scholarly journals The history of Cancer Treatment in Nova Scotia

2003 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Macdonald
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuyan Shi ◽  
Lance Garrett Shaver ◽  
Yujia Kong ◽  
Yanqing Yi ◽  
Kris Aubrey-Bassler ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Our objective was to examine cancer risk factor awareness and beliefs about cancer treatment, outcomes, and screening, and how these are mediated by sociodemographic variables, among Newfoundland and Labrador residents. Methods Participants aged 35 to 74 were recruited through Facebook advertising, and a self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, Spearman rank correlations, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Of the 1048 participants who responded and met the inclusion criteria for this study, 1019 were selected for this analysis. Risk factor recognition was generally good, though several risk factors had poor awareness: being over 70 years old (53.4% respondents aware), having a low-fiber diet (65.0%), and drinking more than 1 unit of alcohol per day (62.8%). Our results showed that the participants’ awareness of risk factors was significantly associated with higher income level (rs = 0.237, P <  0.001), higher education (rs = 0.231, P <  0.001), living in rural regions (rs = 0.163, P <  0.001), and having a regular healthcare provider (rs = 0.081, P = 0.010). Logistic regression showed that among NL residents in our sample, those with higher income, post-secondary education, those in very good or excellent health, and those with a history of cancer all had higher odds of having more positive beliefs about cancer treatment and outcomes. Those with a history of cancer, and those with very good or excellent health, also had higher odds of having more positive beliefs about cancer screening. Finally, compared to Caucasian/white participants, those who were non-Caucasian/white had lower odds of having more positive beliefs about cancer screening. Conclusion Among adults in NL, there was poor awareness that low-fiber diets, alcohol, and age are risk factors for cancer. Lower income and education, rural residence, and not having a health care provider were associated with lower risk factor awareness. We also found a few associations between sociodemographic factors and beliefs about cancer treatment and outcomes or screening. We stress that while addressing awareness is necessary, so too is improving social circumstances of disadvantaged groups who lack the resources necessary to adopt healthy behaviours.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Naomi Vanstone ◽  
Karen Fergus ◽  
Noor Niyar N. Ladhani ◽  
Ellen Warner

Abstract Background Young female cancer survivors are at a disproportionate risk of suffering significant psychological distress following treatment, particularly fears of cancer recurrence (FCR). While previous research has established the robust relationship between FCR and family matters (e.g., family planning and motherhood), there is a paucity of information about how a history of cancer affects women’s psychological functioning throughout the perinatal period. The present investigation sought to better understand women’s experiences of pregnancy and the postpartum period following cancer treatment through a qualitative analysis. Methods Ten women participated in a semi-structured, one-on-one interview either over telephone or video conferencing (Zoom). Women were recruited from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, as well as through online cancer support platforms, and social media sites. Participants all had a past cancer diagnosis; no active disease; were 45-years of age or younger; currently in the perinatal period; and spoke English fluently. The study employed a grounded theory analysis by which verbatim interview data were analysed using a constant comparison method until data saturation was reached. Results The qualitative analysis yielded I’m So Happy, But Also Terrified, as the core category, indicative of the duality of emotional experience that characterized the perinatal period for these women. Additionally, four higher-order categories emerged revealing how women go through a process of grief related to potential fertility loss; conditional joy during and after pregnancy due to the lingering weight of cancer; frustration with a lack of resources regarding perinatal health after cancer; and hope as they enter into motherhood. Conclusion These results suggest that women in the perinatal period with a history of cancer may be at an increased risk for psychological distress and require additional fertility and reproductive resources both during and after cancer treatment. This research is an important step in further understanding women’s experiences of pregnancy after cancer and may help to inform future research and healthcare practices, in addition to improving perinatal care after cancer.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yujia Kong ◽  
Lance Garrett Shaver ◽  
Fuyan Shi ◽  
Holly Etchegary ◽  
Kris Aubrey-Bassler ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This study investigated the beliefs about cancer treatment, outcomes, and screening among older adults ages 50–74 in Newfoundland and Labrador and whether these beliefs or sociodemographic factors were associated with differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening behavior. Methods This analysis uses data collected online survey of adults on cancer awareness and prevention in NL. Chi-square tests were used to assess whether there were differences in distributions of beliefs based on CRC screening behaviour. Logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic factors independently associated with CRC screening behavior. Results Most people held positive beliefs about cancer outcomes and treatment, though only 57.36% ever had CRC screening. Interestingly, 56.5% of participants believed that cancer treatment is worse than cancer itself. However, no beliefs about cancer treatment and outcomes were associated with CRC screening behavior. People who never had CRC screening were more likely to believe that: their worries about what might be found would prevent them from screening (χ2 = 9.380, P = .009); screening is only necessary if they have symptoms (χ2 = 15.680, P < .001); screening has a high risk of leading to unnecessary surgery (χ2 = 6.824, P = .032). Similarly, people who never had CRC screening were less likely to believe that regular screening would give them a feeling of control over their health (χ2 = 12.255, P = .002). Logistic regression identified that men had higher odds of having had CRC screening than women in our study (OR(95% CI):1.689(1.135–2.515)), as did all other age groups compared to people ages 50–54. No differences were found in CRC screening behaviour based on ethnicity, BMI classification, geography, education, income, or history of cancer in self, or history of cancer in a first-degree relative. Conclusion Although the majority NL residents in our sample held positive beliefs towards cancer screening, treatment and outcomes, only just over half of participants have ever had CRC screening. This discordance should be investigated further. Participants with more negative beliefs about screening were more likely to have never participated in CRC screening. Our findings further suggest that NL’s CRC screening program is equitably reaching people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, though we observed a disparity in participation among genders in our sample.


Author(s):  
Alexander L. R. Grewcock ◽  
Karlijn E. P. E. Hermans ◽  
Matty P. Weijenberg ◽  
Piet A. Brandt ◽  
Caroline Loef ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arisara Poosari ◽  
Thitima Nutravong ◽  
Prakasit Sa-ngiamwibool ◽  
Wises Namwat ◽  
Supaporn Chatrchaiwiwatana ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown the association between Campylobacter species infection and that environmental factors, poor oral hygiene in particular, are linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer (EC). However, no study has reported on these factors in Thailand. Thus, this study’s objective was to evaluate the impact of the relationship between Campylobacter infection and environmental factors on EC incidence in the population of Thailand. Methods Data from a case–control study were collected from 105 newly diagnosed EC cases and 105 controls recruited from 2007 to 2017. Infection with Campylobacter spp. was detected in the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue of EC taken from gastroesophageal biopsy specimens obtained from the participants, and evaluated using TaqMan® real-time PCR. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and perform data analysis. Results Smoking, alcohol use, a family history of cancer, history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, poor oral hygiene and Campylobacter spp. infection were shown to be significant risk factors for EC (p  <  0.05). The combination of poor oral hygiene and infection with Campylobacter spp. constituted significant risk for EC (p  <  0.001). In addition, the risk of EC in subjects co-infected with C. rectus and C. concisus that practiced poor oral hygiene was even higher and was significant (ORadj  =  4.7; 95% CI 2.41–9.98; p  =  0.003). Conclusions In Thailand, the major risk factors for EC are smoking status, alcohol drinking, family history of cancer, GERD, poor oral hygiene and Campylobacter spp. infection. This study found Campylobacter spp. prevalence to be associated with EC and appears to be enhanced by poor oral hygiene, suggesting that a combination of poor oral hygiene and Campylobacter species infection may together act as an important etiological risk factor for EC.


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