. Compared with opportunistic screening, the CDR (1.32‰, 95% CI: 1.10‰-1.56‰) and the ECDR (0.82‰, 95% CI: 0.66‰-0.99‰) were lower for population screening, but the proportion of early-stage breast cancer (80.17%, 95% CI: 71.40%-87.83%) was higher. In subgroup analysis, the CDR of population screening was higher in the urban group (2.28‰, 95% CI: 1.70‰-2.94‰), in the breast ultrasonography (BUS) in parallel with mammography (MAM) group (3.29‰, 95% CI: 2.48‰-4.21‰), and in the second screening follow-up group (2.47‰, 95% CI: 1.64‰-3.47‰), and the proportion of early-stage breast cancer was 85.70% (95% CI: 68.73%-97.29%), 88.18% (95% CI: 84.53%-91.46%), and 90.05% (95% CI: 84.07%-94.95%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

There were significant differences between opportunistic and population screening programs. The results of these population screening studies were influenced by the screening process, age, population, and follow-up method. In the future, China should carry out more high-quality and systematic population-based screening programs to improve screening coverage and service.

Temporal Evolution and Associated Factors of Adherence to Mammography Screening among Women in Spain: Results from Two National Health Surveys (2017-2020)

Ensuring equity in cancer screening is recommended by the European Commission. Despite the fact that breast cancer screening is a free population-based program in Spain, there remains considerable variation in the adherence to screening rate among population groups. This study was designed to describe the adherence of breast cancer screening in women in Spain, to evaluate the evolution in the period from 2017 to 2020, and to determine the variables that influence choosing to undergo breast cancer screening. A nationwide cross-sectional study with 7220 females aged 50-69 years from the 2017 Spanish National Health Survey and the 2020 European Health Survey for Spain was performed. We investigated mammography uptake rates, with socio-demographic factors, lifestyle habits, and health-related characteristics as independent variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of mammography adherence. Of the women, 78% had undergone mammography in the previous two years, and there was a significant decrease in the uptake rate for breast cancer screening from 2017 (81.23%) to 2020 (74.68%) (p < 0.001). Educational level, marital status, residential location, nationality, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and leisure-time physical activity were all associated factors of mammography uptake.