Cancer In Uruguay Research Articles

Relationship between hope and quality of life in patients with advanced cancer in Uruguay: An observational analysis.

e24055 Background: International research suggests a beneficial effect of hope on quality of life in advanced-stage cancer patients. Specific evidence for Latin America and Uruguay is limited, highlighting the need to explore this relationship for regional clinical strategies. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between hope and quality of life in Uruguayan patients with advanced cancer. Methods: This observational, analytical-descriptive, and cross-sectional study used the Herth Hope Index (HHI) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) Quality of Life questionnaire. It included 59 patients aged 18 or older, diagnosed with advanced, non-curable cancer. Results: There was a positive but non-significant correlation between HHI and FACT-G scores (Pearson coefficient of 0.05). Hope significantly correlated with support from oncology services (p = 0.044), family support (p = 0.003), and spiritual beliefs (p = 0.029). Factors like bone metastases, diagnostic delay, and being accompanied at consultations significantly impacted quality of life (p = 0.041, p = 0.035, p = 0.012). Conclusions: The study observed a positive association between hope and quality of life, but the lack of statistical significance indicates the need for more research. Clinically, results highlight the importance of comprehensive care addressing spiritual and emotional needs, in addition to medical treatment. It also underscores the potential impact of supportive services on patient well-being. Future research should include larger sample sizes and consider longitudinal designs to better understand hope's effects over time in advanced cancer patients.

Abstract PO1-12-03: Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed and Treated for Breast Cancer in Uruguay

Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) and its treatment can impair patient quality of life (QOL), and those undergoing more aggressive treatments may be more severely impacted. Objective: Assess the level of perception of the QOL of patients treated for BC at the Hospital de Clínicas and the Hospital Departamental de Soriano. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire for cancer patients (EORTC, QLQ-C30) and one specific for BC (EORTC QLQ-BR23) were used. Results: A total of 158 patients who had completed chemotherapy treatment at least one year prior to the evaluation were enrolled. The average age was 61 years old. QLQ-C30 questionnaire: the global QOL score (GQOL) was high: 70.9. Patients undergoing conservative surgery (CS) had better scores in physical and emotional functioning (p < 0.005) and presented less frequently with: pain, constipation and financial difficulties (p < 0.005). Those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) had higher scores for GQOL and for physical, role and social functioning scales (p < 0.001) and had less fatigue, pain, insomnia and financial difficulties (p < 0.005). Questionnaire QLQ-BR23: sexual functioning and sexual enjoyment scales were relatively low. Patients undergoing CS had better scores on the functional scales: body image and future outlook; and fewer breast symptoms (p < 0.005). Those undergoing SLNB also had better scores on the functional scales for body image and future outlook future and presented less frequently with symptoms (p < 0.005). Conclusion: Patients had high values on the GQOL scale, those undergoing CS and SLNB had better scores on most functional and problem/symptom scales. The implementation of intervention strategies aimed at improving the quality of life and the physical and emotional care of patients is recommended. Citation Format: Natalia Camejo, Dahiana Amarillo, Cecilia Castillo, Maria Guerrina, Florencia Savio, Mariana Carrasco, Noelia Strazzarino, Ana laura Hernandez, Guadalupe Herrera, Gabriel Krygier. Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed and Treated for Breast Cancer in Uruguay [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-12-03.

Relationship between Hope and Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Cancer in Uruguay: An Observational Analysis

Introduction: International research suggests a beneficial effect of hope on quality of life in advanced-stage cancer patients. Specific evidence for Latin America and Uruguay is limited, highlighting the need to explore this relationship for regional clinical strategies.Objective: To evaluate the correlation between hope and quality of life in Uruguayan patients with advanced cancer. Materials and Methods: This observational, analytical-descriptive, and cross-sectional study used the Herth Hope Index (HHI) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) Quality of Life questionnaire. It included 59 patients aged 18 or older, diagnosed with advanced, non-curable cancer.

Assessment of radiation hazard indices due to naturally occurring long-life radionuclides in the coastal area of Barra de Valizas, Uruguay.

The Uruguayan east coast has several mineral resources, which include black sand ores in the Barra de Valizas-Aguas Dulces area. Cancer in Uruguay shows non-homogeneous geographical distribution, with the highest standardized mortality ratio (SMR) in the northeast and east region, which includes the aforementioned area and the town of Barra de Valizas. The activity concentration of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in Barra de Valizas´soil was determined by gamma spectrometry in order to evaluate the radiological hazard for inhabitants and tourists. The outdoor annual effective dose (AEDE), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) were evaluated for inhabitants with a life expectancy of 77.7years, a 0.2 and 0.5 occupancy factor, and using the conversion coefficients recommended by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). The annual effective dose was also evaluated for both summer and fortnight tourists. The radiological hazard indices for Barra de Valizas inhabitants are higher than the worldwide mean and recommended values. This may contribute to Rocha's higher SRM value, although a direct correlation cannot be assured with the epidemiological information currently available. Social, medical and anthropological studies will be carried out in future to provide data and verify this correlation.

Quality of life in patients diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in Uruguay.

e24096 Background: Breast cancer (BC) and its treatment can impair patient quality of life (QoL), and those undergoing more aggressive treatments may be more severely impacted. Objective: Assess the level of perception of the QoL of patients treated for BC at the Hospital de Clínicas and the Departmental Hospital of Soriano. Methods: A questionnaire for cancer patients (EORTC, QLQ-C30) and one specific for BC (EORTC QLQ-BR23) were used. Results: A total of 158 patients who had completed chemotherapy treatment at least one year prior to the evaluation were enrolled. The average age was 61 years old. QLQ-C30 questionnaire: the global QoL score (GQOL) was high: 70.9. Patients undergoing breast-conservation surgery (BCS) had better scores in physical and emotional functioning (p < 0.005) and presented less frequently with: pain, constipation and financial difficulties (p < 0.005). Those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) had higher scores for GQOL and for physical, role and social functioning scales (p < 0.001) and had less fatigue, pain, insomnia and financial difficulties (p < 0.005). Questionnaire QLQ-BR23: sexual functioning and sexual enjoyment scales were relatively low. Patients undergoing BCS had better scores on the functional scales: body image and future outlook; and fewer breast symptoms (p < 0.005). Those undergoing SLNB also had better scores on the functional scales for body image and future outlook future and presented less frequently with symptoms (p < 0.005). Conclusions: Patients had high values on the GQOL scale, those undergoing BCS and SLNB had better scores on most functional and problem/symptom scales. The implementation of intervention strategies aimed at improving the quality of life and the physical and emotional care of patients is recommended. Uruguayan BC patients experience high values on the GQOL scale, those undergoing BCS and SLNB had better scores on most functional and problem/symptom scales. Patients undergoing BCS had better scores in physical and emotional functioning and presented less frequently with: pain, constipation and financial difficulties. With respect to the type of axillary surgery received, patients who underwent SLNB had higher scores on the GQOL scale and on the physical, role and social functional scales. The implementation of intervention strategies aimed at improving the quality of life and the physical and emotional care of patients is recommended.

Adenocarcinoma de colon sobre sigmoides deslizado en hernia inguinoescrotal izquierda

Inguinal hernia represents a common diagnosis in surgery and predominates in elderly male patients. Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in Uruguay and the second cause of mortality. The diagnosis of colon adenocarcinoma in an inguinal hernia is uncommon and few cases have been reported in the literature available. Most cases are found intraoperatively in patients undergoing emergency surgery for strangulated hernia. The diagnosis, approach and surgical tactics are matter of debate. We report a case of sigmoid colon cancer in an irreducible left inguinal hernia, diagnosed during the preoperative evaluation of inguinal hernia repair, resected by a double conventional approach.

Incidence, Mortality and Survival of Pediatric Cancer in Uruguay 2011-2015

Introduction: Childhood cancer is a small proportion of all cancers but is still a major public health problem. Objective: To describe the 5-year incidence and mortality rates and net survival of childhood cancer in Uruguay. Method: Data on all malignant tumors diagnosed in children aged 0-14 were included for the period 2011-2015, obtained from the National Pediatric Registry of Cancer and from the Ministry of Health Mortality Registry, classified according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC-3). Information on the total population was obtained from national census records. Follow up was made until December 2020. Results: The standardized incidence rate was 128/million children per year. The distribution of the disease was similar to developed countries. The overall mortality rate was 28.2/million, with a net overall survival of 79.6% for the total population. Conclusion: Childhood cancer incidence in Uruguay is similar to developed countries. Progress in diagnosis and care have improved survival immensely, but efforts must continue to keep this trend and ameliorate the outcomes.

P-37 Has the COVID-19 pandemic lead to an upshift in emergency presentation and stage migration of colorectal cancer in Uruguay?

Effective Cancer screening is critical in reducing cancer related mortality in CRC by increasing the detection in earlier stages. Worldwide, practically all cancer pathways have been negatively affected by the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oncological care has not escaped the effects of reprioritization of health care services to handle the surge of COVID-19 patients adequately. Cancer screening programs are no exception as many were temporarily halted to alleviate the pressure on overwhelmed health care systems. In Uruguay, the first COVID patients were detected in March 2020, and since then, the country’s Public Health policies have been marked by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CRC diagnosis. We further aimed to analyze the effect on the clinical presentation and stage at diagnosis during 2020-2021 compared with previous years. This was a single center retrospective cohort study performed at a tertiary center. Patients diagnosed and managed with colorectal adenocarcinoma during the years 2020-2021 were compared with patients from 2018 and 2019. Those enrolled in 2018-2019 were classified as the “pre-pandemic group”, and those enrolled in 2020-2021 were classified as the “pandemic group”. The primary outcome was the rate of stage IV disease at the time of diagnosis. Mann-Whitney test was used in the comparison of quantitative variables and Fisher’s exact test was used for qualitative variables. A total of 369 patients were included in this study. From March 2018 to 2019 (pre-pandemic), 217 patients were considered, and from March 2020 to 2021 (pandemic), 152 patients. Median age of pre-pandemic and pandemic group was 64.4 and 65.6 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in cancer obstruction or perforation at diagnosis. Other patient demographics were comparable (p˃0.05). The percentage of surgical candidates was lower during the pandemic (69% vs 62%). There was a significant difference in TNM tumor distribution between pre-pandemic and pandemic subgroups with a higher incidence of advanced (cT4 or cN+ or M1) tumors. T4 tumors and node positive disease were equivalent in both groups but the incidence of disseminated disease (cM1) was significantly higher in the pandemic group (48% vs 36%, p < 0.001). Our study demonstrates how cancer diagnostic variables, mainly stage at diagnosis, have been affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening programs. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that cancer diagnosis and treatment pathways be reinstalled in full to return to and build on pre-pandemic priority to ensure the Uruguayan population benefits from earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic lead to an upshift in emergency presentation and stage migration of colorectal cancer in Uruguay?

3556 Background: Effective Cancer screening is critical in reducing cancer related mortality in CRC by increasing the detection in earlier stages. Worldwide, practically all cancer pathways have been negatively affected by the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oncological care has not escaped the effects of reprioritization of health care services to handle the surge of COVID-19 patients adequately. Cancer screening programs are no exception as many were temporarily halted to alleviate the pressure on overwhelmed health care systems. In Uruguay, the first covid patients were detected in March 2020, and since then, the country’s Public Health policies have been marked by the covid-19 public health emergency. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CRC diagnosis. We further aimed to analyze the effect on the clinical presentation and stage at diagnosis during 2020-2021 compared with previous years. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study performed at a single tertiary center. Patients diagnosed and managed with colorectal adenocarcinoma during the years 2020-2021 were compared with patients from 2018-2019. Those enrolled in 2018-2019 were classified as the “pre-pandemic group”, and those enrolled in 2020-2021 were classified as the “pandemic group”. The primary outcome was the rate of stage IV disease at the time of diagnosis. Mann-Whitney test was used in the comparison of quantitative variables and Fisher’s exact test was used for qualitative variables. Results: A total of 370 patients were included in this study. From March 2018 to 2019 (pre-pandemic), 217 patients were considered, and from March 2020 to 2021 (pandemic), 153 patients. Median age of pre-pandemic and pandemic group was 64.4 and 65.6 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in cancer obstruction or perforation at diagnosis. Patient demographics and tumor clinicopathological features were comparable. The percentage of surgical candidates was lower during the pandemic (69% vs 62%). There was a significant difference in TNM tumor distribution between pre-pandemic and pandemic subgroups with a higher incidence of advanced (cT4 or cN+ or M1) tumors. T4 tumors and node positive disease were equivalent in both groups but the incidence of disseminated disease (cM1) was significantly higher in the pandemic group (P &lt; 0.001) Conclusions: Our study demonstrates how cancer diagnostic variables, mainly stage at diagnosis, have been affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening programs. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that cancer diagnosis and treatment pathways be reinstalled in full to return to and build on pre-pandemic priority to ensure the benefits from earlier diagnosis and treatment. Future studies are needed to verify the tendency in stage migration and to optimize CRC care in the pandemic scenario.

Chemotherapy and bevacizumab prescription in routine management of metastatic colorectal cancer in Uruguay: Is clinical practice following the evidence?

e15559 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cancer cause of death in Uruguay, with about 1000 deaths/year. Almost 25% of CRC patients present with disseminated disease, whereas recurrence occurs in up to 50% of those initially diagnosed at earlier stages. The introduction of targeted agents such as bevacizumab has improved the prognosis in stage IV CRC patients remarkably, becoming the current standard choice of systemic therapy. Universal access to bevacizumab is guaranteed in Uruguay since November 2008, financed by a governmental funding source for high-cost drugs and procedures. Emerging evidence on the optimal use of chemotherapy and biologics in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) must guide clinical practice. Objective: This study aims to assess real-world data on bevacizumab prescription in mCRC in an Uruguayan population to better understand treatment practice. Methods: A retrospective descriptive cohort study on individuals with CRC diagnosed and treated between 2009 and 2020, who received palliative chemotherapy at the National Cancer Institute of Montevideo. It included patients with newly diagnosed mCRC and patients who progressed/relapsed from initially diagnosed earlier-stage disease. We assessed the use of bevacizumab in addition to first-line chemotherapy. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the predictors for the additional prescription of bevacizumab. Survival estimates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the proportions were compared using the log-rank test. Results: Of a cohort of 907 patients, 233 stage IV or progressive/recurrent CRC patients were considered for analysis (mean age 61 years, 60% male). Bevacizumab was added to palliative chemotherapy in 134 patients (57%), representing 54% of those initially diagnosed mCRC and 65% of those treated for progressive or recurrent disease. Adding bevacizumab to palliative chemotherapy was associated with an improved median overall survival from 15.6 to 19.9 months. Results show that the likelihood of additional bevacizumab prescription to chemotherapy was significant for patients &lt; 70 years (p &lt; .001) and those with a colonic tumor versus a rectal one (OR 0.57; 95% CI, 0.32- 0.99). No statistically significant differences were found between right-sided and left-sided tumors (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.37-1.27 p = 0.228). Bevacizumab prescription was significantly higher for patients who had their primary tumor resected (p = 0.006). Conclusions: In this real-world setting observational study on patients with mCRC treated throughout a 10-year period in Uruguay, the OS reported in those receiving additional bevacizumab to chemotherapy is consistent with that observed in previous studies, indicating the reproducibility of the results of pivotal studies in the Latin American context.

Adherence to clinical practice guidelines for adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer in Uruguay: A population-based study.

53 Background: Despite surgery, the 5-year risk of systemic recurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the absence of any further therapy is approximately 50 % for those with lymph node involvement and 20 ─ 30 % if the lymph nodes are negative. Adjuvant chemotherapy contributes to improved disease-free and overall survival for node-positive (stage III) or high-risk node negative (stage IIB) colon cancer. Similar benefits are observed for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer. Previous research shows varied rates of adherence to published adjuvant chemotherapy Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for CRC, although population-based data is scarce. Purpose: The aim of this analysis was to assess adherence rates to adjuvant chemotherapy prescription within 16 weeks of surgery according to local and international CPGs for CRC patients treated with curative intent between 2008 and 2019 at the Uruguayan National Cancer Institute. Data regarding factors associated with chemotherapy receipt beyond 16 weeks from surgery and chemotherapy non receipt was also retrieved and analysed. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical and pathology reports of 833 patients diagnosed with CRC at our institution. Patients with stages IIB or III CRC who underwent curative-intent surgery were identified and included in the present analysis. A 16-week benchmark timeline for treatment initiation from date of surgery was considered. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine factors independently associated with receipt of chemotherapy and meeting the 16-week benchmark (p 0.05). Results: A total of 400 patients were identified of which 72% had peritoneal colorectal tumors and 28% had sub-peritoneal rectal tumors. Approximately 70% of the latter group received neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. Considering the total cohort, 61% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Factors predicting chemotherapy receipt in the peritoneal colorectal group were age ≤ 70 and stage III disease. In the sub-peritoneal rectal group no significant effect was found. The 16-week benchmark was met in 72% (175) of those receiving chemotherapy and 70.6% (167) completed 6 months of systemic adjuvant treatment. A total of 156 patients (39%) did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. The factors predicting chemotherapy non receipt were age &gt; 70 and stage IIB in the peritoneal colorectal group. Conclusions: This analysis of adherence to CPGs identified several factors associated with chemotherapy non receipt and chemotherapy receipt outside of timeline benchmarks from date of curative-intent surgery in Montevideo, Uruguay. The two main factors significantly associated with chemotherapy non receipt were advanced age and lower disease stage. To our knowledge, our data is the first to elucidate these specific factors in the Uruguayan CRC patient population.

Trends of mortality due to oral and oropharyngeal cancers in Uruguay from 1997 to 2014.

Background To analyze the trends of oral and oropharyngeal cancer mortality in Uruguay between 1997 and 2014 according to sex and age groups and its possible association with sociodemographic factors. Material and Methods A time-series ecological study using secondary data was performed. The data about mortality due to oral and oropharyngeal cancers were obtained from the Statistics Vitals Department of the Public Health Ministry of Uruguay. To estimate the mortality trends of the historical series, by sex, anatomical site and age groups, linear regressions generated by the Prais-Winsten procedure were used. Results The analysis of mortality trends for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in Uruguay indicated that the global mortality rate was stable over the studied period. The women's mortality rate increased from 0.51 per 100,000 in 1997 to 0.65 per 100,000 in 2014 while for men, rates per 100,000 went from 3.22 in 1997 to 2.20 per 100,000 in 2014. Mortality from oral cancer in men decreased between 1997 and 2014. Mortality by oropharyngeal cancer, irrespective of sex, remained stable. Analysis by cancer site revealed decreasing trends tumors situated in the base of the tongue and gum. Years of education, unemployment, smoking and Gini index were not associated with mortality trends. Conclusions The overall mortality from oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Uruguay has remained constant in the period between 1997 and 2014. Oral cancer mortality decreased in men and increased in women and decreased at the base of the tongue. It’s necessary to continue monitoring the behavior of these diseases. Key words:Mortality, oral cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, tongue cancer.

Mortality due to oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Uruguay from 1997 to 2014.

Oral and oropharyngeal cancer is considered a public health problem in several countries due to its high incidence and mortality rate.Objective:This study aimed to analyze oral and oropharyngeal cancer mortality in Uruguay from 1997 to 2014 by age, sex and country region.Methodology:A time series ecological study using secondary data was performed. Data on mortality due to oral and oropharyngeal cancers were obtained from the Vital Statistics Department of Uruguay's Ministry of Public Health.Results:The cumulative mortality rate due to oral and oropharyngeal cancer over the study period was of 19.26/100,000 persons in women and 83.61/100.000 in men, with a mean annual rate of 1.75/100,000 in women and 7.60/100,000 in men. Mortality rate from both sites during the study period was 4.34 times higher in men than in women. Malignant neoplasms of other parts of the tongue and base of tongue showed the highest mortality rate. The means of the annual coefficients of deaths were higher for the age groups between 50 and 69 years. Higher mortality rates of oral and oropharyngeal cancer were observed in Artigas (4.63) and Cerro Largo (3.75).Conclusions:Our study described a high mortality rate for oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Uruguay from 1997 to 2014. According to the country's health department, men, tongue cancer, and oral cavity had higher mortality rates, with some variation. Prevention strategies with control of risk factors and early diagnosis are necessary to improve survival in the Uruguayan population.

TRENDS IN MORTALITY DUE TO ORAL AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCERS IN URUGUAY FROM 1997 TO 2014

Objective To analyze the trend of oral and oropharyngeal cancer mortality in Uruguay between 1997 and 2014 and the rates by age, sex, and departments of the country. Study Design A time-series ecological study with secondary data. To establish an estimation of the mortality trend of the historical series, by sex, anatomic site, and age groups, linear regressions were generated by the Prais-Winsten procedure. Results Between 1997 and 2014, there were 1696 deaths from oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer in Uruguay. The male to female ratio was 3.23:1. Malignant neoplasm of tongue presented the highest mortality rate. The mortality rate was relatively stable (total and by sex) in all age groups studies. Means of the annual coefficients were higher for the age groups between 50 and 79 years. In women, the trend remained stable in the different departments of the country, except in Lavalleja and Maldonado where there was an increase, while in men a decrease in Artigas and Rivera was observed. Conclusion The mortality for oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Uruguay has remained constant for the period of 1997 to 2014. Prevention strategies and early diagnosis are necessary to improve survival. To analyze the trend of oral and oropharyngeal cancer mortality in Uruguay between 1997 and 2014 and the rates by age, sex, and departments of the country. A time-series ecological study with secondary data. To establish an estimation of the mortality trend of the historical series, by sex, anatomic site, and age groups, linear regressions were generated by the Prais-Winsten procedure. Between 1997 and 2014, there were 1696 deaths from oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer in Uruguay. The male to female ratio was 3.23:1. Malignant neoplasm of tongue presented the highest mortality rate. The mortality rate was relatively stable (total and by sex) in all age groups studies. Means of the annual coefficients were higher for the age groups between 50 and 79 years. In women, the trend remained stable in the different departments of the country, except in Lavalleja and Maldonado where there was an increase, while in men a decrease in Artigas and Rivera was observed. The mortality for oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Uruguay has remained constant for the period of 1997 to 2014. Prevention strategies and early diagnosis are necessary to improve survival.

Impact of patient navigation program in cervical cancer in Uruguay.

e13554Background: CC is a significant public health problem in Uruguay because despite having a comprehensive national prevention plan, the disease continues to impact the most vulnerable women in ...

Hot infusions and risk of colorectal cancer in Uruguay: a case-control study.

The evidence of possible roles for the most common hot infusions intake (tea and coffee) in the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) needs additional data. Regarding 'mate' intake (infusion of Ilex paraguariensis herb), a previous multi-site study reported lack of association for its highest intake on CRC risk. The present study was conducted to better understand the associations between the intake of this and other infusions and CRC risk. Patients (611 CRC incident cases and 2394 controls, all belonging to public hospitals) were interviewed through a questionnaire, including socio-demographic, reproductive and lifestyle variables, and a food-frequency questionnaire of 64 items, analyzing tea, 'mate' and coffee intake (consumer status, daily intake, age at start and at quit). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated through unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for relevant potential confounders. Tea and coffee intake displayed significant and inverse associations with CRC risk, mainly among men (OR=0.54, 95% CI 0.38-0.76 for tea and OR=0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.85 for coffee). Mate intake showed a significant inverse association among women (OR=0.50, 95% CI 0.33-0.77), with a marginal heterogeneity between sexes (P=0.07). Concerning age strata, tea intake displayed inverse associations in all ages, whereas 'mate' and coffee intake showed stronger inverse associations for age ⩾70, suggesting a gradient along time. We found evidence of different significant inverse associations for tea, 'mate' and coffee intake and CRC risk. To our knowledge, this is the first epidemiologic study reporting inverse results on 'mate' intake and CRC, which are explained by a stronger association among women.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, 23 August 2017; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.130.

Mate Intake and Risk of Breast Cancer in Uruguay: a Case- Control Study.

Regarding 'mate' intake (infusion of Ilex paraguariensis herb, a staple beverage in temperate South American regions), most epidemiologic studies showed positive associations with risk of some cancers, (e.g. upper aerodigestive tract), but evidence on breast cancer (BC) risk is limited to a previous multi-site study, which reported a non significant odds ratio [OR]=0.85, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.67-1.09, p for trend=0.31) for the highest quartile of intake. The present study was conducted in order to further assess associations of 'mate' intake with BC risk. We combined two databases of women belonging to public and private healthcare hospitals. The sample included 572 BC incident cases and 889 controls interviewed with a specific questionnaire featured by socio-demographic, reproductive and lifestyle variables, and a food frequency questionnaire of 64 items, also analyzing 'mate' intake (consumer status, daily intake, age at start, age at quit, duration of habit, intensity of intake). ORs and their 95%CI were calculated through unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for relevant potential confounders. The highest quartile of 'mate' intake was inversely associated with BC risk (OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.26-0.57, p for trend <0.001). Stratified analyses also displayed strong significant inverse associations for 'mate' in frequent tea drinkers (OR=0.22), high energy intake (OR=0.23), high body mass index (OR=0.29) and in postmenopausal women (OR=0.36), among other results. As conclusions, we found evidence of a significant inverse association for 'mate' intake and BC risk.

Meat consumption, animal products, and the risk of bladder cancer: a case-control study in Uruguayan men.

In the time period 1996-2004, all incident cases of bladder cancer were included in a case-control study in order to study the role of meat consumption and product animals in the etiology of urothelial cancer. The study included 225 cases and 1,510 hospitalized controls with non-neoplastic conditions, not related to smoking and alcohol drinking. Relative risks, approximated by the odds ratios, were calculated in order to clarify the effect of meat consumption in the etiology of urothelial cancer. Total meat consumption (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.02-2.11), total processed meat (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.08-2.27), frankfurters (hot dogs) (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.28-3.21), ham (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.21-2.67) and salted meat (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.78-4.18) were positively associated with risk of bladder cancer. Animal products, like cheese, whole milk, and total eggs were also associated with bladder cancer risk (OR for eggs 4.05, 95% CI 2.68-6.12). In conclusion, total meat, processed meat, and eggs could play an important role in the etiology of bladder cancer in Uruguay.

Processed meat consumption and squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus in a large case-control study in Uruguay.

The role of processed meat in the aetiology of squamous cell oesophageal cancer has been explored in detail. In the time period 1990-2005, a case-control study was conducted in Montevideo, Uruguay including 2,368 participants (876 cases of oesophageal cancer and 1,492 controls). Relative risks, approximated by the odds ratios, were estimated by multiple unconditional logistic regression. Processed meat was positively associated with oesophageal cancer (upper quartile vs lower quartile OR 2.30, 95%CI 1.72-3.07), whereas salted meat intake was positively associated with squamous cell oesophageal cancer (OR 3.82, 95%CI 2.74-5.33). Finally other cured meats were positively associated with oesophageal cancer (OR 1.65, 95%CI 1.22- 2.22). It could be concluded that processed meat consumption could be an important risk factor for the aetiology of squamous cell oesophageal cancer in Uruguay.

Psychometric Assessment of the MSAS-SF and the FACIT-Fatigue Scale in Spanish-Speaking Patients With Cancer in Uruguay

ContextSeveral instruments have been developed to assess the symptom burden and fatigue produced by cancer and its treatment. However, little research has been conducted in Latin American Spanish–speaking patients. ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish versions of two commonly used patient-reported outcome measures, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF), and the fatigue subscale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), the FACIT-Fatigue. MethodsA classic psychometric approach was followed to assess the reliability and validity of the instruments. Responsiveness to change and effect sizes were calculated. ResultsThe translated version of the MSAS-SF proved to be comprehensible and easy to complete. Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients ranged from acceptable to excellent for the MSAS-SF subscale scores and the FACIT-Fatigue. There was evidence of convergent validity between the physical and the psychological subscales of the instruments. The MSAS-SF could discriminate among the known groups according to Eastern Cooperative Oncology performance status and level of anemia, and showed responsiveness to change of symptom burden at two times of treatment. ConclusionThe study showed that both the MSAS-SF and the FACIT-Fatigue have good reliability and validity for use with patients with cancer in Uruguay. When used simultaneously, these instruments may provide a complete picture of the impact of cancer and its treatment on the patient's quality of life.