Improving cancer incidence evaluation through local government area matching: a study of the Edo-Benin cancer registry in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Cancer registries in Nigeria, as well as in other sub-Saharan African countries, face challenges in adhering to international cancer registration standards. We aimed to improve cancer incidence estimation by identifying under-reporting of new cancers through matching patient-reported local government areas (LGAs) in Edo state, Nigeria, to their respective catchment populations.

METHODS

Information on cancers was obtained from records of hospitals, medical clinics, pathology laboratories, and death certificates according to IARC guidelines. We utilized normalized scores to establish consistency in the number of cancers by calendar time, and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) to assess the variation in cancer incidence across LGAs compared to Edo state average. Subsequently, we estimated sex- and site-specific annual incidence using the average number of cancers from 2016 to 2018 and the predicted mid-year population in three LGAs. Age-standardization was performed using the direct method with the World Standard Population of 1966.

RESULTS

The number of incident cancers consistent between 2016-2018 in Egor, Oredo, and Uhunmwonde showed a significantly increased SIR. From 2016 to 2018 in these three LGAs, 1,045 new cancers were reported, with 453 (42.4%) in males and 592 (57.6%) in females. The average annual age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) was 50.6 (95% CI: 45.2 - 56.6) per 105. In men, the highest incidence was prostate cancer (ASR: 22.4 per 105), and in women, it was breast cancer (ASR: 16.5 per 105), and cervical cancer (ASR: 12.0 per 105). Microscopically verified cancers accounted for 98.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

We found lower age-standardized incidence rates than those reported earlier for the Edo state population. Collecting information on the local government areas of the cancers allows better matching with the respective target population. We recommend using LGA information to improve the evaluation of population-based cancer incidence in sub-Saharan countries.

[Survival analysis of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas of Hubei province in China, 2013 to 2015]

Objective: To analyze the survival of newly diagnosed malignant tumors in cancer registration areas of Hubei Province from 2013 to 2015. Methods: From January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015, all newly diagnosed malignant tumors were collected from cancer registration areas in Hubei Province, and patients were followed up using a combination of active and passive methods. Cancer survival was analyzed using the strs package in Stata software. Observed and expected survival were calculated using the life table and Ederer Ⅱ methods, and the difference in survival rate of patients with different sex, age, urban and rural areas and different cancer species was compared. Results: From 2013 to 2015, 83 987 new malignant tumors were diagnosed in cancer registration areas in Hubei Province, including 45 742 males (54.46%) and 38245 females (45.54%). The overall 5-year relative survival rate was 41.46%, 34.43% for men and 49.63% for women. With the increase of age, the observed survival rate and relative survival rate of patients of different genders showed a decreasing trend. The 5-year relative survival rate of patients with malignant tumors was 47.58% in urban areas and 26.58% in rural areas. The observed survival rate and relative survival rate in rural areas were significantly lower than those in urban areas. The overall 5-year relative survival rates for common malignancies were 20.61% for lung cancer, 15.36% for liver cancer, 22.89% for esophageal cancer, 34.92% for gastric cancer, and 54.87% for colorectal cancer. In addition, the 5-year relative survival rates of common malignant tumors in women were 78.65% for breast cancer and 52.55% for cervical cancer. Conclusions: In Hubei Province, the survival rate of malignant tumors is different among different genders, regions, age groups and cancer species. Prevention and treatment and health education should be strengthened for malignant tumor patients in rural areas and those with high incidence and low survival rate such as liver cancer and lung cancer, and relevant strategies should be formulated according to the gender and age distribution characteristics of different cancer species.

Epidemiological and therapeutic profiles of lung cancer patients in the Hokushin Region Japan: a retrospective hospital administrative database study

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to validate the epidemiology, initial treatment, and clinical practice of lung cancer patients in the Hokushin region, Japan.

METHODS

We retrospectively surveyed data of 5503 newly diagnosed and registered lung cancer patients in 22 principal hospital-based cancer registries in Hokushin region linked with health insurance claims data for registered patients between 2016 and 2017.

RESULTS

The patients consisted of 3677 (66.8%) men and 1826 (33.2%) women with a mean (range) age of 72.2 (27-103) years). Diagnoses were small cell lung cancer (n = 512, 9.4%), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1083, 19.7%), and non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; n = 3906, 70.9%). The population with stage I disease in Toyama prefecture (41.1%) was smaller than in the other three prefectures associated with reduced selection of initial surgical therapy and increased frequencies of stage IV disease (33.2%) and best supportive care (18.6%). Initial chemotherapy for stage IV non-squamous NSCLC consisted of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in 39.3% of cases for EGFR and 4% of cases for ALK-positive non-squamous NSCLC, followed by platinum compounds (25.9%) non-platinum compounds (12.9%), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (10.2%). Carboplatin was the commonly prescribed first-line cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent (65.4% of patients under 75 years and in 96.7% of patients over 75 years).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed real-world data on epidemiological and treatment status in lung cancer in four prefectures in Hokushin region, Japan. Simultaneous analysis of nationwide registry and insurance data could provide valuable insights for the development of lung cancer screening and medical treatment strategies. In addition, the comparative data analysis with other lesions or countries will be useful for evaluating the differences in clinical practice of cancer managements.

Use of period analysis to provide a timely assessment of 5-year relative survival for pancreatic cancer patients from Taizhou, eastern China

Assessing long-term tumor survival rates is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of tumor treatment and burden. However, timely assessment of long-term survival in patients with pancreatic cancer is lagging in China. In this study, we applied period analysis to estimate the long-term survival of pancreatic cancer patients using data from four population-based cancer registries in Taizhou city, eastern China. A total of 1121 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer between 2004 and 2018 were included. We assessed the 5-year relative survival (RS) using period analysis and further stratified by sex, age at diagnosis, and region. The 5-year RS during 2014-2018 overall reached 18.9% (14.7% for men and 23.3% for women, respectively). A decrease of the 5-year RS from 30.3% to 11.2% was observed in four diagnostic age gradients (< 55, 55-64, 65-74, and > 74 years age groups). The 5-year RS was higher in urban (24.2%) than in rural (17.4%) areas. Moreover, the 5-year RS of pancreatic cancer patients showed an overall increasing trend for the three periods (2004-2008, 2009-2013, and 2014-2018). Our study, using period analysis for the first time in China, provides the latest estimates of the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer, which provides essential evidence for the prevention and intervention of pancreatic cancer. The results also indicate the importance of further applications of the period analysis for more up-to-date and accurate survival estimates.

Sarcoma Research with Cancer Registry Data: Data and Peculiarities of Germany in the Light of Other Countries

INTRODUCTION

Sarcomas are documented in population-based and in clinic-associated databases. This study evaluated the status quo regarding the potential and obstacles of cancer registry-based research on sarcomas exemplified by Germany in comparison to similar databases in the US and Europe. Completeness and quality of data are discussed based on statistical analyses of a pooled data set established for the German Cancer Congress 2020.

METHODS

We analyzed data derived from 16 German institutions (federal state cancer registries and some facility-based registries). Malignant sarcomas in adults diagnosed between 2000 and 2018 with information on histology were grouped according to the WHO classification of soft tissue and bone tumors. Descriptive analyses of the study population regarding the distribution of age, sex, histology, localization of primary tumors, and metastases were performed. Survival for the ten most frequent histological groups and UICC stages was evaluated according to Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. Time interval between surgery and subsequent radiation was calculated.

RESULTS

The initial data set contained 35,091 sarcomas. After several steps of data cleaning, 28,311 patients with known sex and unambiguous assignment to a histological subgroup remained (13,682 women and 14,629 men). Between 40 and 54 years, women were more likely to develop sarcomas, whereas in the older age groups more men were affected. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, fibroblastic, and myofibroblastic tumors, smooth muscle tumors (mostly non-uterine leiomyosarcomas), and adipocytic tumors represented 48% of all sarcomas. Preferential sites for fibrosarcomas were the limbs, the trunk, and the head and neck region. The liposarcoma occurred most frequently on the trunk and limbs. Distant primary metastases were mostly located in the lung (43%), followed by the liver (14%), and bones (13%). Vascular and smooth muscle tumors showed the worst survival prognosis (5-year survival: approx. 15%, median survival approx. 8-16 months), whereas in low stages, the probability of survival of many sarcoma patients was beyond 5 years. Adjuvant radiotherapy was applied within 90 days in 71% of patients (n = 2,534).

CONCLUSION

Our results correspond to the data from the literature. However, a lack of data quality and completeness hampers further meaningful analyses, especially nonspecific or missing information about morphology and stage. Compared to some other countries, a comprehensive database is presently missing in Germany. However, currently, there are important efforts and legislative initiatives to create a comprehensive database on a national level within the near future.

[Long-term trend analysis of liver cancer survival rate in Qidong region, Jiangsu Province, 1972-2019]

Objective: To analyze the incidence and survival rate of liver cancer cases in the entire population in the Qidong region from 1972 to 2019, so as to provide a basis for prognosis evaluation, prevention, and treatment. Methods: The observed survival rate (OSR) and relative survival rate (RSR) of 34 805 cases of liver cancer in the entire Qidong region population from 1972 to 2019 were calculated using Hakulinen's method with SURV3.01 software. Hakulinen's likelihood ratio test was used for statistical analysis. Age-standardized relative survival (ARS) was calculated using the International Cancer Survival Standard. The Joinpoint regression analysis was performed with Joinpoint 4.7.0.0 software to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of the liver cancer survival rate. Results: 1-ASR increased from 13.80% in 1972-1977 to 50.20% in 2014-2019, while 5-ASR increased from 1.27% in 1972-1977 to 27.64% in 2014-2019. The upward trend of RSR over eight periods was statistically significant (χ (2) = 3045.29, P < 0.001). Among them, male 5-ASR was 0.90%, 1.80%, 2.33%, 4.92%, 5.43%, 7.05%, 10.78%, and 27.78%, and female 5-ASR was 2.33%, 1.51%, 3.35%, 3.92%, 3.84%, 7.18%, 11.45%, and 29.84%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in RSR between males and females (χ (2) = 45.68, P < 0.001). The 5-RSR for each age group of 25-34 years old, 35-44 years old, 45-54 years old, 55-64 years old, 65-74 years old, and 75 years old were 4.92%, 5.29%, 8.17%, 11.70%, 11.63%, and 9.60%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in RSR among different age groups (χ (2) = 501.29, P < 0.001). The AAPC in Qidong region from 1972 to 2019 for 1-ARS, 3-ASR, and 5-ARS were 5.26% (t = 12.35, P < 0.001), 8.10% (t = 15.99, P < 0.001), and 8.96 % (t = 16.06, P < 0.001), respectively. The upward trend was statistically significant in all cases. The AAPC of 5-ARS was 9.82% in males (t = 14.14, P < 0.001), and 8.79% in females (t = 11.48, P < 0.001), and the upward trend was statistically significant in both. The AAPC of 25-34 years old, 35-44 years old, 45-54 years old, 55-64 years old, 65-74 years old, and 75 years old were 5.37% (t = 5.26, P = 0.002), 5.22% (t = 5.66, P = 0.001), 7.20% (t = 6.88, P < 0.001), 10.00% (t = 12.58, P < 0.001), 9.96% (t = 7.34, P < 0.001) and 8.83% (t = 3.51, P = 0.013), and the upward trend was statistically significant. Conclusion: The overall survival rate of registered cases of liver cancer in the Qidong region's entire population has greatly improved, but there is still much room for improvement. Hence, constant attention should be paid to the study on preventing and treating liver cancer.

Unsupervised anomaly detection of implausible electronic health records: a real-world evaluation in cancer registries

BACKGROUND

Cancer registries collect patient-specific information about cancer diseases. The collected information is verified and made available to clinical researchers, physicians, and patients. When processing information, cancer registries verify that the patient-specific records they collect are plausible. This means that the collected information about a particular patient makes medical sense.

METHODS

Unsupervised machine learning approaches can detect implausible electronic health records without human guidance. Therefore, this article investigates two unsupervised anomaly detection approaches, a pattern-based approach (FindFPOF) and a compression-based approach (autoencoder), to identify implausible electronic health records in cancer registries. Unlike most existing work that analyzes synthetic anomalies, we compare the performance of both approaches and a baseline (random selection of records) on a real-world dataset. The dataset contains 21,104 electronic health records of patients with breast, colorectal, and prostate tumors. Each record consists of 16 categorical variables describing the disease, the patient, and the diagnostic procedure. The samples identified by FindFPOF, the autoencoder, and a random selection-a total of 785 different records-are evaluated in a real-world scenario by medical domain experts.

RESULTS

Both anomaly detection methods are good at detecting implausible electronic health records. First, domain experts identified [Formula: see text] of 300 randomly selected records as implausible. With FindFPOF and the autoencoder, [Formula: see text] of the proposed 300 records in each sample were implausible. This corresponds to a precision of [Formula: see text] for FindFPOF and the autoencoder. Second, for 300 randomly selected records that were labeled by domain experts, the sensitivity of the autoencoder was [Formula: see text] and the sensitivity of FindFPOF was [Formula: see text]. Both anomaly detection methods had a specificity of [Formula: see text]. Third, FindFPOF and the autoencoder suggested samples with a different distribution of values than the overall dataset. For example, both anomaly detection methods suggested a higher proportion of colorectal records, the tumor localization with the highest percentage of implausible records in a randomly selected sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Unsupervised anomaly detection can significantly reduce the manual effort of domain experts to find implausible electronic health records in cancer registries. In our experiments, the manual effort was reduced by a factor of approximately 3.5 compared to evaluating a random sample.

Cancer Registration, Molecular Marker Status, and Adherence to the WHO 2016 Classification of Pathology Reports for Glioma Diagnosed during 2017-2019 in Belgium

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to cross-check and, if necessary, adjust registered ICD-O-3 topography and morphology codes with the findings in pathology reports available at the Belgian Cancer Registry (BCR) for glioma patients. Additionally, integration of molecular markers in the pathological diagnosis and concordance with WHO 2016 classification is investigated.

METHODS

Since information regarding molecular tests and corresponding conclusions are not available as structured data at population level, a manual screening of all pseudonymized pathology reports available at the BCR for registered glioma patients (2017-2019) was conducted. ICD-O-3 morphology and topography codes from the BCR database (based on information as provided by hospital oncological care programmes and pathology laboratories), were, at tumour level, cross-checked with the data from the pathology reports and, if needed, specified or corrected. Relevant molecular markers (IDH1/2, 1p19q codeletion, promoter region of the MGMT gene [MGMTp]) were manually extracted from the pathology reports.

RESULTS

In 95.3% of gliomas, the ICD-O-3 morphology code was correct. Non-specific topography codes were specified in 9.3%, while 3.3% of specific codes were corrected. The IDH status was known in 75.2% of astrocytic tumours. The rate of correct integrated diagnoses varied from 47.6% to 56.4% among different gliomas. MGMTp methylation status was available in 32.2% of glioblastomas.

CONCLUSION

Both the integration of molecular markers in the conclusion of the pathology reports and the delivery of those reports to the BCR can be improved. The availability of distinct ICD-O-3 codes for each molecularly defined tumour entity within the WHO classification would increase the consistency of cancer registration, facilitate population level research and international benchmarking.

Decrease in liver cancer incidence rates in Bamako, Mali over 28 years of population-based cancer registration (1987-2015)

BACKGROUND

Primary liver cancer is common in West Africa due to endemic risk factors. However, epidemiological studies of the global burden and trends of liver cancer are limited. We report changes in trends of the incidence of liver cancer over a period of 28 years using the population-based cancer registry of Bamako, Mali.

AIM

To assess the trends and patterns of liver cancer by gender and age groups by analyzing the cancer registration data accumulated over 28 years (1987-2015) of activity of the population-based registry of the Bamako district.

METHODS

Data obtained since the inception of the registry in 1987 through 2015 were stratified into three periods (1987-1996, 1997-2006, and 2007-2015). Age-standardized rates were estimated by direct standardization using the world population. Incidence rate ratios and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using the early period as the reference (1987-1996). Joinpoint regression models were used to assess the annual percentage change and highlight trends over the entire period (from 1987 to 2015).

RESULTS

Among males, the age-standardized incidence rates significantly decreased from 19.41 (1987-1996) to 13.12 (1997-2006) to 8.15 (2007-2015) per 10⁵ person-years. The incidence rate ratio over 28 years was 0.42 (95%CI: 0.34-0.50), and the annual percentage change was -4.59 [95%CI: (-6.4)-(-2.7)]. Among females, rates dropped continuously from 7.02 (1987-1996) to 2.57 (2007-2015) per 10⁵ person-years, with an incidence rate ratio of 0.37 (95%CI: 0.28-0.45) and an annual percentage change of -5.63 [95%CI: (-8.9)-(-2.3)].

CONCLUSION

The population-based registration showed that the incidence of primary liver cancer has steadily decreased in the Bamako district over 28 years. This trend does not appear to result from biases or changes in registration practices. This is the first report of such a decrease in an area of high incidence of liver cancer in Africa. This decrease may be explained by the changes and diversity of diet that could reduce exposure to aflatoxins through dietary contamination in this population.

Completeness and selection bias of a Belgian multidisciplinary, registration-based study on the EFFectiveness and quality of Endometrial Cancer Treatment (EFFECT)

BACKGROUND

With the aim of obtaining more uniformity and quality in the treatment of corpus uteri cancer in Belgium, the EFFECT project has prospectively collected detailed information on the real-world clinical care offered to 4063 Belgian women with primary corpus uteri cancer. However, as data was collected on a voluntary basis, data may be incomplete and biased. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the completeness and potential selection bias of the EFFECT database.

METHODS

Five databases were deterministically coupled by use of the patient's national social security number. Participation bias was assessed by identifying characteristics associated with hospital participation in EFFECT, if any. Registration bias was assessed by identifying patient, tumor and treatment characteristics associated with patient registration by participating hospitals, if any. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression were applied.

RESULTS

EFFECT covers 56% of all Belgian women diagnosed with primary corpus uteri cancer between 2012 and 2016. These women were registered by 54% of hospitals, which submitted a median of 86% of their patients. Participation of hospitals was found to be biased: low-volume and Walloon-region centers were less likely to participate. Registration of patients by participating hospitals was found to be biased: patients with a less favorable risk profile, with missing data for several clinical-pathological risk factors, that did not undergo curative surgery, and were not discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board were less likely to be registered.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to its voluntary nature, the EFFECT database suffers from a selection bias, both in terms of the hospitals choosing to participate and the patients being included by participating institutions. This study, therefore, highlights the importance of assessing the selection bias that may be present in any study that voluntarily collects clinical data not otherwise routinely collected. Nevertheless, the EFFECT database covers detailed information on the real-world clinical care offered to 56% of all Belgian women diagnosed with corpus uteri cancer between 2012 and 2016, and may therefore act as a powerful tool for measuring and improving the quality of corpus uteri cancer care in Belgium.

The incidence of lung cancer in Northern Ireland: 1991-1992 : A comparative study

Introduction

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in many Western countries, but its incidence has never been studied in Northern Ireland.

Aims

Accordingly, the present study was mounted to determine, for the first time, the incidence of the condition in Northern Ireland and to compare the findings with other regions in the British Isles.

Methods

A notification study of the incidence of lung cancer (ICD 162) was conducted in Northern Ireland during 1991/1992. Notifications from 6 sources were computerised and linked. Incident cases were identified and analysed in relation to Age, Sex and Geographical region—Northern Ireland, England and Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Results

Some 900 incident cases of lung cancer were identified. The incidence rate per 100,000 population was found to be 57.04. Mortality underestimated incidence by 12.5%. (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$p<0.05$$\end{document}p<0.05). The male to female incidence ratio was 2.1: 1, and this ratio was similar in other regions, except Scotland, where the ratio was 1.7:1. The null hypothesis of a common incidence distribution across regions was formally rejected. A variety of models were fitted and a model in which the log-odds on incidence was a quadratic function of age fitted most of the regional data.

Conclusions

Northern Ireland had the lowest incidence of lung cancer in the UK, but its overall rate was still 40% higher than that observed in the Republic of Ireland which had the lowest rate in the British Isles. Across regions, the pattern of incidence by age and sex was complicated, but a linear logistic model fitted all of the Irish data and the female data in Scotland, satisfactorily.

The validity of cancer information on death certificates in Norway and the impact of death certificate initiated cases on cancer incidence and survival

BACKGROUND

Death certificates are an important source of information for cancer registries. The aim of this study was to validate the cancer information on death certificates, and to investigate the effect of including death certificate initiated (DCI) cases in the Cancer Registry of Norway when estimating cancer incidence and survival.

METHODS

All deaths in Norway in the period 2011-2015 with cancer mentioned on the death certificates were linked to the cancer registry. Notifications not registered from other sources were labelled death certificate notifications (DCNs), and considered as either cancer or not, based on available information in the registry or from trace-back to another source.

RESULTS

From the total of 65 091 cancers mentioned on death certificates in the period 2011-2015, 58,425 (89.8%) were already in the registry. Of the remaining 6 666 notifications, 2 636 (2 129 with cancer as underlying cause) were not regarded to be new cancers, which constitutes 4.0% of all cancers mentioned on death certificates and 39.5% of the DCNs. Inclusion of the DCI cases increased the incidence of all cancers combined by 2.6%, with largest differences for cancers with poorer prognosis and for older age groups. Without validation, including the 2 129 disregarded death certificates would over-estimate the incidence by 1.3%. Including DCI cases decreased the five-year relative survival estimate for all cancer sites combined with 0.5% points.

CONCLUSION

In this study, almost 40% of the DCNs were regarded not to be a new cancer case, indicating unreliability of death certificate information for cancers that are not already registered from other sources. The majority of the DCNs where, however, registered as new cases that would have been missed without death certificates. Both including and excluding the DCI cases will potentially bias the survival estimates, but in different directions. This biases were shown to be small in the Cancer Registry of Norway.

Finding our roots: early population-based cancer registration, 1925

In 1925, the American Public Health Association Committee on Control of Cancer presented the results of its 1924-1925 operations at the association's annual meeting. The Committee evaluated the issue of cancer surveillance, both active and passive, and concluded that the probity of the cancer incidence data, however useful it might be, was outweighed by the likely cost. The reasoning provided by the Committee suggests a sophisticated understanding of many aspects of cancer epidemiology often thought to be a post-World War II development. From the Committee's report, we see that modern cancer epidemiology appears to have started at least as early as the 1920s, and perhaps even earlier.

Multi-institutional survey of malignant pleural mesothelioma patients in the Hokushin region

BACKGROUND

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a major occupational and environmental neoplasm. The purpose of this study was to validate the clinical and epidemiological factors, diagnosis, and initial treatment among MPM patients in the Hokushin region.

METHODS

We surveyed retrospective data from 152,921 cancer patients in 22 principal hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 166 MPM cases were newly diagnosed. These patients consisted of 136 men and 30 women, with a median age of 69 years. We estimated the incidence rate for MPM to be 0.55 cases per 100,000 person-years in this study. The ratio per 100,000 population-years was 0.39 in Fukui, 0.60 in Ishikawa, 1.02 in Toyama and 0.35 in Nagano. Forty-five patients were discovered when diagnosed incidentally in patients under observations for other diseases. Forty-six cases were diagnosed as localized disease, while 13 had accompanying regional lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, 44 cases showed infiltration into adjacent organs. A histo-cytological diagnosis was made in 164 cases (98.8%). A surgical approach, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were performed for 33, 88, and 6 patients, respectively, while 44 patients (26.5%) received best supportive care. Multimodality therapy was conducted in just 3.0% of the MPM patients CONCLUSION: MPM has a tragically rapid progression if discovered under observations for other diseases. Workers in health-related fields should be on high alert for aggressive MPM. Better evaluation and multi-disciplinary approaches to MPM in these regions are needed to optimize multimodality therapy.

Multi-institutional survey of thymic carcinoma patients in Hokushin region

BACKGROUND

Thymic carcinoma is a rare neoplasm, and its prognosis is very poor. The purpose of this study was to validate the clinical and epidemiological factors, diagnosis and initial treatment of thymic carcinoma among all patients diagnosed in the registered hospital group.

METHODS

We surveyed retrospective data from 152,921 cancer patients in 22 principal hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 88 thymic carcinoma cases were newly diagnosed. These patients were 50 men and 38 women, with a median age of 66 years old. Eight patients were discovered in cancer screening, 9 in a voluntary setting, 14 at health checkups, 25 at follow-up of other diseases, and 32 cases by introduction from another hospital. Only 14 cases had been diagnosed with localized disease, but 5 cases were accompanied by regional lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, 12 cases showed infiltration into adjacent organs, and 24 cases had distant metastasis. Eighty-three cases were diagnosed by a pathological diagnosis. A surgical approach, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were performed for 29, 35 patients, and 31 patients, respectively, while 17 patients received best supportive care.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of thymic carcinoma is still difficult, and this disease has a tragically rapid progression if when discovered during follow-up of other diseases. An innovative modality for the early detection of thymic carcinoma is needed in modern medical society.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnosis and service access in New Zealand-a country pursuing COVID-19 elimination

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted cancer services globally. New Zealand has pursued an elimination strategy to COVID-19, reducing (but not eliminating) this disruption. Early in the pandemic, our national Cancer Control Agency (Te Aho o Te Kahu) began monitoring and reporting on service access to inform national and regional decision-making. In this manuscript we use high-quality, national-level data to describe changes in cancer registrations, diagnosis and treatment over the course of New Zealand's response to COVID-19.

Methods

Data were sourced (2018–2020) from national collections, including cancer registrations, inpatient hospitalisations and outpatient events. Cancer registrations, diagnostic testing (gastrointestinal endoscopy), surgery (colorectal, lung and prostate surgeries), medical oncology access (first specialist appointments [FSAs] and intravenous chemotherapy attendances) and radiation oncology access (FSAs and megavoltage attendances) were extracted. Descriptive analyses of count data were performed, stratified by ethnicity (Indigenous Māori, Pacific Island, non-Māori/non-Pacific).

Findings

Compared to 2018–2019, there was a 40% decline in cancer registrations during New Zealand's national shutdown in March-April 2020, increasing back to pre-shutdown levels over subsequent months. While there was a sharp decline in endoscopies, pre-shutdown volumes were achieved again by August. The impact on cancer surgery and medical oncology has been minimal, but there has been an 8% year-to-date decrease in radiation therapy attendances. With the exception of lung cancer, there is no evidence that existing inequities in service access between ethnic groups have been exacerbated by COVID-19.

Interpretation

The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care in New Zealand has been largely mitigated. The New Zealand experience may provide other agencies or organisations with a sense of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer services within a country that has actively pursued elimination of COVID-19.

Funding

Data were provided by New Zealand's Ministry of Health, and analyses completed by Te Aho o Te Kahu staff.

Multi-institutional survey of cancer disparities in disabled patients in the region of northwestern Japan

BACKGROUND

Potential disparities between cancer patients with and without disabilities remained to be validate in Japan.

METHODS

We surveyed retrospective data on hospital cancer registration as well as information on disability certificates obtained through the Hokushin Ganpro database. In total, 93,545 cancer patients in 10 principal hospitals covering the region of northwestern Japan were registered with the Hokushin Ganpro database between 2010 and 2015. The database included the following data: diagnosis date, cancer type, staging, treatment, cancer detection process, and possession of a disability certificate.

RESULTS

We found that 2983 patients, which accounted for 3.2% of the total patients, had disabilities. No significant differences in gender, age at diagnosis, cancer stage distribution, and cancer incidence rates were observed between the disabled and non-disabled patients. Even though the proportion of early-stage cancer among disabled patients differed only slightly from that in non-disabled patients, early-stage cancer was more frequently diagnosed in patients with disabilities during their regular hospital visits than in those without disabilities, who had more opportunity for early cancer detection during cancer screening. According to in-house data reflecting treatment period and process from a single hospital, all 16 disabled patients treated with chemotherapy completed the treatment until disease progression or end of predetermined cycles.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that deep disparities between cancer patients with and without disabilities are not apparent and that the disabled patients in the region of northwestern Japan receive appropriate hospital follow-up.

[Cancer incidence and mortality of kidney and unspecified urinary organs in China, 2015]

Objective: To estimate cancer incidence and mortality of kidney and unspecified urinary organs in China using cancer registry data in 2015. Methods: The cancer registry data from 501 local cancer registries in China were collected, checked and assessed based on the criteria of data quality control of the National Central Cancer Registry of China (NCCRC), and data from 368 registries were qualified for the analysis. Cancer incidence and mortality rates of kidney and unspecified urinary organs stratified by geographical location (eastern, middle, western areas), gender, age groups were calculated. Population data of 2015 was used to estimate the cancer cases and deaths of kidney and unspecified urinary organs in China. Chinese standard population in 2000 and Segi's world population were used for the calculation of age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Results: A total of 74.2 thousand new cancer cases of kidney and unspecified urinary organs were diagnosed in 2015, 46.9 thousand of them were male, while 27.3 thousand were female, with a crude incidence rate of 5.40/10(5). The age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese (ASIRC) and world standard population (ASIRW) were 3.57/10(5) and 3.56/10(5), respectively. A total of 53.4 thousand and 20.8 thousand new cases were diagnosed in urban and rural area, with incidence rates of 6.93/10(5) and 3.45/10(5), respectively. The ASIRC of urban area was higher than that of rural area. There were 39.2 thousand, 20.6 thousand, and 14.4 thousand new cases diagnosed in eastern, middle, and western areas of China, respectively. The crude incidence rates were 7.60/10(5), 4.47/10(5), and 3.63/10(5), respectively, with a descend ASIRC of each area. A total of 27.1 thousand death cases reported, of them 16.9 thousand were male, while 10.2 thousand were female, with a crude mortality rate of 1.97/10(5), both of the ASIRC and ASMRW were 1.21/10(5). The deaths of urban and rural area were 19.5 thousand and 7.6 thousand cases, with the crude mortality rates of 2.53/10(5) and 1.26/10(5), respectively. The ASIRC of urban area was higher than that of rural area. There were 13.4 thousand, 8.4 thousand, and 5.1 thousand death cases reported in eastern, middle, and western areas, respectively, the crude mortality rates were 2.61/10(5), 1.83/10(5) and 1.30/10(5), respectively, with a descend ASIRC of each area. Conclusion: The disease burden of kidney cancer differs between urban area and rural area, and differs among eastern, middle, and western areas of China, therefore, different prevent and treatment strategies should be taken in different areas of China.

Patterns of Cancer Incidence and Mortality in North- Eastern India: The First Report from the Population Based Cancer Registry of Tripura

BACKGROUND

There is, till date no population-based data regarding cancer patterns in North- Eastern India, dictating the need to understand the epidemiology of cancer in this population for its effective management.

METHODS

This is the first report of the Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) in Tripura (2010-2014). The protocol involves active collection of data on all cancer cases from Tripura through staff visit in more than 150 sources of incident and mortality registration, government and private hospitals, municipal corporation, etc. and scrutiny, corroboration with existing records. Data was analyzed statistically to understand cancer trends in terms of incidence and mortality across different sites, age groups affected and gender.

RESULTS

A total of 10,251 cases were registered during the period, with overall age-adjusted incidence rates of 75.7 and 54.9 per 100,000 males and females respectively. Crude Incidence Rate (CR) and Age- Adjusted Rate (AAR) was among the lowest reported in India, probably due to associated socio-economic factors. The most prevalent cancers were lung (18.1%), esophageal (8.3%) for men and cervix uteri (17.6%), breast (13.8%) for females. Gall bladder cancer in females was one of the highest in the country. Rate of cancer mortality in the population was quite high and significantly increased with time, probably accounting for dearth in early detection and feasible treatment alternatives.

CONCLUSION

The data suggests that high cancer incidence and mortality are prevalent in the population of Tripura, dictating the need of active tobacco control measures, early detection and awareness drives for effective cancer control.

Long-term trends in sex difference in bladder cancer survival 1975-2009: A population-based study in Osaka, Japan

In Japan, a study using population‐based cancer registry data from six prefectures revealed a difference in bladder cancer survival between men and women. However, the period of the study was limited to 1993‐2006. The recent introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have proved to be effective for the treatment for bladder cancer, has led to a rising demand for analysis of long‐term trends in net survival in order to accurately assess the effect of the new treatment. The aim of the present study was to examine long‐term trends in sex difference in bladder cancer net survival using large‐scale population‐based cancer registry data from Osaka, Japan (17,500 cases from 1975 to 2009). We also evaluated sex difference in bladder cancer survival after adjustment for stage, histologic type, and other prognostic factors. We showed the long‐term trend of five‐year net survival for each stage and found that women had poorer five‐year net survival than men for the whole study period. The risk of death from bladder cancer was higher among men than women even after adjusting for period at diagnosis, histologic type, stage, age group, and treatment (Excess hazard ratios: 1.17; 95% Confidence interval: 1.10‐1.25).

Time trend analysis of thyroid cancer surgery in China: single institutional database analysis of 15,000 patients

PURPOSE

The institutional database of the Thyroid Surgery Division in China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University was queried to audit time trend patterns in thyroid cancer (TC) management between 2008 and 2017.

METHODS

Retrospective longitudinal analysis. Clinicopathological features and treatment strategies were analyzed. Frequencies and multivariate tests were used to detect correlations.

RESULTS

Clinical data were obtained from 15,000 TC patients (i.e., 71.3% of 21,044 operations). Papillary was the most common histological subtype (n = 14,916, 99%), and 76% were microcarcinomas. Stage I (95%) and low-risk patients (58%) were prevalent throughout the 10-year period. The trend for total thyroidectomy increased from 29.1% (2008-2012) to 67.9% (2013-2015), and then dropped to 48.6% (2016-2017). A total of 8827 (52%) patients received central lymph node dissection (CLND). The tendency for CLND increased from 15.7 to 86.4% during the 10-year period. While the trend of lateral lymph node dissection decreased from 71.3 to 13.3%. Radioactive iodine therapy was offered to 10% of patients (2008-2012), except for a low value (5.4%) in 2009, and then increased from 12.3% (2012) to 41.3% (2015), while decreased to 32.4% (2017).

CONCLUSION

The surgical management of TC patients has undergone continuous changes over the past 10 years. The evolution from aggressive treatment to a more conservative approach has been constant. Our results suggest that the current surgical management approach for TC is adequate and in support of the published guidelines. Our findings warrant further investigation to determine the clinical implications of decision making for TC.

The fall and rise of cancer registration in Estonia: The dangers of overzealous application of data protection

BACKGROUND

The population-based Estonian Cancer Registry (ECR) has maintained a database of cancer cases since 1968. Between 2001 and 2007 the ECR was prohibited from linking cancer records to death certificates. In January 2008, the prohibition was lifted, and two years later the ECR was able to begin tracing back unmatched deaths. This paper estimates the effect of the linkage ban on reported cancer incidence and survival.

METHODS

Incident cancers in 2001-2007 were extracted from the ECR database in May 2018 to allow for late registrations. Two datasets were created: one with all incident cases and another without death-certificate-initiated (DCI) cases. Using both datasets, age-standardised incidence rates (ASIR) and their ratios; age-standardised five-year relative survival ratios (ARSR) and excess mortality rate ratios were calculated.

RESULTS

In 2001-2007, 46,535 incident cancers were registered in the ECR. Of them, 2299 (4.9 %) were DCI cases. The inclusion of DCI cases increased the ASIR for overall cancer by 6 % in men and 3 % in women. An increase ≥10 % in ASIR for lung, liver and pancreatic cancer was observed. The effect of accrued DCI cases to the ARSR was minor. Excess mortality in the dataset without DCI cases was 4 % underestimated in men and 3 % in women.

CONCLUSION

Biases in cancer incidence and survival measures generated by the temporary record linkage ban were largely correctable by using trace-back procedures when this became possible. Nevertheless, this type of ban and the arguments put forward to justify it, harm disease registration and register-based research.

Wilms tumour event-free and overall survival in Southern and Eastern Europe: Pooled analyses of clinical data from four childhood cancer registries (1999-2017)

BACKGROUND

Wilms tumour (WT) management represents a success story in pediatric oncology. We aimed to assess, for the first time, the event-free survival (EFS) vs. overall survival (OS) in Southern and Eastern Europe (SEE) using harmonised clinical data collected by childhood cancer registries and to identify respective prognostic factors.

METHODS

From 1999 to 2017, data for incident WT cases aged 0-14 years from 3 nationwide (Greece, Belarus and Slovenia) and one regional (Greater Poland) SEE registries were collected following common coding. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed, and EFS vs. OS values were derived from Cox proportional hazard models by study variables.

RESULTS

A total of 338 WT cases (45.6% males; median age, 3.19 years; age<5 years, 75%) were included in the analyses. Bilateral were 21 tumours (6.2%). Among the 317 unilateral cases, the majority (93.7%) received International Society of Pediatric Oncology-based protocols; EFS_5-year was 85.1%, and OS_5-year 91.1%; both outcomes were significantly worse in stage IV patients or in those with high-risk/unfavourable histology. Relapse rate among high-risk/unfavourable histology cases was 2.3 times higher than among low-intermediate risk/favourable histology cases, with respective death rate 5.6 times higher. Both relapse and death rates increased significantly in patients with advanced anatomical stage and high-risk/unfavourable histology. Finally, significantly worse was the outcome in bilateral tumours (OS_5-year: 76.3%) vs. unilateral non-metastatic tumours (OS_5-year: 94.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results delineate the potential of high-quality childhood cancer registration entailing clinical data to assess predictors of WT outcome over and beyond those derived from enrolment into clinical trials. Specifically, outcomes among children with WT residing in the four participating SEE countries were comparable with those reported by major cooperative international groups, albeit somehow inferior. Despite the excellent overall prognosis, however, subgroups of patients with advanced or bilateral disease and/or high-risk histology still suffer poor outcomes.

Impact of variation in cancer registration practice on observed international cancer survival differences between International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) jurisdictions

BACKGROUND

International cancer survival comparisons use cancer registration data to report cancer survival, which informs the development of cancer policy and practice. Studies like the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) have a duty to understand how registration differences impact on survival prior to drawing conclusions.

METHODS

Key informants reported differences in registration practice for capturing incidence date, death certificate case handling and registration of multiple primary tumours. Sensitivity analyses estimated their impact on one-year survival using baseline and supplementary cancer registration data from England and Sweden.

RESULTS

Variations in registration practice accounted for up to a 7.3 percentage point difference between unadjusted (estimates from previous ICBP survival data) and adjusted (estimates recalculated accounting for registration differences) one-year survival, depending on tumour site and jurisdiction. One-year survival estimates for four jurisdictions were affected by adjustment: New South Wales, Norway, Ontario, Sweden. Sweden and Ontario's survival reduced after adjustment, yet they remained the jurisdictions with the highest survival for breast and ovarian cancer respectively. Sweden had the highest unadjusted lung cancer survival of 43.6% which was adjusted to 39.0% leaving Victoria and Manitoba with the highest estimate at 42.7%. For colorectal cancer, Victoria's highest survival of 85.1% remained unchanged after adjustment.

CONCLUSION

Population-based cancer survival comparisons can be subject to registration biases that may impact the reported 'survival gap' between populations. Efforts should be made to apply consistent registration practices internationally. In the meantime, survival comparison studies should provide acknowledgement of or adjustment for the registration biases that may affect their conclusions.

[Lung cancer incidence and mortality in China in 2013]

Objective: Lung cancer incidence and mortality were estimated by sorting and analyzing the national cancer registration data in 2013. Methods: Lung cancer data of 2013 were retrieved from the database of 255 qualified cancer registries. Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in cancer registration areas in 2013 were estimated by areas (urban/rural), gender and age groups, new lung cancer cases and deaths were estimated using age-specific rates by areas and gender using the corresponding population in 2013. Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in China in 2013 were calculated based on the estimated new cancer cases and deaths and the corresponding population. The Chinese population in 2000 and Segi's world population were used to calculate age-standardized rates. Results: It was estimated that there were about 732.8 thousand new lung cancer cases and 580.7 thousand deaths occurred in China in 2013. The crude incidence rate was 53.86/10(5)(males 70.10/10(5,) females 36.78/10(5)), while age-standardized incidence rate by Chinese standard populations (ASIRC) and by world standard populations (ASIRW) were 36.19/10(5) and 36.09/10(5) with the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 years old) of 4.42%.The crude mortality rate was 43.41/10(5)(males 57.64/10(5,) females 28.45/10(5)), and age-standardized mortality rate by Chinese standard populations (ASMRC) and by world standard populations (ASMRW) were 28.64/10(5) and 28.41/10(5) with the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 years old) of 3.34%.Both incidence and mortality rates were higher in males than in females. Crude incidence and mortality rates were slightly higher in urban areas than in rural areas, but after age standardized, the results were opposite. Conclusions: Lung cancer is the common cancer, which both incidence and mortality rates are ranking first in China, and the burden of the disease is heavy. Comprehensive measures towards risk factors control, cancer early diagnosis and treatment should be strengthened continuously.

Does exclusion of cancers registered only from death-certificate information diminish socio-demographic disparities in recorded survival?

BACKGROUND

Death Certificate Only (DCO) cancer cases are commonly excluded from survival analyses due to unknown survival time. This study examines whether socio-demographic factors are associated with DCO diagnosis, and the potential effects of excluding DCO cases on socio-demographic cancer survival disparities in NSW, Australia.

METHODS

NSW Cancer Registry data for cases diagnosed in 2000-2008 were used in this study. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of DCO registration by socio-demographic sub-group (socio-economic disadvantage, residential remoteness, country of birth, age at diagnosis). Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate the probability of death from cancer by socio-demographic subgroup when DCO cases were included and excluded from analyses.

RESULTS

DCO cases consisted of 1.5% (n=4336) of all cases (n=299,651). DCO diagnosis was associated with living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas (most disadvantaged compared with least disadvantaged quintile: odds ratio OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.12-1.40), living in inner regional (OR 1.16, 95%CI 1.08-1.25) or remote areas (OR 1.48, 95%CI 1.01-2.19), having an unknown country of birth (OR 1.63, 95%CI 1.47-1.81) and older age. Including or excluding DCO cases had no significant impact on hazard ratios for cancer death by socio-economic disadvantage quintile or remoteness category, and only a minor impact on hazard ratios by age.

CONCLUSION

Socio-demographic factors were associated with DCO diagnosis in NSW. However, socio-demographic cancer survival disparities remained unchanged or varied only slightly irrespective of including/excluding DCO cases. Further research could examine the upper limits of DCO proportions that significantly alter estimated cancer survival differentials if DCOs are excluded.

Qualitative Improvement Methods Through Analysis of Inquiry Contents for Cancer Registration

Background: In Korea, the national cancer database was constructed after the initiation of the national cancer registration project in 1980, and the annual national cancer registration report has been published every year since 2005. Consequently, data management must begin even at the stage of data collection in order to ensure quality. Objectives: To determine the suitability of cancer registries’ inquiry tools through the inquiry analysis of the Korea Central Cancer Registry (KCCR), and identify the needs to improve the quality of cancer registration. Methods: Results of 721 inquiries to the KCCR from 2000 to 2014 were analyzed by inquiry year, question type, and medical institution characteristics. Using Stata version 14.1, descriptive analysis was performed to identify general participant characteristics, and chi-square analysis was applied to investigate significant differences in distribution characteristics by factors affecting the quality of cancer registration data. Results: The number of inquiries increased in 2005–2009. During this period, there were various changes, including the addition of cancer registration items such as brain tumors and guideline updates. Of the inquirers, 65.3% worked at hospitals in metropolitan cities and 60.89% of hospitals had 601–1000 beds. Tertiary hospitals had the highest number of inquiries (64.91%), and the highest number of questions by type were 353 (48.96%) for histological codes, 92 (12.76%) for primary sites, and 76 (10.54%) for reportable. Conclusions: A cancer registration inquiry system is an effective method when not confident about codes during cancer registration, or when confronting cancer cases in which previous clinical knowledge or information on the cancer registration guidelines are insufficient.

Underestimation of pancreatic cancer in the national cancer registry - Reconsidering the incidence and survival rates

BACKGROUND

In the Netherlands, like in many other European countries, pancreatic cancer mortality was found to be systematically higher than the incidence. This suggests that there is an underestimation of the reported incidence of pancreatic cancer.

AIM

We aimed to study the incidence of pancreatic cancer in the Rotterdam area and to compare this with the national level.

METHODS

This study is embedded in the Rotterdam Study (RS), an ongoing population-based prospective cohort study of people aged 45 years and above, enrolled between 1989 till 2006. Details on incident pancreatic cancer cases were available until 2013. Age-specific incidence rates were calculated and compared with data available in the Netherlands Cancer Registry.

RESULTS

At baseline 14,922 participants were at risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Median follow-up time was 16.4 person years per person. In total, 113 participants developed pancreatic cancer. Rates increased with age with an incidence rate of 109.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]; 85.7-138.8) per 100,000 person years for people older than 75. This is higher than the currently reported 55.9-89.2 per 100,000 person year. Of the 113 cases identified in the RS, only 67.3% was reported as pancreatic cancer in the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Cases that were not registered were significantly older and had significantly poorer survival.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of pancreatic cancer, as registered by the Netherlands Cancer Registry, is an underestimation. Patients, not registered by the cancer registry, have a significantly poorer survival. Consequently, we probably overestimate the already poor survival of pancreatic cancer.

Survival trends in childhood chronic myeloid leukaemia in Southern-Eastern Europe and the United States of America

AIM

To assess trends in survival and geographic disparities among children (0-14 years) with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) before and after the introduction of molecular therapy, namely tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in Southern-Eastern European (SEE) countries and the USA.

METHODS

We calculated survival among children with CML, acute lymphoblastic (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in 14 SEE (1990-2014) cancer registries and the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER, 1990-2012). We used Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression models to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Among 369 CML cases, substantial improvements were noted in 2-year survival during the post-TKI (range: 81-89%) compared to pre-TKI period (49-66%; HR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.23-0.60). Risk of death was three times higher for <5-year-old children versus those aged 10-14 years (HR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.85-4.94) and 56% higher for those living in SEE versus SEER (HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.01-2.42). Regardless of geographic area and period of TKI administration, however, age seems to be a significant determinant of CML prognosis (pre-TKI period, HR_0-4y: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.53-4.79; post-TKI period, HR_0-4y: 3.38, 95% CI: 1.29-8.85). Noticeably, post-TKI survival in CML overall approximates that for ALL, whereas therapeutic advancements for AML remain modest.

CONCLUSION

Registry data show that introduction of molecular therapies coincides with revolutionised therapeutic outcomes in childhood CML entailing dramatically improved survival which is now similar to that in ALL. Given that age disparities in survival remain substantial, offering optimal therapy to entire populations is an urgent priority.

Cancer in Central and South America: Introduction

Central and South American countries (including Cuba) are experiencing rapid socio-demographic and epidemiologic changes and the nature of health problems are undergoing transition from infectious to chronic diseases, including cancer. Countries are poorly prepared to respond effectively to the subsequent challenges posed by the new patterns of disease. Existing data delineating the number of cancer cases and the distribution of cancer types from each country in the region are sparse due to limitations on health information systems for recording incidence and mortality despite improvements made in recent years. There is an urgent need for reliable statistics on cancer to inform governmental entities responsible for cancer control in the region. We attempted to obtain the best available cancer data from each country located in the region to provide an overview of current geographic patterns of cancer incidence and mortality in the 21st century.

Cancer incidence and mortality in Guangdong province, 2012

Objective

To estimate the cancer incidence and mortality in 2012 in Guangdong province by analyzing the cancer data of selected population-based cancer registries in Guangdong province in 2012.

Methods

Eight of nine population-based cancer registries submitted cancer data to the Guangdong Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Guangdong CDC), whose data met the data quality criteria were included for analysis. The statistics of selected registries, stratified by areas, gender, age and cancer types, were used to estimate the cancer incidence and mortality in 2012 in Guangdong province according to the population data in Guangdong province. Segi’s population and the national census population in 2000 were used for calculating the age-standardized rates (ASR).

Results

A total of 15,084,942 people, accounted for 17.47% of all population in Guangdong province, were covered in 8 selected population-based cancer registries in 2012. The percentage of cases morphologically verified (MV%) and the percentage of death certificate-only cases (DCO%) were 72.84% and 0.87%, respectively, and the mortality/incidence (M/I) ratio was 0.56. It was estimated that there were 211,300 new cancer cases and 117,300 cancer deaths. The incidence crude rate (CR), the ASR by Chinese standard population (ASRC) and by world standard population (ASRW), and the accumulated rate (AR) (0.74 years) were 250.20/100,000 (265.39/100,000 in males, 234.29/100,000 in females), 207.04/100,000, 201.34/100,000 and 22.91%, respectively, in Guangdong province in 2012. The incidence CR and ASRC were 267.25/100,000 and 221.43/100,000 in urban areas, and 215.51/100,000 and 178.77/100,000 in rural areas, respectively. The death CR, ASRC, ASRW and AR (0.74 years) were 148.44/100,000 (190.95/100,000 in males, 105.06/100,000 in females), 103.73/100,000, 102.44/100,000 and 11.68%, respectively, in Guangdong province in 2012. The death CR and ASRC were 164.57/100,000 and 105.46/100,000 in urban areas, and 124.63/100,000 and 99.97/100,000 in rural areas, respectively. Top 5 cancers were lung cancer, liver cancer, female breast cancer, colon cancer and nasopharyngeal cancers (NPC), and top 5 death cancers were lung cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, and NPC in Guangdong province in 2012.

Conclusions

Lung cancer, liver cancer, female breast cancer, colon cancer and NPC were the major economic cancer burdens and health concerns in Guangdong province in 2012. Early prevention, diagnosis and treatment of different cancers, survival quality improvement and cancer burden reduction, are important issues we faced in cancer control and prevention.

Completeness of required site-specific factors for brain and CNS tumors in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 18 database (2004-2012, varying)

Cancer registries are an important source of population-level information on brain tumor incidence and survival. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries currently collect data on specific required factors related to brain tumors as defined by the American Joint Commission on Cancer, including World Health Organization (WHO) grade, MGMT methylation and 1p/19q codeletion status. We assessed 'completeness', defined as having valid values over the time periods that they have been collected, overall, by year, histology, and registry. Data were obtained through a SEER custom data request for four factors related to brain tumors for the years 2004-2012 (3/4 factors were collected only from 2010 to 2012). SEER*Stat was used to generate frequencies of 'completeness' for each factor overall, and by year, histology and registry. The four factors varied in completeness, but increased over time. WHO grade has been collected the longest, and showed significant increases in completeness. Completeness of MGMT and 1p/19q codeletion was highest for glioma subtypes for which testing is recommended by clinical practice guidelines. Completeness of all factors varied by histology and cancer registry. Overall, several of the factors had high completeness, and all increased in completeness over time. With increasing focus on 'precision medicine' and the incorporation of molecular parameters into the 2016 WHO CNS tumor classification, it is critical that the data are complete, and factors collected at the population level are fully integrated into cancer reporting. It is critical that cancer registries continue to collect established and emerging prognostic and predictive factors.

Estimating the incidence of malignant mesothelioma in Vietnam: a pilot descriptive cancer registration study

INTRODUCTION

Global asbestos consumption has shifted toward lower income countries, particularly in the Asian region including Vietnam where asbestos and asbestos-containing products have been imported since the late 1960s.

METHODS

This pilot descriptive epidemiological study aimed to provide contemporary estimates of malignant mesothelioma incidence (histological subtype M9050/3; ICD-O-3) by gender and age group as recorded across nine cancer registries in Vietnam.

RESULTS

We identified 148 incident cases of malignant mesothelioma during 1987-2013. The majority of cases were recorded in the Hanoi region (n = 93) and were aged 55 years or older (n = 96).

DISCUSSION

By carefully reviewing existing cancer registry records in Vietnam, we identified a larger number of malignant mesothelioma cases than previously estimated. We recommend the use of cancer registry data in tracking future asbestos-related disease in Vietnam.

Measuring the effect of improvement in methodological techniques on data collection in the Gharbiah population-based cancer registry in Egypt: Implications for other Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The purpose of this study was to describe and quantify procedures and methods that maximized the efficiency of the Gharbiah Cancer Registry (GPCR), the only population-based cancer registry in Egypt. The procedures and measures included a locally-developed software program to translate names from Arabic to English, a new national ID number for demographic and occupational information, and linkage of cancer cases to new electronic mortality records of the Ministry of Health. Data was compiled from the 34,058 cases from the registry for the years 1999-2007. Cases and registry variables about demographic and clinical information were reviewed by year to assess trends associated with each new method or procedure during the study period. The introduction of the name translation software in conjunction with other demographic variables increased the identification of detected duplicates from 23.4% to 78.1%. Use of the national ID increased the proportion of cases with occupation information from 27% to 89%. Records with complete mortality information increased from 18% to 43%. Proportion of cases that came from death certificate only, decreased from 9.8% to 4.7%. Overall, the study revealed that introducing and utilizing local and culture-specific methodological changes, software, and electronic non-cancer databases had a significant impact on data quality and completeness. This study may have translational implications for improving the quality of cancer registries in LMICs considering the emerging advances in electronic databases and utilization of health software and computerization of data.

Comparability, diagnostic validity and completeness of Nigerian cancer registries

BACKGROUND

Like many countries in Africa, Nigeria is improving the quality and coverage of its cancer surveillance. This work is essential to address this growing category of chronic diseases, but is made difficult by economic, geographic and other challenges.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the completeness, comparability and diagnostic validity of Nigeria's cancer registries.

METHODS

Completeness was measured using children's age-specific incidence (ASI) and an established metric based on a modified Poisson distribution with regional comparisons. We used a registry questionnaire as well as percentages of death-certificate-only cases, morphologically verified cases, and case registration errors to examine comparability and diagnostic validity.

RESULTS

Among the children's results, we found that over half of all cancers were non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There was also evidence of incompleteness. Considering the regional completeness comparisons, we found potential evidence of cancer-specific general incompleteness as well as what appears to be incompleteness due to inability to diagnose specific cancers. We found that registration was generally comparable, with some exceptions. Since autopsies are not common across Nigeria, coding for both them and death-certificate-only cases was also rare. With one exception, registries in our study had high rates of morphological verification of female breast, cervical and prostate cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Nigeria's registration procedures were generally comparable to each other and to international standards, and we found high rates of morphological verification, suggesting high diagnostic validity. There was, however, evidence of incompleteness.

Towards optimal clinical and epidemiological registration of haematological malignancies: Guidelines for recording progressions, transformations and multiple diagnoses

Haematological malignancies (HM) represent over 6% of the total cancer incidence in Europe and affect all ages, ranging between 45% of all cancers in children and 7% in the elderly. Thirty per cent of childhood cancer deaths are due to HM, 8% in the elderly. Their registration presents specific challenges, mainly because HM may transform or progress in the course of the disease into other types of HM. In the context of cancer registration decisions have to be made about classifying subsequent notifications on the same patient as the same tumour (progression), a transformation or a new tumour registration. Allocation of incidence date and method of diagnosis must also be standardised. We developed European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR) recommendations providing specific advice for cancer registries to use haematology and molecular laboratories as data sources, conserve the original date of incidence in case of change of diagnosis, make provision for recording both the original as well as transformed tumour and to apply precise rules for recording and counting multiple diagnoses. A reference table advising on codes which reflect a potential transformation or a new tumour is included. This work will help to improve comparability of data produced by population-based cancer registries, which are indispensable for aetiological research, health care planning and clinical research, an increasing important area with the application of targeted therapies.

Towards better implementation of cancer screening in Europe through improved monitoring and evaluation and greater engagement of cancer registries

Proposals to improve implementation, monitoring and evaluation of breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening programmes have been developed in a European project involving scientists and professionals experienced in cancer registration (EUROCOURSE). They call for a clear and more active role for cancer registries through better interfaces with cancer screening programmes and adapting data contents of cancer registries for evaluation purposes. Cancer registries are recognised as essential for adequate evaluation of cancer screening programmes, but they are not involved in screening evaluation in several European countries. This is a key barrier to improving the effectiveness of programmes across Europe. The variation in Europe in the implementation of cancer screening offers a unique opportunity to learn from best practices in collaboration between cancer registries and screening programmes. Population-based cancer registries have experience and tools in collecting and analysing relevant data, e.g. for diagnostic and therapeutic determinants of mortality. In order to accelerate improvements in cancer control we argue that cancer registries should take co-responsibility in promoting effective screening evaluation in Europe. Additional investments are vital to further development of infrastructures and activities for screening evaluation and monitoring in the national settings and also at the pan-European level. The EUROCOURSE project also aimed to harmonise implementation of the European quality assurance guidelines for cancer screening programmes across Europe through standardising routine data collection and analysis, and definitions for key performance indicators for screening registers. Data linkage between cancer and screening registers and other repositories of demographic data and cause of death and where available clinical registers is key to implementing the European screening standards and thereby reducing the burden of disease through early detection. Greater engagement of cancer registries in this collaborative effort is also essential to develop adequate evaluation of innovations in cancer prevention and care.

International variation in management of screen-detected ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

BACKGROUND

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) incidence has grown with the implementation of screening and its detection varies across International Cancer Screening Network (ICSN) countries. The aim of this survey is to describe the management of screen-detected DCIS in ICSN countries and to evaluate the potential for treatment related morbidity.

METHODS

We sought screen-detected DCIS data from the ICSN countries identified during 2004-2008. We adopted standardised data collection forms and analysis and explored DCIS diagnosis and treatment processes ranging from pre-operative diagnosis to type of surgery and radiotherapy.

RESULTS

Twelve countries contributed data from a total of 15 screening programmes, all from Europe except the United States of America and Japan. Among women aged 50-69 years, 7,176,050 screening tests and 5324 screen-detected DCIS were reported. From 21% to 93% of DCIS had a pre-operative diagnosis (PO); 67-90% of DCIS received breast conservation surgery (BCS), and in 41-100% of the cases this was followed by radiotherapy; 6.4-59% received sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) only and 0.8-49% axillary dissection (ALND) with 0.6% (range by programmes 0-8.1%) being node positive. Among BCS patients 35% received SLNB only and 4.8% received ALND. Starting in 2006, PO and SLNB use increased while ALND remained stable. SLNB and ALND were associated with larger size and higher grade DCIS lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Variation in DCIS management among screened women is wide and includes lymph node surgery beyond what is currently recommended. This indicates the presence of varying levels of overtreatment and the potential for its reduction.

Cancer registration, public health and the reform of the European data protection framework: Abandoning or improving European public health research?

The importance of cancer- and other disease registries for planning, management and evaluation of healthcare systems has been shown repeatedly during the last 50 years. Complete and unbiased population-level analyses on routinely collected, individual data concerning health and personal characteristics can address significant concerns about risk factors for cancer and provide sound evidence about public health and the effectiveness of healthcare systems. The existence of quality controlled and comprehensive data in registries, allowed to be used for quality control, research and public health purposes are taken as granted by most health professionals and researchers. However, the current revision of the European Union (EU) data protection framework suggests a harmonisation of requirements for confidentiality and individual consent to data processing, likely at the expense of proper use of registry data in the health sector. Consequences of excessive confidentiality rules that may lead to missed data linkages have been simulated. The simulations provide one possible explanation for observed heterogeneity among some cancer incidence data. Further, public health, quality control and epidemiological research on large populations can no longer provide evidence for health interventions, if requirements for consent renders research impossible or where attempts to obtain consent from each data subject generates biased results. Health professionals should engage in the on-going debate on the Commission's proposal for a General Data Protection Regulation. The nature and use of registry data in public health research must be explained and known to policy-makers and the public. Use of cancer registry data and other epidemiological activity will terminate abruptly if an unnecessarily strict EU data protection regulation is adopted. Research based interventions, as well as the international recognised standing of cancer registries and register-based research institutions in Europe are at stake.

Variation in detection of ductal carcinoma in situ during screening mammography: a survey within the International Cancer Screening Network

BACKGROUND

There is concern about detection of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in screening mammography. DCIS accounts for a substantial proportion of screen-detected lesions but its effect on breast cancer mortality is debated. The International Cancer Screening Network conducted a comparative analysis to determine variation in DCIS detection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected during 2004-2008 on number of screening examinations, detected breast cancers, DCIS cases and Globocan 2008 breast cancer incidence rates derived from national or regional cancer registers. We calculated screen-detection rates for breast cancers and DCIS.

RESULTS

Data were obtained from 15 screening settings in 12 countries; 7,176,050 screening examinations; 29,605 breast cancers and 5324 DCIS cases. The ratio between highest and lowest breast cancer incidence was 2.88 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.76-3.00); 2.97 (95% CI 2.51-3.51) for detection of breast cancer; and 3.49 (95% CI 2.70-4.51) for detection of DCIS.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable international variation was found in DCIS detection. This variation could not be fully explained by variation in incidence nor in breast cancer detection rates. It suggests the potential for wide discrepancies in management of DCIS resulting in overtreatment of indolent DCIS or undertreatment of potentially curable disease. Comprehensive cancer registration is needed to monitor DCIS detection. Efforts to understand discrepancies and standardise management may improve care.

Cancer incidence and mortality in china, 2006. Chin J Cancer Res. 2011;23:3-9. [PMID: 23467577 DOI: 10.1007/s11670-011-0003-9]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the cancer incidence and mortality rates in 2006 and evaluate the cancer burden in China.

METHODS

Cancer registration data in 2006 from 34 cancer registries were collected, evaluated and pooled to calculate cancer incidence and mortality rates. The data analyses included mortality to incidence ratio (MI), morphological verification percentage (MV%) and proportion of death certification only (DCO%). Cumulative incidence and mortality rates were calculated using crude data, age-standardized data, and specific data for cancer site, age, sex and area (urban or rural).

RESULTS

In 2006, 34 registries with qualified registration data covered a total population of 59,567,322 (46,558,108 in urban areas and 13,009,214 in rural areas). The crude and age-standardized cancer incidence rates were 273.66 per 100,000 and 190.54 per 100,000, respectively. The crude and age-standardized cancer mortality rates were 175.70 per 100,000 and 117.67 per 100,000, respectively. Cancers of lung, stomach, colon and rectum, liver, and breast in female were the five most common forms of cancer in China, which accounted for 58.99% of all new cancer cases. Lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer death, followed by stomach cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer and colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Cancer is still an important public health issue in China with an increasing disease burden. Specifically, the incidence rates for lung cancer, colorectal cancer and breast cancer were increasing, but those for stomach cancer and esophageal cancer were decreasing. However, age-specific incidence rate remained stable, indicating that the aging population was the major source of the increasing cancer burden.