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Varon ML, Geng Y, Fellman BM, Troisi C, Fernandez ME, Li R, Reininger B, Schmeler KM, Allanson E. Interventions to increase follow-up of abnormal cervical cancer screening results: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0291931. [PMID: 38381754 PMCID: PMC10880967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ensuring timely follow-up of abnormal screening results is essential for eliminating cervical cancer. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to review single and multicomponent interventions designed to improve follow-up of women with abnormal cervical cancer screening results. We report on effectiveness across studies, and describe what aspects of these interventions might be more impactful. METHODS Publications were searched between January 2000 and December 2022. The search included observational, quasi-experimental (pre-post studies) and randomized controlled studies describing at least one intervention to increase follow-up of women with abnormal cervical cancer screening results. Outcomes of studies included completion of any follow-up (i.e., attending a follow-up appointment), timely diagnosis (i.e., colposcopy results within 90 days of screening) and time to diagnostic resolution (i.e., days between screening and final diagnosis). We assessed risk of bias for observational and quasi-experimental studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool and the Cochrane collaboration tool for randomized studies. We conducted a meta-analysis using studies where data were provided to estimate a summary average effect of the interventions on follow-up of patients and to identify characteristics of studies associated with an increased effectiveness of interventions. We extracted the comparison and intervention proportions of women with follow-up before and after the intervention (control and intervention) and plotted the odds ratios (ORs) of completing follow-up along with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using forest plots for the interventions vs. controls when data were available. FINDINGS From 7,457 identified studies, 28 met the inclusion criteria. Eleven (39%) of the included studies had used a randomized design. Most studies (63%) assessed completion of any follow-up visit as the primary outcome, whereas others measured time to definite diagnosis (15%) or diagnostic resolution (22%). Navigation was used as a type of intervention in 63% of the included studies. Most interventions utilized behavioral approaches to improve outcomes. The overall estimate of the OR for completion of follow-up for all interventions was 1.81 (1.36-2.42). The highest impact was for programs using more than one approach (multicomponent interventions) to improve outcomes with OR = 3.01 (2.03-4.46), compared with studies with single intervention approaches with OR = 1.56 (1.14-2.14). No statistical risks were noted from publication bias or small-study effects in the studies reviewed. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed large heterogeneity in how follow-up of abnormal cervical cancer screening results was defined. Our results suggest that multicomponent interventions were more effective than single component interventions and should be used to improve follow-up after abnormal cervical cancer screening results. Navigation appears to be an important tool for improving follow-up. We also provide recommendations for future studies and implications for policy in terms of better defining outcomes for these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Lopez Varon
- Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yimin Geng
- Research Medical Library, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bryan M. Fellman
- Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Catherine Troisi
- Management, Policy & Community Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maria E. Fernandez
- Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ruosha Li
- Biostatistics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Belinda Reininger
- Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Brownsville Regional Campus, Brownsville, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Schmeler
- Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Emma Allanson
- The Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Mantula F, Toefy Y, Sewram V. Barriers to cervical cancer screening in Africa: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:525. [PMID: 38378542 PMCID: PMC10877795 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17842-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Africa has one of the highest burdens of cervical cancer in the world. The unacceptably high incidence and mortality rates could be reduced through implementing a comprehensive approach to its prevention and control that includes screening, which however, is low in most low-and-middle-income countries. Hence, this systematic review aims at exploring factors that prevent women from utilising cervical cancer screening services in the region. METHODS A mixed method systematic review was conducted. A search was performed on PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, CINAHL (EBSCOHOST) and Scopus databases for articles published until May 2019 without time, language or study design limits. Two reviewers critically appraised the included studies independently using the standard quality assessment criteria for evaluating primary research papers. Results of the quantitative and mixed methods studies were transformed into qualitative data and synthesised using thematic analysis. RESULTS From a potential 2 365 studies, 24 from 11 countries met the eligibility criteria and were selected; eight qualitative, 13 quantitative, and three that used the mixed-method approach. The primary barriers were identified as poor access to screening services, lack of awareness and knowledge on cervical cancer and screening, and socio-cultural influences. Service providers perceived lack of skills, screening equipment and supplies, and staff shortages as the major barriers to the provision of screening services. CONCLUSION Barriers to cervical cancer screening in Africa are multifaceted and require a holistic approach that will address them concurrently at the health system, individual, interpersonal, community and structural levels. Political will complimented by stakeholder involvement is required in the development and implementation of strategies that will ensure acceptability, availability, accessibility, and affordability of screening to minimise barriers in accessing the service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fennie Mantula
- African Cancer Institute, Stellenbosch University, P.O Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box A.C. 939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
| | - Yoesrie Toefy
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Vikash Sewram
- African Cancer Institute, Stellenbosch University, P.O Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
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Sharma J, Yennapu M, Priyanka Y. Screening Guidelines and Programs for Cervical Cancer Control in Countries of Different Economic Groups: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e41098. [PMID: 37519623 PMCID: PMC10381098 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Screening guidelines and practices differ according to resource availability and continually update as scientific developments take place. In this article, we have reviewed screening guidelines and programs for cervical cancer prevention in selected countries belonging to different economic groups viz high income, middle income, and low income. We have selected six countries - the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), India, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Malawi. Considerable differences are observed across the health systems. Countries with established screening guidelines complemented by organised nationwide programs or insurance practices have much better screening rates. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) DNA testing is currently the test of choice in the majority of settings for cervical cancer screening due to its higher sensitivity (up to 90-100%) and longer screening intervals (three to five years). It is also cost-effective, less dependent on operator expertise, and suitable for all settings as compared to a Pap smear test or visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Self-sampling of HPV can further help to improve screening coverage by increasing opportunities of reaching to women who would otherwise not participate in screening programs. Resource-constrained countries recommend VIA-based screening in their national programs due to its low cost. The share of cervical cancer is higher in middle and low-income countries as they have lower screening coverage, compared to high-income countries. The main barriers faced in the implementation of the program in low-income countries (LICs) are pertaining to the health system, patient-specific challenges, and healthcare provider-specific challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Sharma
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, IND
- Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, IND
| | - Madhavi Yennapu
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, IND
| | - Yamini Priyanka
- Division of Reproductive Child Health and Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, IND
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Petersen Z, Jaca A, Ginindza TG, Maseko G, Takatshana S, Ndlovu P, Zondi N, Zungu N, Varghese C, Hunting G, Parham G, Simelela P, Moyo S. Barriers to uptake of cervical cancer screening services in low-and-middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:486. [PMID: 36461001 PMCID: PMC9716693 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02043-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionate burden of cervical cancer mortality. We aimed to identify what is currently known about barriers to cervical cancer screening among women in LMICs and propose remedial actions. DESIGN This was a systematic review using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We also contacted medical associations and universities for grey literature and checked reference lists of eligible articles for relevant literature published in English between 2010 and 2020. We summarized the findings using a descriptive narrative based on themes identified as levels of the social ecological model. SETTING We included studies conducted in LMICs published in English between 2010 and 2020. PARTICIPANTS We included studies that reported on barriers to cervical cancer screening among women 15 years and older, eligible for cervical cancer screening. RESULTS Seventy-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. We identified individual, cultural/traditional and religious, societal, health system, and structural barriers to screening. Lack of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer in general and of screening were the most frequent individual level barriers. Cultural/traditional and religious barriers included prohibition of screening and unsupportive partners and families, while social barriers were largely driven by community misconceptions. Health system barriers included policy and programmatic factors, and structural barriers were related to geography, education and cost. Underlying reasons for these barriers included limited information about cervical cancer and screening as a preventive strategy, poorly resourced health systems that lacked policies or implemented them poorly, generalised limited access to health services, and gender norms that deprioritize the health needs of women. CONCLUSION A wide range of barriers to screening were identified across most LMICs. Urgent implementation of clear policies supported by health system capacity for implementation, community wide advocacy and information dissemination, strengthening of policies that support women's health and gender equality, and targeted further research are needed to effectively address the inequitable burden of cervical cancer in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z. Petersen
- grid.417715.10000 0001 0071 1142Human & Social Capabilities (HSC), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - A. Jaca
- grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - T. G. Ginindza
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa ,Cancer & Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU), Durban, South Africa
| | - G. Maseko
- grid.417715.10000 0001 0071 1142Human & Social Capabilities (HSC), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - S. Takatshana
- grid.417715.10000 0001 0071 1142Human & Social Capabilities (HSC), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - P. Ndlovu
- grid.417715.10000 0001 0071 1142Human & Social Capabilities (HSC), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - N. Zondi
- grid.417715.10000 0001 0071 1142Human & Social Capabilities (HSC), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - N. Zungu
- grid.417715.10000 0001 0071 1142Human & Social Capabilities (HSC), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa ,grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa
| | - C. Varghese
- grid.3575.40000000121633745Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - G. Hunting
- grid.3575.40000000121633745Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - G. Parham
- grid.3575.40000000121633745Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - P. Simelela
- grid.3575.40000000121633745Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S. Moyo
- grid.417715.10000 0001 0071 1142Human & Social Capabilities (HSC), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa ,grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Herrick T, Thomson KA, Shin M, Gannon S, Tsu V, de Sanjosé S. Acting on the call for cervical cancer elimination: Planning tools for low- and middle- income countries to increase the coverage and effectiveness of screening and treatment. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1246. [PMID: 36241993 PMCID: PMC9563118 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08423-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Accessible planning tools tailored for low-and middle-income countries can assist decision makers in comparing implementation of different cervical cancer screening approaches and treatment delivery scenarios in settings with high cervical cancer burden. Methods The Cervical Precancer Planning Tool (CPPT) was developed by PATH for users to explore and compare the accuracy of screening approaches, what treatment equipment to procure, and how best to deploy treatment equipment in a given country. The CPPT compares four screening approaches: 1) visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), 2) HPV testing, 3) HPV testing followed by a VIA triage, and 4) HPV testing followed by an enhanced triage test. Accuracy of screening outcomes (e.g., true positives, false positives) is based on published sensitivity and specificity of tests to detect cervical precancerous lesions. The CPPT compares five scenarios for deploying ablative treatment equipment: 1) cervical precancer equipment at every location a woman is screened (single visit approach), 2) equipment only at a hospital level, 3) a single unit of equipment in each district, 4) allowing two districts to share a single unit of equipment, and 5) equipment placed at select district hospitals paired with mobile outreach. Users can customize the CPPT by adjusting pre-populated baseline values and assumptions, including population estimates, screening age range, screening frequency, HPV and HIV prevalence, supply costs, and health facility details. Results The CPPT generates data tables and graphs that compare the results of implementing each of the four screening and five treatment scenarios disaggregated by HIV status. Outputs include the number and outcomes of women screened, cost of each screening approach, provider time and cost saved by implementing self-sampling for HPV testing, number of women treated, treatment equipment needed by type, and the financial and economic costs for each equipment deployment scenario. Conclusion The CPPT provides practical information and data to compare tradeoffs of patient access and screening accuracy as well as efficient utilization of equipment, skilled personnel, and financial resources. Country decision makers can use outputs from the CPPT to guide the scale-up of cervical cancer screening and treatment while optimizing limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Herrick
- Market Dynamics, PATH, 2201, Westlake Ave Suite 200, Seattle, WA, 98121, USA.
| | - Kerry A Thomson
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Program, PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave, Suite 200, Seattle, WA, 98121, USA.
| | - Michelle Shin
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Sarah Gannon
- Market Dynamics, PATH, 2201, Westlake Ave Suite 200, Seattle, WA, 98121, USA
| | - Vivien Tsu
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Silvia de Sanjosé
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Program, PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave, Suite 200, Seattle, WA, 98121, USA
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Chan DN, Law BM, So WK, Fan N. Factors associated with cervical cancer screening utilisation by people with physical disabilities: A systematic review. Health Policy 2022; 126:1039-1050. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Frund C, Kenfack B, Sormani J, Wisniak A, Fouogue JT, Tincho E, Metaxas T, Vassilakos P, Petignat P. Training, Supervision, and Competence Assessment of Cameroonian Health Care Providers Using HPV Self-Sampling, Triage by Visual Inspection, and Treatment by Thermal Ablation in a Single Visit. Front Public Health 2022; 10:875177. [PMID: 35419330 PMCID: PMC8995786 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.875177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Developing human resource capacity and efficient deployment of skilled personnel are essential for cervical cancer screening program implementation in resource-limited countries. Our aim was to provide a context-specific training framework, supervision, and effectiveness evaluation of health care providers in a cervical cancer screening program. Methods A 5-year cervical cancer screening program was implemented in Dschang, West Cameroon. Women were invited to perform human papillomavirus self-sampling (Self-HPV), followed by triage using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and thermal ablation if needed. Health care providers were trained in four key learning phases to perform counseling, screening, and treatment process in a single visit. Training included (i) a 3-day basic course, (ii) 3-day advanced practical training, (iii) 2 weeks of supervision, and (iv) bi-monthly supervision by a mentor. The diagnostic performance of health care providers was compared between two time periods, period I (September 2018 to April 2019) and period II (May 2019 to January 2020), for an overall 17-month study period. Results Fourteen health care providers were recruited for the training course and 12 of them completed the training objectives. Follow-up and evaluations were conducted for three health care providers working in the screening unit at Dschang District Hospital. During the study period, 1,609 women performed Self-HPV, among which 759 were screened during period I and 850 during period II. HPV positivity was 18.2 and 17.1%, and VIA positivity was 45.7 and 71.0% in period I and II, respectively. VIA sensitivity was 60.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 26.2–87.8) and 80.8% (95% CI 60.6–93.4) in period I and II, respectively (p = 0.390). VIA specificity decreased between period I (57.4, 95% CI 48.1–66.3) and II (30.8, 95% CI 22.6–40.0) (p < 0.001). Health care providers demonstrated substantial agreement with their mentor in their diagnoses during both periods (period I: Cohen's kappa coefficient [k] = 0.73, 95% CI 0.62–0.85, and period II: k = 0.62 0.47–0.76; p = 0.0549). Discussion Training, supervision, and a focus on effectiveness in cervical cancer screening are interventions that contribute to improving frontline provider competencies and maintaining a high quality of health care service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Frund
- Gynecology Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Kenfack
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Jessica Sormani
- Gynecology Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,School of Health Sciences Geneva, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ania Wisniak
- Gynecology Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jovanny Tsuala Fouogue
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Eveline Tincho
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHUY), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Tania Metaxas
- Gynecology Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Vassilakos
- Gynecology Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Petignat
- Gynecology Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Yadav K, Cree I, Field A, Vielh P, Mehrotra R. Importance of Cytopathologic Diagnosis in Early Cancer Diagnosis in Resource-Constrained Countries. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100337. [PMID: 35213215 PMCID: PMC8887942 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The rising cancer burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) stresses already weak health care systems and poses unique challenges. In resource-constrained LMICs and in circumstances where most patients must pay out of pocket for diagnostic tests, these may not be available or affordable for many. Cytopathology provides a simple, inexpensive, standardized, and low-technology diagnostic procedure that is increasingly used as an effective tool to address the hurdles faced in cancer control programs in LMICs. This review explores the potential role of cytopathology in LMICs in reducing the cancer burden. METHODS This review studied the existing literature across the globe regarding the utilization of cytopathology as a diagnostic or screening tool for various types of malignancies as well as its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the local situation. RESULTS Apart from the usefulness of cytopathology, this review also sheds light on the barriers to using cytopathology in LMICs. Most recently, SARS-CoV-2 has produced several unique challenges for cytopathology. These are being met with innovative measures to combat the effects of the pandemic and ensure the safe delivery of essential cytopathology services. CONCLUSION The usefulness of cytopathologic techniques has been demonstrated via various studies, even during the recent pandemic. If cytology is to be used appropriately, the focus needs to be on integrating it into the national cancer screening and diagnostic programs as well as providing well-trained human resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Yadav
- Centre of Social Medicine & Community Health, JNU, New Delhi, India
| | - Ian Cree
- WHO Classification of Tumours, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Andrew Field
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of NSW and Notre Dame University Medical Schools, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Ravi Mehrotra
- Chip Foundation, Noida, India
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Allanson ER, Phoolcharoen N, Salcedo MP, Fellman B, Schmeler KM. Accuracy of Smartphone Images of the Cervix After Acetic Acid Application for Diagnosing Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 2 or Greater in Women With Positive Cervical Screening: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1711-1721. [PMID: 34936374 PMCID: PMC8710337 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Smartphones are used in cervical screening for visual inspection after acetic acid or Lugol's iodine (VIA/VILI) application to capture and share images to improve the sensitivity and interobserver variability of VIA/VILI. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the diagnostic accuracy of smartphone images of the cervix at the time of VIA/VILI (termed S-VIA) in the detection of precancerous lesions in women undergoing cervical screening. METHODS This systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies from January 1, 2010, to June 30, 2020, were assessed. MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and LILACS were searched. Cohort and cross-sectional studies were considered. S-VIA was compared with the reference standard of histopathology. We excluded studies where additional technology was added to the smartphone including artificial intelligence, enhanced visual assessment, and other algorithms to automatically diagnose precancerous lesions. The primary outcome was the accuracy of S-VIA for the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or greater (CIN 2+). Data were extracted, and we plotted the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of S-VIA using forest plots. This study was prospectively registered with The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews:CRD42020204024. RESULTS Six thousand three studies were screened, 71 full texts assessed, and eight studies met criteria for inclusion, with six included in the final meta-analysis. The sensitivity of S-VIA for the diagnosis of CIN 2+ was 74.56% (95% CI, 70.16 to 78.95; I2 61.30%), specificity was 61.75% (95% CI, 56.35 to 67.15; I2 95.00%), negative predictive value was 93.71% (95% CI, 92.81 to 94.61; I2 0%), and positive predictive value was 26.97% (95% CI, 24.13 to 29.81; I2 61.3%). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that S-VIA has accuracy in the detection of CIN 2+ and may provide additional support to health care providers delivering care in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R Allanson
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Mila P Salcedo
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.,The Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre/Santa Casa Hospital of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bryan Fellman
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kathleen M Schmeler
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers afflicting women in low and middle income countries, however, both primary prevention with human papillomavirus vaccination, and secondary prevention with screening programs and treatment of preinvasive disease are possible. A coordinated approach to eliminating cervical cancer, as has been called for by the World Health Organization, requires a complex series of steps at all levels of a health system. This article outlines the current state of cervical cancer prevention in low and middle income countries, the innovations being employed to improve outcomes, and consideration of the next steps needed as we move towards global elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R Allanson
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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