A population perspective on the use of external beam radiotherapy in Catalonia, Spain.

PURPOSE: To assess the use of external beam radiotherapy in Catalonia (Spain), overall and by health management area. METHODS: We assessed radiotherapy treatments in a cohort of patients diagnosed with cancer from 2009 to 2011, using the population-based cancer registries in Girona and Tarragona. Participants had to have a minimum follow-up of 5 years from the time the cancer registry database was linked to the catalan health service database for financing radiation oncology. Outcomes included the proportion of patients receiving radiotherapy within 1 and 5 years of diagnosis. A log-binomial model was used to assess age-related trends in the use of radiotherapy by tumour site. Finally, we calculated the standardized utilization rate and 95% confidence intervals by health management area covered by the radiation oncology services, using indirect methods. RESULTS: At 1 and 5 years from diagnosis, 21.4 and 24.4% of patients, respectively, had received external beam radiotherapy. Patients aged 40-64 years had the most indications for the treatment, and there was a negative correlation between the patients' age and the use of radiotherapy for most tumour sites (exceptions were cervical, thyroid, and uterine cancers). There were no statistically significant differences in the use of radiotherapy according to th health management area. CONCLUSIONS: Population-based data show that external beam radiotherapy is underutilized in Catalonia. This situation requires a careful analysis to understand the causes, as well as an improvement of the available resources, oriented toward achieving realistic targets for the optimal use of external beam radiotherapy in our country.

Incidence and survival of central nervous system tumors in childhood and adolescence in Girona (Spain) 1990-2013: national and international comparisons.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric central nervous system tumors are one of the most frequent types of neoplasms in children but epidemiological data on these tumors have been sparsely reported in the medical literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyze the epidemiology of this type of tumors performing a retrospective population-based study in pediatrics and adolescent age in the population of Girona and compare them with series from Spain, Europe and worldwide. Cases were registered using the International Classification of Disease for Oncology, third edition and grouping according the International Classification of Childhood Cancer, third edition (ICCC-3). RESULTS: For all the histologies and the whole population between 0 and 19 years old, ASRw was 41.8 cases per million person-years. In children population, meaning under 14 years old, we found 104 cases with ASRw of 45.6. Males were the most affected by CNS tumors with a 1.2 sex ratio between 0 and 14 years old, and 1.1 between 0 and 19 years old. The analysis of trends in incidence did not find any statistically significant increase or decrease. Five-year observed survival was 68%, both for patients under 19 and 14 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence in our area was among the highest in Spain and worldwide, while survival was comparable to others reported.

Mortality of women with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: a population-based study from the Girona province, Spain (1994-2013).

PURPOSE: We aim to comprehensively describe the incidence and mortality trends of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the Girona province, Spain (1994-2013) and to estimate the all-cause mortality excess risk of diagnosed women. METHODS: Age-standardized rates of DCIS were estimated between 1994 and 2013. Standard mortality ratios (SMR) and absolute excess mortality were calculated overall and by tumor and patient characteristics. A sensitivity analysis was conducted excluding cases with a subsequent invasive breast cancer (sIBC). RESULTS: Of the 641 women included, 56 died (follow-up time: 8.4 person-years). Between 1994 and 2013, a significant increase in incidence and decrease in mortality was identified among women aged between 50 and 69 years old. Neoplasms and circulatory system disease were the most common causes of death. No excess risk of death was found overall, except for women aged < 50 years (SMR = 3.44, 95% CI 1.85; 6.40) and those with a sIBC (SMR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.26; 5.02), risk that lessened when cases with sIBC were excluded. Patients with sIBC also showed an excess risk (SMR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.03; 5.10). CONCLUSIONS: Among women aged 50-69 years old, incidence of DCIS has significantly increased yet mortality has decreased. Overall, the all-cause mortality risk of women diagnosed with DCIS remains similar to that of the general population except for women diagnosed before age 50 and those with sIBC, who showed a significant increased risk. Differential management of these patients should be considered.

Patterns of increased incidence and survival of cutaneous melanoma in Girona (Spain) 1994-2013: a population-based study

Introduction: We conducted a population-based study on the Girona Cancer Registry (Spain) for the period 1994-2013 to determine patterns of change in the incidence of melanoma, which is increasing in many countries, and patient survival in our geographical area. Materials and methods: Using the standard registration rules for cancer registries, we calculated crude and standardized incidence rates as well as their trends. We also analysed the observed survival, 1-year conditioned survival and relative survival at 3, 5 and 10 years. Results: Our crude incidence rate was 9.13 cases/100,000 inhabitants for invasive and 2.59 for "in situ" melanomas. A statistically significant increase in incidence was found for melanomas of less than 1 mm in Breslow index and in males. 10-year observed and relative survival rates were 64.1 and 83.1%, respectively. Conclusions: We found an increasing trend in the incidence of low-risk melanoma and a survival rate similar to that reported elsewhere in Europe

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Patterns of increased incidence and survival of cutaneous melanoma in Girona (Spain) 1994-2013: a population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a population-based study on the Girona Cancer Registry (Spain) for the period 1994-2013 to determine patterns of change in the incidence of melanoma, which is increasing in many countries, and patient survival in our geographical area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the standard registration rules for cancer registries, we calculated crude and standardized incidence rates as well as their trends. We also analysed the observed survival, 1-year conditioned survival and relative survival at 3, 5 and 10 years. RESULTS: Our crude incidence rate was 9.13 cases/100,000 inhabitants for invasive and 2.59 for "in situ" melanomas. A statistically significant increase in incidence was found for melanomas of less than 1 mm in Breslow index and in males. 10-year observed and relative survival rates were 64.1 and 83.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found an increasing trend in the incidence of low-risk melanoma and a survival rate similar to that reported elsewhere in Europe.

Trends in incidence and survival analysis in non-melanoma skin cancer from 1994 to 2012 in Girona, Spain: A population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: We present an epidemiological study focused on Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFS) and adnexal and skin appendages neoplasm (ASAN), a neoplasm understudied in cancer registries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyze trends of incidence and survival of NMSC registered with the Cancer Registry of Girona, Spain. RESULTS: We found 14389 cases of NMSC, accounting 3,474 SCC, 10729 BCC, 33 MCC, 61 DFSP and 71 ASAN. Incidence increased significantly in SCC and BCC with annual percentage of change of 1.6 and 1.5, respectively, but not in MCC, DFS or ASAN. Five-year relative survival for both sexes was 90.1% in SCC, 99.8% in BCC, 44.2% in MCC, 93.7% in DFS and 84% in ASAN. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the increasing incidence and good survival of SCC and BCC and enhances knowledge on the epidemiology of the less incidental NMSC.

Temporal trends of incidence and survival of sarcoma of digestive tract including Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST) in two areas of the north-east of Spain in the period 1981-2005: a population-based study

INTRODUCTION: The diagnostic approach of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST) was established in 2002. Before this, GIST had been classified with a wide range of histological terms. This fact and the consideration of potential malignity of all these tumours led to a false perception of an increasing incidence. PURPOSE: This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy in registration of sarcoma of digestive tract and GIST and to elucidate the trends of incidence and survival of those. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data from two population-based cancer registries in Spain. In the Girona's Cancer Registry we previously reclassified all sarcoma of digestive tract performing c-kit to confirm GIST and analysed the time period 1994-2005. In Tarragona's Cancer Registry, where we analysed the time period 1981-2005, this reclassification was not done. RESULTS: We obtained a significant increasing trend in incidence of all sarcoma of digestive tract in the Tarragona Cancer Registry database, with an annual per cent of change of 3.87 but a non-statistically significant trend in incidence in the Girona Cancer Registry database. The incidence of GIST in Girona Cancer Registry was 1.24 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year. Survival rates did not change in time and was high in less aggressive GIST. The 5-year relative survival for low, intermediate and high risk of malignant behaviour GIST groups were, respectively, 80.5, 85.6 and 64.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the incidence of GIST could be explained by the improvement in their diagnosis and registration. The survival of low and intermediate risk of malignant behaviour is high and close to normal population survival (AU)

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Temporal trends of incidence and survival of sarcoma of digestive tract including Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST) in two areas of the north-east of Spain in the period 1981-2005: a population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnostic approach of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST) was established in 2002. Before this, GIST had been classified with a wide range of histological terms. This fact and the consideration of potential malignity of all these tumours led to a false perception of an increasing incidence. PURPOSE: This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy in registration of sarcoma of digestive tract and GIST and to elucidate the trends of incidence and survival of those. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data from two population-based cancer registries in Spain. In the Girona's Cancer Registry we previously reclassified all sarcoma of digestive tract performing c-kit to confirm GIST and analysed the time period 1994-2005. In Tarragona's Cancer Registry, where we analysed the time period 1981-2005, this reclassification was not done. RESULTS: We obtained a significant increasing trend in incidence of all sarcoma of digestive tract in the Tarragona Cancer Registry database, with an annual per cent of change of 3.87 but a non-statistically significant trend in incidence in the Girona Cancer Registry database. The incidence of GIST in Girona Cancer Registry was 1.24 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year. Survival rates did not change in time and was high in less aggressive GIST. The 5-year relative survival for low, intermediate and high risk of malignant behaviour GIST groups were, respectively, 80.5, 85.6 and 64.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the incidence of GIST could be explained by the improvement in their diagnosis and registration. The survival of low and intermediate risk of malignant behaviour is high and close to normal population survival.

[Trends in cancer incidence in Catalonia, 1985-2002]. / Evolución de la incidencia del cáncer en Cataluña, 1985-2002.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the secular trend of cancer incidence in Catalonia and to compare it with that observed in European regions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Using data from the Tarragona and Gerona cancer registries, the number of cases, adjusted rates, and the annual percentages of change in cancer incidence in Catalonia for the period 1985-2002 were estimated. Cancer incidence trends in Catalonia, Spain, and four European regions were compared using variations in the adjusted rates between the periods 1993-1997 and 1998-2002. RESULTS: The number of invasive cancers increased from 15,773 in 1985 to 30,755 in 2002. The adjusted incidence rate showed an annual increase of 2.64% in males and of 1.81% in females. Almost all tumoral types showed an increasing trend. The most frequent malignant tumors in males were prostate, lung, colon and rectum, and urinary bladder tumors, showing increases of 8.74%, 1.67%, 3.47% and 4.32% respectively. The most frequent tumors in females were breast, colon and rectum and corpus uterine tumors, showing increases of 2.45%, 1.67% and 0.78%, respectively. In males, Catalonia showed lower annual incidence rates than the remaining European regions in 1985 and higher rates in 2002. In females, rates remained lower than in other European regions. CONCLUSIONS: In Catalonia, the number of incident cancers increased because of population growth and aging, greater exposure to risk factors and, for some cancer types, higher detection rates. Overall cancer incidence trends followed a similar pattern to those of southern Europe, with higher increases than in the remaining European regions, especially in males.

Evolución de la incidencia del cáncer en Cataluña, 1985-2002 / Trends in cancer incidence in Catalonia, 1985-2002

OBJETIVO: Describir la evolución temporal de la incidencia del cáncer en Cataluña y compararla con la de las regiones europeas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: A partir de los datos de los registros de cáncer de Tarragona y Girona se estimaron los números de casos, las tasas ajustadas y los porcentajes de cambio anual de la incidencia de cáncer en Cataluña del período 1985-2002. Se compararon las tendencias de la incidencia entre Cataluña, España y las cuatro regiones europeas mediante las variaciones de las tasas ajustadas entre los períodos 1993-1997y 1998-2002. RESULTADOS: El número de cánceres invasivos se duplicó desde 1985 (15.773) a 2002 (30.755). La tasa ajustada de incidencia se incrementó anualmente un 2,64% en varones y un 1,81% en mujeres. Casi todos los tipos tumorales mostraron una tendencia creciente. Los más frecuentes en varones fueron: próstata (8,74%), pulmón (1,67%), colorrectal (3,47%) y vejiga urinaria (4,32%); en mujeres: mama (2,45%), colorrectal (1,67%) y cuerpo uterino (0,78%). Respecto a las regiones europeas, Cataluña pasó de la posición inferior a la superior en varones y permaneció en la zona baja en mujeres. CONCLUSIONES: El número de cánceres en Cataluña se incrementó por el aumento y envejecimiento de la población, la mayor exposición a factores de riesgo y, en algún tipo tumoral, al crecimiento de la capacidad diagnóstica. Las tendencias de la incidencia global del cáncer siguen un patrón similar al del sur de Europa, con incrementos mayores que en las demás regiones europeas, especialmente en varones

OBJECTIVE: To describe the secular trend of cancer incidence in Catalonia and to compare it with that observed in European regions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Using data from the Tarragona and Gerona cancer registries, the number of cases, adjusted rates, and the annual percentages of change in cancer incidence in Catalonia for the period 1985-2002 were estimated. Cancer incidence trends in Catalonia, Spain, and four European regions were compared using variations in the adjusted rates between the periods 1993-1997 and 1998-2002. RESULTS: The number of invasive cancers increased from 15,773 in 1985 to 30,755 in 2002. The adjusted incidence rate showed an annual increase of 2.64% in males and of 1.81% in females. Almost all tumoral types showed an increasing trend. The most frequent malignant tumors in males were prostate, lung, colon and rectum, and urinary bladder tumors, showing increases of 8.74%, 1.67%, 3.47% and 4.32% respectively. The most frequent tumors in females were breast, colon and rectum and corpus uterine tumors, showing increases of2.45%, 1.67% and 0.78%, respectively. In males, Catalonia showed lower annual incidence rates than the remaining European regions in 1985 and higher rates in 2002. In females, rates remained lower than in other European regions. CONCLUSIONS: In Catalonia, the number of incident cancers increased because of population growth and aging, greater exposure to risk factors and, for some cancer types, higher detection rates. Overall cancer incidence trends followed a similar pattern to those of southern Europe, with higher increases than in the remaining European regions, especially in males

Population-based incidence and survival of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) in Girona, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are rare malignancies characterised by their association with KIT oncogene mutations. Until now, population-based reports of the incidence or survival of kit-confirmed GIST have been rare, and none have originated in Southern Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the Girona Cancer Registry to identify malignant mesenchymal tumours of the digestive tract between 1994 and 2001, and performed c-kit testing in the tumour samples. Age-adjusted incidence rates and survival rates were calculated, and they were also analysed by sex and NIH risk categories. RESULTS: Forty-six cases were categorised as GIST. Fifty percent were localised in the stomach, 43.5% in small intestine, 4.3% in the omentum, and 2.2% in colon. Thirty-seven percent were classified as high risk of an aggressive behaviour, 30.4% as intermediate risk and 32.6% as low or very low risk. Only one patient received treatment with imatinib mesilate. The annual incidence by 100,000 inhabitants in crude rate, European age-standardised rate and world age-standardised rate was, respectively, 1.09, 0.90 and 0.65 cases. The relative 5-year survival rate was 74.7% for the entire cohort, and it was markedly lower in the high-risk cases (20.3%). CONCLUSIONS: We report the first population-based study of GIST incidence and survival in Southern Europe. The incidence rate is low and comparable with that of cancer registries from Northern Europe. Survival was favourable in our pre-imatinib population although it was low in high risk cases. Prognostic discrimination of the cases with intermediate, low, or very low risk is inadequate, and these categories should be considered jointly in the future. Our results will help researchers in establishing baseline values against which they can compare, in the future, the impact of imatinib and other Kit tyrosine inhibitors on survival.

[Analysis and classification of hospital emergencies through Ambulatory Patient Groups]. / Análisis y clasificación de las urgencias hospitalarias mediante los Ambulatory Patient Groups.

AIM: To assess the feasibility and results of application of Ambulatory Patient Groups (APG) patient's classification system to the case-mix of patients seen at the Emergency Departments (ED) of 6 Barcelona metropolitan area hospitals. METHODS: Development of a minimum discharge data set specific for the Emergency Departments (CMBDAU). Gathering of relevant variables from a random sample of patients seen at the ED using the ED discharge reports. Use of the APG classification system to those episodes. RESULTS: A total of 11.188 episodes were codified and grouped with the APG system. Fifteen diagnostics identified 25% of all episodes. Nearly 50% of all procedures performed at the ED were common and simple procedures. Fifteen APG's grouped 50% of all cases seen at the ED. CONCLUSIONS: The ED Uniform Discharge Data Set (CMBDAU) developed is a valid instrument for describing the case-mix seen at the ED, and its grouping by means of the APG system provides consistent and meaningful results. The widespread use of systems like APG in the ED requires a former validation of relative weights assigned in the US system. The availability of human and technical resources must also be assessed, in order to guarantee the quality and sustainability of such a system.

[Breast cancer and heredity: results of a population case-control study in Girona]. / Cáncer de mama y herencia: resultados de un estudio poblacional de casos y controles en Girona.

BACKGROUND: To characterise the relationship between breast cancer and different aspects of the reproductive life, use of drugs and alcohol by family history of breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From the cancer registry of Girona, Spain, 330 women were identified with histologically confirmed breast cancer during 1986-1989. For each case, a control woman was selected from a random sample of the population living in the matched area to the case by age (+/- 5 yr.). The information was collected by a personal interview and included: family history of breast cancer, reproductive history, presence of acne during the teenage years, use of oral contraceptives and drugs for sleep and anxiety disorders, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS: 18.5% of breast cancer cases and 8.9% of all controls had a family history of breast cancer. Family history on a first degree relative (mother or sister) was present in 10.6% of the cases and 2.8% of controls, which represented an odds ratio for breast cancer of 3.7 (95% CI, 1.8-7.8) higher than the general population. Women with a first degree family history of breast cancer were at higher risk for breast cancer if they had a history of acne during the teenage period (OR = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-5.2) and if they referred long menstrual periods in the early years of menarche (OR = 3.1; 95% CI, 1.3-7.0). Women with no family history had a higher breast cancer risk if they had a late menarche, long menstrual periods, late first full term pregnancy, and history of acne during puberty. Alcohol consumption and use of drugs for anxiety and sleep disorders were associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: First degree family history of breast cancer seems to be the best risk indicator for developing breast cancer. Long menstrual periods and presence of acne during puberty may indicate hormonal imbalance that act independently of the family history in breast cancer development.