Cancer Centres - Networks
Comprehensive Cancer Centre - Networks (4 links)
Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN
Harborside Press
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
A national alliance founded in 1995 to develop and institute standards of care for the treatment of cancer and perform outcomes research. It aims to promote continuous quality improvement and creates clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice.
Network of Oncological Centres in Germany
Deutsche Krebshilfe
Network of comprehensive cancer centres designated as Interdisciplinary Oncology Center of Excellence by Deutsche Krebshilfe.
UNICANCER: Centres de lutte contre le cancer - Français - English
The UNICANCER group brings together the 20 French Comprehensive Cancer Centers, which are private, non-profit establishments entirely devoted to cancer treatment.
Recent Research Publications
Content validity of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network - Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast Cancer Symptom Index (NFBSI-16) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function Short Form with advanced breast cancer patients.
Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2019; 17(1):92 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
METHODS: Cognitive debriefing interviews sought to evaluate patients' ability to read, understand, and meaningfully respond to the questionnaires, as well as to evaluate the questionnaires' relevance in the target patient population. Interviews were conducted by telephone and lasted approximately 90 min. Audio recordings were transcribed, anonymized, and analyzed using qualitative data analysis software.
RESULTS: Fifteen cognitive debriefing interviews were conducted with women (mean age 66.0 years [standard deviation = 12.4]). Patients reported metastases in the bone (86.7%), liver (20.0%), lung (13.3%), skin (6.7%), and lymph node (6.7%) (not mutually exclusive). All patients for whom data were available demonstrated understanding of the instructions and the recall period of the NFBSI-16 (n = 14/14, 100.0%) and the PROMIS (n = 14/14, 100.0%). Greater than 90% of patients demonstrated understanding of each of the items in the NFBSI-16 and the PROMIS. Greater than 70% of patients demonstrated understanding of the response options of the NFBSI-16, > 90% understood response options of PROMIS Items 1-6, and ≥ 50% understood response options of PROMIS Items 7-10. Conceptual relevance was supported for most items in both questionnaires based on patients' reports of experiencing the concepts as part of their breast cancer experience.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of the cognitive debriefing interviews provide evidence that the NFBSI-16 and PROMIS Physical Function Short Form 10b have content validity in the HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer patient population. Patients may benefit from additional instructions at the point the response options reverse direction in the PROMIS.
Understanding geographic variations of indoor radon potential for comprehensive cancer control planning.
Cancer Causes Control. 2019; 30(7):707-712 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/07/2020 Related Publications
METHODS: Two state-level variables were derived to approximate potential for elevated radon using the Environmental Protection Agency county map and the 2015 U.S. Census. The association between radon potential and inclusion of radon activity within cancer plans was evaluated using logistic regression.
RESULTS: Fifty-one percent of cancer plans recognized an association between radon and cancer risk, and included measurable radon activities. Most states with high radon potential included radon activity in cancer plans. Both measures of radon potential were significantly associated with NCCCP cancer plans including radon activity.
CONCLUSIONS: Geospatial analyses help to prioritize radon-related lung cancer activities. In areas with high potential for radon exposure, increasing knowledge about potential for radon exposure may result in increased radon testing, mitigation, or other radon reducing strategies, and ultimately reduction of lung cancer deaths.
Implementing an Integrative Survivorship Program at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: A Multimodal Approach to Life After Cancer.
J Altern Complement Med. 2019; 25(S1):S106-S111 [PubMed] Related Publications
DEVELOPMENT: We first defined the parameters of survivorship care and developed a patient-centric model that determined the optimal timeframes for transitioning these patients from the oncology clinic to a centralized survivorship clinic. Survivorship care includes the development of a survivorship care plan (SCP) for each patient at their initial visit to the program. Quality-of-life assessments are used in real time to guide clinical decision making to referrals to supportive care services, including educational events, expert consultations, and treatment using integrative and complementary therapies, access to legal services, community resource information, and support group activities for cancer survivors and caregivers. Integrative therapies were added to support the needs of this new program, including recruiting a nutritionist and acupuncturist, and developing a yoga, mindfulness, and Reiki program. Population served: As of June 2018, 908 people have accessed our survivorship clinic, receiving a complete clinical assessment and SCP. Patients are routinely referred to support services based on the individual needs and ongoing symptoms from treatment. The majority of referrals are made to acupuncture, Healing Touch or Reiki, nutrition, psychosocial oncology, and yoga.
CONCLUSIONS: Developing a successful integrative survivorship program requires some essential features, including institutional support, strong leadership, a clear vision of how the clinical program will function, a dedicated team that is willing to do what it takes to get the program off the ground, and clinical oncology champions to refer patients into the program. With the development of this program, this multimodal approach to patient-centric care is maintained throughout the spectrum of care, from diagnosis to survivorship.
Population-based assessment of the national comprehensive cancer network recommendations for baseline imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Med Oncol. 2019; 36(3):26 [PubMed] Related Publications
Comprehensive cancer control in the U.S.: summarizing twenty years of progress and looking ahead.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1305-1309 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 19/12/2019 Related Publications
How the Comprehensive Cancer Control National Partnership shapes the public health workforce.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1205-1220 [PubMed] Related Publications
Quality Improvement Training in a Variety of Cancer Care Delivery Settings: Experiences From a Comprehensive Cancer Center, an Academic Medical Center, and Community Practices.
J Oncol Pract. 2018; 14(12):e815-e822 [PubMed] Related Publications
METHODS: Multidisciplinary oncology teams at a comprehensive cancer center, an academic medical center, and community practices were led through experiential QI training that spanned several months. The curriculum included didactic training sessions that attendees applied to their local project-based work and that required plan-do-study-act cycles. The curriculum was adapted to the smaller practice setting through use of a workbook and a reduced focus on quantitative methods. All teams were supported by coaches and provided final presentations to leadership. The self-rated abilities of trainees to use 15 QI tools were assessed with a pre/post training survey that had five response categories (information, skill, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom). Local institutional and external project presentations were tracked.
RESULTS: During 7 years, 129 trainees participated in 56 QI projects. All of the 15 QI tools had 80% of trainees rate themselves in the top three categories (knowledge, understanding, and wisdom) after the training; none met this threshold before. Multiple projects were presented in institutional and external settings. Most projects targeted three of the four domains of the ASCO Quality Oncology Practice Initiative certification program standards.
CONCLUSIONS: We implemented and sustained QI training programs in a variety of cancer delivery settings. The flexible training model should be easily adoptable by others.
Collaborating to conquer cancer: the role of partnerships in comprehensive cancer control.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1173-1180 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 19/12/2019 Related Publications
Examining comprehensive cancer control partnerships, plans, and program interventions: successes and lessons learned from a utilization-focused evaluation.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1163-1171 [PubMed] Related Publications
Communication and comprehensive cancer control coalitions: lessons from two decades of campaigns, outreach, and training.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1239-1247 [PubMed] Related Publications
METHODS: Based upon a review of published CCC research as well as public health communication best practices, this article describes lessons learned to assist CCC coalitions and programs with systematic implementation of communication efforts as key strategies in cancer control.
RESULTS: Communication-oriented lessons include (1) effective communication work requires listening and ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, (2) communication interventions should target multiple levels from interpersonal to mediated channels, (3) educational outreach can be a valuable opportunity to bolster coalition effectiveness and cancer control outcomes, and (4) dedicated support is necessary to ensure consistent communication efforts.
CONCLUSIONS: External and internal communication strategies can optimize coalition efforts and resources to ultimately help produce meaningful improvement in cancer control outcomes.
Comprehensive cancer control planning in the Pacific: the Cancer Council of the Pacific Islands a multi-national regional coalition.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1287-1295 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 19/12/2019 Related Publications
METHODS: The evolution of the CCC approach and the history of the CCPI regional coalition are reviewed. The outcomes of the regional approach for cancer control in the USAPI are described to illustrate the possibilities, value-added and innovation of using a CCC strategy in a multi-national coalition based in a resource-limited environment.
RESULTS: The CCC approach enabled the CCPI to (1) harmonize cancer control efforts between the six USAPI jurisdictions, (2) represent the USAPI cancer needs as a single voice, and (3) develop a regional cancer control strategy. Outcomes include (1) a regional cancer registry, (2) three sequential regional CCC plans, (3) leveraged resources for the USAPI, (4) enhanced on-site technical assistance and training, (5) improved standards for cancer screening, (6) evidence-based cancer control interventions adapted for the USAPI.
CONCLUSION: The regional CCPI coupled with the CCC approach is an effective engine of change. The CCC strategies enabled navigation of the political, geographic, cultural, and epidemiologic Pacific environment. The regional partners have been able to harmonize cancer control efforts in resource-limited settings. Regional cancer coalitions may be effective in the global arena for cancer control between communities, states, or countries.
Evolution of comprehensive cancer control plans and partnerships.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1181-1193 [PubMed] Related Publications
The Nine Habits of successful comprehensive cancer control coalitions.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1195-1203 [PubMed] Related Publications
Comprehensive cancer control: promoting survivor health and wellness.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1277-1285 [PubMed] Related Publications
METHODS: To describe a range of examples of survivorship initiatives in comprehensive cancer control, we analyzed documents from comprehensive cancer control programs and coalitions and solicited detailed examples from several national partners.
RESULTS: Comprehensive cancer control programs, coalitions, and partners are undertaking myriad initiatives to address cancer survivorship and building upon evidence-based interventions to promote healthy behaviors for cancer survivors across the country.
CONCLUSION: A coordinated public health approach to caring for the growing population of cancer survivors can help address the long-term physical, psychosocial, and economic effects of cancer treatment on cancer survivors and their families.
Promising practices for the prevention of liver cancer: a review of the literature and cancer plan activities in the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1265-1275 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 19/12/2019 Related Publications
METHODS: Two types of source materials were analyzed for this review: published literature (2005-present), and current cancer plans from the NCCCP (2005-2022). A search strategy was developed to include a review of several scientific databases. Of the 73 articles identified as potentially eligible, 20 articles were eligible for inclusion in the review. Eligible articles were abstracted using a data abstraction tool. Three independent keyword searches on 65 NCCCP plans were conducted. Keyword searches within each of the plans to identify activities related to liver cancer were conducted. Relevant information was abstracted from the plans and saved in a data table.
RESULTS: Of the 20 eligible articles, 15 articles provided information on interventions related to liver cancer and hepatitis B or hepatitis C prevention. All 15 of the intervention articles were related to hepatitis; 13 were hepatitis B-focused, two were hepatitis C-focused, and 14 focused on Asian/Pacific Islander American populations. The independent keyword search of NCCCP plans produced 46 results for liver, 27 results for hepatitis, and 52 results for alcohol. Two plans included activities related to liver cancer. Twenty-four plans included activities related to hepatitis.
DISCUSSION: A majority of the intervention articles published focused on HBV infection in Asian/Pacific Islander American populations, and a small percentage of NCCCP plans included liver-related content. The findings from this review will inform the development of an Action Plan on liver cancer prevention for the NCCCP, which will assist programs with the adoption and uptake of promising practices for the prevention of liver cancer.
Advancing health equity through the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1231-1237 [PubMed] Related Publications
Association of emergency department admission and early inpatient palliative care consultation with hospital mortality in a comprehensive cancer center.
Support Care Cancer. 2019; 27(7):2649-2655 [PubMed] Related Publications
METHODS: Institutional databases were queried for unique medical admissions over a period of 1 year. Primary cancer type, ED versus direct admission, length of stay (LOS), presenting symptoms, and in-hospital mortality were reviewed; patient data were analyzed, and risk factors for in-hospital mortality were identified. The association of early palliative care consultation (within 3 days of admission) with these outcomes was studied. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression model were used.
RESULTS: Equal numbers of patients were admitted directly versus through the ED (7598 and 7538 respectively). However, of all patients who died in the hospital, 990 (88%) were admitted through the ED, compared with 137 admitted directly (P < 0.001). Patients who died in the hospital had longer median LOS compared with patients who were discharged alive (11 vs. 4 days, respectively, P < 0.001). Early palliative care consultation was associated with decreased mortality, compared with late consultation (P < 0.001). Chief complaints of respiratory problems, neurologic issues, or fatigue/weakness were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.
CONCLUSION: We found an association between ED admission and hospital mortality. Decedent cancer patients had a prolonged LOS, and early palliative care consultation for terminally ill symptomatic patients may prevent in-hospital mortality and improve quality of cancer care.
Medical assistance in dying for cancer patients one year after legalization: a collaborative approach at a comprehensive cancer centre.
Curr Oncol. 2018; 25(5):e486-e489 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 19/12/2019 Related Publications
Toward the development of a comprehensive cancer experience measurement framework.
Support Care Cancer. 2019; 27(7):2579-2589 [PubMed] Related Publications
North American population-based validation of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Practice Guideline Recommendations for locoregional lymph node and bone imaging in prostate cancer patients.
Br J Cancer. 2018; 119(12):1552-1556 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 11/12/2019 Related Publications
METHODS: Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004-2014), we identified patients with available Gleason, clinical stage and prostatic specific antigen. Performance characteristics endpoints consisted of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NVP), overall accuracy and the number needed to image (NNI).
RESULTS: Totally, 191,308 patients were assessable for the validation of the LNM staging recommendations. Sensitivity ranged from 80.6 to 86.3%, specificity from 74.7 to 79.3%, PPV from 7.8 to 8.0%, overall accuracy from 75.0 to 79.3% and NPV was 99.5%. The respective NNI values were 12.5 and 12.8. 197,408 patients were assessable for the validation of bone scan recommendations. These recommendations resulted in 90.8% sensitivity, 76.3% specificity, PPV of 5.7%, NPV of 99.8% and overall accuracy of 76.5%. The NNI was 17.5.
CONCLUSION: The NCCN recommendations for locoregional LNM miss few patients with clinical LNM (0.3-0.4%) and provide a virtually perfect NPV of 99.5%. Also, the recommendations for bone scan miss a marginal number of patients with established bone metastases (0.14%) and yield a virtually perfect NPV of 99.8%.
A qualitative study of Realtor knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to radon health effects: implications for comprehensive cancer control.
Cancer Causes Control. 2018; 29(12):1249-1255 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 11/12/2019 Related Publications
OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study sought to determine radon-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Realtors to inform cancer control activities at local and state levels.
METHODS: We conducted focus groups with Realtors in four states to collect information about knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding radon.
RESULTS: Realtors reported obtaining information on radon in similar ways, being aware of radon and its characteristics, and dealing with radon issues as a normal part of home sales. Differences in attitudes toward testing varied across states. Realtors in states with radon policies generally expressed more positive attitudes toward testing than those in states without policies. Radon mitigation was identified as an added expense to buyers and sellers. Realtors cited concerns about the reliability and credibility of mitigation systems and installers.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that attitudes and practices vary among Realtors and that additional educational resources about radon as a cancer risk factor may be beneficial. When comprehensive cancer control programs update their plans, they may want to add objectives, strategies, or activities to reduce radon exposure and prevent lung cancer. These activities could include partnering with Realtors to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practices about radon, as well as developing and distributing radon educational resources.
Time to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer: Compliance with ovarian cancer quality indicators at a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Gynecol Oncol. 2018; 151(3):501-505 [PubMed] Related Publications
METHODS: Institutional ovarian cancer database was evaluated for compliance with the quality measure to administer chemotherapy within 42 days of cytoreductive surgery. The influence of chemotherapy timing on the risk of death was evaluated, and factors related to the timing of chemotherapy after surgery was assessed.
RESULTS: Of 668 patients with epithelial ovarian/fallopian tube/peritoneal cancer who underwent surgical treatment for their disease (primary or interval), 635 met criteria for administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (with stages IA/IB, grade 2 or 3 disease; stage IC or more advanced stage disease). Compliance to administer chemotherapy within 42 days was 59.1%. The adjusted risk of death was not strongly associated with time to chemotherapy within 42 days (aHR: 0.80; 0.61, 1.05) and this did not differ by primary or interval debulking surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: In this prospectively maintained database, 59.1% of patients received chemotherapy within 42 days of surgery. The time to chemotherapy interval of within 42 days was not strongly associated with improved survival, particularly when age, stage of disease, insurance enrollment and surgical characteristics were taken into account. Further, the relationship between time to chemotherapy interval of within 42 days and survival did not vary by patients who received primary versus interval debulking surgery or had no residual disease.
Psychosocial distress and utilization of professional psychological care in cancer patients: An observational study in National Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs) in Germany.
Psychooncology. 2018; 27(12):2847-2854 [PubMed] Related Publications
METHODS: In a multicenter study in Germany, cancer patients with various diagnoses were evaluated for self-reported use of psychological support. We measured psychological distress, depression and anxiety, quality of life, and social support with standardized questionnaires and analyzed its association with the utilization of psychological care using multivariable logistic regression. This paper focuses on a cross-sectional analysis of the data assessed during inpatient care.
RESULTS: Three thousand fifty-four (50%) of hospitalized patients were asked for participation, and n = 1632 (53.6%) participated. We were able to analyze n = 1,398 (45.9%) patients. Three hundred ninety-seven (28.4%) of the sample utilized psychological support. Users of psychological care were significantly younger than nonusers (odds ratio [OR]: 0.967, P < 0.001) and were more often female (OR: 1.878, P < 0.001), whereas educational level was not associated with the use of psychological care. In the multivariable analysis, effects on the use of psychological care were observed for Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety (OR: 1.106, P = 0.001) and both subscales of the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) quality of life measure (mental, OR: 0.97, P = 0.002; physical, OR: 0.97, P = 0.002).
CONCLUSION: Psychological distress and anxiety are higher, and quality of life is lower in users of psychological care in comparison with nonusers during inpatient cancer treatment. Although psychooncological services should be provided to all patients who need them, special efforts should be made to reach populations that report low utilization.
Use of Dietary Supplements at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.
J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Sep/Oct; 24(9-10):981-987 [PubMed] Related Publications
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of adults diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer in 2010-2012 at the University of North Carolina Comprehensive Cancer Center was conducted. Questionnaires were sent to 1794 patients. Phone calls were made to nonrespondents. The authors described type of DS use before, during, and after initial cancer treatment, source of advice on DS use, and used logistic regression to investigate the association of DS use during or after cancer treatment with clinical/sociodemographic characteristics and source of advice.
RESULTS: Six hundred and three (34%) patients completed the questionnaires. Nonvitamin nonmineral DS use during initial cancer treatments was common: any cancer treatment (49%), chemotherapy (52%), and radiation therapy (51%). Among patients seeking advice on DS use, 75% reported professional sources, 44% reported media sources, and 47% reported lay sources. DS use during cancer treatment was strongly predicted by prior DS use, followed by prior complementary therapies' use, receiving DS advice from a cancer care provider, being female, and higher education level.
CONCLUSION: DS use is common and persists during cancer treatment. Among DS users during treatment, 18% used an herbal supplement, which are likely to carry greater risk of interaction with chemotherapy agents compared with vitamin, mineral, and other supplements. Although many respondents sought DS advice from professional sources, the use of nonprofessional sources remains high.
The Role of Maxillofacial Prosthetics for the Surgically Treated Patient at National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers.
Laryngoscope. 2019; 129(2):409-414 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/02/2020 Related Publications
STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, cross-sectional survey of head and neck division leaders at NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers.
METHODS: Each head and neck division leader from the 47 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers was invited to participate. The main outcomes of this study were: 1) to evaluate the current role of maxillofacial prosthetics for the surgically treated head and neck cancer patient within NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers and 2) to identify perceived barriers to care. Measured outcomes were obtained from an anonymous online survey and reported.
RESULTS: Twenty-eight of the 47 head and neck service chiefs responded (60% response rate). Respondents expressed preference for prosthetic rehabilitation for hard palate/upper gum, auricular, and nasal defects. Local flap or free tissue transfer was preferred for lower gum and soft palate defects. Cost-related factors were among the most reported perceived barriers to maxillofacial prosthetic care.
CONCLUSIONS: Maxillofacial prosthetics have an important role in the rehabilitation of the head and neck cancer patient. Perceived barriers for services exist, particularly as it relates to cost. Providers should be aware that these issues are likely to be more severe in regional or community centers.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 129:409-414, 2019.
Group Yoga Effects on Cancer Patient and Caregiver Symptom Distress: Assessment of Self-reported Symptoms at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2018; 17(4):1087-1094 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/02/2020 Related Publications
METHODS: Patients and caregivers had access to two yoga group classes: a lower intensity (YLow) or higher intensity (YHigh) class. Participants completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS; scale 0-10, 10 most severe) immediately before and after the class. ESAS subscales analyzed included global (GDS; score 0-90), physical (PHS; 0-60), and psychological distress (PSS; 0-20). Data were analyzed examining pre-yoga and post-yoga symptom scores using paired t-tests and between types of classes using ANOVAs.
RESULTS: From July 18, 2016, to August 8, 2017, 282 unique participants (205 patients, 77 caregivers; 85% female; ages 20-79 years) attended one or more yoga groups (mean 2.3). For all participants, we observed clinically significant reduction/improvement in GDS, PHS, and PSS scores and in symptoms (ESAS decrease ≥1; means) of anxiety, fatigue, well-being, depression, appetite, drowsiness, and sleep. Clinically significant improvement for both patients and caregivers was observed for anxiety, depression, fatigue, well-being, and all ESAS subscales. Comparing yoga groups, YLow contributed to greater improvement in sleep versus YHigh (-1.33 vs -0.50, P = .054). Improvement in fatigue for YLow was the greatest mean change (YLow -2.12).
CONCLUSION: A single yoga group class resulted in clinically meaningful improvement of multiple self-reported symptoms. Further research is needed to better understand how yoga class content, intensity, and duration can affect outcomes.
Improving Knowledge and Awareness of Human Papillomavirus-Associated Gynecologic Cancers: Results from the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program/Inside Knowledge Collaboration.
J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2018; 27(8):955-964 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/02/2020 Related Publications
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention created Inside Knowledge: Get the Facts About Gynecologic Cancer campaign materials, which were used by seven National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program recipients in tailored educational sessions on gynecologic cancer with women and healthcare providers in the community setting. Session participants completed presession and postsession questionnaires. Differences in knowledge and intentions were assessed using chi-square tests for women in the general public, obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs), primary care physicians (PCPs), and other healthcare providers.
RESULTS: Women's knowledge improved significantly presession to postsession that HPV causes vaginal (39%-65%, p < 0.001) and vulvar cancers (26%-60%, p < 0.001), but postsession few women correctly identified all HPV-associated gynecologic cancers (15%). From presession to postsession, more women were able to correctly identify recommended age groups for whom the HPV vaccine is recommended (15%-30%, p < 0.001), and that the Pap test only screens for cervical cancer (58%-73%, p < 0.001). Among providers, OB/GYNs had more baseline knowledge of HPV-associated gynecologic cancers than other providers. Postsession, PCPs and other providers increased their knowledge of HPV vaccine recommended age groups (33%-71% and 23%-61%, respectively), and the 3-year recommended screening interval for the Pap test (73%-91% and 63%-85%, respectively). HPV vaccine knowledge did not show significant improvement among OB/GYNs postsessions.
CONCLUSIONS: Women and healthcare providers who attended the Inside Knowledge sessions significantly improved their knowledge of HPV-associated gynecologic cancers. Additional educational activities during the sessions that support distinguishing between HPV-associated versus other gynecologic cancers and clarify HPV vaccine recommendations may help with further increases in knowledge.
Developing institutions for cancer care in low-income and middle-income countries: from cancer units to comprehensive cancer centres.
Lancet Oncol. 2018; 19(8):e395-e406 [PubMed] Related Publications
Characteristics and Outcomes of Ethics Consultations on a Comprehensive Cancer Center's Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Service.
HEC Forum. 2018; 30(4):379-387 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/12/2019 Related Publications
A novel anesthesiologist-led multidisciplinary model for evaluating high-risk surgical patients at a comprehensive cancer center.
J Healthc Risk Manag. 2019; 38(3):12-23 [PubMed] Related Publications