• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.3805-3807
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• 2016

Literature on the relationship between recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary bladder carcinoma risk has been inconsistent. Therefore, we carried out this systematic review of observational studies to ascertain if there is any association between chronic urinary tract infection and urinary bladder carcinoma. A total of 10 databases were searched using Boolean: CINAHL, PUBMED, Google Scholar, Medline, Science Direct, SCIRUS, Cochrane, UK PubMed central, NHS evidence and WHO-website. The search yielded an initial hit of 3,518 articles and after screening and critical appraisal, seven studies were included for this review. Four articles reported an association between chronic urinary tract infections and bladder cancer while three concluded a weak or no association at least in one gender. Main findings in this review were that most of the studies reported an association between chronic urinary tract infections and bladder cancer risk. However, inferences about the causal association between chronic urinary tract infections and bladder cancer risk should be drawn cautiously considering the methodological limitations of case-control studies included in this review. Therefore, more empirical evidence is needed to determine the causal nature of relationships between chronic urinary tract infections and bladder cancer risk.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6703-6707
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• 2013

Background: Numerous epidemiological studies have been conducted to evaluate the association between variants of the DNA repair gene XRCC3 and cancer risk. Here we focused on one XRCC3 polymorphism and development of cervical cancer, performing a meta-analysis. Methods: The pooled association between the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism and cervical cancer risk was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Results: A total of 5 case-control studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled ORs for the total included studies showed no association among homozygotes TT vs. CC: OR=1.93, 95%CI=0.68-5.49, P=0.22; dominant model TT+TC vs. CC: OR=1.37, 95%CI=0.90-2.06, P=0.14; and recessive model TT vs. TC+CC: OR=1.76, 95%CI=0.68-4.55, P=0.25, but might be a slight risk factor for cervical cancer in heterozygote contrast TT vs. CT: OR= 1.33, 95%CI=1.04-1.71, P=0.02. In subgroup analysis, significant associations were found for Asians under all genetic models. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggested the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism might not act as a cervical cancer risk factor overall. However, in subgroup analysis, a significant association was found in Asians under all genetic models. The association should be studied with a larger, stratified population, especially for Asians.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.462-475
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the incidence and risk factors of complications following gastric cancer surgery in Korea and to compare the correlation between hospital complications based on the annual number of gastrectomies performed. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from 12,244 patients from 64 Korean institutions. Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for severe complications. Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 14% of the patients, severe complications (CDC IIIa or higher) in 4.9%, and postoperative death in 0.2%. The study found that age, stage, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, hospital stay, approach methods, and extent of gastric resection showed statistically significant differences depending on hospital volumes (P<0.05). In the univariate analysis, patient age, comorbidity, ASA score, ECOG score, approach methods, extent of gastric resection, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and hospital volume were significant risk factors for severe complications. However, only age, sex, ASA score, ECOG score, extent of gastric resection, and TNM stage were statistically significant in the multivariate analysis (P<0.05). Hospital volume was not a significant risk factor in the multivariate analysis (P=0.152). Conclusions: Hospital volume was not a significant risk factor for complications after gastric cancer surgery. The differences in the frequencies of complications based on hospital volumes may be attributed to larger hospitals treating patients with younger age, lower ASA scores, better general conditions, and earlier TNM stages.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.143-152
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• 2016

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Associations between metabolic syndrome and several types of cancer have recently been documented. Methods: We analyzed the sample cohort data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service from 2002, with a follow-up period extending to 2013. The cohort data included 99 565 individuals who participated in the health examination program and whose data were therefore present in the cohort database. The metabolic risk profile of each participant was assessed based on obesity, high serum glucose and total cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. The occurrence of cancer was identified using Korean National Health Insurance claims data. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age group, smoking status, alcohol intake, and regular exercise. Results: A total of 5937 cases of cancer occurred during a mean follow-up period of 10.4 years. In men with a high-risk metabolic profile, the risk of colon cancer was elevated (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.71). In women, a high-risk metabolic profile was associated with a significantly increased risk of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer (HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.24 to 3.42). Non-significantly increased risks were observed in men for pharynx, larynx, rectum, and kidney cancer, and in women for colon, liver, breast, and ovarian cancer. Conclusions: The findings of this study support the previously suggested association between metabolic syndrome and the risk of several cancers. A high-risk metabolic profile may be an important risk factor for colon cancer in Korean men and gallbladder and biliary tract cancer in Korean women.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.103-109
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• 2013

Background: The objective of this study is to determine knowledge about lung cancer among secondary school male teachers in Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among three secondary schools located in Kudat district, Sabah, Malaysia during the period from June until September 2012. The protocol of this study was approved by ethics committee of Management and Science University, Malaysia. The aims were explained and a consent form was signed by each participant. Respondents were chosen randomly from each school with the help of the headmasters. Self-administrated questionnaires, covering socio-demographic characteristics and general knowledge of lung cancer, were distributed. Once all 150 respondents completed the questionnaire, they passed it to their head master for collecting and recording. All the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13. ANOVA and t-test were applied for univariate analysis; and multiple linear regression for multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 150 male secondary school teachers participated in this study. Their mean age was $35.6{\pm}6.5$ (SD); maximum 50 and minimum 23 years old. More than half of the participants were Malay and married (52%, 79%; respectively). Regarding the knowledge about lung cancer, 57.3% of the participants mentioned that only males are affected by lung cancer. Some 70.7% mentioned that lung cancer can be transmitted from one person to another. More than half (56.7%) reported that lung cancer is not the leading cause of death in Malaysian males. As for risk factors, the majority reported that family history of lung cancer is not involved. However, 91.3% were aware that cigarettes are the main risk factor of lung cancer and more than half (52%) believed that second-hand smoking is one of the risk factor of lung cancer. More than half (51.3%) were not aware that asbestos, ionizing radiation and other cancer causing substances are risk factors for lung cancer. Quitting smoking, avoiding second-hand smoking and avoiding unnecessary x-ray image of the chest (53.3%, 96.0%, 87.3%; respectively) are the main preventive measures mentioned by the participants. For the factors that influence the participants knowledge, univariate and multivariate analysis showed that only race was significant. Conclusions: Overall, the knowledge of school male teachers about lung cancer was low. However, few items were scored high: cigarettes are the main risk factor; avoiding second-hand smoking; and avoiding x-rays. Interventions to increase lung cancer awareness are needed to improve early detection behavior. Increase the price of pack of cigarettes to RM 20 and banning smoking in public places such as restaurants are highly recommended as primary preventive measures.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.537-540
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• 2015

Background: Ovarian cancer is recognized as the fourth leading cancer in Malaysia. However, women do not always seek help in a timely manner and gaps in awareness may influence screening uptake and presentation. The purpose of this study was to determine levels of awareness of ovarian cancer risk factors in female population in Penang, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Penang, Malaysia from January until February 2014. Eighty-seven women were selected by convenient sampling. Awareness of risk factors of ovarian cancer was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 for descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square test for the association between socio-demographic data and awareness. A p value ${\leq}0.05$ was considered statistically significant. Results: In all, 74.7% of participants answered correctly for the risk factor of increasing age, although 94.3% were unaware of increased risk of tall women. A majority, 71.3%, had a low level of awareness of ovarian cancer risk factors. There was a significant association between age and knowledge (p=0.047). Additionally, there was a significant association between higher education level and level of awareness of ovarian cancer risk factors (p=0.039). Conclusions: This study revealed that awareness of ovarian cancer risk factors among Malaysian women is low. The results show a need for improved public understanding about ovarian cancer risks and provision of important information for health professionals about initiatives needed for future awareness, prevention and screening programs.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2687-2693
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• 2012

Objective: Passive smoking has been considered as a risk factor of many cancers. To examine whether it might also pose a risk for cervical cancer, we performed a meta-analysis based on published case-control studies. Methods: We searched the PubMed database and references of included studies up to February 10th, 2012 for relevant studies. After two authors independently assessed the methodological quality and extracted data, a meta-analysis was conducted using CMA v2 software. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot, using Egger's and Begg's tests. Results: Finally 11 eligible studies yielded, involving 3,230 cases and 2,982 controls. The results showed that women who never smoke but exposed to smoking experience a 73% increase in risk of cervical cancer compared with non-exposed women (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.35 - 2.21, p<0.001). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses indicated this result to be robust. Moderate publication bias was detected by visualing funnel plot, Egger's and Begg's tests. Conclusion: Based on currently available evidence, the findings of this meta-analysis suggests that passive smoking significantly and independently increases the risk of cervical cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.2009-2011
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• 2015

Objective: Glutathione S-transferase M 1 (GSTM1) is implicated as a risk factor for prostate cancer. However, this issue is not clear in Chinese population. This systemic analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of GSTM1 null genotypes on prostate cancer risk in Chinese. Methods: Published studies investigating the associations between GSTM1 null genotypes and the risk of prostate cancer in China were identified by using a predefined search strategy. Main statisticals were pooled and estimated according to the primarily reported data. Results: The prevalence of the GSTM1 null genotype was higher in prostate cancer patients than in controls, with significance. Conclusion: The GSTM1 null genotypes is associated with increased risk of prostate cancer in Chinese.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.185-198
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• 2024

Purpose: Peritoneal washing cytology (PWC) is a widely used diagnostic tool for detecting peritoneal metastasis of advanced gastric cancer. However, the prognosis of patients with positive PWC remains poor even after gastrectomy, and treatments vary among institutions and eras. In this study, we identified the clinical factors that can help predict cytology-positive (CY(+)) gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the national data of patients with gastric cancer from 2019, as provided by the Information Committee of the Korean Gastric Cancer Association. Of the 13,447 patients with gastric cancer, 3,672 underwent PWC. Based on cytology results, we analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics and assessed the possibility of CY(+) outcomes in relation to T and N stages. Results: Of the 3,270 patients who underwent PWC without preoperative chemotherapy, 325 were CY(+), whereas 2,945 were negative. CY(+) was more commonly observed in patients with Borrmann type IV gastric cancer, an undifferentiated histological type, and advanced pathological stages. Multivariate analysis revealed Borrmann type IV (odds ratio [OR], 1.821), tumor invasion to T3-4 (OR, 2.041), and lymph node metastasis (OR, 3.155) as independent predictors of CY(+). Furthermore, for circular tumor location, the N stage emerged as a significant risk factor for CY(+), particularly when the tumor was located on the posterior wall (PW) side. Conclusions: Lymph node metastasis significantly affects CY(+) outcomes, particularly when the tumor is located on the PW side. Therefore, PWC should be considered not only in suspected serosal exposure cases but also in cases of lymph node metastasis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.17
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• pp.7021-7027
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• 2014

Background: The problem of cancer, especially lung cancer, is very acute in Bangladesh. The present study was conducted to evaluate the risk of lung cancer among Bangladeshi people based on hereditary, socio-economic and demographic factors. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in 208 people (patients-104, controls-104) from January 2012 to September 2013 using a structured questionnaire containing details of lung cancer risk factors including smoking, secondhand smoke, tobacco leaf intake, age, gender, family history, chronic lung diseases, radiotherapy in the chest area, diet, obesity, physical activity, alcohol consumption, occupation, education, and income. Descriptive statistics and testing of hypotheses were used for the analysis using SPSS software (version 20). Results: According to this study, lung cancer was more prevalent in males than females. Smoking was the highest risk factor (OR=9.707; RR=3.924; sensitivity=0.8872 and P<0.0001) followed by previous lung disease (asthma, tuberculosis etc.) (OR=7.095; RR=1.508; sensitivity=0.316 and P<0.0001)) for male patients. Highly cooked food (OR=2.485; RR=1.126; sensitivity=0.418 and P=0.004)) and also genetic inheritance (OR=1.93; RR=1.335; sensitivity=0.163 and P=0.138) demonstrated significant correlation with lung cancer as risk factors after these two and alcohol consumption was not prevalent. On the other hand, for female patients, tobacco leaf intake represented the highest risk (OR=2.00; RR=1.429; sensitivity= 0.667 and P=0.5603) while genetic inheritance and highly cooked food also correlate with lung cancer but not so significantly. Socioeconomic status and education level also play important roles in causing lung cancer. Some 78.5% male and 83.3% of female cancer patients were rural residents, while 58.2% lived at the margin or below the poverty line. Most male (39.8%) and female (50.0%) patients had completed only primary level education, and 27.6% male and 33.3% female patients were illiterate. Smoking was found to be more prevalent among the less educated persons. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study indicate the importance of creating awareness about lung cancer risk factors among Bangladeshi people and making appropriate access to health services for the illiterate, poor, rural people.