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Clinical and Epidemiological Research: Focus on Cancer Care

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 22572

Special Issue Editors

1. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Science, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Universitat de Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
2. Center for Biomedical Research Network Epidemiology and Public Health, (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
Interests: epidemiology; public health; preventive medicine; cancer; nutrition; maternal and fetal health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
1. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Science, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Universitat de Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
2. Center for Biomedical Research Network Epidemiology and Public Health, (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
Interests: epidemiology; public health; preventive medicine; cancer; nutrition; maternal and fetal health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Around the world, cancer and the many problems associated with it have a significant impact on public health at multiple levels. Years of life lost due to premature deaths, the economic burden due to lost productivity and costs associated with disease and therapy, and the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life of survivors are all charging an increasing price. Additionally, the public health impact of cancer is expected to continue to grow as the population ages.
Clinical and epidemiological research have contributed to the identification of hereditary cancer syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and Li–Fraumeni syndrome, which has led to strategies to identify patients at higher risk and improve the clinical care of patients. However, changes in lifestyles lead to different patterns in the etiology of cancer and the need for further research. Today, in the 21st century, it has become clear that more clinical and epidemiological research focused on cancer care is necessary.

This issue of IJERPH focuses on public health, clinical, and epidemiological research to generate knowledge for new cancer research.

For this Special Issue, we invite public health, clinical, and epidemiological cancer researchers to submit high-quality empirical articles or systematic reviews related to topics in this research area.

 

Prof. Dr. María M. Morales Suárez-Varela
Prof. Dr. Agustín Llopis-González
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Cancer care
  • Cancer treatment
  • Nutritional management
  • Nutritional support

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 13032 KiB  
Article
Trends in Hospital Admissions Due to Neoplasms in England and Wales between 1999 and 2019: An Ecological Study
by Abdallah Y. Naser, Hassan Alwafi, Sara Ibrahim Hemmo, Hamzeh Mohammad Alrawashdeh, Jaber S. Alqahtani, Saeed M. Alghamdi and Moaath K. Mustafa Ali
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 8054; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138054 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1958
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the trends in neoplasm-related hospital admissions (NRHA) in England and Wales between 1999 and 2019. Methods: This is an ecological study using publicly available data taken from the two main medical databases in England and Wales; the [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the trends in neoplasm-related hospital admissions (NRHA) in England and Wales between 1999 and 2019. Methods: This is an ecological study using publicly available data taken from the two main medical databases in England and Wales; the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database in Wales. Hospital admissions data were collected for the period between April 1999 and March 2019. Results: A total of 35,704,781 NRHA were reported during the study period. Females contributed to 50.8% of NRHA. The NRHA rate among males increased by 50.0% [from 26.62 (95% CI 26.55–26.68) in 1999 to 39.93 (95% CI 39.86–40.00) in 2019 per 1000 persons, trend test, p < 0.001]. The NRHA rate among females increased by 44.1% [from 27.25 (95% CI 27.18–27.31) in 1999 to 39.25 (95% CI 39.18–39.32) in 2019 per 1000 persons, trend test, p < 0.001]. Overall, the rate of NRHA rose by 46.2% [from 26.93 (95% CI 26.89–26.98) in 1999 to 39.39 (95% CI 39.34–39.44) in 2019 per 1000 persons, trend test, p < 0.001]. Conclusion: Hospital admission rates due to neoplasms increased between 1999 and 2019. Our study demonstrates a variation in NRHA influenced by age and gender. Further observational studies are needed to identify other factors associated with increased hospital admissions among patients with different types of neoplasms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Epidemiological Research: Focus on Cancer Care)
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9 pages, 334 KiB  
Article
Attitudes and Behaviors That Impact Skin Cancer Risk among Men
by Gabrielle J. Adams, Elianna K. Goldstein, Beth G. Goldstein, Kristen L. Jarman and Adam O. Goldstein
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 9989; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18199989 - 23 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2780
Abstract
Despite substantially higher skin cancer risks, little research has investigated men’s attitudes about skin cancer and how those attitudes relate to their risks of developing skin cancer. This study aims to close the gap in research, regarding men’s perceptions and behaviors about skin [...] Read more.
Despite substantially higher skin cancer risks, little research has investigated men’s attitudes about skin cancer and how those attitudes relate to their risks of developing skin cancer. This study aims to close the gap in research, regarding men’s perceptions and behaviors about skin cancer, sun exposure, and tanning. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey of 705 men recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), reporting attitudes and behaviors towards sun exposure, tanning, and sun protection. While the majority of men reported large daily outdoor activities, that their skin frequently burns with sun exposure, and riskier perceptions of tanning, only a minority reported daily use of sunscreen or most other sun protective behaviors. More sun protection methods were associated with more frequent use of sunscreen and less positive tanning perceptions. Men consistently engaged in high-risk behaviors for developing skin cancer, but they did not engage highly in protective behaviors to mitigate their risk. The findings can help improve clinical and public health interventions to lower men’s risk of skin cancer with strong messages about sunscreen use and sun protective methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Epidemiological Research: Focus on Cancer Care)
25 pages, 1825 KiB  
Article
Mind the Differences: How Diagnoses and Hospital Characteristics Influence Coordination in Cancer Patient Pathways
by Per Magnus Mæhle, Ingrid Kristine Small Hanto, Victoria Charlotte Simensen and Sigbjørn Smeland
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8818; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168818 - 21 Aug 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2226
Abstract
Integrated care pathway (ICP) is a prevailing concept in health care management including cancer care. Though substantial research has been conducted on ICPs knowledge is still deficient explaining how characteristics of diagnose, applied procedures, patient group and organizational context influence specific practicing of [...] Read more.
Integrated care pathway (ICP) is a prevailing concept in health care management including cancer care. Though substantial research has been conducted on ICPs knowledge is still deficient explaining how characteristics of diagnose, applied procedures, patient group and organizational context influence specific practicing of ICPs. We studied how coordination takes place in three cancer pathways in four Norwegian hospitals. We identified how core contextual variables of cancer pathways affect complexity and predictability of the performance of each pathway. Thus, we also point at differences in core preconditions for accomplishing coordination of the cancer pathways. In addition, the findings show that three different types of coordination dynamics are present in all three pathways to a divergent degree: programmed chains, consultative hubs and problem-solving webs. Pathway coordination also depends on hierarchical interaction. Lack of corresponding roles in the medical–professional and the administrative–institutional logics presents a challenge for coordination, both within and between hospitals. We recommend that further improvement of specific ICPs by paying attention to what should be standardized and what should be kept flexible, aligning semi-formal and formal structures to pathway processes and identify the professional cancer related background and management style required by the key-roles in pathway management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Epidemiological Research: Focus on Cancer Care)
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16 pages, 2932 KiB  
Article
Factors Influencing Care Pathways for Breast and Prostate Cancer in a Hospital Setting
by Ornela Bardhi, Begonya Garcia-Zapirain and Roberto Nuño-Solinis
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157913 - 26 Jul 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1926
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) and prostate cancer (PCa) are the most prevalent types of cancers. We aimed to understand and analyze the care pathways for BCa and PCa patients followed at a hospital setting by analyzing their different treatment lines. We evaluated the association [...] Read more.
Breast cancer (BCa) and prostate cancer (PCa) are the most prevalent types of cancers. We aimed to understand and analyze the care pathways for BCa and PCa patients followed at a hospital setting by analyzing their different treatment lines. We evaluated the association between different treatment lines and the lifestyle and demographic characteristics of these patients. Two datasets were created using the electronic health records (EHRs) and information collected through semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Statistical analysis was performed to examine which variable had an impact on the treatment each patient followed. In total, 83 patients participated in the study that ran between January and November 2018 in Beacon Hospital. Results show that chemotherapy cycles indicate if a patient would have other treatments, i.e., patients who have targeted therapy (25/46) have more chemotherapy cycles (95% CI 4.66–9.52, p = 0.012), the same is observed with endocrine therapy (95% CI 4.77–13.59, p = 0.044). Patients who had bisphosphonate (11/46), an indication of bone metastasis, had more chemotherapy cycles (95% CI 5.19–6.60, p = 0.012). PCa patients with tall height (95% CI 176.70–183.85, p = 0.005), heavier (95% CI 85.80–99.57, p < 0.001), and a BMI above 25 (95% CI 1.85–2.62, p = 0.017) had chemotherapy compared to patients who were shorter, lighter and with BMI less than 25. Initial prostate-specific antigen level (PSA level) indicated if a patient would be treated with bisphosphonate or not (95% CI 45.51–96.14, p = 0.002). Lifestyle variables such as diet (95% CI 1.46–1.85, p = 0.016), and exercise (95% CI 1.20–1.96, p = 0.029) indicated that healthier and active BCa patients had undergone surgeries. Our findings show that chemotherapy cycles and lifestyle for BCa, and tallness and weight for PCa may indicate the rest of treatment plan for these patients. Understanding factors that influence care pathways allow a more person-centered care approach and the redesign of care processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Epidemiological Research: Focus on Cancer Care)
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Review

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12 pages, 4549 KiB  
Review
Global Trends of Nutrition in Cancer Research: A Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis Study over the Past 10 Years
by Bo-Young Youn, Seo-Yeon Lee, Wonje Cho, Kwang-Rok Bae, Seong-Gyu Ko and Chunhoo Cheon
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4165; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074165 - 31 Mar 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3536
Abstract
The increasing application of nutrition in cancer management has attracted a great deal of research interest in recent decades. Nutritional therapies, interventions, and assessments were known to have positive effects on reducing side effects from cancer therapy. In order to identify the global [...] Read more.
The increasing application of nutrition in cancer management has attracted a great deal of research interest in recent decades. Nutritional therapies, interventions, and assessments were known to have positive effects on reducing side effects from cancer therapy. In order to identify the global research output for nutrition in cancer research, a bibliometric analysis during the past 10 years was conducted to evaluate the current status of trends, gaps, and research directions as no bibliometric studies have been conducted regarding nutrition and cancer. After the data collection, a total of 1521 articles were chosen for this bibliometric study. The visualization analysis was performed with VOSviewer. The number of publications has grown continuously since a substantial spark was identified in 2019. The majority of the authors’ affiliations were in European countries. Four cancer types were recognized among the top 10 author keywords; they were breast cancer, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer. The Nutrients journal was the most popular among the authors as the journal published 195 articles related to the topic. In conclusion, providing evidence-based nutritional solutions for various types of cancer is essential to nutrition and cancer research. Since it is presumed to have a growing number of cancer patients worldwide with the aging population, it is vital to continuously generate research finding effective nutrition therapies for cancer patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Epidemiological Research: Focus on Cancer Care)
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14 pages, 679 KiB  
Review
Lifestyle Interventions through Participatory Research: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review of Alcohol and Other Breast Cancer Behavioural Risk Factors
by Jessica A. Thomas, Emma R. Miller and Paul R. Ward
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020980 - 16 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2852
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women globally. Sex and advancing age represent the dominant risk factors, with strong evidence of alcohol as a modifiable risk factor. The carcinogenic nature of alcohol has been known for over twenty [...] Read more.
Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women globally. Sex and advancing age represent the dominant risk factors, with strong evidence of alcohol as a modifiable risk factor. The carcinogenic nature of alcohol has been known for over twenty years; however, this has failed to translate into significant behavioural, practice, or policy change. As a result, women have not benefitted from this research and, by extension, have been exposed to unnecessary breast cancer risk. Participatory research presents a solution to research translation in public health through the collaboration of impacted populations with academics in research. This systematic review examines peer-reviewed research studies where participants were involved in the research process and the outcomes related to breast cancer prevention (either alcohol or broader lifestyle modification). Seven of the eight studies reported positive effects, and the collaboration between academic researchers and impacted populations may have supported positive outcomes. Women were receptive and responsive to participatory approaches, and their participation is important to address socially entrenched behaviours such as alcohol consumption. Participatory research presents opportunities for future interventions to improve (or address) modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Epidemiological Research: Focus on Cancer Care)
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15 pages, 644 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Management of Rare Primary Ovarian Neoplasms: Carcinosarcoma, Leiomyosarcoma, Melanoma and Carcinoid
by Mateusz Kozłowski, Katarzyna Nowak, Agnieszka Kordek and Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7819; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157819 - 23 Jul 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4311
Abstract
Carcinosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, melanoma and carcinoid as primary tumors in the ovary are extremely rare. In this paper, the authors reviewed the literature from 2010 to 2021, based on specific criteria, to analyze the treatment of these rare ovarian neoplasms. We also aimed to [...] Read more.
Carcinosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, melanoma and carcinoid as primary tumors in the ovary are extremely rare. In this paper, the authors reviewed the literature from 2010 to 2021, based on specific criteria, to analyze the treatment of these rare ovarian neoplasms. We also aimed to verify whether modern therapies have been found in recent years. For this article, 80 papers were finally selected. The vast majority of the articles were clinical case reports. Despite single mentions of new potential pharmacological treatments, surgery (radical or fertility-sparing) is definitely the mainstay of treatment. There are currently no treatment guidelines for these tumors. A review of the literature has revealed the use of various adjuvant treatments. We, therefore, believe that a more detailed understanding of the biology of these tumors is necessary in order to find new target points for treatment. We would like to emphasize the importance of creating an international database of rare ovarian tumors which would make it possible to gather data from various oncological centers and enable further research into these neoplasms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Epidemiological Research: Focus on Cancer Care)
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Other

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9 pages, 1001 KiB  
Brief Report
Influence of Diagnostic Delay on Survival Rates for Patients with Colorectal Cancer
by María Padilla-Ruiz, María Morales-Suárez-Varela, Francisco Rivas-Ruiz, Julia Alcaide, Esperanza Varela-Moreno, Irene Zarcos-Pedrinaci, Teresa Téllez, Nerea Fernández-de Larrea-Baz, Marisa Baré, Amaia Bilbao, Cristina Sarasqueta, Urko Aguirre-Larracoechea, José María Quintana, Maximino Redondo and on behalf of CARESS-CCR Study Group
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3626; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063626 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1816
Abstract
Colorectal cancer affects men and women alike. Sometimes, due to clinical-pathological factors, the absence of symptoms or the failure to conduct screening tests, its diagnosis may be delayed. However, it has not been conclusively shown that such a delay, especially when attributable to [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer affects men and women alike. Sometimes, due to clinical-pathological factors, the absence of symptoms or the failure to conduct screening tests, its diagnosis may be delayed. However, it has not been conclusively shown that such a delay, especially when attributable to the health system, affects survival. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the overall survival rate of patients with a delayed diagnosis of colorectal cancer. This observational, prospective, multicenter study was conducted at 22 public hospitals located in nine Spanish provinces. For this analysis, 1688 patients with complete information in essential variables were included. The association between diagnostic delay and overall survival at five years, stratified according to tumor location, was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Hazard ratios for this association were estimated using multivariable Cox regression models. The diagnostic delay ≥ 30 days was presented in 944 patients. The presence of a diagnostic delay of more than 30 days was not associated with a worse prognosis, contrary to a delay of less than 30 days (HR: 0.76, 0.64–0.90). In the multivariate analysis, a short delay maintained its predictive value (HR: 0.80, 0.66–0.98) regardless of age, BMI, Charlson index or TNM stage. A diagnostic delay of less than 30 days is an independent factor for short survival in patients with CRC. This association may arise because the clinical management of tumors with severe clinical characteristics and with a poorer prognosis are generally conducted more quickly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Epidemiological Research: Focus on Cancer Care)
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