RESUMO
Breast cancer stands as the prevailing malignancy across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. In this literature review, we highlighted the incidence and trend of breast cancer in the GCC. Most of the studies reported a consistent increase in breast cancer incidence over the past decades, which was particularly attributed to the adoption of a Westernized lifestyle in the region and the implications of emerging risk factors and other environmental and societal factors, the increase in screening uptake, as well as the improvement in data collection and reporting in the GCC. The data on breast cancer risk factors in the GCC were limited. In this geographic region, breast cancer frequently manifests with distinctive characteristics, including an early onset, typically occurring before the age of 50; an advanced stage at presentation; and a higher pathological grade. Additionally, it often exhibits more aggressive features such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity or the presence of triple-negative (TN) attributes, particularly among younger patients. Despite the growing body of literature on breast cancer in the GCC, data pertaining to survival rates are, regrettably, meager. Reports on breast cancer survival rates emanating from the GCC region are largely confined to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the UAE, predictive modeling reveals 2-year and 5-year survival rates of 97% and 89%, respectively, for the same period under scrutiny. These rates, when compared to Western counterparts such as Australia (89.5%) and Canada (88.2%), fall within the expected range. Conversely, Saudi Arabia reports a notably lower 5-year survival rate, standing at 72%. This disparity in survival rates underscores the need for further research directed toward elucidating risk factors and barriers that hinder early detection and screening. Additionally, there is a pressing need for expanded data reporting on survival outcomes within the GCC. In sum, a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of breast cancer dynamics in this region is imperative to inform effective strategies for prevention, early detection, and improved patient outcomes.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Polytrauma (PT) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, it is unknown if PT teaching is taught or adequately included in undergraduate medical curricula. We conducted this scoping review to explore the literature on undergraduate PT training. METHODS: Using Arksey and O'Malley's five stage framework, a scoping review was conducted. Nine medical and educational databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were searched using keywords identified by the authors. Eligible studies were limited to the English language, with no set limitations on the year of publication. Studies reporting on PT teaching in undergraduate medical curricula were included. RESULTS: Nine studies were included. The articles were sub-categorised into three themes: current teaching of PT in medical curricula, trauma management courses and simulation-based trauma education. Four out of five studies on PT teaching in the curriculum were rated as inadequate by current or past students; on the other hand, three out of four trauma management/simulation courses were evaluated and all three were rated positively by students. Three trauma management courses compared students pre- and post-course scores on a written or practical test and reported significant improvement in post-course scores. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relative paucity of literature on undergraduate PT training. There is a need for more research to explore how to deliver effective PT teaching to medical students.
