Barriers to early diagnosis and management of oral cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore perceived barriers to early diagnosis and management of oral cancer, as well as potential pathways for improvement in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered online questionnaire created via the Research Electronic Data Capture platform. The survey was distributed to health professionals trained in Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Dentists with clinical and academic expertise in oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) and oral cancer. Data obtained were systematically organized and analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Twenty-three professionals from 21 LAC countries participated. Major barriers included the limited implementation of OPMD and oral cancer control plans (17.4%), low compulsory reporting for OPMD (8.7%) and oral cancer (34.8%), unclear referral pathways for OPMD (34.8%) and oral cancer (43.5%), and a shortage of trained professionals (8.7%). Participants endorsed the utility of online education (100%) and telemedicine (91.3%). CONCLUSION: The survey highlights major perceived barriers to early diagnosis and management of OPMD and oral cancer in LAC, as well as potential avenues for improvement.

Automated extraction of information from free text of Spanish oncology pathology reports.

Background: Pathology reports are stored as unstructured, ungrammatical, fragmented, and abbreviated free text with linguistic variability among pathologists. For this reason, tumor information extraction requires a significant human effort. Recording data in an efficient and high-quality format is essential in implementing and establishing a hospital-based-cancer registry. Objective: This study aimed to describe implementing a natural language processing algorithm for oncology pathology reports. Methods: An algorithm was developed to process oncology pathology reports in Spanish to extract 20 medical descriptors. The approach is based on the successive coincidence of regular expressions. Results: The validation was performed with 140 pathological reports. The topography identification was performed manually by humans and the algorithm in all reports. The human identified morphology in 138 reports and by the algorithm in 137. The average fuzzy matching score was 68.3 for Topography and 89.5 for Morphology. Conclusions: A preliminary algorithm validation against human extraction was performed over a small set of reports with satisfactory results. This shows that a regular-expression approach can accurately and precisely extract multiple specimen attributes from free-text Spanish pathology reports. Additionally, we developed a website to facilitate collaborative validation at a larger scale which may be helpful for future research on the subject.

Introducción: Los reportes de patología están almacenados como texto libre sin estructura, gramática, fragmentados o abreviados, con variabilidad lingüística entre patólogos. Por esta razón, la extracción de información de tumores requiere un esfuerzo humano significativo. Almacenar información en un formato eficiente y de alta calidad es esencial para implementar y establecer un registro hospitalario de cáncer. Objetivo: Este estudio busca describir la implementación de un algoritmo de Procesamiento de Lenguaje Natural para reportes de patología oncológica. Métodos: Desarrollamos un algoritmo para procesar reportes de patología oncológica en Español, con el objetivo de extraer 20 descriptores médicos. El abordaje se basa en la coincidencia sucesiva de expresiones regulares. Resultados: La validación se hizo con 140 reportes de patología. La identificación topográfica se realizó por humanos y por el algoritmo en todos los reportes. La morfología fue identificada por humanos en 138 reportes y por el algoritmo en 137. El valor de coincidencias parciales (fuzzy matches) promedio fue de 68.3 para Topografía y 89.5 para Morfología. Conclusiones: Se hizo una validación preliminar del algoritmo contra extracción humana sobre un pequeño grupo de reportes, con resultados satisfactorios. Esto muestra que múltiples atributos del espécimen pueden ser extraídos de manera precisa de texto libre de reportes de patología en Español, usando un abordaje de expresiones regulares. Adicionalmente, desarrollamos una página web para facilitar la validación colaborativa a gran escala, lo que puede ser beneficioso para futuras investigaciones en el tema.

History of the National Cancer Registry of Panama.

Background: The National Cancer Registry of Panama (NCRP) was established in 1974. In 1984, histological confirmation became mandatory. The now pathology-based registry has evolved and has been a population-based cancer registry (PBCR) since 2012 with cancer-specific Web-based reporting software. Herein, we characterize the main features in its development that may help readers understand its evolution and improvements that are needed to be in line with international standards. Methods: We describe the major components of the NCRP using its structure, processes, and a results framework for 3 major periods since its inception: 1974-1999, 2000-2011, and 2012 to present. Results: The NCRP has always been linked to the Ministry of Health of Panama. Until the end of its second period, it operated as a pathology-based registry and all staff worked part time. Currently, the NCRP is based on passive reporting through a Web-based system set up for both public and private health institutions, covering 77% of the existing health-care institutions in the nation. The number of cases with unknown age were less than 10 per year and primary tumors with unknown origin were at most 3%. The proportion of death certificate only (DCO) cases decreased 5% in 18 years. Men are more likely to have DCO than women (odds ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.48-1.58). Discussion: The NCRP has evolved, achieving significant improvements and progress over the years. Yet, much remains to be done. To provide internationally comparable, valid, and timely cancer incidence data, the NCRP should continue to improve its quality and coverage and provide continuous staff training on cancer registry procedures.

Automated extraction of information from free text of Spanish oncology pathology reports

Background: Pathology reports are stored as unstructured, ungrammatical, fragmented, and abbreviated free text with linguistic variability among pathologists. For this reason, tumor information extraction requires a significant human effort. Recording data in an efficient and high-quality format is essential in implementing and establishing a hospital-based-cancer registry Objective: This study aimed to describe implementing a natural language processing algorithm for oncology pathology reports. Methods: An algorithm was developed to process oncology pathology reports in Spanish to extract 20 medical descriptors. The approach is based on the successive coincidence of regular expressions. Results: The validation was performed with 140 pathological reports. The topography identification was performed manually by humans and the algorithm in all reports. The human identified morphology in 138 reports and by the algorithm in 137. The average fuzzy matching score was 68.3 for Topography and 89.5 for Morphology. Conclusions: A preliminary algorithm validation against human extraction was performed over a small set of reports with satisfactory results. This shows that a regular-expression approach can accurately and precisely extract multiple specimen attributes from free-text Spanish pathology reports. Additionally, we developed a website to facilitate collaborative validation at a larger scale which may be helpful for future research on the subject.

Introducción: Los reportes de patología están almacenados como texto libre sin estructura, gramática, fragmentados o abreviados, con variabilidad lingüística entre patólogos. Por esta razón, la extracción de información de tumores requiere un esfuerzo humano significativo. Almacenar información en un formato eficiente y de alta calidad es esencial para implementar y establecer un registro hospitalario de cáncer. Objetivo: Este estudio busca describir la implementación de un algoritmo de Procesamiento de Lenguaje Natural para reportes de patología oncológica. Métodos: Desarrollamos un algoritmo para procesar reportes de patología oncológica en Español, con el objetivo de extraer 20 descriptores médicos. El abordaje se basa en la coincidencia sucesiva de expresiones regulares. Resultados: La validación se hizo con 140 reportes de patología. La identificación topográfica se realizó por humanos y por el algoritmo en todos los reportes. La morfología fue identificada por humanos en 138 reportes y por el algoritmo en 137. El valor de coincidencias parciales (fuzzy matches) promedio fue de 68.3 para Topografía y 89.5 para Morfología. Conclusiones: Se hizo una validación preliminar del algoritmo contra extracción humana sobre un pequeño grupo de reportes, con resultados satisfactorios. Esto muestra que múltiples atributos del espécimen pueden ser extraídos de manera precisa de texto libre de reportes de patología en Español, usando un abordaje de expresiones regulares. Adicionalmente, desarrollamos una página web para facilitar la validación colaborativa a gran escala, lo que puede ser beneficioso para futuras investigaciones en el tema.

Survival in stomach cancer: analysis of a national cancer information system and a population-based cancer registry in Colombia

Background: Stomach cancer is among the most frequent, is a leading cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Assessing its survival is important to guide evidence-based health policies. Aims: To estimate stomach cancer survival in Colombia (2014-2019) with data from the National Cancer Information System (NCIS) and in Cali with data from the Cali Population Cancer Registry (RPCC) (1998-2017). Methods: NCIS estimated the overall 3-year net survival for 8,549 people, while RPCC estimated 5-year net survival for 6,776 people. Results: The 3-year net survival was 36.8% (95% CI: 35.5-38.1). Net survival was higher in people with special insurance (61.7%; 95% CI: 44.8-74.8) or third payer (40.5%; 95% CI: 38.7-42.3) than state insurance (30.7%; 95% CI: 28.7-32.8). It was also higher in women and people diagnosed at early stages. Multivariable analysis showed consistency with survival estimations with a higher risk of death in men, people with state insurance, and diagnosed at advanced stages. In Cali, the 5-year net survival remained stable in men during the last 20 years. In women the 5-year net survival in women increased 8.60 percentage points, equivalent to a 50% increase compared to the 1998-2002 period. For 2013-17, it was 19.1% (95%CI: 16.2-22.2) in men, and 24.8% (95% CI: 20.4-29.3) in women. Conclusions: Population survival estimates from the RPCC were lower than those observed in the NCIS. The differences in their methods and scope can explain variability. Nevertheless, our findings could be complementary to improve cancer control planning in the country.

Antecedentes: El cáncer de estómago se encuentra entre los más frecuentes y es una de las principales causas de mortalidad en los países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Evaluar su supervivencia es importante para orientar las políticas de salud basadas en la evidencia. Objetivos: Estimar la supervivencia del cáncer de estómago en Colombia (2014-2019) con datos del Sistema Nacional de Información del Cáncer (NCIS) y en Cali con datos del Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Cali (RPCC) (1998-2017). Métodos: El NCIS estimó la supervivencia neta a tres años para 8,549 personas y el RPCC la calculó a 5 años para 6,776 personas registradas en sus bases de datos. Resultados: La supervivencia neta a tres años en Colombia fue del 36.8% (IC 95%: 35.5-38.1). La supervivencia neta fue mayor en personas con seguro especial (61.7%; IC 95%: 44.8-74.8) o tercer pagador (40.5%; IC 95%: 38.7-42.3) que el seguro estatal (30.7%; IC 95%: 28.7-32.8). También fue mayor en mujeres y personas diagnosticadas en etapas tempranas. El análisis multivariable mostró consistencia con la estimación de supervivencia con mayor riesgo de muerte en hombres, personas con seguro estatal y diagnosticados en estadios avanzados. En Cali, la supervivencia neta a 5 años se mantuvo estable en los hombres durante los últimos 20 años. En las mujeres aumentó 8.60 puntos porcentuales, equivalente a un aumento del 50% en comparación con el período 1998-2002. Para el período 2013-17 fue 19.1% (IC 95%: 16.2-22.2) en los hombres y 24.8% (IC 95%: 20.4-29.3) en las mujeres. Conclusiones: Las estimaciones de supervivencia del RPCC fueron más bajas que las obtenidas por el NCIS. Las diferencias en sus métodos y alcance pueden explicar la variabilidad. Sin embargo, nuestros hallazgos pueden ser complementarios para mejorar la planificación del control del cáncer en el país..

Completeness and Consistency of Epidemiological Variables from Hospital-Based Cancer Registries in a Brazilian State.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the completeness and consistency of data from hospital-based cancer registries (HCRs) in a Brazilian state. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study was based on secondary data from an HCR in the state of Espírito Santo (ES) between 2010 and 2017. The data were collected between August and November 2020 by the ES State Health Department (SESA/ES). Cancer data were obtained from the HCR of ES using the tumor registration form of the Brazilian Hospital Cancer Registry Integrator and complete databases within the SESA/ES. The incompleteness of the data was classified as excellent (<5%), good (between 5% and 10%), regular (between 10% and 20%), poor (between 20% and 50%), and very poor (>50%), according to the percentage of the absence of information. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS® Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 20.0. RESULTS: Complete data were observed for the variables of sex, date of the first hospital visit, and histological type of the primary tumor; that is, there were no missing data. Most epidemiological variables, including age, origin, date of first tumor diagnosis, previous diagnosis and treatment, location of the primary tumor, first treatment received at the hospital, date of death of the patient, and probable location of the primary tumor, were classified as having excellent completeness throughout the study period. However, the variables schooling, smoking, alcohol consumption, occupation, family history of cancer, and clinical staging of the tumor were classified as poor. CONCLUSION: Most epidemiological variables from the HCR in the state of ES, Brazil, showed excellent completeness. It is essential to elucidate the sociodemographic and clinical variables of epidemiological importance for a better understanding of the health-disease process.

Net Survival in Survival Analyses for Patients with Cancer: A Scoping Review.

Population-based net survival is an important tool for assessing prognostic advances. The unbiased Pohar Perme Estimator (PPE) was suggested in 2012 and soon established itself as the gold standard for estimating net survival. This scoping review aims to know in which context this estimator is being used in the oncology area, what the authors point out as a justification for its use, and the limitations found. We searched PubMed, and the grey literature to answer the question: Have studies involving patients diagnosed with cancer used the PPE to estimate cancer-specific survival? How do they justify the use of the PPE and what are the limitations pointed out? Out of 295 screened, 85 studies were included in this review. The two main characteristics of the PPE mentioned by the studies as justification were the fact that it is an unbiased estimator (83.5%) and that it produces comparable estimates among populations with different mortality rates from causes other than cancer (36.47%). No study pointed to a limitation due to the use of PPE. As a conclusion, the Pohar Perme Estimator is the gold standard for estimating net survival and should be more used in oncology, especially when dealing with population-based studies where the follow-up time is long, making high the probability of death from causes other than cancer.

Survival in stomach cancer: analysis of a national cancer information system and a population-based cancer registry in Colombia.

Background: Stomach cancer is among the most frequent, is a leading cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Assessing its survival is important to guide evidence-based health policies. Aims: To estimate stomach cancer survival in Colombia (2014-2019) with data from the National Cancer Information System (NCIS) and in Cali with data from the Cali Population Cancer Registry (RPCC) (1998-2017). Methods: NCIS estimated the overall 3-year net survival for 8,549 people, while RPCC estimated 5-year net survival for 6,776 people. Results: The 3-year net survival was 36.8% (95% CI: 35.5-38.1). Net survival was higher in people with special insurance (61.7%; 95% CI: 44.8-74.8) or third payer (40.5%; 95% CI: 38.7-42.3) than state insurance (30.7%; 95% CI: 28.7-32.8). It was also higher in women and people diagnosed at early stages. Multivariable analysis showed consistency with survival estimations with a higher risk of death in men, people with state insurance, and diagnosed at advanced stages. In Cali, the 5-year net survival remained stable in men during the last 20 years. In women the 5-year net survival in women increased 8.60 percentage points, equivalent to a 50% increase compared to the 1998-2002 period. For 2013-17, it was 19.1% (95%CI: 16.2-22.2) in men, and 24.8% (95% CI: 20.4-29.3) in women. Conclusions: Population survival estimates from the RPCC were lower than those observed in the NCIS. The differences in their methods and scope can explain variability. Nevertheless, our findings could be complementary to improve cancer control planning in the country.

Antecedentes: El cáncer de estómago se encuentra entre los más frecuentes y es una de las principales causas de mortalidad en los países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Evaluar su supervivencia es importante para orientar las políticas de salud basadas en la evidencia. Objetivos: Estimar la supervivencia del cáncer de estómago en Colombia (2014-2019) con datos del Sistema Nacional de Información del Cáncer (NCIS) y en Cali con datos del Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Cali (RPCC) (1998-2017). Métodos: El NCIS estimó la supervivencia neta a tres años para 8,549 personas y el RPCC la calculó a 5 años para 6,776 personas registradas en sus bases de datos. Resultados: La supervivencia neta a tres años en Colombia fue del 36.8% (IC 95%: 35.5-38.1). La supervivencia neta fue mayor en personas con seguro especial (61.7%; IC 95%: 44.8-74.8) o tercer pagador (40.5%; IC 95%: 38.7-42.3) que el seguro estatal (30.7%; IC 95%: 28.7-32.8). También fue mayor en mujeres y personas diagnosticadas en etapas tempranas. El análisis multivariable mostró consistencia con la estimación de supervivencia con mayor riesgo de muerte en hombres, personas con seguro estatal y diagnosticados en estadios avanzados. En Cali, la supervivencia neta a 5 años se mantuvo estable en los hombres durante los últimos 20 años. En las mujeres aumentó 8.60 puntos porcentuales, equivalente a un aumento del 50% en comparación con el período 1998-2002. Para el período 2013-17 fue 19.1% (IC 95%: 16.2-22.2) en los hombres y 24.8% (IC 95%: 20.4-29.3) en las mujeres. Conclusiones: Las estimaciones de supervivencia del RPCC fueron más bajas que las obtenidas por el NCIS. Las diferencias en sus métodos y alcance pueden explicar la variabilidad. Sin embargo, nuestros hallazgos pueden ser complementarios para mejorar la planificación del control del cáncer en el país..

Trends in the incidence and morbidity of Merkel cell carcinoma in Brazil.

Aims: The current study aims to present epidemiologic changes and clinical aspects of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in Brazil. Methods: Data were collected from the Brazilian Population-Based Cancer Registries (2000-2015) and Hospital-Based Cancer Registries (2000-2017). Results: The average age-standardized incidence rates significantly increased in men between the years 2000 (0.31/1,000,000) and 2015 (1.21/1,000,000), with an annual percentage change of 9.4 (95% CI: 4.7-14.4; p < 0.001). In women, the incidence rates rose insignificantly in the period with an annual percentage change of 3.1 (95% CI: 0.0-6.2; p < 0.10). From the hospital-based database, 881 MCC patients were identified. Most of the patients were females (51.2%), aged >60 years (82.2%), White (67.6%) and diagnosed at stages III or IV (50.5%). Conclusions: A key aspect of public health promotion is to understand the incidence and morbidity of MCC.

Lay abstract Aims: The current study aims to present epidemiologic changes and clinical aspects of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in Brazil. Methods: Data were collected from the Brazilian Population-Based Cancer Registries (2000­2015) and Hospital-Based Cancer Registries (2000­2017). Results: The incidence rates significantly increased in men between the years 2000 and 2015. In women, the incidence rates rose insignificantly in the same period. From the hospital-based database, MCC patients were identified. Most of the patients were females, aged >60 years, White and diagnosed with locally advanced and advanced stages. Conclusions: A key aspect of public health promotion is to understand the incidence and morbidity of MCC.

Population-based risk assessment of second primary cancers following a first head and neck cancer: patterns of association and difficulties of its analysis.

PURPOSE: The diagnosis of a second primary cancer (SPC) is a major concern in the follow-up of survivors of a primary head and neck cancer (HNC), but the anatomic subsites in the head and neck area are close, making it difficult to distinguish a SPC of a recurrence and therefore register it correctly. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from two population-based cancer registries in Catalonia, Spain: the Tarragona Cancer Registry and the Girona Cancer Registry. All patients diagnosed with HNC during the period 1994-2013 were registered and followed-up to collect cases of SPC. We analysed the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and the excess absolute risk (EAR) to determine the risk of second malignancies following a prior HNC. RESULTS: 923 SPC were found in a cohort of 5646 patients diagnosed of a first head and neck cancer. Men had an increased risk of a SPC with a SIR of 2.22 and an EAR of 216.76. Women also had an increased risk with a SIR of 2.02 and an EAR of 95.70. We show the risk for different tumour sites and discuss the difficulties of the analysis. CONCLUSION: The risks of a SPC following a prior HNC in Tarragona and Girona are similar to those previously found in other similar cohorts. It would appear to be advisable to make a revision of the international rules of classification of multiple tumours, grouping the sites of head and neck area with new aetiological criteria to better determine and interpret the risks of SPC obtained in these studies.

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.

The mortality-incidence ratio as an indicator of five-year cancer survival in metropolitan Lima.

INTRODUCTION: The Mortality-Incidence Ratio complement [1 - MIR] is an indicator validated in various populations to estimate five-year cancer survival, but its validity remains unreported in Peru. This study aims to determine if the MIR correlates directly with five-year survival in patients diagnosed with the ten most common types of cancer in metropolitan Lima. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Metropolitan Lima Cancer Registry (RCLM in Spanish) for 2004-2005 was used to determine the number of new cases and the number of deaths of the following cancers: breast, stomach, prostate, thyroid, lung, colon, cervical, and liver cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukaemia. To determine the five-year survival, the five-year vital status of cases recorded was verified in the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC in Spanish). A linear regression model was used to assess the correlation between [1 - MIR] and total observed five-year survival for the selected cancers. RESULTS: Observed and estimated five-year survival determined by [1 - MIR] for each neoplasia were thyroid (66.7%, 86.7%), breast (69.6%; 68%), prostate (64.3%, 63.8%) and cervical (50.1%, 58.5%), respectively. Pearson's r coefficient for the correlation between [MIR - 1] and observed survival was = 0.9839. Using the coefficient of determination, it was found that [1 - MIR] (X) captures the 96.82% of observed survival (Y). CONCLUSION: The Mortality-Incidence Ratio complement [1 - MIR] is an appropriate tool for approximating observed five-year survival for the ten types of cancers studied. This study demonstrates the validity of this model for predicting five-year survival in cancer patients in metropolitan Lima.

Cancer survival in adult patients in Spain. Results from nine population-based cancer registries.

INTRODUCTION: With the aim of providing cancer control indicators, this work presents cancer survival in adult (≥15 years) patients in Spain diagnosed during the period 2000-2007 from Spanish cancer registries participating in the EUROCARE project. METHODS: Cancer cases from nine Spanish population-based cancer registries were included and analysed as a whole. All primary malignant neoplasms diagnosed in adult patients were eligible for the analysis. Cancer patients were followed until 31 December 2008. For each type of cancer, 1-, 3- and 5-year observed and relative survival were estimated by sex, age and years from diagnosis. Furthermore, age-standardized 5-year relative survival for the period 2000-2007 has been compared with that of the period 1995-1999. RESULTS: Skin melanoma (84.6 95% CI 83.0-86.2), prostate (84.6% 95% CI 83.6-85.6) and thyroid (84.2% CI 95% 82.0-86.6) cancers showed the highest 5-year relative survival, whereas the worst prognosis was observed in pancreatic (6% 95% CI 5.1-7.0) and oesophageal (9.4% 95% CI 7.9-11.1) cancers. Overall, survival is higher in women (58.0%) than in men (48.9%). The absolute difference in relative survival between 2000-2007 and 1995-1999 was positive for all cancers as a whole (+4.8% in men, +1.6% in women) and for most types of tumours. Survival increased significantly for chronic myeloid leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and rectum cancer in both sexes, and for acute lymphoid leukaemia, prostate, liver and colon cancers in men and Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer in women. Survival patterns by age were similar in Europe and Spain. A decline in survival by age was observed in all tumours, being more pronounced for ovarian, corpus uteri, prostate and urinary bladder and less for head and neck and rectum cancers. CONCLUSION: High variability and differences have been observed in survival among adults in Spain according to the type of cancer diagnosed, from above 84% to below 10%, reflecting high heterogeneity. The differences in prognosis by age, sex and period of diagnosis reveal opportunities for improving cancer care in Spain.

Importancia de la epidemiología en cáncer laríngeo: incidencia y mortalidad por carcinoma escamoso de laringe / Importance of epidemiology in laryngeal cancer: incidence and mortality due to squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx

Actualmente se realiza un diagnóstico anual de 650.000 nuevos casos de carcinoma escamoso de cabeza y cuello en el mundo, siendo el carcinoma escamoso de laringe una patología neoplásica que compete al otorrinolaringólogo. La incidencia mundial del cáncer escamoso de laringe se estima en 3,9 por cada 100.000 habitantes con una mortalidad general de 2,0 por cada 100.000 habitantes. En Chile el registro de cáncer se realiza en base a los cinco registros poblacionales de cáncer que existen. No se tienen datos exactos respecto a incidencia y mortalidad por carcinoma escamoso de laringe, siendo la estimación de la incidencia de 1,2 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes y la estimación de mortalidad ajustada por edad de 0,7 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes. Se han descrito diversos factores de riesgo ambientales y estilos de vida para este cáncer, por lo tanto, las estrategias de prevención primaria en salud son claves a la hora de generar un impacto en la incidencia del carcinoma escamoso de laringe.

The annual diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is 650,000 new cases. The laryngeal carcinoma is a malignant disease that should include an otolaryngologist in its evaluation. The global incidence of laryngeal carcinoma is estimated at 3.9 per 100,000 inhabitants with an overall mortality rate of 2.0 per 100,000 inhabitants. In Chile the cancer registry is based on the five population cancer registries that exist. There is no accurate data on incidence and mortality from laryngeal carcinoma, being an estimated incidence of 1.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and an age-adjusted mortality of 0.7 cases per 100.00 inhabitants. There have been described various environmental risk factors and lifestyles for this cancer, therefore, primary prevention strategies are key to generate an impact on the incidence of larynx carcinoma.

Cancers of the brain and CNS: global patterns and trends in incidence.

Background: Cancers of the brain and CNS constitute a group of rare and heterogeneous tumors. Increasing incidence in Western populations has been linked to improvements in diagnostic technology, although interpretation is hampered by changes in diagnosis and reporting. The present study examines geographic and temporal variations in incidence rates of brain and CNS cancers worldwide. Methods: Data from successive volumes of Cancer Incidence in Five Continents were used, including 96 registries in 39 countries. We used Joinpoint regression to estimate the average annual percentage change and its 95% CI. Results: Globally, a large variability in the magnitude of the diagnosis of new cases of brain and CNS cancer was found, with a 5-fold difference between the highest rates (mainly in Europe) and the lowest (mainly in Asia). Increasing rates of brain and CNS cancer were found in South America, namely in Ecuador, Brazil, and Colombia; in eastern Europe (Czech Republic and Russia), in southern Europe (Slovenia), and in the 3 Baltic countries. Trends were similar between sexes, although decreasing trends in men and women were seen in Japan and New Zealand. Conclusions: Important regional variations in brain and CNS cancers exist, and given an increasing burden and risk worldwide, there is a need for further etiological research that focuses on the elucidation of environmental risk. The trends are sufficiently complex and diffuse, however, to warrant a cautious approach to interpretation.

Cancer in children and adolescents in Spain: incidence, treatment setting and provider specialty.

PURPOSE: To analyze cancer incidence, distribution of malignancy, treatment setting and provider specialty of cancer patients, 0-19 years old, in the Comunitat Valenciana, Spain. METHODS/PATIENTS: All incident childhood and adolescent (0-19 years) cancer cases registered in the population-based Comunitat Valenciana Childhood Cancer Registry (RTICV) from 2007 to 2010 were included. Pathological and hematological diagnoses were recoded using the International Classification of Childhood Cancer Third Edition (ICCC-3). Treatment setting and provider specialty were analyzed. RESULTS: 696 patients <20 years were diagnosed with cancer: 513 cases were children (0-14 years) and 183 were adolescents (15-19 years). Overall age-adjusted incidence for 2007-2010 was 176.0 cases per million (95 % CI 162.8-189.2), with incidence being the highest among infants (287.4), followed by 1-4 years (205.5), adolescents (179.9), 10-14 years (150.2) and 5-9 years (140.6). Among adolescents aged 14-19 years, the treatment setting differed by cancer type; 87 % of them were never seen at pediatric oncology units, while 40 % were treated in up to 20 different medical oncology departments in institutions without pediatric oncology expertise. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first population-based epidemiological study carried out in Spain on children and adolescents with cancer. Centralization of care to a small number of specialized centers and thorough pediatric and oncology team collaboration are needed to improve care and survival for adolescents with cancer in our country. We suggest the creation of specific adolescent tumor boards in main tertiary care hospitals, in which adolescents with cancer can benefit from the shared expertise of medical and pediatric specialists.

Determinants of advanced stage presentation of breast cancer in 87,969 Brazilian women.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage in Brazil. AIM: Analyze the determinants of advanced staging in Brazilian women with breast cancer. METHODS: Crosssectional study, including women diagnosed with breast cancer in Brazil, between 2000 and 2009. RESULTS: A total of 59,317 women were included, 53.5% being classified as advanced stage (≥IIB). Younger age (18 to 49 years old) (OR=1.61 95% CI 1.51 to 1.72) or between 40 and 49 years old (OR=1.08 95% CI 1.03 to 1.14), having low educational level (OR=1.53 95% CI 1.48 to 1.58), living in less developed geographical regions (OR=1.27 95% CI 1.21 to 1.33), having invasive ductal carcinoma (OR=2.70 95% CI 2.56 to 2.84) and invasive lobular carcinoma (OR=2.63 95% CI 2.42 to 2.86) were associated with advanced breast cancer. CONCLUSION: We conclude that future interventions should focus on these high risk groups.

Cancer survival in Cali, Colombia: A population-based study, 1995-2004.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on population-based cancer survival data in Latin America. OBJECTIVE: To obtain estimates of survival for some cancers recognized as a public health priority in Colombia using data from the Cancer Registry of Cali for 1995-2004. METHODS: ALL CANCER CASES FOR RESIDENTS OF CALI WERE INCLUDED FOR THE FOLLOWING SITES: breast (3,984), cervix uteri (2,469), prostate (3,999), stomach (3,442) and lung (2,170). Five-year relative survival estimates were calculated using the approach described by Estève. RESULTS: Five-year relative survival was 79% in patients with prostate cancer and 68% and 60% in women with breast or cervix uteri cancer, respectively. The cure fraction was close to zero in subjects with lung cancer and less than 10% in those with stomach cancer. The probability of dying from breast or prostate cancer in people in the lower socio-economic strata (SES) was 1.8 and 2.6 times, respectively, when compared to upper SES, p <0.001. Excess mortality associated with cancer was independent of age in prostate or breast cancer. After adjusting for age, sex and SES, the risk of dying from breast, cervix uteri, prostate and lung cancer during the 2000-2004 period decreased 19%, 13%, 48% and 16%, respectively, when compared with the period of 1995-1999. There was no change in the prognosis for patients with stomach cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Survival for some kinds of cancer improved through the 1995-2004 period, however health care programs for cancer patients in Cali are inequitable. People from lower SES are the most vulnerable and the least likely to survive.

ANTECEDENTES: En Latinoamérica existe poca información de estimaciones de supervivencia al cáncer basadas en estudios de población. OBJETIVO: obtener estimaciones de supervivencia relativa (SR) para algunos tipos de cáncer reconocidos como prioridad de salud pública en Colombia con la información del Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Cali. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron todos los casos de cáncer invasivo ocurridos en residentes de Cali durante el periodo 1994-2005 para las siguientes localizaciones: mama (3,984), cérvix (2,469), próstata (3,999 estómago (3,442) y pulmón (2,170). Las estimaciones de supervivencia relativa a 5 años se calcularon utilizando el método descrito por Estève. RESULTADOS: La SR a cinco años fue 79% en pacientes con cáncer de próstata y 68% y 60% en mujeres con cáncer de mama y cérvix. La fracción de curación fue cercana a cero en sujetos con cáncer de pulmón y menor al 10% en aquellos con cáncer de estómago; en estos pacientes; la SR a 5 años fue <20%. La probabilidad de morir por cáncer de mama o próstata en personas de los ESE más bajos fue de 1.8 y 2.6 veces, respectivamente, en comparación con los ESE altos, p <0.001. Después de ajustar por edad, sexo y ESE, el riesgo de morir por cáncer de mama, cérvix, próstata o pulmón en el período 2000-2004 se redujo 19%, 13% 52% y 16%, respectivamente, en comparación con el período 1995-1999. No hubo cambio en el pronóstico para los pacientes con cáncer de estómago. CONCLUSIÓN: La supervivencia para algunos tipos de cáncer ha mejorado a través de los años 1995-2004, pero los programas de atención para los pacientes con cáncer en Cali son inequitativos. Las personas de ESE bajos son más vulnerables y tienen menos probabilidad de sobrevivir al cáncer.

Cancer survival in Cali, Colombia: A population-based study, 1995-2004 / Superviviencia del cáncer en Cali: Estudio poblacional, 1995-2004

Background: There is limited information on population-based cancer survival data in Latin America. Objective: To obtain estimates of survival for some cancers recognized as a public health priority in Colombia using data from the Cancer Registry of Cali for 1995-2004. Methods: All cancer cases for residents of Cali were included for the following sites: breast (3,984), cervix uteri (2,469), prostate (3,999), stomach (3,442) and lung (2,170). Five-year relative survival estimates were calculated using the approach described by Estève. Results: Five-year relative survival was 79% in patients with prostate cancer and 68% and 60% in women with breast or cervix uteri cancer, respectively. The cure fraction was 6% in subjects with lung cancer and 15% in those with stomach cancer. The probability of dying from breast or prostate cancer in people in the lower socio-economic strata (SES) was 1.8 and 2.6 times greater, respectively, when compared to upper SES, p <0.001. Excess mortality associated with cancer was independent of age in prostate or breast cancer. After adjusting for age, sex and SES, the risk of dying from breast, cervix uteri, prostate and lung cancer during the 2000-2004 period decreased 19%, 13%, 48% and 16%, respectively, when compared with the period of 1995-1999. There was no change in the prognosis for patients with stomach cancer. Conclusions: Survival for some kinds of cancer improved through the 1995-2004 period, however health care programs for cancer patients in Cali are inequitable. People from lower SES are the most vulnerable and the least likely to survive.

Antecedentes: En Latinoamérica existe poca información de estimaciones de supervivencia al cáncer basadas en estudios de población. Objetivo: Obtener estimaciones de supervivencia relativa (SR) para algunos tipos de cáncer reconocidos como prioridad de salud pública en Colombia con la información del Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Cali. Métodos: Se incluyeron todos los casos de cáncer invasivo ocurridos en residentes de Cali durante el periodo 1994-2005 para las siguientes localizaciones: mama (3,984), cérvix (2,469), próstata (3,999), estómago (3,442) y pulmón (2,170). Las estimaciones de supervivencia relativa a cinco años se calcularon utilizando el método descrito por Estève. Resultados: La SR a cinco años fue 79% en pacientes con cáncer de próstata y 68% y 60% en mujeres con cáncer de mama y cérvix. La fracción de curación fue 6% en sujetos con cáncer de pulmón y 15% en aquellos con cáncer de estómago; en estos pacientes; la SR a cinco años fue 17%. La probabilidad de morir por cáncer de mama o próstata en personas de los ESE más bajos fue de 1.8 y 2.6 veces más, respectivamente, en comparación con los ESE altos, p <0.001. Después de ajustar por edad, sexo y ESE, el riesgo de morir por cáncer de mama, cérvix, próstata o pulmón en el período 2000-2004 se redujo 19%, 13% 52% y 16%, respectivamente, en comparación con el período 1995-1999. No hubo cambio en el pronóstico para los pacientes con cáncer de estómago. Conclusión: La supervivencia para algunos tipos de cáncer ha mejorado a través de los años 1995-2004, pero los programas de atención para los pacientes con cáncer en Cali son inequitativos. Las personas de ESE bajos son más vulnerables y tienen menos probabilidad de sobrevivir al cáncer.

Risk of second primary cancer among women with breast cancer: a population-based study in Granada (Spain).

OBJECTIVE: The higher risk of developing new cancers in breast cancer survivors is a public health concern. Our aim was to examine risk of second primary cancers among women diagnosed with breast cancer. METHODS: We studied two cohorts of female cancer patients identified in a population-based cancer registry in Granada (Spain): women first diagnosed with a primary breast cancer (n=5897) and those with a primary cancer in another site (n=22,814), followed during 1985-2007 for second cancers and breast cancer occurrence, respectively. We used Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIRs) to estimate second cancer risk by age (<50y, ≥50y), time since diagnosis (≤5y, >5y) and calendar periods (≤1995, >1996). SIR for breast cancer was calculated in the second cohort. RESULTS: The risk of developing second cancers (n=314) was 39% higher (95% CI=1.23-1.54) among breast cancer patients, and particularly high among women under 50 (SIR=1.96, 95% CI=1.48-2.44). Excess risk for endometrial cancer (SIR=3.04, 95% CI=2.14-3.94) was statistically significant and remained so in women over 50. Younger women were at higher risk of second ovarian cancer (SIR=4.90, 95% CI=1.27-8.53). Increased SIRs were observed during the first five years after breast cancer diagnosis, whereas SIRs decreased thereafter. Breast cancer incidence (n=171) was not higher among women previously diagnosed with other cancer types (SIR=0.86, 95% CI=0.74-1.00). CONCLUSION: Women diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher incidence of second primary cancers, particularly of endometrial cancer in women over 50 at diagnosis, and ovarian cancer in younger women. These findings may be explained by treatment-related effects or shared risk factors.