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Retell JD, Cameron JK, Aitken JF, Youl P, Pyke C, Dunn J, Chambers S, Baade PD. Individual and area level factors associated with the breast cancer diagnostic-treatment interval in Queensland, Australia. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 203:575-586. [PMID: 37930491 PMCID: PMC10805972 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07134-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delays to breast cancer treatment can lead to more aggressive and extensive treatments, increased expenses, increased psychological distress, and poorer survival. We explored the individual and area level factors associated with the interval between diagnosis and first treatment in a population-based cohort in Queensland, Australia. METHODS Data from 3216 Queensland women aged 20 to 79, diagnosed with invasive breast cancer (ICD-O-3 C50) between March 2010 and June 2013 were analysed. Diagnostic dates were sourced from the Queensland Cancer Registry and treatment dates were collected via self-report. Diagnostics-treatment intervals were modelled using flexible parametric survival methods. RESULTS The median interval between breast cancer diagnosis and first treatment was 15 days, with an interquartile range of 9-26 days. Longer diagnostic-treatment intervals were associated with a lack of private health coverage, lower pre-diagnostic income, first treatments other than breast conserving surgery, and residence outside a major city. The model explained a modest 13.7% of the variance in the diagnostic-treatment interval [Formula: see text]. Sauerbrei's D was 0.82, demonstrating low to moderate discrimination performance. CONCLUSION Whilst this study identified several individual- and area-level factors associated with the time between breast cancer diagnosis and first treatment, much of the variation remained unexplained. Increased socioeconomic disadvantage appears to predict longer diagnostic-treatment intervals. Though some of the differences are small, many of the same factors have also been linked to screening and diagnostic delay. Given the potential for accumulation of delay at multiple stages along the diagnostic and treatment pathway, identifying and applying effective strategies address barriers to timely health care faced by socioeconomically disadvantaged women remains a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Retell
- Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jessica K Cameron
- Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joanne F Aitken
- Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Philippa Youl
- Cancer Alliance Queensland, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Chris Pyke
- Mater Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jeff Dunn
- Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Suzanne Chambers
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter D Baade
- Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia.
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Cameron JK, Chandrasiri U, Millar J, Aitken JF, Cramb S, Dunn J, Frydenberg M, Rashid P, Mengersen K, Chambers SK, Baade PD, Smith DP. Disease mapping: Geographic differences in population rates of interventional treatment for prostate cancer in Australia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293954. [PMID: 37956143 PMCID: PMC10642787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293954] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment decisions for men diagnosed with prostate cancer depend on a range of clinical and patient characteristics such as disease stage, age, general health, risk of side effects and access. Associations between treatment patterns and area-level factors such as remoteness and socioeconomic disadvantage have been observed in many countries. OBJECTIVE To model spatial differences in interventional treatment rates for prostate cancer at high spatial resolution to inform policy and decision-making. METHODS Hospital separations data for interventional treatments for prostate cancer (radical prostatectomy, low dose rate and high dose rate brachytherapy) for men aged 40 years and over were modelled using spatial models, generalised linear mixed models, maximised excess events tests and k-means statistical clustering. RESULTS Geographic differences in population rates of interventional treatments were found (p<0.001). Separation rates for radical prostatectomy were lower in remote areas (12.2 per 10 000 person-years compared with 15.0-15.9 in regional and major city areas). Rates for all treatments decreased with increasing socioeconomic disadvantage (radical prostatectomy 19.1 /10 000 person-years in the most advantaged areas compared with 12.9 in the most disadvantaged areas). Three groups of similar areas were identified: those with higher rates of radical prostatectomy, those with higher rates of low dose brachytherapy, and those with low interventional treatment rates but higher rates of excess deaths. The most disadvantaged areas and remote areas tended to be in the latter group. CONCLUSIONS The geographic differences in treatment rates may partly reflect differences in patients' physical and financial access to treatments. Treatment rates also depend on diagnosis rates and thus reflect variation in investigation rates for prostate cancer and presentation of disease. Spatial variation in interventional treatments may aid identification of areas of under-treatment or over-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K. Cameron
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Cancer Council Queensland, Spring Hill, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Jeremy Millar
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne F. Aitken
- Cancer Council Queensland, Spring Hill, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Susanna Cramb
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jeff Dunn
- Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Frydenberg
- Department of Surgery, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Prem Rashid
- Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kerrie Mengersen
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Suzanne K. Chambers
- Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Banyo, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter D. Baade
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Cancer Council Queensland, Spring Hill, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - David P. Smith
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Dasgupta P, Cameron JK, Goodwin B, Cramb SM, Mengersen K, Aitken JF, Baade PD. Geographical and spatial variations in bowel cancer screening participation, Australia, 2015-2020. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288992. [PMID: 37471422 PMCID: PMC10358922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288992] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participation in bowel cancer screening programs remains poor in many countries. Knowledge of geographical variation in participation rates may help design targeted interventions to improve uptake. This study describes small-area and broad geographical patterns in bowel screening participation in Australia between 2015-2020. METHODS Publicly available population-level participation data for Australia's National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) were modelled using generalized linear models to quantify screening patterns by remoteness and area-level disadvantage. Bayesian spatial models were used to obtain smoothed estimates of participation across 2,247 small areas during 2019-2020 compared to the national average, and during 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 for comparison. Spatial heterogeneity was assessed using the maximized excess events test. RESULTS Overall, screening participation rates was around 44% over the three time-periods. Participation was consistently lower in remote or disadvantaged areas, although heterogeneity was evident within these broad categories. There was strong evidence of spatial differences in participation over all three periods, with little change in patterns between time periods. If the spatial variation was reduced (so low participation areas were increased to the 80th centile), an extra 250,000 screens (4% of total) would have been conducted during 2019-2020. CONCLUSIONS Despite having a well-structured evidence-based government funded national bowel cancer screening program, the substantial spatial variation in participation rates highlights the importance of accounting for the unique characteristics of specific geographical regions and their inhabitants. Identifying the reasons for geographical disparities could inform interventions to achieve more equitable access and a higher overall bowel screening uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramita Dasgupta
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica K. Cameron
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Belinda Goodwin
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Heath Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Susanna M. Cramb
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation & Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kerrie Mengersen
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joanne F. Aitken
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter D. Baade
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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Bizuayehu HM, Cameron JK, Dasgupta P, Baade PD. A review of the application of spatial survival methods in cancer research: trends, modelling and visualization techniques. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023:727099. [PMID: 37257201 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-0154] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatial modelling of cancer survival is an important tool for identifying geographic disparities and providing an evidence base for resource allocation. Many different approaches have attempted to understand how survival varies geographically. This is the first scoping review to describe different methods and visualization techniques and to assess temporal trends in publications. The review was carried out using the PRISMA guideline using PubMed and Web of Science databases. Two authors independently screened articles. Articles were eligible for review if they measured cancer survival outcomes in small geographical areas by using spatial regression and/or mapping. Thirty-two articles were included, and the number increased over time. Most articles have been conducted in high-income countries using cancer registry databases. Eight different methods of modelling spatial survival were identified, and there were seven different ways of visualizing the results. Increasing the use of spatial modelling through enhanced data availability and knowledge sharing could help inform and motivate efforts to improve cancer outcomes and reduce excess deaths due to geographical inequalities. Efforts to improve the coverage and completeness of population-based cancer registries should continue to be a priority, in addition to encouraging the open sharing of relevant statistical programming syntax and international collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peter D Baade
- Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Dasgupta P, Cameron JK, Cramb SM, Trevithick RW, Aitken JF, Mengersen K, Baade PD. Geographical and spatial disparities in the incidence and survival of rare cancers in Australia. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:1601-1612. [PMID: 36495274 PMCID: PMC10952715 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34395] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rare cancers collectively account for around a quarter of cancer diagnoses and deaths. However, epidemiological studies are sparse. We describe spatial and geographical patterns in incidence and survival of rare cancers across Australia using a population-based cancer registry cohort of rare cancer cases diagnosed among Australians aged at least 15 years, 2007 to 2016. Rare cancers were defined using site- and histology-based categories from the European RARECARE study, as individual cancer types having crude annual incidence rates of less than 6/100 000. Incidence and survival patterns were modelled with generalised linear and Bayesian spatial Leroux models. Spatial heterogeneity was tested using the maximised excess events test. Rare cancers (n = 268 070) collectively comprised 22% of all invasive cancer diagnoses and accounted for 27% of all cancer-related deaths in Australia, 2007 to 2016 with an overall 5-year relative survival of around 53%. Males and those living in more remote or more disadvantaged areas had higher incidence but lower survival. There was substantial evidence for spatial variation in both incidence and survival for rare cancers between small geographical areas across Australia, with similar patterns so that those areas with higher incidence tended to have lower survival. Rare cancers are a substantial health burden in Australia. Our study has highlighted the need to better understand the higher burden of these cancers in rural and disadvantaged regions where the logistical challenges in their diagnosis, treatment and support are magnified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramita Dasgupta
- Viertel Cancer Research CentreCancer Council QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Jessica K. Cameron
- Viertel Cancer Research CentreCancer Council QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- School of Mathematical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Susanna M. Cramb
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation & Centre for Healthcare TransformationQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- School of Public Health and Social WorkQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Data ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Richard W. Trevithick
- Clinical Excellence Division, Department of HealthWestern Australia Cancer RegistryEast PerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Joanne F. Aitken
- Viertel Cancer Research CentreCancer Council QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Institute for Resilient RegionsUniversity of Southern QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Kerrie Mengersen
- School of Mathematical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Data ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Peter D. Baade
- Viertel Cancer Research CentreCancer Council QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Data ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Menzies Health Institute QueenslandGriffith University, Gold Coast CampusSouthportQueenslandAustralia
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Cameron JK, Hall L, Tong SYC, Paterson DL, Halton K. Incidence of community onset MRSA in Australia: least reported where it is Most prevalent. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2019; 8:33. [PMID: 30805180 PMCID: PMC6373119 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-019-0485-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This is the first review of literature and synthesis of data on community onset methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CO-MRSA) infections in Australia. Incidence of CO-MRSA varies considerably in Australia, depending on geographic and demographic factors. Methods Data for the rates of MRSA infections were collected from articles identified using PubMed, Scopus, the grey literature and data from State and Federal Government Surveillance Systems. We synthesized data and developed a framework for how data was selected, collated, linked, organized and interpreted. Results The results of our literature search demonstrates considerable gaps in the reporting of CO-MRSA in Australia. Consequently, total incidences were under reported; however the available data suggests the incidence varied between 44 (Tasmania) and 388 (southern Northern Territory) cases per 100,000 person years. Hospitalised cases of CO-MRSA varied between 3.8 (regional Victoria) and 329 (southern Northern Territory). Taking the median percentage of infections by site for all regions available, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) consisted of 56% of hospitalized CO-MRSA, compared with bacteremias, which represented 14%. No region had a complete data set of CO-MRSA infections treated in out-patient settings and so incidences were underestimates. Nevertheless, estimates of the incidence of CO-MRSA treated outside hospitals varied between 11.3 (Melbourne) and 285 (Northern Territory) per 100,000 person-years. These infections were chiefly SSTIs, although urinary tract infections were also noted. Incidences of CO-MRSA blood-stream infections and outpatient skin and soft tissue infections have been increasing with time, except in Tasmania. CO-MRSA is observed to affect people living in remote areas and areas of socioeconomic disadvantage disproportionately. Conclusions We generated the first estimates of the incidence of CO-MRSA infections in Australia and identified stark regional differences in the nature and frequency of infections. Critically, we demonstrate that there has been a lack of consistency in reporting CO-MRSA and a general dearth of data. The only government in Australia that requires reporting of CO-MRSA is the Tasmanian, where the infection was least prevalent. Some regions of Australia have very high incidences of CO-MRSA. To improve surveillance and inform effective interventions, we recommend a standardized national reporting system in Australia that reports infections at a range of infection sites, has broad geographic coverage and consistent use of terminology. We have identified limitations in the available data that hinder understanding the prevalence of CO-MRSA. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13756-019-0485-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Cameron
- 1Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and the Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lisa Hall
- 1Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and the Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,2School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Steven Y C Tong
- Victorian Infectious Disease Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Doherty Department University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia.,4Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia
| | - David L Paterson
- 5UQ Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kate Halton
- 1Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and the Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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Bursian SJ, Aulerich RJ, Cameron JK, Ames NK, Steficek BA. Efficacy of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate in reducing the toxicity of dietary zearalenone to mink. J Appl Toxicol 1992; 12:85-90. [PMID: 1313468 DOI: 10.1002/jat.2550120204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ovariectomized mink were fed diets containing zearalenone (ZEN) at concentrations of 0, 10 or 20 ppm with or without 0.5% hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) for 24 days. Zearalenone at 10 and 20 ppm caused a significant increase in uterine weights, while 20 ppm ZEN resulted in significantly higher vulva swelling scores when compared to controls. The presence of HSCAS in the diet did not alter these hyperestrogenic effects of ZEN. In a second experiment, female mink were provided diets containing 20 ppm ZEN, 20 ppm ZEN plus 0.5% HSCAS or a control diet from 1 January 1989 through whelping (25 April to 15 May 1989). The females were given an opportunity to mate with untreated proven breeder males beginning on 1 March (day 59 of exposure). ZEN did not have an effect on the number of females whelping but there was a significant increase in gestation length, a decrease in litter size and an increase in kit mortality from birth to 3 weeks of age when compared to the control group and the group receiving the combination of ZEN and HSCAS. These results suggest that HSCAS can alleviate some of the reproductive effects of ZEN which are not related to its estrogenic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Bursian
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
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