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Subedi R, Houssami N, Nickson C, Nepal A, Campbell D, David M, Yu XQ. Factors influencing the time to diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer among women in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Breast 2024; 75:103714. [PMID: 38522173 PMCID: PMC10973645 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2024.103714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Shorter time from symptoms recognition to diagnosis and timely treatment would be expected to improve the survival of patients with breast cancer (BC). This review identifies and summarizes evidence on time to diagnosis and treatment, and associated factors to inform an improved BC care pathways in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). METHODS A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases including Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Global Health, covering publications between January 1, 2010, and November 6, 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies published in English from LMICs that reported on time from symptoms recognition to diagnosis and/or from diagnosis to treatment, as well as factors influencing these timelines. Study quality was assessed independently by two reviewers using a standard checklist. Pre-contact, post-contact and treatment intervals and delays in these intervals are presented. Barriers and facilitators for shorter time to diagnosis and treatment found by individual studies after adjusting with covariates are summarized. RESULTS The review identified 21 studies across 14 countries and found that BC cases took a longer time to diagnosis than to treatment. However, time to treatment also exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended period for optimal survival. There was inconsistency in terminology and benchmarks for defining delays in time intervals. Low socioeconomic status and place of residence emerged as frequent barriers, while initial contact with a private health facility or specialist was commonly reported as a facilitator for shorter time to diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS Guidelines or consensus recommendations are essential for defining the optimal time intervals to BC diagnosis and treatment. Our review supported WHO's Global Breast Cancer Initiative recommendations. Increasing public awareness, strengthening of healthcare professional's capacities, partial decentralization of diagnostic services and implementation of effective referral mechanisms are recommended to achieve a shorter time to diagnosis and treatment of BC in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjeeta Subedi
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Nehmat Houssami
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carolyn Nickson
- The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Denise Campbell
- The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael David
- The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia; School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Xue Qin Yu
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
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Lalango F, Kabagenyi F, Seguya A, Byaruhanga R, Otiti J. A descriptive study on diagnostic timelines, and factors influencing delayed diagnosis among adult head and neck cancer patients at Uganda cancer institute. World J Surg Oncol 2024; 22:130. [PMID: 38755616 PMCID: PMC11097497 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-024-03407-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) often present with advanced disease. This may result from delay in deciding to seek care, delay in reaching the healthcare facility and or delay in accessing care in the healthcare facility. We therefore set out to determine the time to definitive diagnosis and factors associated with delayed diagnosis among patients with HNC at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at UCI, patients with HNC were recruited. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic factors and clinical characteristics, including timelines in months, from symptom onset to deciding to seek care, to reaching the health care facility and to definitive diagnosis. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the factors of association with delayed diagnosis. RESULTS We recruited 160 HNC patients, and 134 patients were analyzed. The median age was 49.5 years (IQR 26.5), 70% (94 of 134) were male, 48% (69 of 134) had below secondary school education, 49% (65 of 134) had a household income < 54 USD. 56% (76 of 134) were sole bread winners, 67% (89 of 134) had good access road condition to the nearest health unit and 70% (91 of 134) presented with tumor stage 4. Median time from onset of symptoms to definitive diagnosis was 8.1 months (IQR 15.1) and 65% (87 of 134) of patients had delayed diagnosis. Good access roads (aOR: 0.26, p = 0.006), secondary school education (aOR: 0.17, p = 0.038), and household income > 136 USD (aOR: 0.27, p = 0.043) were associated with lower odds of delayed diagnosis. Being the sole bread winner (aOR: 2.15, p = 0.050) increased the odds of delayed diagnosis. CONCLUSION Most of HNC patients (65%) at UCI had delayed diagnosis. A national care pathway for individuals with suspected HNC should be established and consider rotation of Ear, Nose and Throat surgeons to underserved regions, to mitigate diagnostic delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Lalango
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Moroto Regional Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 12, Moroto, Uganda.
| | - Fiona Kabagenyi
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amina Seguya
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Mulago National Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Byaruhanga
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Uganda Christian University, P.O. Box 4, Mukono, Uganda
| | - Jeff Otiti
- Surgical Oncology Division, Uganda Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 3935, Kampala, Uganda
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Coles CE, Earl H, Anderson BO, Barrios CH, Bienz M, Bliss JM, Cameron DA, Cardoso F, Cui W, Francis PA, Jagsi R, Knaul FM, McIntosh SA, Phillips KA, Radbruch L, Thompson MK, André F, Abraham JE, Bhattacharya IS, Franzoi MA, Drewett L, Fulton A, Kazmi F, Inbah Rajah D, Mutebi M, Ng D, Ng S, Olopade OI, Rosa WE, Rubasingham J, Spence D, Stobart H, Vargas Enciso V, Vaz-Luis I, Villarreal-Garza C. The Lancet Breast Cancer Commission. Lancet 2024; 403:1895-1950. [PMID: 38636533 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)00747-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Helena Earl
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin O Anderson
- Global Breast Cancer Initiative, World Health Organisation and Departments of Surgery and Global Health Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carlos H Barrios
- Oncology Research Center, Hospital São Lucas, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maya Bienz
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, London, UK; Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - David A Cameron
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer and Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Fatima Cardoso
- Breast Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Center/Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Wanda Cui
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Prudence A Francis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Reshma Jagsi
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Felicia Marie Knaul
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Tómatelo a Pecho, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Stuart A McIntosh
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Kelly-Anne Phillips
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lukas Radbruch
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Jean E Abraham
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Lynsey Drewett
- Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Farasat Kazmi
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | | | | | - Dianna Ng
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Szeyi Ng
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - William E Rosa
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cynthia Villarreal-Garza
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion TecSalud, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
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Martei YM, Mokokwe L, Ngwako N, Kebuang K, Setlhako DI, Gabaatlhole G, Baaitse B, Segadimo T, Shulman LN, Barg F, Gaolebale BE. Development, acceptability and usability of culturally appropriate survivor narrative videos for breast cancer treatment in Botswana: a pilot study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e073867. [PMID: 38296302 PMCID: PMC10828869 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Narrative communication has demonstrated effectiveness in promoting positive health behaviours, delivering support and coping with complex decision-making. Formal research evaluating this intervention for cancer treatment in Africa is lacking. We aimed to develop, and assess acceptability and usability of survivor video narrative interventions for breast cancer treatment in Botswana. DESIGN A pilot study design. SETTING Single-centre, tertiary hospital, sub-Saharan Africa. PARTICIPANTS Eight women, ≥18 years old, with stages I-III breast cancer were enrolled for the video intervention. 106 women, ≥18 years old, with stages I-IV breast cancer viewed the narrative videos and 98 completed the acceptability and usability surveys. INTERVENTION Survivor narrative videos were developed using the theory of planned behaviour and using a purposive sample of Batswana, Setswana-speaking, breast cancer survivors, who had completed systemic treatment and surgery with high rates of adherence to the prescribed treatment plan. PRIMARY OUTCOMES We assessed acceptability and usability among prospectively enrolled patients presenting for routine breast cancer care at Princess Marina Hospital in Botswana, using a 13-item survey. RESULTS Participants expressed high acceptability and usability of the videos, including 99% (97/98) who strongly agreed/agreed that the video presentations were easy to understand, 92% (90/98) who would recommend to other survivors and 94% (92/98) who wished there were more videos. Additionally, 89% (87/98) agreed or strongly agreed that the one-on-one instruction on how to use the tablet was helpful and 87% (85/98) that the video player was easy to use. CONCLUSION Culturally appropriate survivor video narratives have high acceptability and usability among patients with breast cancer in Botswana. There is an opportunity to leverage this intervention in routine breast cancer care for treatment support. Future studies will test the implementation and effectiveness of narrative videos on a wider scale, including for patients being treated for other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehoda M Martei
- Department of Medicine (Hematology - Oncology Division), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lebogang Mokokwe
- Botswana University of Pennsylvania Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lawrence N Shulman
- Department of Medicine (Hematology - Oncology Division), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Frances Barg
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Are C, Murthy SS, Sullivan R, Schissel M, Chowdhury S, Alatise O, Anaya D, Are M, Balch C, Bartlett D, Brennan M, Cairncross L, Clark M, Deo SVS, Dudeja V, D'Ugo D, Fadhil I, Giuliano A, Gopal S, Gutnik L, Ilbawi A, Jani P, Kingham TP, Lorenzon L, Leiphrakpam P, Leon A, Martinez-Said H, McMasters K, Meltzer DO, Mutebi M, Zafar SN, Naik V, Newman L, Oliveira AF, Park DJ, Pramesh CS, Rao S, Subramanyeshwar Rao T, Bargallo-Rocha E, Romanoff A, Rositch AF, Rubio IT, Salvador de Castro Ribeiro H, Sbaity E, Senthil M, Smith L, Toi M, Turaga K, Yanala U, Yip CH, Zaghloul A, Anderson BO. Global Cancer Surgery: pragmatic solutions to improve cancer surgery outcomes worldwide. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:e472-e518. [PMID: 37924819 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00412-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
The first Lancet Oncology Commission on Global Cancer Surgery was published in 2015 and serves as a landmark paper in the field of cancer surgery. The Commission highlighted the burden of cancer and the importance of cancer surgery, while documenting the many inadequacies in the ability to deliver safe, timely, and affordable cancer surgical care. This Commission builds on the first Commission by focusing on solutions and actions to improve access to cancer surgery globally, developed by drawing upon the expertise from cancer surgery leaders across the world. We present solution frameworks in nine domains that can improve access to cancer surgery. These nine domains were refined to identify solutions specific to the six WHO regions. On the basis of these solutions, we developed eight actions to propel essential improvements in the global capacity for cancer surgery. Our initiatives are broad in scope, pragmatic, affordable, and contextually applicable, and aimed at cancer surgeons as well as leaders, administrators, elected officials, and health policy advocates. We envision that the solutions and actions contained within the Commission will address inequities and promote safe, timely, and affordable cancer surgery for every patient, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrakanth Are
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Shilpa S Murthy
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Institute of Cancer Policy, School of Cancer Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Makayla Schissel
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sanjib Chowdhury
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Olesegun Alatise
- Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Anaya
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Madhuri Are
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Charles Balch
- Department of Surgical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, Global Cancer Surgery: pragmatic solutions to improve USA
| | - David Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Murray Brennan
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lydia Cairncross
- Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Matthew Clark
- University of Auckland School of Medicine, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - S V S Deo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikas Dudeja
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Domenico D'Ugo
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Armando Giuliano
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Satish Gopal
- Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Lily Gutnik
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andre Ilbawi
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pankaj Jani
- Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Laura Lorenzon
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Premila Leiphrakpam
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Augusto Leon
- Department of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Kelly McMasters
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Hiram C Polk, Jr MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - David O Meltzer
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Miriam Mutebi
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Syed Nabeel Zafar
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Vibhavari Naik
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Lisa Newman
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Do Joong Park
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - C S Pramesh
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Saieesh Rao
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - T Subramanyeshwar Rao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Anya Romanoff
- Department of Global Health and Health System Design, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne F Rositch
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Isabel T Rubio
- Breast Surgical Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Eman Sbaity
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maheswari Senthil
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lynette Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Masakazi Toi
- Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiran Turaga
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ujwal Yanala
- Surgical Oncology, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cheng-Har Yip
- Department of Surgery, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Sharma K, Baghirova-Busang L, Abkenari S, Gulubane G, Rana C, Vuylsteke P, Marlink R, Gaolathe T, Masupe T. Breast cancer patient experiences in the Botswana health system: Is it time for patient navigators? J Cancer Policy 2023; 38:100449. [PMID: 37890667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2023.100449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New models of care are required to support women with breast cancer due to rising incidence and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study gives voice to the experiences of advanced-stage breast cancer patients in the Botswana healthcare system, to guide improved service provision and the potential utility of patient navigator (PN) programs. METHODS focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with advanced-stage breast cancer patients recruited from the oncology ward of the public Princess Marina Hospital located in Gaborone, Botswana. RESULTS FGDs included 7 female breast cancer patients and their 7 caregivers (2 male and 5 females). Findings fell into the following themes: experiences with cancer diagnosis, experiences with treatment, roles of caregivers, information needs, views on cancer resources, and attitudes towards cancer research. The study identified several barriers across the cascade of care for breast cancer patients in the Botswana health system. These correspond to challenges with timely diagnosis and comprehensive management and highlight community level barriers to achieving the targets of the WHO Global Breast Cancer initiative (GBCI). CONCLUSION The study findings suggest PN programs have the potential to bridge barriers identified in the Botswana healthcare system by improving communication, meeting information needs, providing emotional or practical support, and by addressing logistical barriers to cancer diagnosis and treatment in Botswana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirthana Sharma
- Rutgers Global Health Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Leyla Baghirova-Busang
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Shaheen Abkenari
- Rutgers Global Health Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Godwill Gulubane
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Botswana Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Charmi Rana
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Peter Vuylsteke
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Botswana Rutgers Partnership for Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Richard Marlink
- Rutgers Global Health Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Tendani Gaolathe
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Botswana Rutgers Partnership for Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Tiny Masupe
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
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Daniel O, Ashrafi A, Muthoni MA, Njoki N, Eric H, Marilynn O, Faith AB, Beth WG, Nyakio M, Odero-Marah V, Ragin C, Llanos AAM. Delayed breast cancer presentation, diagnosis, and treatment in Kenya. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 202:515-527. [PMID: 37668821 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07067-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this mixed-methods study, we evaluated the factors that contribute to delayed breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and treatment at a Kenyan hospital. METHODS Individuals with a diagnosis of BC, either as a referral or index patient, were recruited to participate in this study through convenience sampling. Data were collected on sociodemographics, health history, and cancer history, diagnosis, and treatment of patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). For the quantitative analyses, the relationship between sociodemographic and health history factors with stage at diagnosis, number of visits before diagnosis, time to diagnosis, and time to initial intervention, stratified by time to onset of symptoms, were examined using regression analyses. For the qualitative analysis, in-depth interviews of every fifth patient were completed to assess reasons for delayed diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS The final analytic sample comprised of 378 female BC patients with an average age of 50. These females were generally of lower SES: 49.2% attained no or only primary-level education, 57.4% were unemployed, and the majority (74.6%) had a monthly household income of < 5000 Kenyan shillings (equivalent to ~ $41 USD). The median time from BC symptom onset to presentation at KNH was 13 (IQR = 3-36) weeks, from presentation to diagnosis was 17.5 (IQR = 7-36.5) weeks, and from diagnosis to receipt of the initial intervention was 6 (IQR = 3-13) weeks. Female BC patients who were never/unmarried, less educated, less affluent, users of hormonal contraception, and had ≥ 3 children were more likely to experience diagnosis and treatment delays. Qualitative data showed that financial constraints, lack of patient BC awareness, and healthcare practitioner misdiagnosis and/or strikes delayed patient diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS BC patients experience long healthcare system delays before diagnosis and treatment. Educating communities and providers about BC and expediting referrals may minimize such delays and subsequently BC mortality rates in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ojuka Daniel
- Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box, Nairobi, 19969-00202, Kenya.
- African Caribbean Cancer Consortium, Philadelphia, USA.
| | - Adiba Ashrafi
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Musibi Alice Muthoni
- Cancer Treatment Centre, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- African Caribbean Cancer Consortium, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Njiraini Njoki
- Cancer Treatment Centre, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hungu Eric
- Cancer Treatment Centre, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Surgery, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Omondi Marilynn
- Cancer Treatment Centre, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Surgery, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Aseta Bonareri Faith
- Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box, Nairobi, 19969-00202, Kenya
| | - Wambui Githambo Beth
- Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box, Nairobi, 19969-00202, Kenya
| | - Mburu Nyakio
- Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box, Nairobi, 19969-00202, Kenya
| | - Valerie Odero-Marah
- Biology Department, Center for Urban Health Disparities Research and Innovation, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- African Caribbean Cancer Consortium, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Camille Ragin
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- African Caribbean Cancer Consortium, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Adana A M Llanos
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- African Caribbean Cancer Consortium, Philadelphia, USA
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8
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Tola YO, Lawal MA, Johnson EO, Phiri PG, Iloba NG, Lawal AO, Liang W, Chow KM. Development, Feasibility, and Preliminary Effects of a Hybrid-Mode Multicomponent Music Intervention for Women Undergoing Mastectomy. Cancer Nurs 2023:00002820-990000000-00190. [PMID: 37976121 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Music listening interventions have been used to manage preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in women undergoing breast cancer (BC) using face-to-face mode and music that was relevant to the patients' culture; however, the interventions were not underpinned by any theories. OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of a theory-driven multicomponent music intervention on preoperative and postoperative patient outcomes in African women with BC undergoing mastectomy. METHODS This study was a multicenter, single-blind randomized controlled trial with qualitative interview. A total of 36 women scheduled to undergo mastectomy were recruited from Nigeria and Malawi and randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed rank tests, whereas qualitative data were analyzed using the inductive approach. RESULTS The multicomponent music intervention was effective in reducing participants' preoperative anxiety and enhancing satisfaction with care on the day of surgery, reducing postoperative pain at 24 and 48 hours after surgery, and reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 48 hours after surgery. The qualitative data corroborated these findings. CONCLUSION The study's findings indicated that the theory-driven multicomponent music intervention was feasible, acceptable, and effective in reducing preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain, optimizing vital signs, and enhancing satisfaction with care among African women with BC undergoing mastectomy. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE The study's findings indicate that nurses in clinical settings can integrate the intervention into the plan of care of women with BC beginning with their surgery booking visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yetunde Oluwafunmilayo Tola
- Author Affiliations: School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (Dr Tola); The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Drs Tola and Chow); Institute of Nursing Research, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria (Dr Tola); Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (Dr Iloba and Mr Lawal); and Lagos University Hospital (Dr Lawal and Ms Johnson), Nigeria; Institute of Applied Technology, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Al Maqam, Al Ain Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Dr Phiri); and School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China (Dr Wei)
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Abdulkareem AA, Ghalib HA, Rashaan MI. Factors causing delayed presentations of breast cancer among female patients in Sulaimani Governorate, Kurdistan region, Iraq. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:612. [PMID: 37974143 PMCID: PMC10655293 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02656-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since breast cancer (BC) has the best chance of being effectively treated when it is tiny and has not spread, encouraging early disease detection remains a fundamental goal in improving prognosis. OBJECTIVE To quantify the magnitude of the delay in BC presentation as well as the contributing factors related to this delay. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data was collected at the Breast Diseases Treatment Clinic, Shar Teaching Hospital, Sulaimani, Iraq from January 2017 to December 2021 of 429 patients. A validated questionnaire was distributed to women about their demographics, health, and general awareness of the disease. The patient delay was calculated by collecting information on when they initially began experiencing symptoms and when they saw a doctor. We also gleaned information about the tumour's clinicopathological features from the patient's medical records. RESULTS The participants' ages ranged from 24 to 85 years, with a mean of 49.6 ± 11. Most women were middle-aged (53.8%), from urban areas (80.2%), illiterate (41.7%), married (86.5%), housewives (79.0%), given birth to > 4 children (34%), practised breastfeeding (78.8%), and non-smokers (91.4%). Regarding patients' health behaviours, there were highly significant correlations between early and late presentation (p < 0.001). Concerning the patient's awareness of BC symptoms, there were highly significant correlations between early and late presentation (p < 0.001). In addition, the late presentation was strongly correlated with bilateral BC, lymph node involvement, inflammatory BC, grade III BC, and T4 status. CONCLUSIONS Our findings shed light on possible causes of late presentation and identified those at risk of delayed consultation. Our communities need to be educated about BC, and encouraging them for early detection decreases the incidence of advanced BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Abdulrazzaq Abdulkareem
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
- Department of Breast Diseases Treatment, Shar Teaching Hospital, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
| | - Hawar Ali Ghalib
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq.
| | - Mezjda Ismail Rashaan
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
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Magara MS, Mungazi SG, Gonde P, Nare H, Mwembe D, Madzikova A, Chagla LS, Pereira J, McKirdy MJ, Narayanan S, Grimsey L, Hicks J, James R, Rainsbury RM. Factors leading to the late diagnosis and poor outcomes of breast cancer in Matabeleland South and the Bulawayo Metropolitan Provinces in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292169. [PMID: 37922284 PMCID: PMC10624273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of female cancer deaths in Africa, and in Zimbabwe, >80% present with advanced disease. A Needs Project (NP) was carried out to determine the key factors responsible for delayed diagnosis and poor BC outcomes and to investigate possible solutions in 6 rural and urban districts of Matabeleland South and Bulawayo Metropolitan Provinces. METHODS A mixed method approach was used to collect data in 2 phases. Phase 1: an exploration of key factors leading to poor BC outcomes with >50 professional stakeholders and patient representatives. Phase 2: (i) Quantitative arm; validated questionnaires recording breast cancer knowledge, demographic information and perceived barriers to care administered to women and their relatives (Group 1) and health professionals (HPs) (Group 2). (ii) Qualitative arm; 10 focus group discussions with medical specialists and interested lay representatives (Group 3). The Cochran sample size formulae technique was used to determine the quantitative sample size and data was aggregated and analysed using SPSS Version 23™. Purposive sampling for the qualitative study selected participants with an understanding of BC and the NP. Focus group discussions were recorded and a thematic analysis of the transcriptions was conducted using NVivo9™. RESULTS Quantitative analysis of Group 1 data (n = 1107) confirmed that younger women (<30years) had the least knowledge of breast cancer (p<0.001). Just under half of all those surveyed regarded breast cancer as incurable. In Group 2 (n = 298) the largest group of health workers represented were general nurses and midwives (74.2%) in keeping with the structure of health provision in Zimbabwe. Analysis confirmed a strong association between age and awareness of BC incidence (p = 0.002) with respondents aged 30-39 years being both the largest group represented and the least knowledgeable, independent of speciality. Nearly all respondents (90%) supported decentralisation of appropriate breast surgical services to provincial and district hospitals backed up by specialist training. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions (Group 3) identified the following as important contributors to late BC diagnosis and poor outcomes: (i) presentation is delayed by poorly educated women and their families who fear BC and high treatment costs (ii) referral is delayed by health professionals with no access to training, skills or diagnostic equipment (iii), treatment is delayed by a disorganised, over-centralized patient pathway, and a lack of specialist care and inter-disciplinary communication. CONCLUSION This study confirms that the reasons for poor BC outcomes in Zimbabwe are complex and multi-factorial. All stakeholders support better user and provider education, diagnostic service reconfiguration, targeted funding, and specialist training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munyaradzi S. Magara
- Department of Surgery, National University of Science and Technology Medical School, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Simbarashe G. Mungazi
- Department of Surgery, National University of Science and Technology Medical School, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Peeps Gonde
- Department of Polymer Technology, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Hausitoe Nare
- Department of Statistics, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Desmond Mwembe
- Department of Statistics, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Alex Madzikova
- Graduate School of Business, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Leena S. Chagla
- Burney Breast Unit, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St Helens, Merseyside, United Kingdom
| | - Jerome Pereira
- James Paget University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Mike J. McKirdy
- Clyde Breast Unit, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Sankaran Narayanan
- Breast Unit, University Hospitals of North Midlands, Stoke-on Trent, United Kingdom
| | - Lis Grimsey
- Breast Unit, East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Eastbourne, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Hicks
- Burney Breast Unit, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St Helens, Merseyside, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth James
- Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Luton, United Kingdom
| | - Richard M. Rainsbury
- Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Winchester, United Kingdom
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Achan J, Kasujja FX, Opito R, Wabinga H, Orach CG, Mwaka AD. Factors associated with diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals among breast cancer patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute: A cross-sectional study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19701-19713. [PMID: 37787090 PMCID: PMC10587984 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most breast cancer (BC) patients in Uganda are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease and experience poor outcomes. This study examined the diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals and factors associated with these intervals among BC patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). METHODS This was a cross-sectional, facility-based study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered by trained research assistants and analyzed using STATA version 14.0. Modified Poisson regressions models were used to determine the strength of associations between independent variables and diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals. RESULTS The mean age (±SD) of the 401 participants was 47.1 ± 11.7 years. Four in 10 participants had stage III (41.9%; n = 168) and over a third (34.7%; n = 140) stage IV cancers. The median interval from first consultation to diagnosis, i.e. diagnostic interval (DI) was 5.6 months (IQR: 1.5-17.0), while the median interval from histological diagnosis to start of chemotherapy, i.e. pre-treatment interval (PTI) was 1.7 months (IQR: 0.7-4.5). Majority (85%, n = 341) of participants were diagnosed at ≥3 months from first consultation with clinicians. Participants with tertiary education and those who lived within 100-199 km from the UCI were about four times and twice more likely to be diagnosed early (DI <3 months from first consultation) ([aPR = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.15-13.0] and [aPR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.06-4.55]), respectively. About half (48.3%; n = 176) of participants started chemotherapy within 1 month of cancer diagnosis. Patients who lived more than 300 km from the UCI were less likely to start chemotherapy within 1 month of histology diagnosis of cancer. [Correction added on October 17, 2023 after first online publication. The term ', i.e.' has been included in the results section in this version.] CONCLUSION: Majority of breast cancer patients are diagnosed late and in advanced stages. There is need to promote all efforts toward timely diagnosis when cancers are still in early stages by identifying factors responsible for prolonged diagnostic intervals among breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Achan
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public HealthCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Francis Xavier Kasujja
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public HealthCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Ronald Opito
- Department of Public Health, School of Health SciencesSoroti UniversitySorotiUganda
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Christopher Garimoi Orach
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public HealthCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Amos Deogratius Mwaka
- Department of Medicine, School of MedicineCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of MedicineGulu UniversityGuluUganda
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Pace LE, Hagenimana M, Dusengimana JMV, Balinda JP, Benewe O, Rugema V, de Dieu Uwihaye J, Fata A, Shyirambere C, Shulman LN, Keating NL, Uwinkindi F. Implementation research: including breast examinations in a cervical cancer screening programme, Rwanda. Bull World Health Organ 2023; 101:478-486. [PMID: 37397178 PMCID: PMC10300777 DOI: 10.2471/blt.22.289599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate whether integrating breast and cervical cancer screening in Rwanda's Women's Cancer Early Detection Program led to early breast cancer diagnoses in asymptomatic women. Methods Launched in three districts in 2018-2019, the early detection programme offered clinical breast examination screening for all women receiving cervical cancer screening, and diagnostic breast examination for women with breast cancer symptoms. Women with abnormal breast examinations were referred to district hospitals and then to referral hospitals if needed. We examined how often clinics were held, patient volumes and number of referrals. We also examined intervals between referrals and visits to the next care level and, among women diagnosed with cancer, their initial reasons for seeking care. Findings Health centres held clinics > 68% of the weeks. Overall, 9763 women received cervical cancer screening and clinical breast examination and 7616 received breast examination alone. Of 585 women referred from health centres, 436 (74.5%) visited the district hospital after a median of 9 days (interquartile range, IQR: 3-19). Of 200 women referred to referral hospitals, 179 (89.5%) attended after a median of 11 days (IQR: 4-18). Of 29 women diagnosed with breast cancer, 19 were ≥ 50 years and 23 had stage III or stage IV disease. All women with breast cancer whose reasons for seeking care were known (23 women) had experienced breast cancer symptoms. Conclusion In the short-term, integrating clinical breast examination with cervical cancer screening was not associated with detection of early-stage breast cancer among asymptomatic women. Priority should be given to encouraging women to seek timely care for symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia E Pace
- Division of Women’s Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA02115, United States of America (USA)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amanda Fata
- Division of Women’s Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA02115, United States of America (USA)
| | | | | | - Nancy L Keating
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Sharma K, Mayer T, Li S, Qureshi S, Farooq F, Vuylsteke P, Ralefala T, Marlink R. Advancing oncology drug therapies for sub-Saharan Africa. PLOS Glob Public Health 2023; 3:e0001653. [PMID: 37368872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer incidence is rising across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and is often characterized by late-stage presentation, early age of onset and poor survival. While a number of oncology drugs are now improving the length and quality of life for cancer patients in high-income countries, significant disparities in access to a range of oncology therapeutics exist for SSA. A number of challenges to drug access such as drug costs, lack of infrastructure and trained personnel must be urgently addressed to advance oncology therapies for SSA. We present a review of selected oncology drug therapies that are likely to benefit cancer patients with a focus on common malignancies in SSA. We collate available data from seminal clinical trials in high-income countries to highlight the potential for these therapeutics to improve cancer outcomes. In addition, we discuss the need to ensure access to drugs within the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and highlight therapeutics that require consideration. Available and active oncology clinical trials in the region is tabulated, demonstrating the significant gaps in access to oncology drug trials across much of the region. We issue an urgent call to action to address drug access due to the predicted rise in cancer burden in the region in coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirthana Sharma
- Rutgers Global Health Institute, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Tina Mayer
- Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Sharon Li
- Rutgers Cancer Institute at University Hospital, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Sadaf Qureshi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Faheem Farooq
- Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Peter Vuylsteke
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Tlotlo Ralefala
- Department of Oncology, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Richard Marlink
- Rutgers Global Health Institute, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
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Phakathi B, Dix-Peek T, Van Den Berg E, Dickens C, Nietz S, Cubasch H, Joffe M, Neugut AI, Jacobson JS, Ruff P, Duarte R. PAM50 intrinsic subtypes, risk of recurrence score and breast cancer survival in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients-a South African cohort study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023:10.1007/s10549-023-06969-1. [PMID: 37266756 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-06969-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatment decision making for patients with breast cancer increasingly depends on analysis of markers or systems for estimating risk of breast cancer recurrence. Breast cancer intrinsic subtypes and risk of recurrence (ROR) scores have been found to be valuable in predicting survival and determining optimal treatment for individual patients. We studied the association of breast cancer survival with the PAM50 gene expression assay in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. METHOD RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of histologically confirmed invasive carcinoma and was purified using the AllPrep® DNA/RNA FFPE kit, Qiagen (Hilden, Germany). The NanoString RUO PAM50 algorithm was used to determine the molecular subtype and the risk of recurrence score of each sample. The overall and disease-free survival were determined with comparison made among HIV-positive and -negative patients. We then generated Kaplan-Meier survival curves, calculated p-values and estimated hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals using Cox regression models. RESULTS Of the 384 RNA samples analysed, 98.4% met the required RNA quality standard and the specified QC threshold for the test. Luminal B was the most common PAM50 intrinsic subtype and 82.1% of patients were at high risk for disease recurrence based on ROR score. HIV infection, PAM50-based HER2-enriched and basal-like intrinsic subtypes, and high ROR were associated with poor overall and disease-free survival. HIV-positive patients with luminal A & B subtypes had significantly worse survival outcomes than HIV-negative luminal patents. CONCLUSION Aggressive tumour biology was common in our cohort. HIV infection, PAM50 HER2-enriched,basal-like intrinsic subtypes and high ROR score were associated with poor overall and disease-free survival. HIV infection impacted survival in patients with luminal subtypes only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boitumelo Phakathi
- Department of Surgery, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
| | - Therese Dix-Peek
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Eunice Van Den Berg
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Caroline Dickens
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sarah Nietz
- Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Herbert Cubasch
- Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Batho Pele Breast Unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, 26 Chris Hani Road, Diepkloof, Soweto, 1860, South Africa
- WITS/SAMRC Common Epithelial Cancers Research Centre (CECRC, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maureen Joffe
- Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
- WITS/SAMRC Common Epithelial Cancers Research Centre (CECRC, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alfred I Neugut
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Judith S Jacobson
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Paul Ruff
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
- WITS/SAMRC Common Epithelial Cancers Research Centre (CECRC, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Raquel Duarte
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
- WITS/SAMRC Common Epithelial Cancers Research Centre (CECRC, Cape Town, South Africa
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Lombe DC, Mwamba M, Msadabwe S, Bond V, Simwinga M, Ssemata AS, Muhumuza R, Seeley J, Mwaka AD, Aggarwal A. Delays in seeking, reaching and access to quality cancer care in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067715. [PMID: 37055211 PMCID: PMC10106057 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Late presentation and delays in diagnosis and treatment consistently translate into poor outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The aim of this study was to collate and appraise the factors influencing diagnostic and treatment delays of adult solid tumours in SSA. DESIGN Systematic review with assessment of bias using Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Exposures (ROBINS-E) tool. DATA SOURCES PubMed and Embase, for publications from January 1995 to March 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Inclusion criteria: quantitative or mixed-method research, publications in English, on solid cancers in SSA countries. EXCLUSION CRITERIA paediatric populations, haematologic malignancies, and assessments of public perceptions and awareness of cancer (since the focus was on patients with a cancer diagnosis and treatment pathways). DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers extracted and validated the studies. Data included year of publication; country; demographic characteristics; country-level setting; disease subsite; study design; type of delay, reasons for delay and primary outcomes. RESULTS 57 out of 193 full-text reviews were included. 40% were from Nigeria or Ethiopia. 70% focused on breast or cervical cancer. 43 studies had a high risk of bias at preliminary stages of quality assessment. 14 studies met the criteria for full assessment and all totaled to either high or very high risk of bias across seven domains. Reasons for delays included high costs of diagnostic and treatment services; lack of coordination between primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare sectors; inadequate staffing; and continued reliance on traditional healers and complimentary medicines. CONCLUSIONS Robust research to inform policy on the barriers to quality cancer care in SSA is absent. The focus of most research is on breast and cervical cancers. Research outputs are from few countries. It is imperative that we investigate the complex interaction of these factors to build resilient and effective cancer control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susan Msadabwe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Virginia Bond
- Social Science, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and ZAMBART, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Andrew Sentoogo Ssemata
- The Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Muhumuza
- The Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Hanafi I, Alsalkini M, Husein S, Salamoon M. The delay of breast cancer diagnosis and management during the Syrian war. Cancer Epidemiol 2023; 82:102290. [PMID: 36384074 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2022.102290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early detection of breast cancer (BC) is crucial for better prognosis especially in low-income countries, where advanced cancer stages are common. The Syrian war severely affected the healthcare system restraining the proper timely management of BC cases. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of patient- and system-related delays in BC diagnosis and management in Syria in addition to their predisposing characteristics and impact on the staging. METHODS This is a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study on patients followed by the BC unit at Al-Bairouni main cancer center in Syria. The data were collected through personal interviews and retrospective revision of patients' records. RESULTS A total number of 519 patients were recruited; A quarter of them (n = 126) reported more than three months intervals between symptoms recognition and presentation to a physician. Additionally, 72 (13.9 %) patients received a confirmed diagnosis more than three months after presentation, and 12 (2.3 %) started treatment at least three months after the diagnosis. Patients who suffered from war-related inaccessibility to healthcare were 2.55 [1.58-4.11] times more likely to report significant delays. Additionally, the most common self-reported reasons for patient delay were the lack of awareness, which was more evident for less common symptoms like the change in breasts size, and shyness. Patients who reported significant delays were more likely to receive an advanced-stage diagnosis. CONCLUSION War-related inaccessibility to healthcare rendered a significant group of BC patient susceptible to evident delay. This combined with significant system delays because of the overwhelmed hospitals, high costs, and insufficient personnel, equipment, medications, and training. However, personal factors, which might not be directly related to the war, like the inadequate awareness of rare symptoms and shyness still necessitate urgent interventions on the public knowledge and performed screening practices. These delays associated with receiving advanced-stage diagnoses and minimizing them can return better prognoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahem Hanafi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
| | | | - Sara Husein
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Maher Salamoon
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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Dehdar S, Salimifard K, Mohammadi R, Marzban M, Saadatmand S, Fararouei M, Dianati-Nasab M. Applications of different machine learning approaches in prediction of breast cancer diagnosis delay. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1103369. [PMID: 36874113 PMCID: PMC9978377 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1103369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The increasing rate of breast cancer (BC) incidence and mortality in Iran has turned this disease into a challenge. A delay in diagnosis leads to more advanced stages of BC and a lower chance of survival, which makes this cancer even more fatal. Objectives The present study was aimed at identifying the predicting factors for delayed BC diagnosis in women in Iran. Methods In this study, four machine learning methods, including extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), neural networks (NNs), and logistic regression (LR), were applied to analyze the data of 630 women with confirmed BC. Also, different statistical methods, including chi-square, p-value, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), were utilized in different steps of the survey. Results Thirty percent of patients had a delayed BC diagnosis. Of all the patients with delayed diagnoses, 88.5% were married, 72.1% had an urban residency, and 84.8% had health insurance. The top three important factors in the RF model were urban residency (12.04), breast disease history (11.58), and other comorbidities (10.72). In the XGBoost, urban residency (17.54), having other comorbidities (17.14), and age at first childbirth (>30) (13.13) were the top factors; in the LR model, having other comorbidities (49.41), older age at first childbirth (82.57), and being nulliparous (44.19) were the top factors. Finally, in the NN, it was found that being married (50.05), having a marriage age above 30 (18.03), and having other breast disease history (15.83) were the main predicting factors for a delayed BC diagnosis. Conclusion Machine learning techniques suggest that women with an urban residency who got married or had their first child at an age older than 30 and those without children are at a higher risk of diagnosis delay. It is necessary to educate them about BC risk factors, symptoms, and self-breast examination to shorten the delay in diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Dehdar
- Computational Intelligence & Intelligent Optimization Research Group, Business and Economic School, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Khodakaram Salimifard
- Computational Intelligence & Intelligent Optimization Research Group, Business and Economic School, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadi
- Business Analytics Section, Amsterdam Business School, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maryam Marzban
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Bushehr University of Medical Science, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Sara Saadatmand
- Computational Intelligence & Intelligent Optimization Research Group, Business and Economic School, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mohammad Fararouei
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Dianati-Nasab
- Department of Complex Genetics and Epidemiology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Shita A, Yalew AW, Seife E, Afework T, Tesfaw A, Gufue ZH, Rabe F, Taylor L, Kantelhardt EJ, Getachew S. Survival and predictors of breast cancer mortality in South Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282746. [PMID: 36877683 PMCID: PMC9987816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in over 100 countries. In March 2021, the World Health Organization called on the global community to decrease mortality by 2.5% per year. Despite the high burden of the disease, the survival status and the predictors for mortality are not yet fully determined in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Here, we report the survival status and predictors of mortality among breast cancer patients in South Ethiopia as crucial baseline data to be used for the design and monitoring of interventions to improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment capacity. METHODS A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 302 female breast cancer patients diagnosed from 2013 to 2018 by reviewing their medical records and telephone interviews. The median survival time was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis method. A log-rank test was used to compare the observed differences in survival time among different groups. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify predictors of mortality. Results are presented using the crude and adjusted as hazard ratios along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Sensitivity analysis was performed with the assumption that loss to follow-up patients might die 3 months after the last hospital visit. RESULTS The study participants were followed for a total of 4,685.62 person-months. The median survival time was 50.81 months, which declined to 30.57 months in the worst-case analysis. About 83.4% of patients had advanced-stage disease at presentation. The overall survival probability of patients at two and three years was 73.2% and 63.0% respectively. Independent predictors of mortality were: patients residing in rural areas (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.44, 5.09), travel time to a health facility ≥7 hours (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.05, 11.10), those who presented within 7-23 months after the onset of symptoms (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.22, 5.64), those who presented more than 23 months after the onset of symptoms (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.00, 5.59), advanced stage at presentation (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.05, 8.59), and patients who never received chemotherapy (adjusted hazard ratio = 6.69, 95% CI: 2.20, 20.30). CONCLUSION Beyond three years after diagnosis, patients from southern Ethiopia had a survival rate of less than 60% despite treatment at a tertiary health facility. It is imperative to improve the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment capacities for breast cancer patients to prevent premature death in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Shita
- Mizan Aman College of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Southwest Ethiopia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Global Health Working Group, Martin-Luther-University, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alemayehu Worku Yalew
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Edom Seife
- Department of Medicine, Oncology Center, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tsion Afework
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Global Health Working Group, Martin-Luther-University, Halle (Saale), Germany
- NCD Working Group School of Public Health Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Aragaw Tesfaw
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debra Tabor, North West Ethiopia
| | - Zenawi Hagos Gufue
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia
| | - Friedemann Rabe
- Global Health Working Group, Martin-Luther-University, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
| | - Lesley Taylor
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, Los Angeles County, California, United States of America
| | - Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
- Global Health Working Group, Martin-Luther-University, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
- Department of Gynaecology, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
| | - Sefonias Getachew
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Global Health Working Group, Martin-Luther-University, Halle (Saale), Germany
- NCD Working Group School of Public Health Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
- * E-mail:
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19
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Afaya A, Ramazanu S, Bolarinwa OA, Yakong VN, Afaya RA, Aboagye RG, Daniels-Donkor SS, Yahaya AR, Shin J, Dzomeku VM, Ayanore MA, Alhassan RK. Health system barriers influencing timely breast cancer diagnosis and treatment among women in low and middle-income Asian countries: evidence from a mixed-methods systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1601. [PMID: 36587198 PMCID: PMC9805268 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08927-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, breast cancer is the most common cancer type and the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in developing countries. A high prevalence of late breast cancer diagnosis and treatment has been reported predominantly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), including those in Asia. Thus, this study utilized a mixed-methods systematic review to synthesize the health system barriers influencing timely breast cancer diagnosis and treatment among women in Asian countries. METHODS We systematically searched five electronic databases for studies published in English from 2012 to 2022 on health system barriers that influence timely breast cancer diagnosis and treatment among women in Asian countries. The review was conducted per the methodology for systematic reviews and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, while health system barriers were extracted and classified based on the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Health Systems Framework. The mixed-methods appraisal tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. RESULTS Twenty-six studies were included in this review. Fifteen studies were quantitative, nine studies were qualitative, and two studies used a mixed-methods approach. These studies were conducted across ten countries in Asia. This review identified health systems barriers that influence timely breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The factors were categorized under the following: (1) delivery of health services (2) health workforce (3) financing for health (4) health information system and (5) essential medicines and technology. Delivery of health care (low quality of health care) was the most occurring barrier followed by the health workforce (unavailability of physicians), whilst health information systems were identified as the least barrier. CONCLUSION This study concluded that health system factors such as geographical accessibility to treatment, misdiagnosis, and long waiting times at health facilities were major barriers to early breast cancer diagnosis and treatment among Asian women in LMICs. Eliminating these barriers will require deliberate health system strengthening, such as improving training for the health workforce and establishing more healthcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agani Afaya
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Mo-Im Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea ,grid.449729.50000 0004 7707 5975Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Sheena Ramazanu
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Obasanjo Afolabi Bolarinwa
- grid.127050.10000 0001 0249 951XDepartment of Global Public Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
| | - Vida Nyagre Yakong
- grid.442305.40000 0004 0441 5393Department of Preventive Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Richard Adongo Afaya
- grid.442305.40000 0004 0441 5393Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Richard Gyan Aboagye
- grid.449729.50000 0004 7707 5975Department of Family and Community Health, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Silas Selorm Daniels-Donkor
- grid.8241.f0000 0004 0397 2876Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland Dundee, UK
| | - Ahmed-Rufai Yahaya
- Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beruit, Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.460777.50000 0004 0374 4427Department of Internal Medicine, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Jinhee Shin
- grid.412965.d0000 0000 9153 9511Woosuk University, College of Nursing, Wanju, Republic of Korea
| | - Veronica Millicent Dzomeku
- grid.9829.a0000000109466120Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Martin Amogre Ayanore
- grid.449729.50000 0004 7707 5975Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Robert Kaba Alhassan
- grid.449729.50000 0004 7707 5975Centre for Health Policy and Implementation Research. Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
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20
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Zahfir H, Zoukal S, Hassoune S, Nani S. Factors Related to Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer Among Moroccan Women in Casablanca. Indian J Gynecol Oncolog 2022; 20:68. [DOI: 10.1007/s40944-022-00668-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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21
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Sakafu LL, Philipo GS, Malichewe CV, Fundikira LS, Lwakatare FA, Van Loon K, Mushi BP, DeBoer RJ, Bialous SA, Lee AY. Delayed diagnostic evaluation of symptomatic breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: A qualitative study of Tanzanian women. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275639. [PMID: 36201503 PMCID: PMC9536581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa are commonly diagnosed at advanced stages. In Tanzania, more than 80% of women are diagnosed with stage III or IV disease, and mortality rates are high. This study explored factors contributing to delayed diagnostic evaluation among women with breast cancer in Tanzania. Methods A qualitative study was performed at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Twelve women with symptomatic pathologically proven breast cancer were recruited. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in Swahili. Interviews explored the women’s journey from symptom recognition to diagnosis, including the influence of breast cancer knowledge and pre-conceptions, health seeking behaviors, psychosocial factors, preference for alternative treatments, and the contribution of culture and norms. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and translated into English. Thematic analysis was facilitated by a cloud-based qualitative analysis software. Results All women reported that their first breast symptom was a self-identified lump or swelling. Major themes for factors contributing to delayed diagnostic presentation of breast cancer included lack of basic knowledge and awareness of breast cancer and misconceptions about the disease. Participants faced barriers with their local primary healthcare providers, including symptom mismanagement and delayed referrals for diagnostic evaluation. Other barriers included financial hardships, fear and stigma of cancer, and use of traditional medicine. The advice and influence of family members and friends played key roles in healthcare-seeking behaviors, serving as both facilitators and barriers. Conclusion Lack of basic knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, stigma, financial barriers, and local healthcare system barriers were common factors contributing to delayed diagnostic presentation of breast cancer. The influence of friends and family also played key roles as both facilitators and barriers. This information will inform the development of educational intervention strategies to address these barriers and improve earlier diagnosis of symptomatic breast cancer in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Lunogelo Sakafu
- Department of Radiology, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- * E-mail: (LLS); (AYL)
| | | | | | - Lulu S. Fundikira
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Flora A. Lwakatare
- Department of Radiology, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Katherine Van Loon
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Beatrice P. Mushi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rebecca J. DeBoer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stella A. Bialous
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Amie Y. Lee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (LLS); (AYL)
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22
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Momenimovahed Z, Momenimovahed S, Allahqoli L, Salehiniya H. Factors Related to the Delay in Diagnosis of Breast Cancer in the Word: A Systematic Review. Indian J Gynecol Oncolog 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40944-022-00632-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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23
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Donkor A, Atuwo-Ampoh VD, Yakanu F, Torgbenu E, Ameyaw EK, Kitson-Mills D, Vanderpuye V, Kyei KA, Anim-Sampong S, Khader O, Khader J. Financial toxicity of cancer care in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:7159-7190. [PMID: 35467118 PMCID: PMC9385791 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07044-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The costs associated with cancer diagnosis, treatment and care present enormous financial toxicity. However, evidence of financial toxicity associated with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is scarce. AIM To determine the prevalence, determinants and how financial toxicity has been measured among cancer patients in LMICs. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched to identify studies of any design that reported financial toxicity among cancer patients in LMICs. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to derive the pooled prevalence of financial toxicity. Sub-group analyses were performed according to costs and determinants of financial toxicity. RESULTS A total of 31 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of objective financial toxicity was 56.96% (95% CI, 30.51, 106.32). In sub-group meta-analyses, the objective financial toxicity was higher among cancer patients with household size of more than four (1.17% [95% CI, 1.03, 1.32]; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%), multiple cycles of chemotherapy (1.94% [95% CI, 1.00, 3.75]; p = 0.05; I2 = 43%) and private health facilities (2.87% [95% CI, 1.89, 4.35]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 26%). Included studies hardly focused primarily on subjective measures of financial toxicity, such as material, behavioural and psychosocial. One study reported that 35.4% (n = 152 of 429) of cancer patients experienced high subjective financial toxicity. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that cancer diagnosis, treatment and care impose high financial toxicity on cancer patients in LMICs. Further rigorous research on cancer-related financial toxicity is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Donkor
- Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Vivian Della Atuwo-Ampoh
- Department of Medical Imaging, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Frederick Yakanu
- National Centre for Radiotherapy, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric Torgbenu
- Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Edward Kwabena Ameyaw
- The Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research (ACPPHR), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Centre for Radiotherapy, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kofi Adesi Kyei
- Department of Radiography, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Omar Khader
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Jamal Khader
- Radiation Oncology Department, King Hussein Cancer Centre, Amman, Jordan
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Sume BW, Assefa W, Merkeb Alamneh Y. Early onset, delayed diagnosis and laterality of breast carcinoma: Evidence from a tertiary care hospital. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221114623. [PMID: 35910817 PMCID: PMC9326835 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221114623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To assess age at onset, delayed diagnosis and laterality of breast carcinoma among women at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia. Methods: Hospital-based descriptive study was conducted on 120 breast carcinoma cases at pathology department of Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, from October 2019 to December 2021. The women aware of symptoms until first medical consultation time was asked. The height and weight of the women were measured using the height and weight scale. The attending physician examined both breasts and regional lymph nodes. Pathological features of breast carcinomas were recorded when biopsy results arrived at the pathology department. Data were entered in Epi data version 3.1. Then, it was exported to SPSS version 25.0 statistical software for analysis. Results: Mean age of women was 39.9 ± 11.6 years, and median age was 38 years. Most women, 87 (72.5%) were aged less than 46 years. One hundred three (85.8%) women had complained breast lump pain for greater than 3 months before diagnosis. About 61 (50.8%) women had left breast carcinomas; 44 (36.7%) had right breast carcinomas and 15 (12.5%) had bilateral breast carcinomas. Of total, 53 (44.2%) cases were invasive ductal carcinomas; 41 (34.2%) had ductal carcinoma in situ; 14 (11.7%) were invasive lobular carcinomas; 8 (6.7%) were lobular carcinoma in situ and only 4 (3.3%) cases were mixed carcinomas. Conclusion: In this study, about two-third of the cases had early onset breast carcinoma. Most of the cases had delayed diagnosis of breast carcinoma. More than half of the cases had left breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bickes Wube Sume
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Wubshet Assefa
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Yoseph Merkeb Alamneh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Nambaziira R, Niteka LC, Dusengimana JMV, Ruhumuriza J, Bhangdia KP, Mugunga JC, Uwineza ML, Rugema V, Erfani P, Shyirambere C, Shulman LN, Rabideau M, Pace LE. Health system costs of a breast cancer early diagnosis programme in a rural district of Rwanda: a retrospective, cross-sectional economic analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062357. [PMID: 35772820 PMCID: PMC9247687 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to quantify the health system cost of the first 2 years of a Breast Cancer Early Detection (BCED) programme in a rural district in Rwanda. We also aimed to estimate the cost of implementing the programme in other districts with different referral pathways and identify opportunities for enhanced cost efficiency. DESIGN Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis using time-driven activity-based costing, based on timed patient clinical encounters, retrospective patient data and unit costs of resources abstracted from administrative and finance records. SETTING The BCED programme focused on timely evaluation of individuals with breast symptoms. The study evaluated the health system cost of the BCED programme at seven health centres (HCs) in Burera district and Butaro Cancer Centre of Excellence (BCCOE) at Butaro District Hospital. OUTCOME MEASURES Health system costs per patient visit and cost per cancer diagnosed were quantified. Total start-up and recurring operational costs were also estimated, as well as health system costs of different scale-up adaptations in other districts. RESULTS One-time start-up costswere US$36 917, recurring operational costswere US$67 711 and clinical costswere US$14 824 over 2 years. Clinical breast examinations (CBE) at HCs cost US$3.27/visit. At BCCOE, CBE-only visits cost US$13.47/visit, CBE/ultrasound US$14.79/visit and CBE/ultrasound/biopsy/pathology US$147.81/visit. Overall, clinical cost per breast cancer diagnosed was US$1482. Clinicalcost drivers were personnel at HCs (55%) and biopsy/pathology supplies at BCCOE (46%). In other districts, patients experience a longer breast evaluation pathway, adding about US$14.00/patient; this could be decreased if ultrasound services were decentralised. CONCLUSION Clinical costs associated with BCED services at HCs were modest, similar to other general outpatient services. The BCED programme's start-up and operational costs were high but could be reduced by using local trainers and virtual mentorship. In other districts, decentralising ultrasound and/or biopsies to district hospitals could reduce costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jean Claude Mugunga
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality Improvement, Partners In Health, Arlington, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Parsa Erfani
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lydia E Pace
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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26
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Molebatsi K, Iyer HS, Kohler RE, Gabegwe K, Nkele I, Rabasha B, Botebele K, Barak T, Balosang S, Tapela NM, Dryden-Peterson SL. Improving identification of symptomatic cancer at primary care clinics: A predictive modeling analysis in Botswana. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:1663-1673. [PMID: 35716138 PMCID: PMC10286759 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In resource-limited settings, augmenting primary care provider (PCP)-based referrals with data-derived algorithms could direct scarce resources towards those patients most likely to have a cancer diagnosis and benefit from early treatment. Using data from Botswana, we compared accuracy of predictions of probable cancer using different approaches for identifying symptomatic cancer at primary clinics. We followed cancer suspects until they entered specialized care for cancer treatment (following pathologically confirmed diagnosis), exited from the study following noncancer diagnosis, or died. Routine symptom and demographic data included baseline cancer probability assessed by the primary care provider (low, intermediate, high), age, sex, performance status, baseline cancer probability by study physician, predominant symptom (lump, bleeding, pain or other) and HIV status. Logistic regression with 10-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate classification by different sets of predictors: (1) PCPs, (2) Algorithm-only, (3) External specialist physician review and (4) Primary clinician augmented by algorithm. Classification accuracy was assessed using c-statistics, sensitivity and specificity. Six hundred and twenty-three adult cancer suspects with complete data were retained, of whom 166 (27%) were diagnosed with cancer. Models using PCP augmented by algorithm (c-statistic: 77.2%, 95% CI: 73.4%, 81.0%) and external study physician assessment (77.6%, 95% CI: 73.6%, 81.7%) performed better than algorithm-only (74.9%, 95% CI: 71.0%, 78.9%) and PCP initial assessment (62.8%, 95% CI: 57.9%, 67.7%) in correctly classifying suspected cancer patients. Sensitivity and specificity statistics from models combining PCP classifications and routine data were comparable to physicians, suggesting that incorporating data-driven algorithms into referral systems could improve efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesaobaka Molebatsi
- Department of Statistics, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.,Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Hari S Iyer
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Racquel E Kohler
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kemiso Gabegwe
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Isaac Nkele
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Bokang Rabasha
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Tomer Barak
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Neo M Tapela
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.,Nuffield Department of Population Health, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Scott L Dryden-Peterson
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Ismail HM, Mokhtar S, El-Mansy H. Factors associated with late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer among Egyptian women. J Public Health Res 2022; 10:10.4081_jphr.2021.2874. [PMID: 35912393 PMCID: PMC9335192 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Detecting Breast Cancer (BC) at earlier stages comes with a better prognosis,
while diagnosis at late stages has poor outcomes and escalating mortality
rates from the disease. The study aims to understand the factors associated
with the late-stage diagnosis of BC in Egypt. Design and Methods A sample of 400 women with a pathologically confirmed BC were enrolled from
one of the main tertiary cancer hospitals in Egypt. A cross-sectional study
design was conducted. The collected data included: clinical characteristics
of the tumor, socio-demographic characteristics of the studied women,
reproductive and medical history, screening practices, and the time from
symptom onset to definite diagnosis as suspected predictors to the stage of
BC at diagnosis. Data was analyzed by crude odds ratios (95% confidence
interval) and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The study revealed that 47.5% were diagnosed at late stages (40% at stage
III/ 7.5% at stage IV), while (52.5%) were diagnosed at early stages (6.5%
at stage I/46% at stage II). A binary logistic regression model showed that
unmarried females (p=0.012), had non-luminal molecular subtype of BC
including HER2 enriched and triple-negative tumors (p<0.001),
presentation with breast changes and a non-palpable lump (p=0.024) or
non-breast symptoms (P=0.002), a delay longer than 3 months to the first
presentation by patients (p<0.001), and a delay to definite diagnosis
longer than 1 month by providers (p<0.001) were significant risk factors
of late-stage diagnosis of BC. Conclusions Late-stage diagnosis of BC in Egypt is associated with the aggressiveness of
some molecular subtypes and other important modifiable factors that should
be addressed.
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Pumpalova YS, Ayeni OA, Chen WC, Buccimazza I, Cačala S, Stopforth LW, Farrow HA, Mapanga W, Nietz S, Phakathi B, Joffe M, McCormack V, Jacobson JS, Crew KD, Neugut AI, Ruff P, Cubasch H, O’Neil DS. The Impact of Breast Cancer Treatment Delays on Survival Among South African Women. Oncologist 2022; 27:e233-e243. [PMID: 35274708 PMCID: PMC8914482 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyab054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In high-income settings, delays from breast cancer (BC) diagnosis to initial treatment worsen overall survival (OS). We examined how time to BC treatment initiation (TTI) impacts OS in South Africa (SA). METHODS We evaluated women enrolled in the South African BC and HIV Outcomes study between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2019, selecting women with stages I-III BC who received surgery and chemotherapy. We constructed a linear regression model estimating the impact of sociodemographic and clinical factors on TTI and separate multivariable Cox proportional hazard models by first treatment (surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC)) assessing the effect of TTI (in 30-day increments) on OS. RESULTS Of 1260 women, 45.6% had upfront surgery, 54.4% had NAC, and 19.5% initiated treatment >90 days after BC diagnosis. Compared to the surgery group, more women in the NAC group had stage III BC (34.8% vs 81.5%). Living further away from a hospital and having hormone receptor positive (vs negative) BC was associated with longer TTI (8 additional days per 100 km, P = .003 and 8 additional days, P = .01, respectively), while Ki67 proliferation index >20 and upfront surgery (vs NAC) was associated with shorter TTI (12 and 9 days earlier; P = .0001 and.007, respectively). Treatment initiation also differed among treating hospitals (P < .0001). Additional 30-day treatment delays were associated with worse survival in the surgery group (HR 1.11 [95%CI 1.003-1.22]), but not in the NAC group. CONCLUSIONS Delays in BC treatment initiation are common in SA public hospitals and are associated with worse survival among women treated with upfront surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoanna S Pumpalova
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Oluwatosin A Ayeni
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- South Africa Medical Research Council Common Epithelial Cancers Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wenlong Carl Chen
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Cancer Registry, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ines Buccimazza
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sharon Cačala
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Specialized Surgery, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban and Ngwelezane Hospital, Empangeni, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Laura W Stopforth
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Departments of Surgery and Radiation Oncology, Grey’s Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Hayley A Farrow
- Departments of Surgery and Radiation Oncology, Grey’s Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Witness Mapanga
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sarah Nietz
- National Cancer Registry, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Boitumelo Phakathi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maureen Joffe
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- South Africa Medical Research Council Common Epithelial Cancers Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Valerie McCormack
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Judith S Jacobson
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine D Crew
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alfred I Neugut
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Ruff
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Herbert Cubasch
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- South Africa Medical Research Council Common Epithelial Cancers Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Daniel S O’Neil
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Martei YM, Dauda B, Vanderpuye V. Breast cancer screening in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and ethical appraisal. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:203. [PMID: 35197002 PMCID: PMC8867875 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09299-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence and clinical outcomes of screening interventions and implementation trials in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and also appraise some ethical issues related to screening in the region through quantitative and qualitative narrative synthesis of the literature. Methods We searched Pubmed, OvidMEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science to identify studies published on breast cancer screening interventions and outcomes in SSA. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the frequency and proportions of extracted variables, and narrative syntheses was used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the different screening modalities. The mixed methods appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of studies included in the review. Results Fifteen studies were included, which consisted of 72,572 women in ten countries in SSA. 63% (8/15) of the included publications evaluated Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), 47% (7/15) evaluated mammography and 7% (1/15) evaluated ultrasound screening. The cancer detection rate was < 1/1000 to 3.3/1000 and 3.3/100 to 56/1000 for CBE and mammography screening respectively. There was a lot of heterogeneity in CBE methods, target age for screening and no clear documentation of screening interval. Cost-effective analyses showed that CBE screening linked to comprehensive cancer care is most cost effective. There was limited discussion of the ethics of screening, including the possible harms of screening in the absence of linkage to care. The gap between conducting good screening program and the appropriate follow-up with diagnosis and treatment remains one of the major challenges of screening in SSA. Discussion There is insufficient real-world data to support the systematic implementation of national breast cancer screening in SSA. Further research is needed to answer important questions about screening, and national and international partnerships are needed to ensure that appropriate diagnostic and treatment modalities are available to patients who screen positive. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09299-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehoda M Martei
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Botswana UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Bege Dauda
- Center for Global Genomics and Health Equity, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Center for Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
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30
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Nnaji CA, Ezenwankwo EF, Kuodi P, Walter FM, Moodley J. Timeliness of diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers and associated factors in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057685. [PMID: 35121607 PMCID: PMC8819798 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Addressing the barriers to early breast and cervical cancer diagnosis in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires a sound understanding and accurate assessment of diagnostic timeliness. This review aimed to map the current evidence on the time to breast and cervical cancer diagnosis and associated factors in LMICs. DESIGN Scoping review. SOURCES MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, Scopus and CINAHL. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies describing the time to diagnosis and associated factors in the context of breast and cervical cancer in LMICs published from 1 January 2010 to 20 May 2021. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently screened all abstracts and full texts using predefined inclusion criteria. The review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Evidence was narratively synthesised using predefined themes. RESULTS Twenty-six studies conducted across 24 LMICs were included in the review, most (24/26) of which focused on breast cancer. Studies varied considerably in their conceptualisation and assessment of diagnostic time, events, intervals and delays, with a minority of the studies reporting the use of validated methods and tools. Patient-related intervals and delays were more frequently evaluated and reported than provider-related and health system-related intervals and delays. Across studies, there were variations in the estimated lengths of the appraisal, help-seeking, patient and diagnostic intervals for both cancers and the factors associated with them. CONCLUSIONS Despite the significant burden of breast and cervical cancer in LMICs, there is limited information on the timeliness of diagnosis of these cancers. Major limitations included variations in conceptualisation and assessment of diagnostic events and intervals. These underscore the need for the use of validated and standardised tools, to improve accuracy and translation of findings to better inform interventions for addressing diagnostic delays in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwudi A Nnaji
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Elochukwu F Ezenwankwo
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Paul Kuodi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | - Fiona M Walter
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jennifer Moodley
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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Hutajulu SH, Prabandari YS, Bintoro BS, Wiranata JA, Widiastuti M, Suryani ND, Saptari RG, Taroeno-Hariadi KW, Kurnianda J, Purwanto I, Hardianti MS, Allsop MJ. Delays in the presentation and diagnosis of women with breast cancer in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A retrospective observational study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262468. [PMID: 35025941 PMCID: PMC8757982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate factors associated with delays in presentation and diagnosis of women with confirmed breast cancer (BC).
Methods
A cross-sectional study nested in an ongoing prospective cohort study of breast cancer patients at Dr Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, was employed. Participants (n = 150) from the main study were recruited, with secondary information on demographic, clinical, and tumor variables collected from the study database. A questionnaire was used to gather data on other socioeconomic variables, herbal consumption, number of healthcare visits, knowledge-attitude-practice of BC, and open-ended questions relating to initial presentation. Presentation delay (time between initial symptom and first consultation) was defined as ≥3 months. Diagnosis delay was defined as ≥1 month between presentation and diagnosis confirmation. Impact on disease stage and determinants of both delays were examined. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess the length and distribution of delays by disease stage. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the association between delays, cancer stage and factors.
Results
Sixty-five (43.3%) patients had a ≥3-month presentation delay and 97 (64.7%) had a diagnosis confirmation by ≥1 month. Both presentation and diagnosis delays increased the risk of being diagnosed with cancer stage III-IV (odds ratio/OR 2.21, 95% CI 0.97–5.01, p = 0.059 and OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.28–7.19, p = 0.012). Visit to providers ≤3 times was significantly attributed to a reduced diagnosis delay (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.06–0.37, p <0.001), while having a family history of cancer was significantly associated with increased diagnosis delay (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.03–5.04, p = 0.042). The most frequent reasons for delaying presentation were lack of awareness of the cause of symptoms (41.5%), low perceived severity (27.7%) and fear of surgery intervention (26.2%).
Conclusions
Almost half of BC patients in our setting had a delay in presentation and 64.7% experienced a delay in diagnosis. These delays increased the likelihood of presentation with a more advanced stage of disease. Future research is required in Indonesia to explore the feasibility of evidence-based approaches to reducing delays at both levels, including educational interventions to increase awareness of BC symptoms and reducing existing complex and convoluted referral pathways for patients suspected of having cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Hilda Hutajulu
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- * E-mail:
| | - Yayi Suryo Prabandari
- Department of Health Behaviour, Environment, and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Center of Health Behaviour and Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Bagas Suryo Bintoro
- Department of Health Behaviour, Environment, and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Center of Health Behaviour and Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Juan Adrian Wiranata
- Medical Internship Program, Academic Hospital, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mentari Widiastuti
- Center of Health Behaviour and Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Norma Dewi Suryani
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rorenz Geraldi Saptari
- Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kartika Widayati Taroeno-Hariadi
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Johan Kurnianda
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ibnu Purwanto
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mardiah Suci Hardianti
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Matthew John Allsop
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Ntirenganya F, Twagirumukiza J, Bucyibaruta G, Rugwizangoga B, Rulisa S. Breast cancer heterogeneity: Comparing pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer in an African population. J Clin Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jcls.jcls_47_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Uwayezu MG, Nikuze B, Maree JE, Buswell L, Fitch MI. Competencies for Nurses Regarding Psychosocial Care of Patients With Cancer in Africa: An Imperative for Action. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100240. [PMID: 35044834 PMCID: PMC8789211 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial care is considered an important component of quality cancer care. Individuals treated for cancer can experience biologic or physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical consequences (eg, financial), which have an impact on their quality of living. With the establishment of cancer centers in Africa, there is growing advocacy regarding the need for psychosocial care, given the level of unmet supportive care needs and high emotional distress reported for patients. Nurses are in an ideal position to provide psychosocial care to patients with cancer and their families but must possess relevant knowledge and skills to do so. Across Africa, nurses are challenged in gaining the necessary education for psychosocial cancer care as programs vary in the amount of psychosocial content offered. This perspective article presents competencies regarding psychosocial care for nurses caring for patients with cancer in Africa. The competencies were adapted by expert consensus from existing evidenced-based competencies for oncology nurses. They are offered as a potential basis for educational program planning and curriculum development for cancer nursing in Africa. Recommendations are offered regarding use of these competencies by nursing and cancer program leaders to enhance the quality of care for African patients with cancer and their family members. The strategies emphasize building capacity of nurses to engage in effective delivery of psychosocial care for individuals with cancer and their family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Goretti Uwayezu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Bellancille Nikuze
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Johanna E. Maree
- Department of Nursing Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg & Netcare Education, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lori Buswell
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Partners in Health, Boston, MA
| | - Margaret I. Fitch
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Rory Meyer's College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY
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Tarus A, Cornetta K, Morogo D, Nyongesa J, Elias H, Boit JM. Palliative Care Needs in Breast Cancer Patients Entering Inpatient Hospice in Western Kenya. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:71-77. [PMID: 34333098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Breast cancer in Kenya is associated with a high mortality due to late stage disease at presentation and limited access to specialty care. OBJECTIVES To understand the symptom burden in breast cancer patients entering hospice in Western Kenya and utilize the data to meet the growing need for palliative care and hospice services. METHODS We conducted a quality improvement exercise to assess the needs of Kenyan women admitted to inpatient hospice with the diagnosis of breast cancer. A retrospective chart review was undertaken to collect and collate demographic, physical and symptom data from a standardized admission form and the medical record. RESULTS Between 2011-2019, 62 women with breast cancer were admitted for care. The median age was 50.0 years (range 23-86) and the median time from diagnosis to admission one year (range 0-4). Only 20% had received surgical treatment for breast cancer. Pain was the predominant symptom on admission (98%) and breast wounds were the most common physical finding. Approximately 50% voiced worry, depression, and stress with <10% voicing spiritual distress. The mean length of stay was 42.6 days (median 10, range 1-1185). While over 70% died in hospice, 27% were discharged home. CONCLUSIONS The low rate of surgical intervention leads to painful breast wounds that were a major factor for many women seeking hospice admission. The findings challenge our team to maintain expertise in pain and wound management but to also include breast cancer awareness in our rural outreach services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Tarus
- Living Room Ministries International (A.T., D.M., J.N., J.M.B.), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Cornetta
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine (K.C.), Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Moi University School of Medicine (K.C.), Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Daniel Morogo
- Living Room Ministries International (A.T., D.M., J.N., J.M.B.), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Jackline Nyongesa
- Living Room Ministries International (A.T., D.M., J.N., J.M.B.), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Hussein Elias
- Department of Family Medicine, Moi University School of Medicine (H.E.), Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Juli M Boit
- Living Room Ministries International (A.T., D.M., J.N., J.M.B.), Eldoret, Kenya.
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35
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Agodirin O, Olatoke S, Rahman G, Kolawole O, Oguntola S, Olasehinde O, Ayandipo O, Olaogun J, Katung A, Etonyeaku A, Habeeb O, Adeyeye A, Agboola J, Akande H, Akanbi O, Fatudimu O, Ajiboye A. Determinants of late detection and advanced-stage diagnosis of breast cancer in Nigeria. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256847. [PMID: 34731161 PMCID: PMC8565753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Late detection of Breast cancer(BC) and progressing with advanced-stage diagnosis after early detection contribute differently to the challenges of managing BC in Africa. Understanding the difference may improve cancer education programs and their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayide Agodirin
- Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Surgery, General Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
- * E-mail:
| | - Samuel Olatoke
- Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Ganiyu Rahman
- Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Surgery, Cape Coast University and Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Oladapo Kolawole
- Department of Surgery, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Saliu Oguntola
- Department of Surgery, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan Olasehinde
- Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | - Julius Olaogun
- Department of Surgery, Ekiti State University and Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Aba Katung
- Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Center, Owo, Nigeria
| | - Amarachukwu Etonyeaku
- Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife and Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital Complex, Ilesha, Nigeria
| | - Olufemi Habeeb
- Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Ademola Adeyeye
- Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - John Agboola
- Department of Surgery, General Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Halimat Akande
- Department of Radiology, University of Ilorin and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Olusola Akanbi
- Department of Surgery, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Oluwafemi Fatudimu
- Department of Surgery, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti and Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
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Rick TJ, Aagard M, Erwin E, Leintz C, Danik E, Serventi F, Henke O, Yeates K. Barriers to Cancer Care in Northern Tanzania: Patient and Health-System Predictors for Delayed Presentation. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1500-1508. [PMID: 34665667 PMCID: PMC8791818 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer is a growing problem in Africa, and delays in receiving timely cancer care often results in poorer outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify the patient and health-system factors associated with delayed cancer care in adults living in the Northern Zone of Tanzania. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between July 2018 and July 2019, we surveyed adult patients presenting to an oncology clinic in Northern Tanzania. Delayed presentation was defined as 12 weeks or longer from initial symptoms to presentation for cancer care. Multivariate logistic regression and adjusted relative risk (aRR) were used to identify factors predicting delayed presentation. RESULTS Among 244 adult patients with cancer who completed the survey, 78% (n = 191) had delayed presentation. Patient-related factors associated with delayed presentation included lower educational attainment (P = .03), increased travel time (P = .05), lack of cancer knowledge (P < .05), and fear of cancer and cancer treatments (P < .05) on multivariate analysis. On analysis of aRR, patients without private car and those with health insurance had higher risk of delayed presentation (aRR: 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.32 and aRR: 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.32). There was a strong association with increased number of visits before presentation at the cancer center and delayed presentation (P = .0009). CONCLUSION Cancer awareness and prevention efforts targeting patients and community-level health care workers are key to reduce delays in cancer care in Northern Tanzania. Patient and health system barriers contribute to delayed presentation of patients with cancer in Northern Tanzania.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara J Rick
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, Saint Catherine's University, St Paul, MN.,Department of Radiotherapy, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Caara Leintz
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, Saint Catherine's University, St Paul, MN
| | - Elizabeth Danik
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Cancer Care Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Furaha Serventi
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Cancer Care Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Oliver Henke
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Cancer Care Center, Moshi, Tanzania.,Section Global Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karen Yeates
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Ntirenganya F, Twagirumukiza JD, Bucyibaruta G, Rugwizangoga B, Rulisa S. Premenopausal Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Associations with Molecular Subtypes: A Case-Control Study. Int J Breast Cancer 2021; 2021:5560559. [PMID: 34659834 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5560559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer in women and the leading cause of women's cancer-related deaths and morbidity worldwide. In Rwanda, BC incidence is increasing with an unacceptably high mortality rate in premenopausal women. Objectives The purpose was to identify modifiable BC risk factors and assess associations between common breast cancer risks factors and molecular subtypes in premenopausal women in Rwanda. Methods This was a case-control study. Premenopausal women with histological confirmation of BC and frequency-matched for age controls were recruited. A preestablished questionnaire was administered to both cases and controls for sociodemographics, BC probable risk factors, and clinical and pathological characteristics. BC was classified into luminal A, luminal B, HER2-type, basal-like (triple negative), and unclassified molecular subtypes by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results 340 participants were recruited into the study (170 cases vs. 170 controls). The median age was 39 years. The majority of cases presented at advanced stages of the disease (51.2% in stages III and IV) and had invasive ductal carcinoma (98.2%). 60.6% had subtypes of poor prognosis (HER2 enriched 14.7%, triple negative 12.9%, and unclassified 32.9%). Alcohol intake (AOR = 3.73, 95%CI 2.19 - 6.32, p < 0.001), obesity/overweight in adolescence or early adulthood (AOR = 10.86, 95%CI 4.82 - 24.4, p < 0.001), history of primary infertility (AOR = 33.8, 95%CI 3.5 - 321.5, p = 0.002), nulliparity (AOR = 3.75, 95%CI 1.61 - 8.75, p = 0.002), and a history of benign breast disease (AOR = 6.06, 95%CI 1.19 - 30.73, p = 0.03) were associated with the occurrence of premenopausal breast cancer. There was no significant difference between risk factor stratification per molecular subtype. Conclusion Several reproductive, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors have been identified to be associated with premenopausal BC. Among them, alcohol intake and obesity/overweight during adolescence/early adulthood can be modified. Interventions targeting alcohol consumption and obesity/overweight in adolescents and young adults may decrease the incidence of premenopausal breast cancer.
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HUSEIN SARA, HANAFI IBRAHEM, BALOULI MARAM, BARADI ZEIN, ALSHEIKHAH YUSRA, ABO SAMRA DANA, SALAMOON MAHER. Breast cancer screening during the Syrian crisis: A cross-sectional study. J Prev Med Hyg 2021; 62:E520-E528. [PMID: 34604595 PMCID: PMC8451364 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2021.62.2.2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Although breast cancer has a lower incidence in developing countries, mortality rates are higher, mainly due to delay in diagnosis and the poor diagnostic and therapeutic capacities. Although screening tests have been available for quite a long time, delayed and advanced presentation is still common, especially in developing countries. The decade-long Syrian crisis has severely crippled the healthcare system and depleted the already-limited capacities of the healthcare services, which under prioritized the care provided to unurgent cases like breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the practices of breast cancer screening among breast cancer patients. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted in Al-Beiruni Hospital at Damascus University in 2019, through personal interviews using a structured questionnaire. Results The sample consisted of 519 patients with breast cancer. One-hundred twenty (23.2%) of them reported undergoing one or more of the different screening methods at least once every six months prior to diagnosis. Several factors had a statistically significant association with the probability of undergoing or performing screening methods including living in large cities, having fewer children, having a full-time or part-time job, and the level of education. Patients who reported having a relative diagnosed previously with breast cancer or any other malignancies were also more likely to screen themselves. Inaccessibility to healthcare services, which was exaggerated by the armed conflicts, had a significant association with less practicing of the screening methods too (OR: 0.4 [0.3-0.7]). Conclusion The Syrian war and its direct and indirect consequences negatively affected screening practices of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- SARA HUSEIN
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - IBRAHEM HANAFI
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
- Correspondence: Ibrahem Hanafi, Mazzah, Damascus, Syria - Tel. +49 1781417588 E-mail:
| | - MARAM BALOULI
- Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - YUSRA ALSHEIKHAH
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - DANA ABO SAMRA
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - MAHER SALAMOON
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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Phakathi B, Nietz S, Cubasch H, Dickens C, Dix-Peek T, Joffe M, Neugut AI, Jacobson J, Duarte R, Ruff P. Survival of south african women with breast cancer receiving anti-retroviral therapy for HIV. Breast 2021; 59:27-36. [PMID: 34126376 PMCID: PMC8209274 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa is reported to be poor, with an estimated five-year survival of 50% when compared to almost 90% in high-income countries. Although several studies have looked at the effect of HIV in breast cancer survival, the effect of ARTs has not been well elucidated. METHODS All females newly diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from May 2015-September 2017 at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital were enrolled. We analysed overall survival and disease-free survival, comparing HIV positive and negative patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated with p-values calculated using a log-rank test of equality while hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox regression models. RESULTS Of 1019 patients enrolled, 22% were HIV positive. The overall survival (95% CI) was 53.5% (50.1-56.7%) with a disease-free survival of 55.8% (52.1-59.3) after 4 years of follow up. HIV infection was associated with worse overall survival (HR (95% CI): 1.50 (1.22-1.85), p < 0.001) and disease-free survival (OR (95% CI):2.63 (1.71-4.03), p < 0.001), especially among those not on ART at the time of breast cancer diagnosis. Advanced stage of the disease and hormone-receptor negative breast cancer subtypes were also associated with poor survival. CONCLUSION HIV infection was associated with worse overall and disease-free survival. HIV patients on ARTs had favourable overall and disease-free survival and with ARTs now being made accessible to all the outcome of women with HIV and breast cancer is expected to improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boitumelo Phakathi
- Charlotte Maxeke Surgical Breast Unit. Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Jubilee Road, Johannesburg, 2196 South Africa; Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Johannesburg 2193 South Africa.
| | - Sarah Nietz
- Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Johannesburg 2193 South Africa; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, 31 Princess of Wales Building, Johannesburg, 2193 South Africa
| | - Herbert Cubasch
- Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Johannesburg 2193 South Africa; Batho Pele Breast Unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, 26 Chris Hani Road, Diepkloof, Soweto, 1860 South Africa; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, 31 Princess of Wales Building, Johannesburg, 2193 South Africa
| | - Caroline Dickens
- Department of Medicine, University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Therese Dix-Peek
- Department of Medicine, University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maureen Joffe
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, 31 Princess of Wales Building, Johannesburg, 2193 South Africa; MRC Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alfred I Neugut
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Judith Jacobson
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Raquel Duarte
- Department of Medicine, University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paul Ruff
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, 31 Princess of Wales Building, Johannesburg, 2193 South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road Johannesburg, South Africa
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Medina-Lara A, Grigore B, Lewis R, Peters J, Price S, Landa P, Robinson S, Neal R, Hamilton W, Spencer AE. Cancer diagnostic tools to aid decision-making in primary care: mixed-methods systematic reviews and cost-effectiveness analysis. Health Technol Assess 2021; 24:1-332. [PMID: 33252328 DOI: 10.3310/hta24660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tools based on diagnostic prediction models are available to help general practitioners diagnose cancer. It is unclear whether or not tools expedite diagnosis or affect patient quality of life and/or survival. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to evaluate the evidence on the validation, clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and availability and use of cancer diagnostic tools in primary care. METHODS Two systematic reviews were conducted to examine the clinical effectiveness (review 1) and the development, validation and accuracy (review 2) of diagnostic prediction models for aiding general practitioners in cancer diagnosis. Bibliographic searches were conducted on MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) in May 2017, with updated searches conducted in November 2018. A decision-analytic model explored the tools' clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in colorectal cancer. The model compared patient outcomes and costs between strategies that included the use of the tools and those that did not, using the NHS perspective. We surveyed 4600 general practitioners in randomly selected UK practices to determine the proportions of general practices and general practitioners with access to, and using, cancer decision support tools. Association between access to these tools and practice-level cancer diagnostic indicators was explored. RESULTS Systematic review 1 - five studies, of different design and quality, reporting on three diagnostic tools, were included. We found no evidence that using the tools was associated with better outcomes. Systematic review 2 - 43 studies were included, reporting on prediction models, in various stages of development, for 14 cancer sites (including multiple cancers). Most studies relate to QCancer® (ClinRisk Ltd, Leeds, UK) and risk assessment tools. DECISION MODEL In the absence of studies reporting their clinical outcomes, QCancer and risk assessment tools were evaluated against faecal immunochemical testing. A linked data approach was used, which translates diagnostic accuracy into time to diagnosis and treatment, and stage at diagnosis. Given the current lack of evidence, the model showed that the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic tools in colorectal cancer relies on demonstrating patient survival benefits. Sensitivity of faecal immunochemical testing and specificity of QCancer and risk assessment tools in a low-risk population were the key uncertain parameters. SURVEY Practitioner- and practice-level response rates were 10.3% (476/4600) and 23.3% (227/975), respectively. Cancer decision support tools were available in 83 out of 227 practices (36.6%, 95% confidence interval 30.3% to 43.1%), and were likely to be used in 38 out of 227 practices (16.7%, 95% confidence interval 12.1% to 22.2%). The mean 2-week-wait referral rate did not differ between practices that do and practices that do not have access to QCancer or risk assessment tools (mean difference of 1.8 referrals per 100,000 referrals, 95% confidence interval -6.7 to 10.3 referrals per 100,000 referrals). LIMITATIONS There is little good-quality evidence on the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of diagnostic tools. Many diagnostic prediction models are limited by a lack of external validation. There are limited data on current UK practice and clinical outcomes of diagnostic strategies, and there is no evidence on the quality-of-life outcomes of diagnostic results. The survey was limited by low response rates. CONCLUSION The evidence base on the tools is limited. Research on how general practitioners interact with the tools may help to identify barriers to implementation and uptake, and the potential for clinical effectiveness. FUTURE WORK Continued model validation is recommended, especially for risk assessment tools. Assessment of the tools' impact on time to diagnosis and treatment, stage at diagnosis, and health outcomes is also recommended, as is further work to understand how tools are used in general practitioner consultations. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017068373 and CRD42017068375. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 66. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonieta Medina-Lara
- Health Economics Group, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Bogdan Grigore
- Exeter Test Group, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Ruth Lewis
- North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Jaime Peters
- Exeter Test Group, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Sarah Price
- Primary Care Diagnostics, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Paolo Landa
- Health Economics Group, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Sophie Robinson
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Richard Neal
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - William Hamilton
- Primary Care Diagnostics, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Anne E Spencer
- Health Economics Group, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
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Miraj S, Saeed H, Jabeen S, Rasool F, Islam M, Zeeshan Danish, Imran I, Hashmi FK, Majeed A, Yasmeen S. Association of breast cancer reporting delays and care intervals with tumor size in patients with advanced disease. Women Health 2021; 61:832-844. [PMID: 34538224 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2021.1976357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In Pakistan, breast cancer (BC) is frequently diagnosed with advanced disease. We aimed to examine the association of breast tumor size with reasons of reporting delays, care intervals in patients with advanced disease. This cross-sectional study enrolled 392 BC patients from tertiary care hospitals. Data were collected from August 2018-March 2019. Chi-square for significance and logistic regression for association were used. Patients between 31 and 45 years of age (51%), rural residents (39%), lower-class (88.4%), no family history (17.1%), at stage-IV (36%) and patient interval >90 days (70%, p = .034) presented with large tumor size (>5 cm). Tumor size was significantly associated with area of residence (p = .043), social-class (p = .027), family history (p = .004), smoking (p = .021), nipple discharge (p = .004), recurrence (p = .024), and metastasis (p = .007). Patient-interval was associated with poor knowledge (OR;4.3,p = .0001), influence of traditional healers (OR;2.3,p = .05), religion (OR;3.9,p = .0001), finances (OR;2.4,p = .045), and competing life priorities (OR;2.9,p = .026). In-adjusted linear regression model, area of residences, education, social-class, family-history, recurrence, cancer type, and patient interval (β;0.110,p = .030) were found to be independent predictors of tumor size. In conclusion, education, family history, area of residence, social class, recurrence, cancer stage and patient interval, co-influenced by religion, finances, life priorities, traditional healers, and poor knowledge, were independent predictors of tumor size in BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumaila Miraj
- University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hamid Saeed
- University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sumaira Jabeen
- University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Fawad Rasool
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Islam
- University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zeeshan Danish
- University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Imran Imran
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Abdul Majeed
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Yasmeen
- University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Dare AJ, Knapp GC, Romanoff A, Olasehinde O, Famurewa OC, Komolafe AO, Olatoke S, Katung A, Alatise OI, Kingham TP. High-burden Cancers in Middle-income Countries: A Review of Prevention and Early Detection Strategies Targeting At-risk Populations. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2021; 14:1061-1074. [PMID: 34507972 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-20-0571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Cancer incidence is rising in low- and especially middle-income countries (MIC), driven primarily by four high-burden cancers (breast, cervix, lung, colorectal). By 2030, more than two-thirds of all cancer deaths will occur in MICs. Prevention and early detection are required alongside efforts to improve access to cancer treatment. Successful strategies for decreasing cancer mortality in high-income countries are not always effective, feasible or affordable in other countries. In this review, we evaluate strategies for prevention and early detection of breast, cervix, lung, and colorectal cancers, focusing on modifiable risk factors and high-risk subpopulations. Tobacco taxation, human papilloma virus vaccination, cervical cancer screen-and-treat strategies, and efforts to reduce patient and health system-related delays in the early detection of breast and colorectal cancer represent the highest yield strategies for advancing cancer control in many MICs. An initial focus on high-risk populations is appropriate, with increasing population coverage as resources allow. These strategies can deliver significant cancer mortality gains, and serve as a foundation from which countries can develop comprehensive cancer control programs. Investment in national cancer surveillance infrastructure is needed; the absence of national cancer data to identify at-risk groups remains a barrier to the development of context-specific cancer control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Dare
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Global Cancer Disparities Initiative, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Gregory C Knapp
- Global Cancer Disparities Initiative, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Anya Romanoff
- Global Cancer Disparities Initiative, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Global Health and Health System Design, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | | | - Akinwumi O Komolafe
- Department of Morbid Anatomy and Forensic Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Samuel Olatoke
- Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Aba Katung
- Department of Surgery, Federal Medical College - Owo, Owo, Nigeria
| | | | - T Peter Kingham
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. .,Global Cancer Disparities Initiative, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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Ward ZJ, Atun R, Hricak H, Asante K, McGinty G, Sutton EJ, Norton L, Scott AM, Shulman LN. The impact of scaling up access to treatment and imaging modalities on global disparities in breast cancer survival: a simulation-based analysis. Lancet Oncol 2021; 22:1301-1311. [PMID: 34416159 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(21)00403-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, with wide variations in reported survival by country. Women in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) in particular face several barriers to breast cancer services, including diagnostics and treatment. We aimed to estimate the potential impact of scaling up the availability of treatment and imaging modalities on breast cancer survival globally, together with improvements in quality of care. METHODS For this simulation-based analysis, we used a microsimulation model of global cancer survival, which accounts for the availability and stage-specific survival impact of specific treatment modalities (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and targeted therapy), imaging modalities (ultrasound, x-ray, CT, MRI, PET, and single-photon emission computed tomography [SPECT]), and quality of cancer care, to simulate 5-year net survival for women with newly diagnosed breast cancer in 200 countries and territories in 2018. We calibrated the model to empirical data on 5-year net breast cancer survival in 2010-14 from CONCORD-3. We evaluated the potential impact of scaling up specific imaging and treatment modalities and quality of care to the mean level of high-income countries, individually and in combination. We ran 1000 simulations for each policy intervention and report the means and 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for all model outcomes. FINDINGS We estimate that global 5-year net survival for women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 was 67·9% (95% UI 62·9-73·4) overall, with an almost 25-times difference between low-income (3·5% [0·4-10·0]) and high-income (87·0% [85·6-88·4]) countries. Among individual treatment modalities, scaling up access to surgery alone was estimated to yield the largest survival gains globally (2·7% [95% UI 0·4-8·3]), and scaling up CT alone would have the largest global impact among imaging modalities (0·5% [0·0-2·0]). Scaling up a package of traditional modalities (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, ultrasound, and x-ray) could improve global 5-year net survival to 75·6% (95% UI 70·6-79·4), with survival in low-income countries improving from 3·5% (0·4-10·0) to 28·6% (4·9-60·1). Adding concurrent improvements in quality of care could further improve global 5-year net survival to 78·2% (95% UI 74·9-80·4), with a substantial impact in low-income countries, improving net survival to 55·3% (42·2-67·8). Comprehensive scale-up of access to all modalities and improvements in quality of care could improve global 5-year net survival to 82·3% (95% UI 79·3-85·0). INTERPRETATION Comprehensive scale-up of treatment and imaging modalities, and improvements in quality of care could improve global 5-year net breast cancer survival by nearly 15 percentage points. Scale-up of traditional modalities and quality-of-care improvements could achieve 70% of these total potential gains, with substantial impact in LMICs, providing a more feasible pathway to improving breast cancer survival in these settings even without the benefits of future investments in targeted therapy and advanced imaging. FUNDING Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, and National Cancer Institute P30 Cancer Center Support Grant to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Ward
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Rifat Atun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hedvig Hricak
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kwanele Asante
- African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Geraldine McGinty
- Departments of Radiology and Population Science, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Sutton
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Larry Norton
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew M Scott
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lawrence N Shulman
- Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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O'Neil DS, Nxumalo S, Ngcamphalala C, Tharp G, Jacobson JS, Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H, Dlamini X, Pace LE, Neugut AI, Harris TG. Breast Cancer Early Detection in Eswatini: Evaluation of a Training Curriculum and Patient Receipt of Recommended Follow-Up Care. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1349-1357. [PMID: 34491814 PMCID: PMC8423396 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. O'Neil
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Sifiso Nxumalo
- ICAP at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | | | - G Tharp
- ICAP at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | - Lydia E. Pace
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Alfred I. Neugut
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Tiffany G. Harris
- ICAP at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
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Rubagumya F, Costas-Chavarri A, Manirakiza A, Murenzi G, Uwinkindi F, Ntizimira C, Rukundo I, Mugenzi P, Rugwizangoga B, Shyirambere C, Urusaro S, Pace L, Buswell L, Ntirenganya F, Rudakemwa E, Fadelu T, Mpunga T, Shulman LN, Booth CM. State of Cancer Control in Rwanda: Past, Present, and Future Opportunities. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 6:1171-1177. [PMID: 32701365 PMCID: PMC7392739 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rwanda is a densely populated low-income country in East Africa. Previously considered a failed state after the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, Rwanda has seen remarkable growth over the past 2 decades. Health care in Rwanda is predominantly delivered through public hospitals and is emerging in the private sector. More than 80% of patients are covered by community-based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé). The cancer unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (a branch of the Ministry of Health) is responsible for setting and implementing cancer care policy. Rwanda has made progress with human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B vaccination. Recently, the cancer unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Center launched the country’s 5-year National Cancer Control Plan. Over the past decade, patients with cancer have been able to receive chemotherapy at Butaro Cancer Center, and recently, the Rwanda Cancer Center was launched with 2 linear accelerator radiotherapy machines, which greatly reduced the number of referrals for treatment abroad. Palliative care services are increasing in Rwanda. A cancer registry has now been strengthened, and more clinicians are becoming active in cancer research. Despite these advances, there is still substantial work to be done and there are many outstanding challenges, including the need to build capacity in cancer awareness among the general population (and shift toward earlier diagnosis), cancer care workforce (more in-country training programs are needed), and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidel Rubagumya
- Department of Oncology, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.,University of Global Health Equity, Burera, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Gad Murenzi
- Department of Research, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Ivan Rukundo
- Department of Radiology, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Belson Rugwizangoga
- Department of Pathology, Kigali University Teaching Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Sandra Urusaro
- Department of Oncology, Inshuti Mu Buzima, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Lydia Pace
- Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Lori Buswell
- Department of Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Temidayo Fadelu
- Department of Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Lawrence N Shulman
- Center for Global Cancer Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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46
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Shamsi U, Khan S, Azam I, Usman S, Maqbool A, Gill T, Iqbal R, Callen D. Patient Delay in Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Two Hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan: Preventive and Life-Saving Measures Needed. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 6:873-883. [PMID: 32579484 PMCID: PMC7328101 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with breast cancer in Pakistan commonly present with advanced disease. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency and length of delays in seeking medical consultation and to assess the factors associated with them. METHODS Four hundred ninety-nine patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer were enrolled and interviewed over the period from February 2015 to August 2017. Information on sociodemographic factors, delay to medical consultation, stage of breast cancer at presentation, and tumor characteristics of the breast cancer were collected through face-to-face interviews and medical file review. RESULTS The mean (standard deviation) age of patients with breast cancer was 48.0 (12.3) years. The mean (standard deviation) patient delay was 15.7 (25.9) months, with 55.2% of women detecting a breast lump but not seeking a medical consultation because of a lack of awareness about the significance of the lump. A total of 9.4% of the women decided to seek treatment initially using complementary and alternative medicine and traditional treatment; 9.4% of the women presented to a health care provider with a breast lump but no action was taken, and they were wrongly reassured about the lump without mammography or biopsy. For 26% of the women, the delay in presentation was caused by anxiety, fears and misconceptions regarding diagnosis and treatment, and other social factors including possible adverse effects on their relationship with their husband. Multivariable analysis showed a strong association of lower socioeconomic status (odds ratio [OR], 8.11 [95% CI, 2.46 to 26.69]) and late stage of breast cancer (OR, 4.83 [95% CI, 1.74 to 13.39]) with a patient delay of ≥ 3 months. CONCLUSION Patient delay is a serious problem in Pakistan. There is an urgent need for intensive and comprehensive breast cancer education that addresses the myths and misconceptions related to breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Shamsi
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Shaista Khan
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Iqbal Azam
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shaheryar Usman
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Amir Maqbool
- Department of Oncology, Karachi Institute of Radiation and Nuclear Medicine Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Tiffany Gill
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Romaina Iqbal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - David Callen
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Niyonzima N, Wannume H, Kadhumbula S, Wasswa H, Osinde G, Mulumba Y, Tusabe T, Kalungi S, Orem J. Strengthening Laboratory Diagnostic Capacity to Support Cancer Care in Uganda. Am J Clin Pathol 2021; 156:205-213. [PMID: 33300963 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqaa218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An accurate cancer diagnosis is critical to providing quality care to patients with cancer. We describe the results of a laboratory improvement process that started in 2017 to improve access to cancer diagnostics at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). The overall objective of the project was to build capacity for the provision of quality and timely laboratory diagnostics to support cancer care in Uganda. METHODS A phased multistep approach was used to improve laboratory capacity, including staff training, additional staff recruitment, equipment overhaul, and optimization of the supply chain. RESULTS The program led to the establishment of a pathology laboratory that handled 5,700 tissue diagnoses in 2019. Immunohistochemistry services are now offered routinely. Turnaround time for histopathology has also reduced from an average of 7 to 14 days to 5.4 days. The main clinical laboratory has also increased both the test volume and the test capacity, with the additional establishment of a molecular diagnostics laboratory. CONCLUSIONS Our project shows a pathway to the improvement of laboratory diagnostic capacity in cancer care centers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Improved laboratory diagnostic capacity is critical to improving cancer care in SSA and more rational use of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nixon Niyonzima
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tobias Tusabe
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Samuel Kalungi
- Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jackson Orem
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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Gbenonsi G, Boucham M, Belrhiti Z, Nejjari C, Huybrechts I, Khalis M. Health system factors that influence diagnostic and treatment intervals in women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1325. [PMID: 34229634 PMCID: PMC8259007 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11296-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa experience long time intervals between their first presentation to a health care facility and the start of cancer treatment. The role of the health system in the increasing treatment time intervals has not been widely investigated. This review aimed to identify existing information on health system factors that influence diagnostic and treatment intervals in women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa to contribute to the reorientation of health policies in the region. METHODS PubMed, ScienceDirect, African Journals Online, Mendeley, ResearchGate and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and July 2020. We performed a qualitative synthesis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Related health system factors were extracted and classified according to the World Health Organization's six health system building blocks. The quality of qualitative and quantitative studies was assessed by using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program Quality-Assessment Tool and the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool, respectively. In addition, we used the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research tool to assess the evidence for each qualitative finding. RESULTS From 14,184 identified studies, this systematic review included 28 articles. We identified a total of 36 barriers and 8 facilitators that may influence diagnostic and treatment intervals in women with breast cancer. The principal health system factors identified were mainly related to human resources and service delivery, particularly difficulty accessing health care, diagnostic errors, poor management, and treatment cost. CONCLUSION The present review shows that diagnostic and treatment intervals among women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa are influenced by many related health system factors. Policy makers in sub-Saharan Africa need to tackle the financial accessibility to breast cancer treatment by adequate universal health coverage policies and reinforce the clinical competencies for health workers to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate care for women with breast cancer in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Gbenonsi
- International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco.
| | - Mouna Boucham
- International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco
| | | | - Chakib Nejjari
- International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco
| | | | - Mohamed Khalis
- International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco
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Park PH, Shyirambere C, Kateera F, Gupta N, Rusangwa C, Mukherjee J, Coutinho A, Lehmann L, Buswell L, Shulman LN, Mubiligi JM, Uwinkindi F, Hirschhorn LR. Implementing Cancer Care in Rwanda: Capacity Building for Treatment and Scale-Up. Sustainability 2021; 13:7216. [DOI: 10.3390/su13137216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The majority of countries in sub-Saharan Africa are ill-prepared to address the rising burden of cancer. While some have been able to establish a single cancer referral center, few have been able to scale-up services nationally towards universal health coverage. The literature lacks a step-wise implementation approach for resource-limited countries to move beyond a single-facility implementation strategy and implement a national cancer strategy to expand effective coverage. Methods: We applied an implementation science framework, which describes a four-phase approach: Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS). Through this framework, we describe Rwanda’s approach to establish not just a single cancer center, but a national cancer program. Results: By applying EPIS to Rwanda’s implementation approach, we analyzed and identified the implementation strategies and factors, which informed processes of each phase to establish foundational cancer delivery components, including trained staff, diagnostic technology, essential medicines, and medical informatics. These cancer delivery components allowed for the implementation of Rwanda’s first cancer center, while simultaneously serving as the nidus for capacity building of foundational components for future cancer centers. Conclusion: This “progressive scaling” approach ensured that initial investments in the country’s first cancer center was a step toward establishing future cancer centers in the country.
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McCutchan G, Weiss B, Quinn-Scoggins H, Dao A, Downs T, Deng Y, Ho H, Trung L, Emery J, Brain K. Psychosocial influences on help-seeking behaviour for cancer in low-income and lower middle-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-004213. [PMID: 33531348 PMCID: PMC7868297 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Starting cancer treatment early can improve outcomes. Psychosocial factors influencing patients’ medical help-seeking decisions may be particularly important in low and lower middle-income countries (LMIC) where cancer outcomes are poor. Comprehensive review evidence is needed to understand the psychosocial influences on medical help-seeking for cancer symptoms, attendance for diagnosis and starting cancer treatment. Methods Mixed-methods systematic review registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018099057). Peer-reviewed databases were searched until April 2020 for studies assessing patient-related barriers and facilitators to medical help-seeking for cancer symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in adults (18+ years) living in LMICs. Quality of included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Data were synthesised using meta-analytic techniques, meta-ethnography or narrative synthesis as appropriate. Results Of 3963 studies identified, 64 were included. In quantitative studies, use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) was associated with 3.60 higher odds of prolonged medical help-seeking (95% CI 2.06 to 5.14). Qualitative studies suggested that use of TCAM was a key barrier to medical help-seeking in LMICs, and was influenced by causal beliefs, cultural norms and a preference to avoid biomedical treatment. Women face particular barriers, such as needing family permission for help-seeking, and higher stigma for cancer treatment. Additional psychosocial barriers included: shame and stigma associated with cancer such as fear of social rejection (eg, divorce/disownment); limited knowledge of cancer and associated symptoms; and financial and access barriers associated with travel and appointments. Conclusion Due to variable quality of studies, future evaluations would benefit from using validated measures and robust study designs. The use of TCAM and gender influences appear to be important barriers to help-seeking in LMIC. Cancer awareness campaigns developed with LMIC communities need to address cultural influences on medical help-seeking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace McCutchan
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK .,Wales Cancer Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Bahr Weiss
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Harriet Quinn-Scoggins
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.,PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anh Dao
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tom Downs
- Department of Acute Medicine, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK
| | - Yunfeng Deng
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ha Ho
- Center for Research, Information and Services in Psychology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Lam Trung
- Danang Psychiatric Hospital, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Jon Emery
- Department of General Practice and Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Brain
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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