Cancer Awareness Week Research Articles

"Infertility Isn't a Choice!": Conversations on Twitter about the Financial Burden of Oncofertility Care.

This study aimed to evaluate how the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community utilized Twitter to discuss the financial challenges of oncofertility care and to advocate for change. Tweets related to oncofertility and finances (n = 166), collected over a 12-week time period encompassing AYA Cancer Awareness Week, were thematically analyzed. Conversations highlighted how the high cost of care contributed to already high emotional and social distress. Proposed actions included providing timely information more equitably, improving access to financial support, and continued advocacy of policy changes to improve access to oncofertility care. Future research can explore the potential impact on policy change and clinical care.

Oral cancer - knowledge and perception of the population in the screening program during world oral, head and neck cancer awareness week

Aim: Oral cancer (OC) is characterized by a high mortality rate because most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. The purpose of this study was to assess population knowledge at screening for OC, risk factors, prevention, and early detection, and to determine whether factors such as level of education and gender affect knowledge of the respondents. Material and Methods: The study was conducted at the School of Dental Medicine University of Zagreb and the Faculty of Dental Medicine University of Rijeka using the attached questionnaire. Participants were patients who arrived for free screening examinations during World Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week from 22–28 April 2017, and answered survey questions on their knowledge of OC. Results: One hundred and eighty-five participants attended the screening event. Some participants did not answer certain questions, so the statistics with each question were made only for those respondents who answered that question. Screening event has included 99 (57.9%) females and 72 (42.1%) males (14 participants did not answer). The median age of participants was 67 years. The majority of participants (115; 80.4%) had heard about OC, but had not heard about nor previously attended OC screening examination (71 or 51.1% of females and 123 or 86.6% of males). No significant difference between genders and between participants with different levels of education was observed. The majority of participants (111;79.3%) knew that smoking was a risk factor for OC, and believed that their risk of getting OC was similar to other people in their age group and gender. Conclusions: Our results show that most participants have heard about OC, but have not heard about nor previously attend OC screenings. Future programs should be directed more to the high-risk population in order to achieve early detection and treatment of OC.

The Kenya UK Breast Cancer Awareness Week: curriculum codesign and codelivery with direct and lived experience of breast cancer diagnosis and management.

Global health education holds a paradox: the provision of global health degrees focusing on challenges in low-income and middle-income countries has increased in high-income countries, while those in these low-income and middle-income countries lack access to contribute their expertise, creating an ‘information problem’. Breast cancer is a pressing global health priority, which requires curriculum design, implementation, ownership and leadership by those with direct and lived experience of breast cancer.The Kenya-UK Breast Cancer Awareness Week was conceptualised following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Kenyan and UK governments launching the Kenya UK Health Alliance. This alliance aims to promote health cooperation to address Kenya’s breast cancer challenge. Here, we present the first of the collaborative’s initiatives: a breast cancer global health education programme designed, implemented, owned and led by Kenyan stakeholders.We present the utilisation of the Virtual Roundtable for Collaborative Education Design for the design and implementation of a nationwide virtual breast cancer awareness week delivered across eleven Kenyan medical schools. By involving partners with lived and/or professional experience of breast cancer in Kenya in all stages of the design and delivery of the awareness week, the project experimented with disrupting power dynamics and fostered ownership of the initiative by colleagues with direct expertise of breast cancer in Kenya.This initiative provides a platform, precedent and playbook to guide professionals from other specialties in the design and implementation of similar global collaborative ventures. We have used this approach to continue to advocate for global health curricula design change, so that those with lived experiences of global health challenges in their contextualised professional and personal environments are given leadership, reward and ownership of their curricula and further to highlight breast cancer as a global heath priority.

PD56-09 MICROBIOMES IN POST-DIGITAL RECTAL EXAM URINE SAMPLES ARE LINKED TO PROSTATE CANCER RISK

You have accessJournal of UrologyProstate Cancer: Detection & Screening VI (PD56)1 Sep 2021PD56-09 MICROBIOMES IN POST-DIGITAL RECTAL EXAM URINE SAMPLES ARE LINKED TO PROSTATE CANCER RISK E David Crawford, Whitney N Stanton, Rick Martin, Caleb D Phillips, Adrie van Bokhoven, M Scott Lucia, Paul Arangua, Francisco G La Rosa, Zachary Grasmick, Gretchen Hoyer, Nelson N Stone, Ryan Terlecki, J Curtis Nickel, and Priya N Werahera E David CrawfordE David Crawford More articles by this author , Whitney N StantonWhitney N Stanton More articles by this author , Rick MartinRick Martin More articles by this author , Caleb D PhillipsCaleb D Phillips More articles by this author , Adrie van BokhovenAdrie van Bokhoven More articles by this author , M Scott LuciaM Scott Lucia More articles by this author , Paul AranguaPaul Arangua More articles by this author , Francisco G La RosaFrancisco G La Rosa More articles by this author , Zachary GrasmickZachary Grasmick More articles by this author , Gretchen HoyerGretchen Hoyer More articles by this author , Nelson N StoneNelson N Stone More articles by this author , Ryan TerleckiRyan Terlecki More articles by this author , J Curtis NickelJ Curtis Nickel More articles by this author , and Priya N WeraheraPriya N Werahera More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002090.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: We investigated the microbiome of post-digital rectal exam (DRE) urine specimens from prostate cancer (PCa) patients and a screening population with a PSA <1.5 ng/mL using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. METHODS: 100 post-DRE urine specimens from patients with PCa were compared to 100 specimens from annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Week participants with PSA <1.5 ng/mL (low risk group). Microbial PCR and NGS was performed by MicroGenDX. RESULTS: Analysis of microbiome composition by NGS identified Cutibacterium acnes as significantly more abundant in PCa compared to low risk controls (P < 0. 05) (difference more pronounced in high grade PCa. Finegoldia magna was significantly more abundant in low risk controls (P < 0.05) compared to PCa. PCR differentially identified Klebsiella pneumoniae, Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella bivia, and Ureaplasma parvum, in PCa group. PCR detected Escherichia coli, Prevotella bivia, Mycoplasma hominis, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Ureaplasma parvum in the low risk control group. CONCLUSIONS: PCR and NGS analysis of post-DRE urinary microbiome showed detection and abundance differences in PCa compared to low risk controls. Cutibacterium acnes strain Type II identified in PCa in our study has been reported as the most prevalent bacterial species in PCa tissue samples. The presence of Finegoldia magna differentially identified in the group with a low risk of PCa is responsible for the production of equol, a soy metabolite associated with lowering risk of cancer. Our observations indicate the need for corroborative urine, tissue, and semen microbiome studies to identify a possible microbial contribution to prostate cancer risk. Source of Funding: Supported in parts by Schramm Foundation, Bingham Foundation, and Prostate Cancer Biorepository at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e1007-e1007 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information E David Crawford More articles by this author Whitney N Stanton More articles by this author Rick Martin More articles by this author Caleb D Phillips More articles by this author Adrie van Bokhoven More articles by this author M Scott Lucia More articles by this author Paul Arangua More articles by this author Francisco G La Rosa More articles by this author Zachary Grasmick More articles by this author Gretchen Hoyer More articles by this author Nelson N Stone More articles by this author Ryan Terlecki More articles by this author J Curtis Nickel More articles by this author Priya N Werahera More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

A 2020 Update on Public Awareness of Head and Neck Cancers.

To assess knowledge regarding head and neck cancers (HNCs) in 2020, factors associated with knowledge of the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in HNCs, and factors associated with exposure to Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (OHANCAW). Cross-sectional survey. Online. The survey was distributed to 517 participants via a paid panel and utilized US Census-built quotas to represent the US population. Participants surpassed 50% awareness rates in only 5 of 10 (50.0%), 2 of 6 (33.3%), and 5 of 9 (55.5%) preselected answer choices for subsites, risk factors, and signs/symptoms of HNCs, respectively. Knowledge of HPV's role in oropharyngeal cancer was also low, at 30.6%. However, of the controlled variables, exposure to OHANCAW was closely associated with knowledge of HPV's role in HNC (odds ratio, 10.25; 95% CI, 5.36-19.62). Women and elderly individuals were less likely to be exposed to OHANCAW, while those with higher education, those who drink heavily (>4 drinks/d), and current but not former tobacco users were more likely to be exposed. Knowledge of HNCs and the causal role of HPV remains suboptimal, though our results suggest that OHANCAW remains a viable educational pathway. However, certain at-risk populations, such as former smokers and older individuals, whom we may not be effectively reaching and screening, represent a priority for future outreach efforts.

The 2019 Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in light of the history of research on laryngeal cancer at the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department of Wrocław University Hospital

ENWEndNote BIBJabRef, Mendeley RISPapers, Reference Manager, RefWorks, Zotero AMA Zatoński M, Kucharczyk N, Naglik K, et al. The 2019 Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in light of the history of research on laryngeal cancer at the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department of Wrocław University Hospital. Journal of Health Inequalities. 2021;7(1):70-76. doi:10.5114/jhi.2021.107957. APA Zatoński, M., Kucharczyk, N., Naglik, K., Bobak-Sarnowska, E., Fedorowicz, O., & Kowalska, M. et al. (2021). The 2019 Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in light of the history of research on laryngeal cancer at the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department of Wrocław University Hospital. Journal of Health Inequalities, 7(1), 70-76. https://doi.org/10.5114/jhi.2021.107957 Chicago Zatoński, Michał, Natalia Kucharczyk, Katarzyna Naglik, Ewelina Bobak-Sarnowska, Olga Fedorowicz, Monika Kowalska, and Tomasz Zatoński. 2021. "The 2019 Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in light of the history of research on laryngeal cancer at the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department of Wrocław University Hospital". Journal of Health Inequalities 7 (1): 70-76. doi:10.5114/jhi.2021.107957. Harvard Zatoński, M., Kucharczyk, N., Naglik, K., Bobak-Sarnowska, E., Fedorowicz, O., Kowalska, M., and Zatoński, T. (2021). The 2019 Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in light of the history of research on laryngeal cancer at the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department of Wrocław University Hospital. Journal of Health Inequalities, 7(1), pp.70-76. https://doi.org/10.5114/jhi.2021.107957 MLA Zatoński, Michał et al. "The 2019 Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in light of the history of research on laryngeal cancer at the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department of Wrocław University Hospital." Journal of Health Inequalities, vol. 7, no. 1, 2021, pp. 70-76. doi:10.5114/jhi.2021.107957. Vancouver Zatoński M, Kucharczyk N, Naglik K, Bobak-Sarnowska E, Fedorowicz O, Kowalska M et al. The 2019 Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in light of the history of research on laryngeal cancer at the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department of Wrocław University Hospital. Journal of Health Inequalities. 2021;7(1):70-76. doi:10.5114/jhi.2021.107957.

Effect of educative reminder telephone calls on human papillomavirus immunization rate: A randomized controlled trial.

Context:Human papillomavirus coverage varies widely among women depending on their race, incomes, geographical location and education level.Objective:To evaluate whether reminder educative phone calls increase human papillomavirus vaccination rates in adult women aged 18–45 with high-risk factors of cervical cancer.Design:We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial in patients who consulted at a Canadian tertiary center in October 2019 during National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week.Interventions:We randomized women to receive three standardized educative phone calls or standard care.Main outcome measure:We assessed the immunization rate at 6 months.Results:A total of 130 patients were randomized of which 62 patients were randomized to the intervention. Eight patients (15.4%) got immunized at 6 months in the intervention group as compared to seven (11.7%) in the control group (p = 0.5645). The main barrier to vaccination reported by non-immunized patients at 6 months was the cost of vaccination (42.3%).Conclusion:Reminder educative phone calls did not increase human papillomavirus vaccination rates in adult women with risk factors of cervical cancer.ISRCTN registration number: ISRCTN58518971

Incitation à participer à une campagne de dépistage du cancer du col de l'utérus: expérience d'un centre de soins tertiaires au Canada.

The main objective of this study was to determine the most cost-effective communications strategy for National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week. The secondary objectives were to identify the reasons women were not screened by their primary care provider and to determine the number of abnormal cytology results obtained as a result of the awareness week screening. As part of an evaluation of the quality of care, we reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent cervical cancer screening at a Québec teaching hospital during National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week. A total of 202 women underwent screening during the national awareness week, held in October 2018. For 180 of the women, we were able to identify the communications strategies that led them to get screened and to obtain information on their follow-up care with their primary health care provider. No-cost marketing channels (including Facebook, the hospital website, and a news report and interview) led to 66 women (36.7%) participating, making these channels the most cost-effective. While 59% of the women had a family physician, 41% of them reported that their family physician did not perform pelvic exams. Abnormal cytology results were reported for 2.8% of the women. No-cost communications channels were the most effective for raising awareness. The majority of participants had a family physician. Efforts to raise awareness of cervical cancer must continue in order to increase screening rates. In addition, strategies must be put in place to improve access to Pap tests.

Evaluation of prostate cancer risk in men with PSA &lt; 1.5.

64 Background: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screening remains controversial primarily because of over detection and treatment. There is an unmet clinical need to identify patients at increased risk for high-grade (HG – Gleason Score ≥7) prostate cancer (PCa) since PSA has low sensitivity. Combining PSA with well-validated prostate cancer biomarkers (PCM) can improve risk assessment. We investigated the performance of three PCMs (phi – prostate health index, 4KScore, and SelectMDx) on patients with PSA levels &lt; 1.5 ng/mL that represent a “safe zone” where risk of any PCa is rare Methods: 652 men were screened for PCa during the annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Week at the University of Colorado Hospital. This study was supported by Prostate Condition Education Council and the Schramm Foundation. phi is evaluated using p2PSA, total PSA, and free PSA in serum. Phi &lt; 52.7 suggests absence of HG PCa. 4KScore incorporates four kallikrein protein biomarkers: total PSA, free PSA, intact PSA, human kallikrein protein, and clinical information. A 4KScore &lt; 20% suggests absence of HG PCa. The SelectMDx post-DRE urine test measures mRNA levels of the homeobox C6 and distal-less homeobox 1 biomarkers. SelectMDx score of 0% indicates absence of HG PCa. Results: No patients with a PSA &lt; 1.5 had SelectMDx &gt; 0% and/or phi &gt; 52.7. One patient had a 4KScore of 27%, indicating a risk for HG PCa. For patients with PSA between 1.5-3.99, 2.9% (4/135), 7.4% (4/54), and 2.3% (2/85) had positive phi, 4KScore, and SelectMDx results, respectively. Conclusions: Men with PSA &lt;1.5 ng/mL are at very low risk for HG PCa. Men with PSA between 1.5-3.99 with positive PCM results may be referred for further evaluation. [Table: see text]

The effect of digital rectal exam on the 4Kscore for aggressive prostate cancer

The 4Kscore is a new commercially available blood-based diagnostic test which predicts risk for aggressive, clinically significant prostate cancer on prostate biopsy. The 4Kscore is currently restricted to patients who have not had a digital rectal exam (DRE) in the previous 96 h, owing to prior mixed data suggesting that prostate specific antigen (PSA) isoforms may increase by a statistically significant-if not necessarily clinically significant-amount shortly after DRE. Our primary objective was to determine if 4Kscore test results are affected by a preceding DRE. Participants at a Prostate Cancer Awareness Week screening event sponsored by the Prostate Conditions Education Council filled out clinical history questionnaires and had blood samples for 4Kscore testing drawn prior to DRE, then 15-45 min following DRE. Patients with prior cancer diagnosis, 5-alpha reductase inhibitor medication use, or lower urinary tract procedures in the prior 6 months were excluded, resulting in a population of 162 participants for analysis. Values were then compared to determine if there was a significant difference in 4Kscore following DRE. A statistically significant increase was seen in levels of 3 kallikreins measured (total PSA, free PSA, and intact PSA; median <0.03 ng/mL for all). This resulted in a small but statistically significant decrease in post-DRE 4Kscore (median absolute score decrease 0.43%). Using a 4Kscore cutoff of 7.5% resulted in reclassification of 10 patients (6.2%), nine of whom were "downgraded" from above the cutoff to below. If the blood draw for the 4 K score is performed after a screening DRE, there is a statistically significant difference in the 4 K score results, but in the vast majority of cases it would not affect clinical decision making.

Impact of an HPV Education and Vaccination Campaign among Canadian University Students.

Uptake of HPV vaccination among university students remains low despite risky sexual practices and increased prevalence of high-risk HPV genotypes. The study objective was to determine the level of knowledge related to HPV and cervical cancer among university students and to subsequently develop a targeted education and vaccination campaign to increase uptake. Phase I was a pilot project in which participants were recruited as part of Cervical Cancer Awareness Week 2015 at two universities, one site immediately offering vaccination and the other not. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic information from participants and evaluate their baseline knowledge related to HPV and the risks of cervical cancer, in addition to determining barriers to vaccination and future willingness to be vaccinated. Data was compiled and analyzed using descriptive statistics of means and percentages. In phase II, which followed 1 year after, a targeted education and vaccination campaign was designed based on lessons learned from phase I, and vaccination uptake was reevaluated after 1 year. In phase I, 56 participants responded to a questionnaire related to HPV knowledge and cervical cancer. Among these, 29 students were vaccinated in a 2-day resident-run clinic. Overall, 63% felt they were not at risk of cervical cancer, though 88% knew HPV was the cause of cervical cancer. The three barriers identified to previous vaccination were lack of access to a doctor or a nurse (25%), financial reasons (25%), and low self-perceived risk (7%). There was a 50% three-dose completion rate in phase I. Based on this information, the education campaign in phase II was expanded in the subsequent year through social media, email communication, information booths, and individual solicitation. A total of 151 students were approached for individual solicitation and education. Among these, 64 students were vaccinated on site, including five men. Most importantly, there were 18 walk-ins resulting directly from the education initiatives and person-to-person solicitation. Subsequently, in 2016, 502 students were vaccinated at the McGill student health clinic and 455 at Concordia University. HPV vaccination rates in university students are readily increased through educational campaigns, of which person-to-person solicitation proved to be the most fruitful in this study. Identifying barriers to vaccination can guide future initiatives to maximize impact.

Analysis of implementiation of 4th Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in Department of Otolaryngology in Międzyleski Hospital in Warsaw.

The aim of the study was to analyze the profile of patients applying for free preventive examinations within The Forth European Head an Neck Cancer (HNC) Awareness Week in the Department of Otorhynolaryngology in Międzyleski Hospital in Warsaw (ORL MSS). A media campaign was designed to inform HNC risk patients about the opportunity to receive free preventive examinations in ORL MSS. 225 patients were enrolled to the study. Patient age ranged from 26 to 92 (average 63 years). Women accounted for 66% (149) and males 34% (76). Each patient completed a questionnaire assessing risk factors for HNC, including reported symptoms and lifestyle. ENT examination was performed. Some patients were referred for further diagnostics and treatment. The following HNC risk factors connected with lifestyle were found: nicotine in 22%, alcohol in more than once a week in 12%, oral sex in 17%, multiple sexual partners in 10%, rare dental tests in 24%, prosthetic restorations in 45%. The symptom that most often prompted patients to participate in the HNC prevention week was chronic hoarseness (64%) of people, dry mouth (39%), swallowing (37%), nasal obstruction (6%), neck tumour (5%). One per every five patients was referred to further diagnostics: imaging screening 7% (15 persons), fiber optic examination 11% (25 persons), the excision of the lesion 8% (18 persons). 17 patients were referred for further oncological treatment, of which 13 had benign tumors and 4 had malignant tumors. The HNC Awareness Program increases public consciousness and should systematically includes people with risk factors. The introduction of the Program in the ORL Department has made possible to detect and treat cancer in early stages in 7.5% of those who applied for the program. The use of adequate diagnostics and treatment requires, however, adequate financial resources and systemic solutions.

Analysis of risk factors for oral cavity and oropharynx cancer in the authors' own material.

The aim of the study was to analyse the risk factors for oral cavity and oropharynx cancer in peopled examined under the Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in 2016, Lodz. In Lodz, 21st September 2016, under the Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, 106 people, including 67 women aged 29-77 and 39 men aged 23-84, underwent preventive examinations in the hospital department. Prior to the laryngological examination, the patients were asked to answer questions that referred to their education, medical case history, symptoms, smoking habits with the number of cigarettes per day, alcohol intake, the number of lifetime sexual partners, oral sex engagement, incidents of head and neck cancer in the family history. The major part of the examined patients were women and men with the secondary and high level of education, 47,76% and 35,82%, and 58,97% and 35,91% respectively. The patients were informed by mass media about the planned preventive medical examinations - 80,60% women and 79,49% men. The most common symptoms reported by women were: hoarse voice in 61,19% cases, dysphagia in 32,84% cases and burning sensation and/or pain in the oral cavity in 29,85% cases. The examined male patients mainly showed hoarse voice (46,15%), other symptoms (43,59%) and dysphagia (25,64%). 28,35% women and 28,20% men smoked cigarettes, while passive smokers were 22,38% and 25,64% respectively. Alcohol consumption was reported by 67,16% women and 82,05% men, rather occasionally. Having oral sex was noted in 25,37% women and 38,46% men, mostly with multiple sexual partners. Among the studied patients, 13,43% women and 5,12% men suffered from malignant cancer, including 2,98% women and 2,56% men who reported head and neck carcinoma in the medical interview. On the basis of the interview and ENT examination, 11,94% women and 17,94% men were qualified for the extended oncological diagnostics. Conclussion. The Fourth Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week shows the increased interest in preventive screening, especially oncological screening, and thus the necessity of such preventive activities in the future.

Effects of Testosterone Level on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in older men and are frequently associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The relationship between BPH and endogenous total testosterone (TT) levels has been widely studied. The aim of this post hoc analysis was to determine the association between LUTS and endogenous TT levels in a subset of men participating in the 2013 Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, a U.S. community-based prostate cancer screening program. Men completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) questionnaire, prostate size was estimated by a digital rectal examination, and serum TT and prostate-specific antigen levels were measured. Mean TT levels (ng/dl) did not significantly correlate with prostate size category (r = +.03, p = .69): normal, 419.2 (n = 106); enlarged, 394.7 (n = 71); abnormal, 416.4 (n = 7); and abnormal/suspicious, 515.2 (n = 19). Mean TT levels (ng/dl) did not significantly correlate with I-PSS category (r = -.06, p = .40): none, 468.5 (n = 15); mild, 414.0 (n = 138); moderate, 397.4 (n = 66); and severe, 437.9 (n = 7). Mean TT levels (ng/dl) did not significantly correlate with I-PSS quality of life rating (r = -.13, p = .055): delighted, 474.5 (n = 43); pleased, 424.6 (n = 65); mostly satisfied, 361.2 (n = 63); mixed, 448.2 (n = 29); mostly dissatisfied, 337.2 (n = 17); and unhappy, 435.8 (n = 6). Adjustment for prostate size or prostate-specific antigen levels yielded similar findings. In conclusion, endogenous TT levels did not correlate with LUTS or prostate size, and these findings support the saturation theory in which TT is not able to induce further androgen-stimulated prostate tissue growth due to receptor saturation. Any worsening of LUTS following testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men may be related to stimulation of prostatic cells previously deprived of testosterone.

Abstract IA06: Leveraging the NIH CHE P30 supplement as a platform to stimulate a cancer center strategic plan for addressing community cancer needs and enhancing health equity

Abstract Federally supported health institutions, and in particular NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, are accountable for leading the Nation's effort towards improving our Nation's health. The NCI-Center to reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) under the dedicated leadership of Dr Sanya Springfield has championed the science and practice of reducing health inequities and advancing health equity. In an effort to guide Cancer Centers to be more responsive to the cancer burdens of their local communities, the CRCHD launched the National Outreach Network that includes the Community Health Educator (CHE) Award. City of Hope is aligning with the CRCHD thru the CHE mechanism to advance our health equity strategy and research. Key to all CHE activities are community informed and community based approaches to enhance our Cancer Center's relationship and presence in our catchment area and the local community to increase: 1) Culturally relevant partners, 2) Community capacity building, 3) Cancer prevention and early detection, 4) community health improvements, 5) stimulate advocacy and community inclusion in research, 6) ethnic minority participation in studies and 7) survivorship care. Our CHEs have established a network of multisectoral partners totaling 128, in partnership with many of these partners we conduct over 80 events each year reaching over 5,000 households each year to achieve our common aim of healthier communities and accelerating the greater public benefit of scientific advancements. Our annual Minority Cancer Awareness week forum that gathers diverse stakeholders with over 180 advocates, medical providers, researchers, health educators and even policy makers to be informed and activated for community health improvement and scientific engagement. One of our key project is to increase ethnic minority participation in research by implementing our Partnered in Access, Inclusion and Research (PAIR) initiative. This project promises significant contributions towards our goal of increasing underrepresented minorities - knowledge, acceptability and participation in cancer research including clinical trials (CT) and biospecimen studies (BB) via the confluence of two processes, one institutionally and the other community targeted: 1) Institutionally, we are weaving the CHE aims into the Cancer Center's research to build a functional and sustainable program for addressing health inequity by cultivating basic, translation, clinical and behavioral research that are responsive to our underserved and medically vulnerable groups in our catchment area; and 2) At the Community level we engage in bidirectional co-education to develop, implement and disseminate a training curriculum that will enable a network of community research navigators who can be our community research experts and liaison to address gaps in knowledge, medical mistrust, access, participation and engagement of underrepresented populations in research to speed up the applicability and utility of science to address health inequities. Two specific CHE related activities include advancing: 1) The science and reach of a community-school based nutrition and physical activity, and health practices skill building project into wider community application with additional support for RWJF. This project emboldens teens, parents and community health workers to be seeds of change; and 2) Research engagement and enrollment by practicing these 7 core principles: cultural humility, linguistic and cultural competency, credibility, empathy, genuineness, graciousness and convenience that resulted in enrolling 153 Latinas within 4 community events. Our approach and CHE activities have and will continue to contribute to the relevance and applicability of biomedical research advances to inform better healthcare and community health improvements among our increasingly diverse society. Citation Format: Kimlin T. Ashing. Leveraging the NIH CHE P30 supplement as a platform to stimulate a cancer center strategic plan for addressing community cancer needs and enhancing health equity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr IA06.

Translational and clinical research highlights from the 38th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

38th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, San Antonio, TX, USA, 8-12 December 2015. In November 1978, during Breast Cancer Awareness Week, the first annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) was held as a part of an educational program conceived to reduce breast cancer death rate. Only 141 physicians attended the conference. Recently, the 38th edition of the SABCS welcomed >7000 attendees from all over the world. We will discuss a selection of the most significant advances presented at the 2015 SABCS, specifically focusing on those data that could have an impact on the clinical practice in the near future.

Educational Value of a Medical Student-Led Head and Neck Cancer Screening Event.

To evaluate improvement of medical student knowledge of head and neck cancer (HNC) through participation in HNC screening fairs run by medical students. Prospective cohort study of surveys assessing medical students' knowledge of HNC before and after volunteering at screening fairs. Four screening fairs held at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine during Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. Medical student screening fair volunteers. Four HNC screening fairs were organized by medical student volunteers. All students completed a preevent survey assessing baseline knowledge and participated in an otolaryngologist-led training session about HNC and the screening examination. During the screening events, students educated guests about HNC and performed physician-guided history and physical examinations. Finally, students completed identical surveys 1 week and 3 months after the event. Thirty-four (n = 34) students completed the preevent surveys. At baseline, 59%, 44%, and 24% named tobacco, alcohol, and human papilloma virus as risk factors, compared with 84%, 81%, and 69% on 3 month follow-up, respectively. Out of 6 analyzed questions, the median total number of correctly answered questions improved from 2 on pretest to 5 at 3 months (P < .0001). Volunteer participation in a HNC screening program improves medical students' knowledge of HNC risk factors and symptoms. This innovative approach to students' education via participation and organization of screening events is a useful method of improving their HNC knowledge.

Experiencing Health Advocacy During Cervical Cancer Awareness Week: A National Initiative for Obstetrics and Gynaecology Residents.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada requires that residents demonstrate competence in health advocacy (HA). We sought to develop and implement a national educational module for obstetrics and gynaecology residents to address the role of HA. This pilot program was centred on cervical cancer prevention, which lends itself to applying the principles of advocacy. An educational module was developed and disseminated to all obstetrics and gynaecology residency programs in Canada. The module describes options for HA involving cervical dysplasia screening, such as an outreach clinic or a forum for public/student education, which were to be implemented during Cervical Cancer Awareness Week. The measures of success were the number of programs implementing the curriculum, number of residents who participated, diversity of projects implemented, individuals (patients or learners) reached by the program, and the overall experience of the trainees. Three programs implemented the curriculum in 2011, one in 2012, and seven in 2013. After three years, the module has involved seven of 16 medical schools, over 100 residents, and thousands of women either directly or indirectly. Additionally, attributes of HA experienced by the residents were identified: teamwork, leadership, increased systems knowledge, increased social capital within the community, creativity, innovation, and adaptability. We have demonstrated that an educational module can be implemented nationally, helping our residents fulfill their HA requirements. Other specialties could use this module in building HA into their own programs.

MP71-11 URINARY SYMPTOMS AND MEDICATIONS USED IN MEN ATTENDING A NATIONAL HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM

You have accessJournal of UrologyBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Evaluation and Symptoms1 Apr 2015MP71-11 URINARY SYMPTOMS AND MEDICATIONS USED IN MEN ATTENDING A NATIONAL HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM Nelson Stone, Wendy Poage, and E. David Crawford Nelson StoneNelson Stone More articles by this author , Wendy PoageWendy Poage More articles by this author , and E. David CrawfordE. David Crawford More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.2624AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES To identify which patient factors are associated with urinary symptom (AUASS) and nocturia severity (NoctSS) and the use of urinary medication in men attending a national health screening program. METHODS 3277 men with a median age of 63 years (IQ 56-69) participated in Prostate Cancer Awareness Week in 2013 and had testosterone (T), prostate specific antigen (PSA), cholesterol (Chol) determinations and completed an extensive screening questionnaire which included life style habits, coexisting diseases, body mass index (BMI), medication (UMED) use and prostate size (BPH) by digital rectal exam. Significant associations were determined by test for variance (ANOVA) for mean T, PSA, Chol and by chi-square (Pearson) for hypogonadal state (T<300 ng/dL), AUASS and NoctSS (0-7, 0-1 minimal-1, 8-19, 2-3 moderate-2, and 20-35, 4-5 severe-3) and medication use. The effect of multiple variables on AUASS and NoctSS were determined by linear regression. RESULTS AUASS and NoctSS were 1: 62.7% and 48.7%, 2: 30.8% and 40.3%, and 3: 6.4% and 11%, respectively. Median PSA was 1.11 ng/ml (IQ 0.62-2.2). AUASS and NoctSS were increased with older age (p<0.001), presence of BPH (p<0.001), HBP (p=0.026), smoking (p=0.001), increased fat intake (p=0.008), and high PSA (p<0.001), respectively. Increased BMI, presence of diabetes, low T or high Chol were not associated with increased symptoms. A history of prostatitis (n=185, 5.9%) was highly associated with AUASS (p<0.001, 12.4% vs 6.1%) but not for nocturia. Linear regression revealed age (p=0.001), PSA (p=0.041). BPH (p<0.001, HR 1.196, 95%CI 0.809-1.583) and prostatitis (p<0.001, HR 2.963, 95% CI 1.531-4.394) as significant for AUASS. For NoctSS age (p=0.001) and BPH (p=0.004) were significant. UMED was reported in 264 (8.4%) and was used 5x and 3.2x more frequently in men with AUASS, and NoctSS 2 and 3, respectively (p<0.001). However, in men with AUASS3 and NoctSS3, 72.4% and 89.05 (p<0.001) did not use UMED. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of moderate to severe urinary symptoms in a screened male population is substantial. 11% of men have nocturia 4-5x/night. An enlarged prostate by DRE and PSA > 2 ng/ml are associated with moderate to severe urinary symptoms and nocturia. A history of prostatitis increases the risk of AUASS by 3-fold. While UMED is utilized more often in symptomatic men, almost 90% of those with severe nocturia are not taking any medication. These data should assist physicians in identifying men with urinary symptoms and warrant further investigation as to why UMED usage is so limited in the most symptomatic individuals. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e915-e916 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Nelson Stone More articles by this author Wendy Poage More articles by this author E. David Crawford More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

The Fight against the “Human Disaster” of Cancer in the Middle Eastern Countries

An important example of such efforts is the International Palliative Care Conference sponsored by Turkey’s Health Ministry in Ankara during April 2-4, 2014, highlighting the Turkey’s 13th National Cancer Awareness Week. Organizing bodies were the Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC), in collaboration with the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). More than 70 participants from the following countries attended the conference: United States of America, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestinian, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Sultanate of Oman, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.