In this editorial,we comment on the article published by Agatsuma et al in a recent issue of the World J Gastroenterol(2024;30:1368-1376).We firmly concur with Agatsuma et al regarding the vital significance of colore...In this editorial,we comment on the article published by Agatsuma et al in a recent issue of the World J Gastroenterol(2024;30:1368-1376).We firmly concur with Agatsuma et al regarding the vital significance of colorectal cancer(CRC)screening as a public health strategy to diminish disease burden.Individuals exposed to risk factors for CRC,those with comorbid conditions,and those with limited health literacy should undergo screening.However,we believe that more regular screenings should be accompanied by a greater focus on primary prevention(PP)of CRC.CRC remains a significant global health challenge,and its incidence is strongly linked to age,lifestyle,and socioeconomic factors.It is particularly noteworthy that the majority of CRC patients are diagnosed outside of established screening pathways and frequently at an advanced stage of the disease,and the majority of patients possess inadequate or even nonexistent knowledge regarding CRC,which significantly impacts the prognosis and imposes a substantial economic burden.This study revealed that CRC identified during hospital visits for comorbid conditions was typically diagnosed at an earlier stage than detected via symptomatic pathways.Remarkably,early incidental detection of CRC aligns closely with the timing of discovery through routine cancer screenings.This suggests that by adopting more inclusive screening protocols that combine opportunistic testing with traditional screening methods,health care systems can create a more comprehensive safety net for individuals at risk of CRC.However,before maximizing the health benefits of screening programs,it is essential to make additional efforts prior to screening,such as raising awareness via public education,risk assessment,and personalized recommendations,enhancing the knowledge and skills of health care professionals,optimizing the accessibility and convenience of screening processes,ensuring the quality and safety of screening services,strengthening follow-up and support systems,and providing policy support and financial investment.The establishment of a comprehensive screening system often requires substantial investment in human,material,and financial resources,which can be challenging to achieve in regions with limited health care resources.Strengthening PP strategies can reduce the disease burden by targeting the cause,representing a more cost-effective and impactful approach.Establishing a comprehensive cancer PP service platform that integrates authoritative public education on malignant tumor PP,individualized malignant tumor risk assessment,and self-health management assistance accessible to the entire population will significantly enhance the overall effectiveness of CRC PP strategies.展开更多
At least one third of all newly diagnosed cancers could be prevented if lifestyle factors were changed. The University Cancer Center Dresden initiated two programs aiming at cancer awareness and intentions to engage i...At least one third of all newly diagnosed cancers could be prevented if lifestyle factors were changed. The University Cancer Center Dresden initiated two programs aiming at cancer awareness and intentions to engage in health-promoting behavior among children and adolescents. Study 1 examined sun protection knowledge of 80 preschool children in a non-randomized design and Study 2 inspected 235 7th grade students’ knowledge of cancer and its behavioral risk-factors as well as intentions on health-promoting behavior using a randomized pre-post design on group-level. Study 1 showed significant improvement of sun protection knowledge in preschool children (p 0.05). Study 2 was effective in increasing knowledge about risk factors for cancer (p 0.001) and in increasing intentions to engage in health-promoting behavior (p 0.001). Communicating health-related behavior in preschools as well as school-based programs targeting multiple cancer-related risk factors are promising tools for primary prevention of cancer.展开更多
AIM To identify factors associated with Papanicolaou-smear(Pap-smear) cervical cancer screening rates in a safety net population.METHODS From January 2012 to May 2013, the use of Pap-smear was determined for all patie...AIM To identify factors associated with Papanicolaou-smear(Pap-smear) cervical cancer screening rates in a safety net population.METHODS From January 2012 to May 2013, the use of Pap-smear was determined for all patients seen at the breast clinic in a safety net hospital. Health literacy assessment was performed using the validated Newest Vital Sign. The records of patients were reviewed to determine if they had undergone Pap-smears for cervical cancer screening. Sociodemographic information was collected included age, education, monthly income, race/ethnicity, employment, insurance status, and primary care provider of the patient. Logistic regression analysis was then performed to determine factors associated with utilization of Papsmears. Crude and adjusted odds ratios derived from multivariate logistic regression models were calculated as well as the associated 95% CIs and P-values.RESULTS Overall, 39% had Pap-smears in the prior 15 mo, 1377 consecutive women were seen during the study period and their records were reviewed. Significantly more patients with adequate health literacy underwent Papsmears as compared to those with limited health literacy(59% vs 34%, P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, patients with adequate health literacy, younger patients, and those with later age of first live birth were more likely to undergo Pap-smears. Patients whose primary care providers were gynecologists were also significantly more likely to have Pap-smears compared to other specialties(P < 0.0001). Patients younger than 21 years or older than 65 years underwent screening less frequently(11% and 11%, respectively) than those 21-64 years(41%, P < 0.0001). Race, ethnicity, language, and insurance status were not associated with Pap-smear screening rates.CONCLUSION Patient health literacy and primary care physician were associated with Pap-smear utilization. Development of interventions to target low health literacy populations could improve cervical cancer screening.展开更多
文摘In this editorial,we comment on the article published by Agatsuma et al in a recent issue of the World J Gastroenterol(2024;30:1368-1376).We firmly concur with Agatsuma et al regarding the vital significance of colorectal cancer(CRC)screening as a public health strategy to diminish disease burden.Individuals exposed to risk factors for CRC,those with comorbid conditions,and those with limited health literacy should undergo screening.However,we believe that more regular screenings should be accompanied by a greater focus on primary prevention(PP)of CRC.CRC remains a significant global health challenge,and its incidence is strongly linked to age,lifestyle,and socioeconomic factors.It is particularly noteworthy that the majority of CRC patients are diagnosed outside of established screening pathways and frequently at an advanced stage of the disease,and the majority of patients possess inadequate or even nonexistent knowledge regarding CRC,which significantly impacts the prognosis and imposes a substantial economic burden.This study revealed that CRC identified during hospital visits for comorbid conditions was typically diagnosed at an earlier stage than detected via symptomatic pathways.Remarkably,early incidental detection of CRC aligns closely with the timing of discovery through routine cancer screenings.This suggests that by adopting more inclusive screening protocols that combine opportunistic testing with traditional screening methods,health care systems can create a more comprehensive safety net for individuals at risk of CRC.However,before maximizing the health benefits of screening programs,it is essential to make additional efforts prior to screening,such as raising awareness via public education,risk assessment,and personalized recommendations,enhancing the knowledge and skills of health care professionals,optimizing the accessibility and convenience of screening processes,ensuring the quality and safety of screening services,strengthening follow-up and support systems,and providing policy support and financial investment.The establishment of a comprehensive screening system often requires substantial investment in human,material,and financial resources,which can be challenging to achieve in regions with limited health care resources.Strengthening PP strategies can reduce the disease burden by targeting the cause,representing a more cost-effective and impactful approach.Establishing a comprehensive cancer PP service platform that integrates authoritative public education on malignant tumor PP,individualized malignant tumor risk assessment,and self-health management assistance accessible to the entire population will significantly enhance the overall effectiveness of CRC PP strategies.
文摘At least one third of all newly diagnosed cancers could be prevented if lifestyle factors were changed. The University Cancer Center Dresden initiated two programs aiming at cancer awareness and intentions to engage in health-promoting behavior among children and adolescents. Study 1 examined sun protection knowledge of 80 preschool children in a non-randomized design and Study 2 inspected 235 7th grade students’ knowledge of cancer and its behavioral risk-factors as well as intentions on health-promoting behavior using a randomized pre-post design on group-level. Study 1 showed significant improvement of sun protection knowledge in preschool children (p 0.05). Study 2 was effective in increasing knowledge about risk factors for cancer (p 0.001) and in increasing intentions to engage in health-promoting behavior (p 0.001). Communicating health-related behavior in preschools as well as school-based programs targeting multiple cancer-related risk factors are promising tools for primary prevention of cancer.
文摘AIM To identify factors associated with Papanicolaou-smear(Pap-smear) cervical cancer screening rates in a safety net population.METHODS From January 2012 to May 2013, the use of Pap-smear was determined for all patients seen at the breast clinic in a safety net hospital. Health literacy assessment was performed using the validated Newest Vital Sign. The records of patients were reviewed to determine if they had undergone Pap-smears for cervical cancer screening. Sociodemographic information was collected included age, education, monthly income, race/ethnicity, employment, insurance status, and primary care provider of the patient. Logistic regression analysis was then performed to determine factors associated with utilization of Papsmears. Crude and adjusted odds ratios derived from multivariate logistic regression models were calculated as well as the associated 95% CIs and P-values.RESULTS Overall, 39% had Pap-smears in the prior 15 mo, 1377 consecutive women were seen during the study period and their records were reviewed. Significantly more patients with adequate health literacy underwent Papsmears as compared to those with limited health literacy(59% vs 34%, P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, patients with adequate health literacy, younger patients, and those with later age of first live birth were more likely to undergo Pap-smears. Patients whose primary care providers were gynecologists were also significantly more likely to have Pap-smears compared to other specialties(P < 0.0001). Patients younger than 21 years or older than 65 years underwent screening less frequently(11% and 11%, respectively) than those 21-64 years(41%, P < 0.0001). Race, ethnicity, language, and insurance status were not associated with Pap-smear screening rates.CONCLUSION Patient health literacy and primary care physician were associated with Pap-smear utilization. Development of interventions to target low health literacy populations could improve cervical cancer screening.
