Relationship between socioeconomic status and prostate cancer (incidence, aggressiveness, treatment with curative intent, and mortality): a spatial analysis using population-based cancer registry data.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality associated with prostate cancer in a given geographic area might be related to the level of socioeconomic deprivation. The Somme area (a region of northern France) is considered economically disadvantaged, with major territorial disparities. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the socioeconomic level on prostate cancer, using data from a population-based cancer registry. METHODS: The source of data on cases of prostate cancer between 2006 and 2010 was the Somme cancer registry (Amiens, France). Socioeconomic status was measured according to the European Deprivation Index (EDI), which was used to classify each geographical "IRIS" unit (the smallest sub-municipal geographical entity for which French census data are available) according to its level of social deprivation. For spatial analysis, we considered a hierarchical generalized linear model. RESULTS: In the spatial analysis, prostate cancer incidence was higher in the less disadvantaged areas and treatment frequency with curative intent was lower in the most disadvantaged areas. Cancer aggressiveness and mortality were higher in the most disadvantaged areas: relative risk (RR) = 1.36; 95% CI: [1.09; 1.73] and RR=3.09 [1.70; 5.59], respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results evidenced a significant association between socioeconomic deprivation and prostate cancer, with worse outcomes among men with the lowest socioeconomic status.

Predictive factors for the participation of general practitioners in lung cancer screening by low-dose CT scan in the Somme department in northern France.

INTRODUCTION: A study on lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (DEP KP80) was conducted in the Somme department in northern France between May 2016 and December 2018. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of family physicians in that department to identify potential predictive factors for their participation in this pilot study. METHODS: A survey questionnaire was sent to the 545 general practitioners (GPs) of the Somme department. This survey rendered it possible to identify the investigators who were active in the DEP KP80 study. The questionnaire's content was focused on the socio-demographic conditions of GPs, their professional practices, and their medical practice situations. RESULTS: The response rate was 38% (206 completed questionnaires). Active investigators in DEP KP80 accounted for 55% (n=113) of the GPs surveyed, and non-investigators for 45% (n=93). Age, gender, or medical practice situation were not related to the active GPs' participation in DEP KP80. A multivariate analysis revealed that two factors were correlated with active participation in organized screening: (1) prescription of nicotine replacement therapy; (2) smoking history of the GP. CONCLUSIONS: Securing the active involvement of family physicians and of the French regional cancer screening coordination centers seems essential for the future organization of lung cancer screening on a regional or national level. Our results demonstrate that incorporating smoking cessation support structures into the program would maximize the mechanism's potential.

Factors associated with delayed screening of contacts of tuberculosis cases in the Somme, France.

AIM: To analyze the factors associated with the time to initiating tuberculosis contact investigations in the Somme department, France. METHODS: All reported tuberculosis cases and all their contacts screened between 2007 and 2011 were retrospectively included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the factors associated with a "system delay"≤1 month and a "contact delay"≤0 days. RESULTS: The mean time between the mandatory notification of a case of tuberculosis and the date set for the contact's screening (system delay) was 35.3 days and the average time between that date and when the contact was actually screened (contact delay) was 12.5 days. In multivariate analysis, a smear-positive sputum sample (OR: 3.68; 95% CI: 1.63-8.30) and a diagnosis at the university hospital (OR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.14-5.96) were significantly associated with a system delay≤1 month. A smear-positive sputum sample (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.08-1.69), male gender (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01-1.49), being born in a foreign country (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.02-1.69), being a family member (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.05-1.77), or being another type of close contact of the case (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.81-3.36) were significantly associated with a contact delay≤0 days. CONCLUSION: System and contact delays were longer than recommended, and the factors associated with the lengthening of these delays need to be taken into account.

Factors associated with time to mandatory tuberculosis notification in the Somme department, France.

BACKGROUND: The associated factors contributing to a delay in mandatory tuberculosis notification in the Somme department, France, are not yet known. The objective of this study was to analyze these factors. METHODS: All reported cases of tuberculosis between 2007 and 2011 were retrospectively included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to investigate the factors associated with a short time to notification, i.e., ≤48h. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 175 cases of tuberculosis were reported to the Somme Regional Health Agency. Of the 145 (83.8%) cases of tuberculosis with at least one pulmonary location, 57.7% had a positive sputum smear. The mean time between the diagnosis of tuberculosis and mandatory notification was 6.1 days. It was 2.6 days for tuberculosis cases with a positive sputum smear versus 8.3 days for cases with a negative sputum smear; 2.0 days for severe cases and 6.3 days for simpler forms. In multivariate analysis, only a positive sputum smear was significantly associated with a short time to mandatory notification (OR 2.44; 95%CI 1.18-5.00; P=0.02). CONCLUSION: The time to mandatory notification is longer than recommended. Better collaboration between the parties involved in tuberculosis control and their continuing medical education could reduce this delay in the Somme department.

Alcohol, cigarette, and illegal substance consumption among medical students: a cross-sectional survey.

This study investigated addictive substance use by French medical students. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 255 participants randomly selected from 1,021 second- to sixth-year medical students. Questionnaires were self-administered and included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, and alcohol (The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test [AUDIT test]), tobacco (Fagerstrom test), and illegal substance consumption (Cannabis Abuse Screening Test [CAST test]). The AUDIT scores indicated that 11% of the study participants were at risk for addiction and 21% were high-risk users. Tobacco dependence was strong or very strong for 12% of the participants. The CAST score showed that 5% of cannabis users needed health care services. Cannabis users were also more likely than non-users to fail their medical school examinations (89% vs. 39%, p<.01). One quarter of medical student participants (n=41) had used other illegal drugs, and 10% of study participants had considered committing suicide during the previous 12 months. Psychoactive substance consumption by French medical students requires preventive measures, screening, and health care services.

[Feasability study of screening for malignant lesions in the oral cavity targeting tobacco users]. / Faisabilité d'une stratégie de dépistage des lésions malignes de la cavité buccale chez les fumeurs.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cavity cancer is frequent. Prognosis of this cancer is closely linked to the development. Although the oral cavity is a potentially accessible site for examination, up to 50% of oral cancers are not detected until the disease is well advanced. PATIENTS AND METHOD: In a region where incidence rate is particularly high, local teams involved in screening, in epidemiological survey, in diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer performed a pilot feasibility study to improve strategy of early detection of oral cancer and premalignant lesion. Tobacco venders were solicited to distribute a flyer, which invite smokers to a free examination by general practitioner. General practitioners were invited to examine smokers, and to fill a predeterminate systematic oral cavity examination record during 3 months. They were asked to refer to a specialist if there was a potentially malignant disorder. RESULTS: The involvement of tobacco venders was rated as 67.3%. Ninety-three patients were included in 3 months. General practitioners referred 27% of the examinated patients. Among them, only 63.6% really saw a specialist, and a premalignant lesion was confirmed in 15.3%; further exams were carried out in 28.6%; a benign lesion was diagnosed in 57.1%. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Original incentives for oral cavity screening were performed, based on multidisciplinary network. Nevertheless, it remains hardship to reach the targeted population and to maintain the patients in health system.

Human papillomavirus vaccines in Picardy, France: coverage and correlation with socioeconomic factors.

BACKGROUND: In France, the human papillomavirus vaccine is routinely recommended for 14-year-old females and a "catch-up" vaccination should be offered to female adolescents who are between 15 and 23 years of age. Currently, few studies are available on the coverage rates in France. The aim of this study was to evaluate the coverage of the human papillomavirus vaccine and compliance with the vaccination scheme in Picardy, between 2009 and 2010, and to analyze the socioeconomic factors possibly influencing this coverage. METHODS: We selected a female population that was affiliated with the national health insurance organization, living in the Picardy region of France, and aged between 14 and 23 years on 31st December 2010. RESULTS: The coverage rate in the study population with at least one dose of vaccine was 16.8%. A complete vaccination scheme (three doses) was observed in less than 38.9% of them, so only 6.5% of this population had received the complete vaccination. Higher rates of coverage and compliance were observed in girls 14 years of age (65.5%) and if the prescriber was a gynecologist or pediatrician (respectively, 44.7% and 48.1%). There is a negative correlation between coverage and compliance and the percentage of single-parent families and immigrant families by canton area of Picardy. The economic cost of an inappropriate scheme was 1.3 million euros for Picardy in 2009. CONCLUSION: Coverage and compliance rates of human papillomavirus vaccines in Picardy appear to be low. This study suggests that health authorities in Picardy should provide communication and action campaigns to improve these results.

Prognostic factors associated with healing of venous leg ulcers: a multicentre, prospective, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Some prognostic markers of venous leg ulcer (VLU) healing have been evaluated, mostly in retrospective studies. OBJECTIVES: To identify which clinical characteristics, among those known as possible prognostic factors of VLU healing, and which VLU-associated sociodemographic and psychological factors, are associated with complete healing at week 24 (W24). METHODS: A prospective, multicentre, cohort study was conducted in 22 French dermatology departments between September 2003 and December 2007. The end point was comparison between healed and nonhealed VLUs at W24, for patient clinical and biological characteristics; psychological, cognitive and social assessments; affected leg inclusion characteristics; venous insufficiency treatment and percentage of initial wound area reduction during follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 104 VLUs in 104 patients were included; 94 were analysed. The mean VLU area and duration were 36.8 ± 55.5 cm2 and 24.8 ± 45.7 months, respectively. At W24, 41/94 VLUs were healed. Univariate analysis significantly associated complete healing with superficial venous surgery (P = 0.001), adherence to compression therapy at W4 (P = 0.03) and W24 (P = 0.01), ankle-joint ankylosis (P = 0.01) and mean percentage of VLU area reduction at W4 (P = 0.04). Multivariate analysis retained superficial venous surgery during follow-up [odds ratio (OR) 8.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9-48.2] and percentage reduction of the VLU area at W4 (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.14) as being independently associated with healing. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that complete healing of long-standing, large VLUs is independently associated with ablation of the incompetent superficial vein and percentage of wound area reduction after the first 4 weeks of treatment.

Waiting time disparities in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment: a population-based study in France.

Waiting times are key indicators of a health's system performance, but are not routinely available in France. We studied waiting times for diagnosis and treatment according to patients' characteristics, tumours' characteristics and medical management options in a sample of 1494 breast cancers recorded in population-based registries. The median waiting time from the first imaging detection to the treatment initiation was 34 days. Older age, co-morbidity, smaller size of tumour, detection by organised screening, biopsy, increasing number of specimens removed, multidisciplinary consulting meetings and surgery as initial treatment were related to increased waiting times in multivariate models. Many of these factors were related to good practices guidelines. However, the strong influence of organised screening programme and the disparity of waiting times according to geographical areas were of concern. Better scheduling of diagnostic tests and treatment propositions should improve waiting times in the management of breast cancer in France.

Supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) in the management of laryngeal carcinoma: oncologic results. A 35-year experience.

To evaluate the long-term oncologic results of supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) for laryngeal cancer. A 35-year retrospective study concerning 291 patients treated by supracricoid laryngectomy with CHEP for laryngeal cancer was performed. The following postoperative data were studied: recurrence rates (lymph node and laryngeal), distant metastases and second cancer. The mortality rate and overall survival were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The postoperative mortality was 1.03 %. 23 patients were lost to follow-up. The 3-year survival rate was 84 % and the 5-year survival rate was 80 %. 12 patients developed distant metastasis. 31 patients developed a second cancer. The local (laryngeal) control rate was 93.94 % and the regional (cervical lymph node) control rate was 92.05 %. In multivariate analysis, the occurrence of a second non-ENT cancer and metastasis as well as margins involvement were reliable to mortality. Supracricoid laryngectomy with CHEP appears to be associated with very good long-term oncologic results and still has a place in the management of T1, T2 and selected T3 glottic cancers.

Prevention of healthcare-associated infections in general practice: current practice and drivers for change in a French study.

PURPOSE: The fight against Healthcare-associated infections is a public health priority and a major challenge for the safety and quality of care. The objective was to assess hygiene in general practitioners' (GPs') office and identify barriers to and drivers for better practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study in which a questionnaire was sent to a randomly selected, representative sample of 800 GPs. We used a self-administered questionnaire. The first part assessed current practice and the second part focused on barriers and motivating factors for better practice. We performed a descriptive statistical analysis of the responses to closed questions and a qualitative analysis of the responses to open-ended questions. RESULTS: Only a third of the GPs were aware of the current guidelines. Disposable equipment was used by 31% of the GPs. For the remainder, only 38% complied with the recommended procedures for sterilisation or disinfection. Seventy-two percent of the GPs washed their hands between consultations in the office. A significant minority of physicians disregarded the guidelines by never wearing gloves to perform sutures (11%), treat wounds (10%), fit intrauterine devices (18%) or perform injections (18%). The main barriers to good practice were the high cost of modifications and lack of time/space. Two third of the GPs did not intend to change their practices. The drivers for change were pressure from patients (4.8 on a scale of 1 to 7), inspection by the health authorities (4.8) and the fear of legal action (4.4). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that there are significant differences between current practice and laid-down professional guidelines. Policies for improvement of hygiene must take into account barriers and motivating factors.

Molecular characterization of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci from hospitals of the picardy region (france).

We studied 138 glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE) strains, consisting of 131 glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus faecium (GREfm) and 7 glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (GREfs). The GREfm strains were resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, vancomycin, and teicoplanin, while the GREfs strains were only resistant to vancomycin and teicoplanin. The van A gene was the only glycopeptide determinant present in all GRE isolates investigated. Genes coding for Hyl and Hyl+ Esp were detected in 39 (29.8%) and 92 (70.2%) of the 131 GREfm isolates, respectively. Three of the 7 GREfs were positive for gelE+asa 1 genes, 3 for gel E gene, and 1 for asa 1 gene. The genetic relationship between the 138 GRE was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). GREfm isolates were clustered in a single genogroup (pulsotype A), and GREfs were clustered in six genogroups (pulsotypes B-G). Among the isolates investigated by MLST, only 18 PCR products were sequenced (12 E. faecium and 6 E. faecalis), and 9 sequence types (STs) were identified.

Occupational exposure to pesticides and bile tract carcinoma in men: results from a European multicenter case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the associations between occupational exposure to pesticides and extrahepatic biliary tract carcinoma in men, a population-based case-control study was carried out. METHODS: Cases (n = 104), aged 35-70, diagnosed in 1995-1997, were sampled by active reporting systems from hospitals. Controls (n = 1,401) were a random sample of the general male population. Information on occupation and confounding factors was obtained by questionnaires. Exposures were quantified with respect to time, application methods, and use of personal protective equipment. Intensity was evaluated by using a published algorithm which weighted the exposure assigned according to the use of personal protective equipment and mode of application. Logistic regression analyses were conducted adjusted for gallstones, age, and country. RESULTS: Being ever exposed to pesticides resulted in an odds ratio (OR) of 1.0 [95%-confidence interval (CI) 0.6-1.6]. A modestly elevated risk was found for backpack mounted sprayers OR = 1.4 [95% CI 0.7-2.6] and vine farmers OR = 2.5 [95% CI 0.9-7.2]. Using time periods and exposure frequency as intensity measure, no elevated risks were found. The only exception was year of maximum exposure which yielded an OR of 1.6 [95% CI 0.7-3.5]. However, no clear trend was observed in this analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not rule out that pesticide exposure represents an occupational risk factor for extrahepatic biliary tract carcinoma, but no indication of a strong association was observed. Some modes of exposure were weakly, albeit not significantly associated with carcinoma risk. The observed estimates of effects may be influenced by a lack of precise exposure assessment. Different chemical compositions of pesticides were utilized during a long time span of pesticide exposure, and it should be considered that the exposure is assessed with substantial uncertainty that could non-differential and bias results toward the null.

[Prostate cancer management and factors associated with radical prostatectomy in France in 2001]. / Le cancer de la prostate en France en 2001: état des pratiques et facteurs associés à la réalisation d'une prostatectomie totale.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer was the most common cancer in men in France in 2005, and the second cause of male death from cancer. In this study, we analyzed clinical characteristics of patients with prostate cancer diagnosed in France in 2001 with a focus on therapeutic management of localized prostate cancers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 2181 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in 2001 from 11 French counties covered by a cancer registry were analyzed. A descriptive study of the clinical characteristics of patients was performed. Parameters studied included age, county, TNM stage, PSA value, Gleason score, D'Amico prognostic group, Charlson's comorbidity index and initial treatment modalities. For localized cancers, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with radical prostatectomy. RESULTS: The proportion of localized prostate cancer (T1 or T2) was 86.6 %. The use of invasive curative treatment (radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy) was 58.4 % for localized cancers. Significant differences in therapeutic management were found between counties. Radical prostatectomy was associated with age at diagnosis, D'Amico prognostic group and the presence of comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Most of prostate cancers diagnosed in France in 2001 were clinically localized and were treated by invasive therapy. The consequences of these practices remain to be determined given the limited evolution of many prostate cancers and the frequency of adverse events related to invasive treatments.

A population-based study of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage-II and -III colon cancers.

BACKGROUND: Although clinical trials have demonstrated that adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival for stage-III colon cancer, the benefits remain controversial for stage-II lesions. The objective of the present study was to determine the extent to which adjuvant chemotherapy is used for patients with stage-II and -III colon cancers. METHODS: The study population comprised 1074 patients with stage-II and -III colon cancers diagnosed in 2000 in 12 French administrative districts and recorded in population-based cancer registries. Data were collected using a standardized procedure. RESULTS: Overall, 20.4% of patients with stage II and 61.9% with stage III received adjuvant chemotherapy. Age at diagnosis was the strongest determinant of chemotherapy. Among stage-II patients, those receiving chemotherapy decreased from 57.6% in patients aged or=85. The corresponding percentages with stage III were 93.6% and 1.4%. In multivariate analyses, other factors found to be independently and significantly associated with administration of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II were extension of the cancer (stage IIA vs. stage IIB), clinical presentation (obstruction or perforation vs. uncomplicated cancer) and discussion of the case at a multidisciplinary case-review meeting. For stage III, apart from age, discussion of the case at a multidisciplinary meeting was the only factor independently associated with administration of chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant chemotherapy for stage-III colon cancer is used extensively for patients under 75 years of age. However, many elderly patients do not receive such treatment. On the other hand, a substantial percentage of stage-II colon cancer patients receive adjuvant chemotherapy despite its uncertain benefits.

[A sensitive, specific and predictive isolation medium developed for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia study in healthcare settings]. / La mise au point d'un milieu sensible, spécifique et prédictif de recherche de Stenotrophomonas maltophilia dans l'environnement des soins.

BACKGROUND: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Smalto) is a prominent nosocomial pathogen, commonly isolated in the hospital environment. Multiple Smalto nosocomial outbreaks have been linked to contaminated water sources. This study aimed to develop a medium able to ease healthcare environment Smalto isolation. METHODS: Financed, from March 2007 to June 2008, by a university hospital of Amiens' clinical research program, this study allowed Stenotrophomonas maltophilia selective medium with coloured indicator (SM2i) development. SM2i is constituted of Mueller Hinton agar (MH), maltose, DL-methionine, bromothymol blue. The mixture sterilized is refreshed at 50 degrees C, its pH adjusted to 7.1, and render selective by addition of vancomycin, imipenem and amphotericin B. Then, SM2i agar is sunk into 90 cm diameter Petri dish dated and stored at 4 degrees C for 4 weeks. SM2i is developed using Pasteur Institute culture type collection (CIP) strains of Smalto, Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Psa) and a Smalto strain of our hygiene laboratory collection. It was validate on Psa imipenem-resistant and Enterococcus faecium vancomycin-resistant strains, then, tested on cold water first jet and faucet cotton-swabs samples. SM2i tests were made in comparison with the MH agar, MH agar plus four paper disks loaded 10 microg of imipenem and Cetrimed agar. Its sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values, accuracy, likehood-ratio (LR) and Youden index have been determined. RESULTS: SM2i agar is better in culturing Smalto test-strains. On SM2i, Smalto colonies are smooth, round, greeny, olive or lime green, have a green olive centre with a peripheral lighter or a dark green centre with an olive green suburb surrounded by a blue halo. SM2i is a selective, specific, predictive, accurate medium to search for Smalto in healthcare environment. In 122 pairs of cold water first jet and taps cotton-swabs samples, Smalto was isolated from 14.8% of water samples, 10.7% of cotton-swabs samples. It was isolated alone in 6.6% of water samples and 2.5% of swab samples. Thus, smalto has biocontaminated 17.2% of cold water taps. Compared to MH agar, SM2i sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy, LR were 100, 100, 100, 100, 100% and infinity, and 87.5, 100, 100, 98.1, 98.4% and infinity for water and cotton-swabs samples respectively. CONCLUSION: SM2i is a selective, specific, predictive medium which can allow easily isolating and identifying accurately Smalto in environmental samples. Its evaluation on clinical samples is on going.

[Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa water-associated microbiologic risk assessment in Amiens' University Hospital Centre]. / Evaluation des risques microbiologiques hydriques associés à Stenotrophomonas maltophilia et Pseudomonas aeruginosa au CHU d'Amiens.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Psa) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Smalto) are major opportunistic waterborne pathogens causing hospital-acquired infections. This study aimed to assess the biocontamination level of cold water used in Amiens' university hospital wards, from March to June 2008. METHODS: We cultivated 122 pairs of cold water first jet and taps cotton-swabs on Cetrimide agar for Psa, on Stenotrophomonas maltophilia selective medium with coloured indicator (SM2i) for Smalto, on Mueller Hinton agar used as isolation medium reference for both, 48h at 30 degrees C. Data analysed with Epi-Info 6.04dFr were compared with chi(2) test, significant at p<.05. RESULTS: Psa and Smalto were isolated in 26.2 and 14.8% of water samples and in 21.3 and 10.7% of swab samples respectively. They were associated in 11.5% of water samples and 5% of swab samples. Psa was alone in 13.1% of water samples and 7.4% of swab samples whereas Smalto was found in 6.6% of water and 2.5% of swabs. Psa and Smalto were isolated from 14.8% of water samples and 8.2% of swab samples of the same tap. Finally, respectively 35.2 and 17.2% of the cold water taps were biocontaminated by Psa and Smalto. In fact, microbiologic water taps contamination risk was two-fold higher for Psa than for Smalto, p<.001, without variation between wards. CONCLUSION: Sm2i and Cetrimide are suited and efficient medium respectively for Smalto and Psa isolation. Cold-water samples are sufficient for waterborne pathogens biocontamination risk appraisal. Our results urged healthcare workers on efficient water fittings microbiologic risk control to prevent healthcare associated waterborne infections, notably due to Psa and Smalto.

[Time trends in the geographic variation of thyroid cancer incidence by tumor size from 1983 to 2000 in France]. / Disparités géographiques d'évolution d'incidence des cancers de la thyroïde par taille entre 1983 et 2000 en France.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this investigation was to study geographic time trends of thyroid cancer incidence according to tumor size in France, 1983 to 2000. METHODS: Incidence data were provided from six French registries over the period 1983-2000 covering seven administrative districts. Five tumor size groups were distinguished: < 10mm, 10-20mm, 20-40mm, > 40mm and unknown size. Papillary cancers diagnosed in women were analyzed according to tumor size in each geographic area. World age standardized rates were calculated and annual percent change rates were estimated for each tumor size group in each geographic area. Loglinear Poisson regression models were used to study geographic discrepancies in time trends incidences. RESULTS: The six French registries included 2222 papillary thyroid cancers in women between 1983 et 2000. Thyroid cancer incidence was increasing in the six geographic areas. Geographical variations in time trends incidence between registries reflected geographical variations in time trends incidence of small sized tumors (less than 10mm). CONCLUSION: Wide geographic variations in thyroid cancer incidence were noticed for small size tumors, which may be correlated with geographic variations in medical practices.

[Cytological history of cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed in France in 2006]. / Histoire cytologique des cancers du col utérin diagnostiqués en France en 2006.

OBJECTIVE: After a significant decrease of the incidence of invasive cervical cancer with the practice of cytologic screening, the numbers remain the same nowadays. To explain the reasons for that, we performed a survey of the cases of invasive cervical cancer observed in France in 2006. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A questionnaire about screening practice was sent to every member of the French Society of Colposcopy (SFCPCV) to fill out for every invasive cancer diagnosed in 2006. RESULTS: Five hundred and twenty-four cases were collected: 2/3 of them never had a pap smear or were under screened. Indeed 27% had a labelled normal smear in the last three years. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: As many others, this study shows that the first risk factor remains the lack of screening. But, 27% are false negative pap smears and it is even 45% under 45 years. The first thing to do is an organized mass screening but the increasing number of false negatives raises the question of the quality control of the cytology, or else to turn to a new test.

Prevention practices and cancer screening among general practitioners in Picardy, France.

BACKGROUND: Due to their frequent contact with a large proportion of the population, general practitioners (GPs) appear to play a particularly important role in primary and secondary (screening) cancer prevention. The objective of this survey was to describe the attitudes of GPs in relation to the major risk factors of cancer, and the most frequent forms of cancer screening. METHODS: A questionnaire concerning primary prevention and cancer screening by GPs was sent to all doctors in the Picardy region. In total, 480 GPs agreed to participate in this survey (31%). The questions concerned primary prevention (alcohol, smoking, diet, sun exposure, etc.) and cancer screening (breast, cervix, colorectal, prostate and other cancers). GPs were also questioned about their perception of these preventive actions and the difficulties that they encounter in application of these measures. RESULTS: The most structured preventive action appears to concern smoking in terms of primary prevention. GPs report greater difficulties in the prevention of alcoholism or dietary advice. A marked diversity of clinical practice was also observed in terms of cancer screening, even for cancers for which clear guidelines have been defined, such as breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: GPs appear to be receptive to cancer prevention, but encounter many difficulties in daily application due to lack of time or poor patient compliance.