Colorectal Cancer Surgery Quality in Manitoba: A Population-Based Descriptive Analysis.

Unwarranted clinical variation in healthcare impacts access, productivity, performance, and outcomes. A strategy proposed for reducing unwarranted clinical variation is to ensure that population-based data describing the current state of health care services are available to clinicians and healthcare decision-makers. The objective of this study was to measure variation in colorectal cancer surgical treatment patterns and surgical quality in Manitoba and identify areas for improvement. This descriptive study included individuals aged 20 years or older who were diagnosed with invasive cancer (adenocarcinoma) of the colon or rectum between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014. Laparoscopic surgery was higher in colon cancer (24.1%) compared to rectal cancer (13.6%). For colon cancer, the percentage of laparoscopic surgery ranged from 12.9% to 29.2%, with significant differences by regional health authority (RHA) of surgery. In 86.1% of colon cancers, ≥12 lymph nodes were removed. In Manitoba, the negative circumferential resection margin for rectal cancers was 96.9%, and ranged from 96.0% to 100.0% between RHAs. The median time between first colonoscopy and resection was 40 days for individuals with colon cancer. This study showed that high-quality colorectal cancer surgery is being conducted in Manitoba along with some variation and gaps in quality. As a result of this work, a formal structure for ongoing measuring and reporting surgical quality has been established in Manitoba. Quality improvement initiatives have been implemented based on these findings and periodic assessments of colorectal cancer surgery quality will continue.

Correction: Ratnayake et al. Assessment of Breast Cancer Surgery in Manitoba: A Descriptive Study. Curr. Oncol. 2021, 28, 581-592.

The authors wish to make a correction to this paper due to a minor change in indicator definition [...].

Assessment of Breast Cancer Surgery in Manitoba: A Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: Variation in breast cancer surgical practice patterns can lead to poor clinical outcomes. It is important to measure and reduce variation to ensure all women diagnosed with breast cancer receive equitable, high-quality care. A population-based assessment of the variation in breast cancer surgery treatment and quality has never been conducted in Manitoba. The objective of this study was to assess the variation in surgical treatment patterns, quality of care, and post-operative outcomes for women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. METHODS: This descriptive study used data from the Manitoba Cancer Registry, Hospital Discharge Abstracts Database, Medical Claims, Manitoba Health Insurance Registry, and Statistics Canada. The study included women in Manitoba aged 20+ and diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014. RESULTS: Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for node-negative disease ranged from 11.8% to 33.3%, timeliness (surgery within 30 days of consult) ranged from 33.3% to 60.2%, and re-excision ranged from 14.7% to 24.6% between health authorities. Women who underwent breast-conserving surgery had the shortest median length of stay and women who underwent mastectomy with immediate reconstruction had the longest median length of stay. In-hospital post-operative complications were higher among women who received mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (9.9%). CONCLUSION: Variation in surgical treatment, quality, and outcomes exist in Manitoba. The findings from this study can be used to inform cancer service delivery planning, quality improvement efforts, and policy development. Influencing data-driven change at the health system level is paramount to ensuring Manitobans receive the highest quality of care.

Incidence, Characteristics, and Outcomes of Interval Breast Cancers Compared With Screening-Detected Breast Cancers.

Importance: Breast cancer comprises a highly heterogeneous group of diseases. Many breast cancers, particularly the more lethal ones, may not satisfy the assumptions about biology and natural history of breast cancer necessary for screening mammography to be effective. Objectives: To compare tumor characteristics of breast cancers diagnosed within 2 years of a normal screening mammogram (interval breast cancer [IBC]) with those of screen-detected breast cancers (SBC) and to compare breast cancer-specific mortality of IBC with SBC. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this registry-based cohort study, we collected data about relevant tumor- and patient-related variables on women diagnosed with breast cancer between January 2004 and June 2010 who participated in the population-based screening program in Manitoba, Canada, and those diagnosed with breast cancer outside the screening program in the province. We performed multinomial logistic regression analysis to assess tumor and patient characteristics associated with a diagnosis of IBC compared with SBC. Competing risk analysis was performed to examine risk of death by cancer detection method. Exposures: Breast cancer diagnosis. Main Outcomes and Measures: Differences in tumor characteristics and breast cancer-specific mortality. Results: A total of 69 025 women aged 50 to 64 years had 212 screening mammograms during the study period. There were 1687 breast cancer diagnoses (705 SBC, 206 IBC, 275 were noncompliant, and 501 were detected outside the screening program), and 225 deaths (170 breast cancer-specific deaths). Interval cancers were more likely than SBC to be of high grade and estrogen receptor negative (odds ratio [OR], 6.33; 95% CI, 3.73-10.75; P < .001; and OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 2.01-4.13; P < .001, respectively). After a median follow-up of 7 years, breast cancer-specific mortality was significantly higher for IBC compared with SBC cancers (hazard ratio [HR] 3.55; 95% CI, 2.01-6.28; P < .001), for a sojorn time of 2 years. Non-breast cancer mortality was similar between IBC and SBC (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.43-4.15). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, interval cancers were highly prevalent in women participating in population screening, represented a worse biology, and had a hazard for breast cancer death more than 3-fold that for SBC. Strategies beyond current mammographic screening practices are needed to reduce incidence, improve detection, and reduce deaths from these potentially lethal breast cancers.

Examining the Impact of First Nations Status on the Relationship Between Diabetes and Cancer.

Purpose: This population-based study examined the relationship between diabetes and cancer and determined if this relationship was influenced by First Nations (FN) status. Methods: In a matched case-cohort study, individuals 30-74 years of age diagnosed with diabetes during 1984-2008 in the province of Manitoba, Canada, with no cancer diagnosis before their diabetes diagnosis were matched to one diabetes-free control by age, sex, FN status, and residence. Flexible competing risk and Royston-Parmar regression models were used to compare cancer rates. Results: Overall, 72,715 individuals diagnosed with diabetes were matched to controls. In all age groups, diabetes was related to an increased risk of cancer. The relationship between diabetes and any type of cancer was not influenced by FN status (i.e., there was no interaction between the diagnosis of diabetes and people's FN status for any age group). The only significant interaction between diabetes and FN status was for kidney cancer for individuals 60-74 years of age; diabetes increased the risk of kidney cancer for all other Manitobans (AOMs) but not for FN. Conclusions: Diabetes increased the risk of cancer. The association was not modified by FN status except for kidney cancer where diabetes increased the risk for AOMs but not for FN.

Time Trends in the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer With Obstruction, Perforation, and Emergency Admission After the Introduction of Population-Based Organized Screening.

Importance: Up to 30% of patients with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) present as an emergency (an intestinal obstruction, perforation, or emergency hospital admission) (OPE). There are limited data about the association of organized, population-based colorectal cancer screening with the rate of emergency presentations. Objective: To examine the association of CRC screening with OPE at cancer diagnosis and time trends in the rate of OPE after the start of organized CRC screening using a highly sensitive fecal occult blood test. Design, Setting, and Participants: A historical cohort study was conducted among 1861 individuals 52 to 74 years of age with a diagnosis of CRC from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2015, who lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a province with universal health care and an organized CRC screening program. Statistical analysis was performed from January 22, 2019, to February 26, 2020. Exposures: Variables included prior CRC screening, era of diagnosis, cancer stage at diagnosis, tumor site in the colon, area level mean household income, primary care continuity of care, and comorbidity. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were defined as an OPE. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with OPE at CRC diagnosis. Trends over time were calculated using Joinpoint Regression. Results: From 2007 to 2015, 1861 individuals 52 to 74 years of age (1133 men; median age, 65.1 years [interquartile range, 60.0-70.3 years]) received a diagnosis of CRC in Winnipeg. Most individuals had good continuity of care and moderate comorbidities. Overall, 345 individuals (18.5%) had an OPE. The rate of emergency hospital admissions decreased significantly from 2007 (the start of the organized, province-wide CRC screening program) to 2015 (annual change, -7.1%; 95% CI, -11.3% to -2.8%; P = .01). There was no change in the rate of obstructions or perforations or stage IV CRCs. Individuals who were up to date for CRC screening were significantly less likely to receive a diagnosis of an OPE (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.28-0.50; P < .001). The results were similar after adding emergency department visits and stage IV CRC at diagnosis to the outcome. Conclusions and Relevance: This study suggests that the rate of emergency hospital admissions decreased over time for individuals who underwent CRC screening, but there was no change in the rate of obstructions and perforations. Individuals who were up to date for CRC screening were less likely to have a CRC diagnosis with an OPE.

Interval colorectal cancer rates after Hemoccult Sensa and survival by detection mode for individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of the Sensa fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in a population-based screening program. SETTING: Manitoba, Canada. METHODS: This historical cohort study included individuals 52 to 74 years of age diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) from 2008 to 2013. CRCs were categorized by detection following a screening program FOBT (Sensa), non-program FOBT (non-Sensa), or no FOBT. Screening program CRCs were classified as program-detected, interval program, or non-compliant. Logistic regression was used to compare characteristics by detection mode. Cox regression adjusted for lead-time was used to examine the effect of detection mode on survival. RESULTS: 1,498 individuals were diagnosed with CRC; 132 (8.8%) had a screening program FOBT, 626 (41.8%) had a non-program FOBT, and 740 (49.4%) had no FOBT. Of the screening program FOBT CRCs, 72 were program-detected (54.5%), 42 were interval program (31.8%), and 18 were non-compliant (13.6%). Sensa interval cancer rate was 37.4% and sensitivity was 63.1% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 54.3%-72.0%). The risk of death for individuals that had a non-program (Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.57, 95% CI:0.44-0.75) or a screening program FOBT (HR = 0.55, 95% CI:0.31-0.97) was lower than no FOBT. There was no significant difference in the risk of death for interval, non-compliant, and non-program CRCs compared to program-detected CRCs. Adjusting for lead time bias, sex, income quintile, tumour location, and age at diagnosis did not appreciably change the risk estimates. CONCLUSION: More than one-third of CRCs may not be detected by Sensa. There may be no difference in survival between CRC detected by Sensa and non-Sensa FOBTs.

Reducing income-related inequities in colorectal cancer screening: lessons learned from a retrospective analysis of organised programme and non-programme screening delivery in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

OBJECTIVE: We examined organised colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programme and non-programme faecal occult blood test (FOBT) use from 2008 to 2012 for individuals living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, by area-level income. SETTING: Winnipeg, Manitoba, a region with universal healthcare and an organised CRC screening programme. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals who had a non-programme FOBT were identified from the Provincial Medical Claims database. Individuals who had a programme FOBT were identified from the provincial screening registry. Census data were used to determine average household income based on area of residence. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Trends in age-standardised FOBT rates were examined using Joinpoint Regression. Logistic regression was performed to explore the association between programme and non-programme FOBT use and income quintile. RESULTS: FOBT use (non-programme and programme) increased from 32.2% in 2008 to 41.6% in 2012. Individuals living in the highest income areas (Q5) were more likely to have a non-programme FOBT compared with those living in other areas. Individuals living in areas with the lowest average income level (Q1) were less likely to have had programme FOBT than those living in areas with the highest average income level (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.82). There was no difference in programme FOBT use for individuals living in areas with the second lowest income level (Q2) compared with those living in areas with the highest. Individuals living in areas with a moderate-income level (Q3 and Q4) were more likely to have had a programme FOBT compared with those living in an area with the highest income level (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.15 for Q3 and OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.13 for Q4). CONCLUSIONS: Inequities by income observed for non-programme FOBTs were largely eliminated when programme FOBTs were examined. Targeted interventions within organised screening programmes in very low-income areas are needed.

Longitudinal Rates of Colon Cancer Screening Use in Winnipeg, Canada: The Experience of a Universal Health-Care System with an Organized Colon Screening Program.

OBJECTIVES: We examined trends in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening (fecal occult blood test (FOBT), colonoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS)) and differences in CRC screening by income in a population with an organized CRC screening program and universal health-care coverage. METHODS: Individuals who had an FOBT, colonoscopy, or FS were identified from the provincial Physician Claims database and the population-based colon cancer screening registry. Trends in age-standardized rates were determined. Logistic regression was performed to explore the association between CRC screening and income quintiles by year. RESULTS: Up-to-date CRC screening (FOBT, colonoscopy, or FS) increased over time for men and women, all age groups, and all income quintiles. Up-to-date CRC screening was very high among 65- to 69- and 70- to 74-year-olds (70% and 73%, respectively). There was a shift toward the use of an FOBT for CRC screening for individuals in the lower income quintiles. The disparity in colonoscopy/FS coverage by income quintile was greater in 2012 than in 1995. Overall, there was no reduction in disparities by income in up-to-date CRC screening nor did the rate of increase in up-to-date CRC screening or FOBT use change after the introduction of the organized provincial CRC screening program. CONCLUSIONS: CRC screening is increasing over time for both men and women and all age groups. However, a disparity in up-to-date CRC screening by income persisted even with an organized CRC screening program in a universal health-care setting.

Mammography rates for breast cancer screening: a comparison of First Nations women and all other women living in Manitoba, Canada, 1999-2008.

INTRODUCTION: First Nations (FN) women historically have low rates of preventive care, including breast cancer screening. We describe the frequency of breast cancer screening among FN women living in Manitoba and all other Manitoba (AOM) women after the introduction of a provincial, organized breast screening program and explore how age, area of residence, and time period influenced breast cancer screening participation. METHODS: The federal Indian Registry was linked to 2 population-based, provincial data sources. A negative binomial model was used to compare breast cancer screening for FN women with screening for AOM women. RESULTS: From 1999 through 2008, 37% of FN and 59% of AOM women had a mammogram in the previous 2 years. Regardless of area of residence, FN women were less likely to have had a mammogram than AOM women (relative rate [RR] = 0.69 in the north, RR = 0.55 in the rural south, and RR = 0.53 in urban areas). CONCLUSIONS: FN women living in Manitoba had lower mammography rates than AOM women. To ensure equity for all Manitoba women, strategies that encourage FN women to participate in breast cancer screening should be promoted.

Colorectal cancer screening in first nations people living in Manitoba.

BACKGROUND: Because the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) seems to be increasing in First Nations, it is important to better understand CRC screening utilization. The objective of this study was to describe CRC screening among First Nations living in Manitoba. METHODS: The Federal Indian Register was linked to two provincial databases. A negative binomial model was used to compare the probability of First Nations having a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), colonoscopy, or flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) with all other Manitobans. RESULTS: First Nations who lived in Winnipeg were significantly less likely to have had a FOBT in the previous 2 years than all other Manitobans who lived in Winnipeg [rate ratio (RR) = 0.40; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.37-0.44]. There was no difference in the likelihood of having a colonoscopy or FS for First Nations individuals who resided in northern Manitoba compared with all other Manitobans (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.91-1.19). However, First Nations who lived in the rural south or urban areas were less likely than all other Manitobans to have had a colonoscopy or FS (RR, 0.81, 95% CI, 0.75-0.87, rural south; RR, 0.86, 95% CI, 0.81-0.92, urban). CONCLUSIONS: First Nations living in Winnipeg were significantly less likely to be screened for CRC using the FOBT. Colonoscopy and FS use depended on area of residence. IMPACT: First Nations experience barriers that impede the use of CRC screening. Further research is needed to understand these barriers to extend the benefit of CRC screening to this population. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(1); 241-8. ©2014 AACR.

Pap test use and cervical cancer incidence in First Nations women living in Manitoba.

This study examined Papanicolaou (Pap) test utilization, Pap test results, and cervical cancer incidence among First Nations (FN) women living in Manitoba, Canada taking into account age group, time period, and area of residence. Six population-based data sources were linked at an individual level. Negative binomial regression was used to compare Pap test utilization and results between FN and all other Manitoba (AOM) women. Poisson regression was used to compare cervical cancer incidence. Among women younger than 25 years, FN were more likely than AOM women to have had a Pap test [rate ratio (RR) = 1.37, 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.22-1.53, 18-19 year olds; RR = 1.17, 95% CI, 1.05-1.31, 20-24 year olds]. There was no difference in Pap test use for women 25 to 29 or 30 to 39 years. FN 40 years and older were less likely to have a Pap test than AOM women (RR = 0.84, 95% CI, 0.75-0.93, 40-49 years old; RR = 0.71, 95% CI, 0.63-0.79, 50-59 years old; RR = 0.59, 95% CI, 0.52-0.66, 60-69 years old). FN were more likely than AOM women to have a high (RR = 1.88, 95% CI, 1.65-2.13) or low-grade Pap test result (RR = 1.60, 95% CI, 1.48-1.73). The invasive cervical cancer incidence rate was double for FN women 25 to 39 years of age (21.9 per 100,000, FN; 10.2 per 100,000, AOM, P = 0.006) and 40 to 69 years of age (24.3 per 100,000, FN; 12.3 per 100,000, AOM, P = 0.007). In conclusion, cervical cancer screening among FN women over 40 years of age must be increased to address the higher cervical cancer incidence.