• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4705-4709
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• 2013

Background: Cambodian Americans have high rates of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and liver cancer. There is very limited information about the utility of community health worker (CHW) approaches to cancer education for Asian American men. We have previously reported our positive findings from a trial of CHW education about HBV for Cambodian Americans who had never been tested for HBV. This report describes similarities and differences between the outcomes of our CHW HBV educational intervention among Cambodian American men and women. Methods: The study group for this analysis included 87 individuals (39 men and 48 women) who were randomized to the experimental (HBV education) arm of our trial, participated in the CHW educational intervention, and provided follow-up data six months post-intervention. We examined HBV testing rates at follow-up, changes in HBV-related knowledge between baseline and follow-up, and barriers to HBV testing (that were reported to CHWs) by gender. Results: At follow-up, 15% of men and 31% of women reported they had received a HBV test (p=0.09). HBV-related knowledge levels increased significantly among both men and women. With respect to HBV testing barriers, women were more likely than men to cite knowledge deficits, and men were more likely than women to cite logistic issues. Discussion: Our study findings indicate that CHW interventions can positively impact knowledge among Cambodian American men, as well as women. They also suggest CHW interventions may be less effective in promoting the use of preventive procedures by Cambodian American men than women. Future CHW research initiatives should consider contextual factors that may differ by gender and, therefore, potentially influence the relative effectiveness of CHW interventions for men versus women.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3325-3328
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• 2016

Background: There are limited studies on oncoplastic breast conserving surgery in Asian women. We aimed to determine the applicability and safety of oncoplastic surgery, highlighting the specific circumstances when it will be most useful and compare our preferred technique with the worldwide practice of oncoplastic approaches. Materials and Methods: Breast cancer patients who underwent oncoplastic breast conserving surgery at a single institution from 1st May 2014-31st March 2015 were included. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics and the type of oncoplastic surgery performed were collected. Results: Nineteen breast cancer patients were identified. 42.1% of patients had grade I ptosis. The indications for surgery included a large tumor to breast size ratio (52.6%), multifocal/multicentric lesions (36.8%) and asymmetric breasts (10.6%), averting a mastectomy in 89.4%. Round block was the commonest technique in 63% of patients, in contrast to the inverted T pattern most frequently used in renowned institutions in the West. Mean and median tumor size and weight of specimen were 29.4/25mm (11 - 75mm) and 77g/64g (10 - 246g) respectively. Re-excision rate was 10.5%. Complete mastectomy was performed for one patient. One patient developed wound dehiscence which was treated conservatively. Cosmetic outcome was rated as excellent/good by 94.7% of patients. The patients remained clinically well after a median 16 months follow up. Conclusions: Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery is useful in a specific subgroup of Asian patients with a relatively small breast volume and minimal ptosis. Round block was the commonest technique in our series, in contrast to the worldwide utility of oncoplastic techniques. It is oncologically safe and has good cosmetic outcomes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3469-3476
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• 2016

Background: The cancer research literature suggests that women, especially premenopausal women, have lower cancer mortality rates than men. However, it is unclear if that is true for populations at all age levels in all countries and what factors affect such sex differences. This paper attempts to fill that gap. Materials and Methods: Sex- and country-specific cancer mortality data were statistically analyzed with particular attention to geographic, social, and economic factors that may affect the sex differences. Results: The sex differences were age and country specific, rather than universal. Premenopausal women actually tend to have a disadvantage compared to men or postmenopausal women. Male cancer mortality appears to be the affecting factor in explaining variations in sex differences. Latitude of residence and literacy rate are the affecting factors in cancer mortality and sex differences. African and Latin American countries tend to have a female disadvantage, while East Asian and Eastern European countries are more likely to have a female advantage. Conclusions: The findings challenge the cancer mortality literature and indicate that the sex differences and their possible causes are more complicated than the current literature suggests. They also highlight the urgency of adapting age- and country- specific health systems and policies to better meet the needs of younger women.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.399-411
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• 1998

Thinness has become a symbol for beauty, acceptance and competence for women in our society, and pressure to diet because of this unrealistic standard is one factor reponsible for the increasing incidence of eating disorder. Three hundred fifty college women in the Chonbuk area were surveyed from May to June 1998, to investigate the relationship among body image, eating disorder, dietary intakes, self esteem and sex role identity. This study identified a subgroup of women who were relatively satisfied with their body weight and who did not diet. This group was compared with subgroups of women who were dissatisfied with their bodies and either were or were not restrained eaters. The dissatisfied/dieting women had the highest BMI, binge eating disorder and night eating syndrom, had significantly lower calorie, protein, iron, vitamin B$_1$, and vitamin B$_2$ intake compared with the satisfied/non-dieting women. The dissatisfied /dieting women, who had lower self-esteem compared with the satisfied/non-dieting women, but the frequency of sex role identity was similga among the groups of women. BMI and binge eating disorder were positively correlated(r=0.157, p＜.01), but BMI and self esteem were negatively correlated(r=-0.202, p＜0.01). Especially, binge eating disorder and self esteem were negatively correlated (r=-0.126, p＜0.05).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.853-857
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• 2013

Objectives: Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Breast screening in normal and/or asymptomatic women is essential to reduce the burden of breast malignancies. Our study aimed to identify possible risk- and/or co-factors associated with breast screening in North Indian women. Methods: A public health research survey was conducted among 100 women of North Indian ethnicity during clinic visits in a 6-month timeline (April-October 2012). Demographic and clinical data, including mammography screening, were recorded in the questionnaire-based proforma after conducting a 10 minute interview. Written informed consent was taken from all the participants. Results: The mean age of the participants was $32.2{\pm}9.9$ years. Out of 100 women, 6% had family history of breast disease. Breast-related complaints/malignancy, including galactorrhoea, mastitis, axillary lump, fibrocystic disease, fibroadenosis and adenocarcinoma were observed in 41% participants; age stratification revealed that 82.9% of this group (n=41) were <30 years, while 9.7% and 7.3% were >30 years and 30 years of age, respectively. 32% participants underwent mammography screening and 8% had breast ultrasound imaging. Age stratification in the mammography screening group demonstrated that 24 women were <40 years, while 7 women were >40 years. Conclusions: Our pilot study identified possible co-factors affecting breast screening in North Indian women. These findings may be beneficial in early detection of breast abnormalities, including malignancies in women susceptible to breast cancer, and thus aid in future design of cost-effective screening strategies to reduce the increasing burden of breast carcinoma in women worldwide.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.733-738
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• 2013

Background: Breast and cervical cancers are significant causes of mortality and morbidity for Asian women, and poor English-speaking ability is a barrier to cancer prevention practices. Materials and Methods: This project tested relationships among English-speaking ability and early detection practices regarding to breast and cervical cancer among female Chinese immigrants. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used. Results: 175 female Chinese immigrants completed the survey in the breast cancer prevention section, and 35 of them also completed the cervical cancer prevention section. Some 63% of them had heard about the clinical breast exam (CBE), but only 54% had had a CBE. While 46% of the participants were aware of their need for a Pap smear, only 31% had heard about it and had undergone a pelvic exam. Conclusions: English-speaking ability was strongly associated with immigrant women's knowledge of female cancer early detection. Culturally and linguistic issues should be considered as the first step to access immigrant population in designing future education intervention.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.5687-5690
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• 2012

Objective: The study was planned with the purpose of examining the attitude of women who have pap-smear test for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer, factors affecting their decisions and their feelings and experiences during this period. Materials and Methods: A phenomenological method was used. Data were collected between March 2012 and April 2012 using standard and purposive samplings from 17 women. A detailed interview with women were held in their houses and recorded. The data collection tool consisted of two parts, one of which is information form with 17 questions identifying sociodemographic and cervical cancer risk factors of women and the second part is made up of semi-structured interview form with 15 alternative questions taking literature and the pap-smear test into consideration. Collected data were put into a written document. Content analysis was held by loading the documents into NVIVO 8 Statistical Programme. Results: The study comprised themes such as cervical risk factor, decision of taking pap-smear test, taking pap-smear test, knowledge about pap-smear test, relieving factors during pap-smear test, obstructive factors during pap-smear test, gynecological examination and feelings of women during and after pap-smear test while waiting for the results. Conclusions: As women perceive gynaecological examinations differently from other examinations, they have different feelings in each process of the Pap smear test. Medical staff should advise women more clearly on the nature and advantages of the Pap-smear test.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7707-7711
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• 2015

A cross-sectional survey of 370 female teachers working at Governmental schools in Gaza city was conducted. Twenty four schools were selected randomly of all female schools of the city that included primary, preparatory and secondary. In each school all-female teachers aged 35-45 year were invited to fill out a self-administered questionnaire to investigate knowledge and behavior toward breast cancer screening. The survey revealed that more than 75% of women had never undergone clinical breast examination and 60% had never undergone mammography, whereas 62% performed breast self-examination (BSE). Women who performed BSE had significantly higher knowledge about breast cancer screening (P=0.001). Women attending CBE and mammography screening also had significantly higher knowledge (P=0.001). There were significant associations between the practices and presence of positive breast cancer family history (P=0.002) and the level of education of husbands (P=0.024). The oldest women demonstrated higher performance rates of screening methods than the youngest (P=0.001). Lack of breast screening knowledge was identified among more than one third of the women, and 24.6% of women did not know any screening method. About a half of women harboured misconceptions about breast cancer screening, including the belief that breast cancer not treatable. Women residing in Gaza city (P=0.00) and with husbands less educated were more likely to have a high level of misconceptions (P=0.01).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7977-7980
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• 2014

This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of significant cervical pathology among women who are high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV)-positive/cytology negative, the most common combination of positive co-tests. The records of 244 women HR-HPV-positive/cytology-negative who had undergone colposcopy at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University during January 2010 and April 2014 were reviewed. Mean age was 46.4 years. Of these 224 women, 75 were positive for HPV types 16/18 (33.5%) and 123 were positive for non-16/18 types (54.9%). HR-HPV was not genotyped in the remaining 26 women (11.6%). Prevalence of significant lesions for the entire cohort was 2.4%, and 2.6% and 3.3%, respectively, for those with HPV 16/18 and other oncogenic HPV types. One woman with HPV 16/18 (1.3%) had invasive cervical cancer. Multiparous women were more likely to be infected with HPV 16/18 compared to nulliparous women (36.3% versus 17.6%, respectively). In conclusion, the prevalence of significant cervical lesion among our study population was 2.4%. Multiparous women were more likely to be infected with HPV 16/18 compared to nulliparous women.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.13
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• pp.5423-5425
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• 2014

Purpose: To evaluate the risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia concomitant endometrial polyps in pre- and post-menopausal women. Materials and Methods: A total of 203 patients undergoing endometrial sampling before hysterectomy were evaluated in this retrospective study. Data recorded were age, gravidity, parity, body mass index (BMI: weight(kg)/$height(m)^2$), endometrial thickness (ET), menopausal status, presence of adenomyosis and diabetes mellitus. Results: Endometrial hyperplasia and polyps were detected in 13 patients. There were statistically significant differences in terms of age, menopausal status, morbid obesity and diabetes mellitus (p<0.005). Logistic regression demonstrated that menopausal status and presence of diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors. Conclusions: According to the current study; menopause and diabetes mellitus are strong risk factors for the presence of concomitant endometrial polyps and endometrial hyperplasia.