Study of onychomycosis in Isfahan,Iran

A mycological study was undertaken in 488 patients suspected of onychomycosis in Isfahan, a large province of Iran, to gain more insight into the prevalence and aetiology of this infection. Direct microscopy of the nail clips was positive in 194 (39.8%) and fingernail onychomycosis was recognised in 141 (72.7%) and toenail onychomycosis in 53 (27.3%) cases. As agents of onychomycosis, yeast were detected in 112 (57.7%), dermatophytes in 27 (13.9%) and non‐dermatophyte fungi in 55 (28.4%) patients. Of the samples cultured, Candida albicans was the most prevalent (84%) yeast. Among dermatophytes, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale was found to be the commonest aetiological agent (8.6%) followed by Epidermophyton floccosum and T. rubrum. Among the non‐dermatophyte moulds, Aspergillus flavus was the most prevalent species (13%). Moreover, nine samples with positive direct microscopy yielded no growth. Females were affected more frequently with fingernail candidal infections than males, and children under 7 years of age were predominantly involved with candidal paronychia. The majority of fungal nail infections were characterised clinically by distal and proximal subungual onychomycosis. The growing trend towards the frequency of fingernail onychomycosis in housewives was noticeable in the last decade in Iran.     

Prevalence and aetiology of dermatophytoses in Isfahan, Iran

Summary. In this study the prevalence and causative agents of dermatophytoses in Isfahan, a large province of Iran, were determined. Of 16 578 clinically suspected cases 13.3% were affected with dermatophytoses. Lesions of tinea capitis were the most prevalent clinical type of dermatophytoses (54.1%), followed by tinea corporis (23.8%) and tinea pedis (8.9%). Trichophyton verrucosum was the most frequent causative agent (32.8%), followed by Epidermophyton floccosum (17.6%), T. mentagrophytes (16.2%) and Microsporum canis (12.3%). We found a relationship between the spread of dermatophytoses and live-stock infected with dermatophytoses in Isfahan.
Zusammenfassung. Prävalenz und Erregerspektrum von Dermatophytosen wurden in Isfahan untersucht, einer großen Provinz in Iran. Von 16 578 klinischen Verdachtsfällen waren 13,3% mit Dermatophytosen behaftet. Davon waren 54,1% Tinea capitis, 23,8% Tinea corporis und 8,9% Tinea pedis. Der häufigste Erreger war Trichophyton verrucosum (32,8%), gefolgt von Epidermophyton floccosum (17,6), T. mentagropytes (16,2%) und Microsporum canis (12,3%). Zusammenhänge zwischen der Dermatophytosen-Verbreitung und Dermatophytosen im Viehbestand konnten aufgezeigt werden.     

Estimation of the Projections of the Incidence Rates,Mortality and Prevalence Due to Common Cancer Site in Isfahan,Iran

Background: Accurate statistics on the cancer burden are essential, both for purposes of research and forsetting priorities in healthcare management. So that in vast countries with partial registration coverage, suchas Iran, local data are more useful. We here estimated the incidence, prevalence and mortality time trend offour major cancer site, lung, stomach, breast and prostate, over the period 2001-2010 and provided short-rangeprojections to 2015 in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: Estimates were derived by applying the mortality-incidenceanalysis method, a back-calculation approach to estimate and project incidence, prevalence and mortality ofchronic degenerative disease, starting from knowledge of mortality and relative survival information. Results:Age adjusted incidence, mortality and prevalence rates in Isfahan exhibited a clear upward trend for all four sitesduring the period 2001-2015, with marked increasees in prostate and breast predicted for the future. Differencein incidence trends between males and females might be attributable to the difference in risk factors specificto certain cancer sites, with smoking being the main risk factor. Conclusions: In this study, males and femalesdisplayed an increasing pattern for incidence and mortality rate over the entire study period until 2015. Thisinformation can be used as basis for planning healthcare management and allocating recourses in public health.     

Factors Affecting Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake by Hmong Hilltribe Women in Thailand

Background: Cervical cancer is relatively common in Thai women, but the proportion of females receivingPap smear screening is still low. Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to study factors relatedto cervical cancer screening uptake by Hmong hilltribe women in Lomkao District, Phetchabun Province.Materials and Methods: Interview data were collected from 547 of these women aged 30-60 years living in thestudy area and analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: The results showed that 64.9% of the studysample had received screening, and that 47.2% had attended due to a cervical screening campaign. The mostcommon reason given for not receiving screening was lack of time (21.4%). The factors found to be positivelyassociated with uptake (p value <0.05) were as follows: number of years of school attendance (OR=1.56,95%CI:1.02-2.38), animistic religious beliefs (OR=0.55, 95%CI:0.33-0.91), a previous pregnancy (OR=6.20,95%CI:1.36-28.35), receipt of information about cervical cancer screening (OR=2.25, 95%CI:1.35-3.76), andperceived risk of developing cervical cancer (OR=1.83, 95%CI:1.25-2.67). Conclusions: To promote the uptakeof cervical screening, Hmong hilltribe women need to know more about cervical cancer and cervical cancerscreening, and access to screening services should be provided in conjunction with existing everyday services,such as family planning and routine blood pressure monitoring or diabetes services.     

Factors Associated with Late Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer in Nepal

Background: The majority of cervical cancers, the most prevalent cancer among Nepali women, are diagnosedin advanced stage leading to high mortality in Nepal. The present study explored factors associated with latediagnosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in two specialized cancer hospitalsof Nepal from August 12 to October 12, 2012. Randomly selected 110 cervical cancer patients were interviewedand their medical records were reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predictassociations. Results: Mean age of patients was 52.7years (SD=10.6), 66% were illiterate and 77% were ruralinhabitants. Medical shops (33.6%) and private hospitals (31%) were major first contact points of patientswith health care providers (HCP). There was no cervical/per-speculum examination (78.2%) and symptomsmisinterpretation (90%) of patients occurred in initial consultation with HCP. Four in every five cases (80.9%)of cervical cancer had late diagnosis. Literate women (adjusted OR=0.121, CI: 0.030-0.482) and women havingabnormal vaginal bleeding as early symptom (adjusted OR=0.160, CI: 0.035-0.741) were less likely to suffer latediagnosis. Women who shared their symptoms late (adjusted OR=4.272, CI: 1.110-16.440) and did so with peopleother than their husband (adjusted OR=12.701, CI: 1.132-142.55) were more likely for late diagnosis. Conclusions:High level of illiteracy among women and their problematic health seeking behavior for gynecological symptomsare responsible for late diagnosis of cervical cancer in Nepal. In the absence of a routine screening program,prevention interventions should be focused on raising awareness of gynecological symptoms and improvinghealth seeking behavior of women for such symptoms.     

Current Status of Knowledge,Attitude and Practice (KAP) and Screening for Cervical Cancer in Countries at Different Levels of Development

Cancer of the uterine cervix is a worldwide menace taking innumerable womens’ lives. The literature is vastand a large number of studies have been conducted in this field. Analyses have shown significant differencesexist in terms of screening and HPV testing facilities among high income and low to middle income countries. Inaddition, acute lack of awareness and knowledge among the concerned population is particularly noted in ruralareas of the low income countries. A detailed review of Indian case studies revealed that early age of marriageand childbirth, multiparity, poor personal hygiene and low socio-economic status among others are the principalrisk factors for this disease. This review concludes that a two pronged strategy involving strong government andNGO action is necessary to minimize the occurrence of cervical cancer especially in low and medium incomecountries.     

Forgone Health and Economic Benefits Associated with Socioeconomic Differences in Organized Cervical Cancer Screening

Objective: To describe cervical cancer screening participation among women in Taiwan under its population-based screening policy and to estimate the economic burden of disease attributable to avoidable disparities in cervical cancer (CC) screening. Methods: We identified a nationally-representative sample of females aged 30 years or above who were eligible for Pap smear testing in Taiwan from 1 January to 31 December 2013. An administrative database with detailed claims of health care utilization under the universal coverage health care system was used. Socioeconomic position of the female subjects was defined using the occupation classification, and two groups were specifically identified: general (O1) and low-income (O5) groups. Differences in screening rate, CC prevalence, and CC-attributable deaths were assessed between the two groups. Economic consequences as a result of screening inequalities were estimated using actual total health care spending (health care expenditure), monetary value per life-year and years of life lost for ill health and screening disparities (health as consumption good), and productivity losses alongside costs of social benefits (health as capital good). Result: A total of 301,057 enrolled females aged 30 years and older eligible for screening were identified. Overall, 3-year and 1-year screening rates among all subjects were 0.601 and 0.372, respectively. Impact of observed differences in screening translated to US$59,568 of health care spending in one year, 90.4% of which was specific to hospital admissions. When we viewed health as a consumption good and capital good, the impact of screening disparity on health losses through CC would be equivalent to US$78,095 and US$190,868, respectively. Conclusion: Forgone health and economic benefits associated with inequalities in CC screening uptake can be considerable in productive women.     

Community-based Screening of Cervical Cancer in a Low Prevalence Area of India: A Cross sectional Study

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer of women in the world. The disease is amenable to variousscreening tests of which cytological screening by the Papanicolaou technique remains the mainstay for massscreening. The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of cervical cancer in a rural ethnicallyMuslim community of state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. For this, a community based screening for cancercervix was conducted on married women aged 20-65 years. Following provision of information to promoteawareness of the Papanicolau smear and its role in prevention of cervical cancer, 270 women were screened forcancer cervix by the conventional technique. Of the 270 subjects, the majority were married before 19 years ofage (81.1%) and 42.5% delivered their first child within 1-2 years . Multiparity was seen to the tune of 51.3 %.There was no evidence of cervical dysplasia or cancer cervix among the screened population. Despite the presenceof risk factors of high parity, early age of marriage and early childbirth after marriage, absence of cervicaldysplasia and malignancy emphasizes the fact that socio-cultural factors, like absence of promiscuity and malecircumcision, play an important role in the low prevalence of cancer cervix.     

Factors Associated with Delayed Diagnosis of Lymphomas: Experience with Patients from Hematology Centers in Morocco

Background: Moroccan cancer patients usually have to go through several steps before they are diagnosed. It is important to assess factors associated with diagnosis delay for lymphomas, which might have significant effects on survival. The aim of this study was to determine factors leading to late diagnosis of lymphomas. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with three hematology centers in Morocco in 2008, to analyze the impact of sociodemographic and clinical factors on delay-time from symptoms to diagnosis. Results: A total of 151 patients were included in the study. Late delay was significantly associated with gender, (for men compared to women: OR=2.46; 95% CI: 1.06-5.74), to marital status (not married: OR=2.50; 95% CI: 1.06-5.92) and low socioeconomic level (OR=5.82; 95% CI: 2.23-15.17). Late medical delay was significantly associated with having three or more medical visits before diagnosis (Adjusted OR=5.67; 95% CI: 2.55-12.59). Late total delay was observed for patients with three children or less (adjusted OR=4.39; 95% CI: 1.32-14.56), those who were non-married (adjusted OR=2.49; 95% CI: 1.07-5.81), had a non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Adjusted OR=2.08; 95% CI: 1.06-4.00) or featuring three or more medical visits before the diagnosis (Adjusted OR=2.13; 95% CI: 0.99-5.88). Conclusion: This analysis provides a basis for understanding the sources, extent, and root causes of lymphoma diagnostic delays. The findings appear crucial for system-wide interventions aimed to facilitate clinical management of patients with lymphoma and to improve prognosis and quality of life.     

Nucleus Detection on Pap Smear Images for Cervical Cancer Diagnosis: A Review Analysis

Cervical cancer is a cell disease in the cervix that develops out of control in the female body. The cervix links the vagina (birth canal) with the upper section of the uterus, which can only be found in the female body. This is the second leading cause of death among women around the world. However, cervical cancer is currently one of the most preventable cancers if early detection is identified. The effect of unidentified cancer may increase the risk of death when the cell disease spreads to other parts of the female anatomy (metastasize). The Papanicolaou test is a cervical cancer screening technique used to identify potentially precancerous and cancerous cells in women’s cervix. In this paper, a few popular detection method was applying and experimented on pap smear images. A few image quality assessment (IQA) was obtained in order to determine the best of detection method. The nucleus detection will help pathologists to diagnosis in early stages of cancer. The early detection is very important stage in order to reduce the cancer incidence and mortality. The method that needs to be invented in this study is the detection method. Image detection is the process of partitioning the image into multiple regions. The detection method is object detection and recognition as well as the boundary in images. The segmented Pap Smear image is one of the detection tools with many different methods that generated different results from different issues. The solution was by analysing different existing detection methods in order to compare the dissimilar performance of existing processes. The precision of the system performance needs to be improved in order to invent a new method. As predicted from the result, the innovative construction method must be proposed and compared in order to find accurate, comprehensive measures and proper sampling procedures by the features of the selection method.     

Challenges of Providing Cervical Cancer Prevention Programs In Iran: A Qualitative Study

Background: Cervical cancer has become a major public health problem worldwide. Iran, like other developingcountries, is facing a number of challenges in managing the disease. This qualitative study documents challengesencountered in cervical cancer preventing programs in Iran. Materials and Methods: In-depth interviews wereconducted with 28 participants including eleven patients with cervical cancer, three gynecologic oncologists, fivespecialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology, five midwives, three health care managers and one epidemiologist inMashhad Iran, between May and December of 2012. The sample was selected purposively until data saturationwas achieved. Data credibility verified via allocated sufficient time for data collection, using member checkingand peer debriefing. Data analysis was carried out using conventional content analysis approach with ATLAS. tisoftware. Results: Findings from data analysis demonstrated 2 major themes and 6 categories about challenges ofproviding cervical cancer prevention programs including: individual and social challenges (cognitive/behavioralchallenges and socio/cultural challenges) and health system challenges (stewardship, financing, competency ofhealth care providers and access to services). Each category included some subcategories. Conclusions: Managingthe cervical cancer prevention programs need to include the consideration of individuals, health care providersand health system challenges. Addressing the low level of knowledge, negative attitudes, socio cultural challenges,Poor intersectional collaboration and coordination and intra-sectional management, financing and competencyof health care providers are essential steps toward significantly reducing the burdens of cervical cancer.     

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Women with Normal and Abnormal Cervical Cytology in Iran

Introduction: HPV infection has a prime etiologic role in development and progression of cervical cancer, one ofthe most frequent forms of cancer among women in developing countries. This study was designed to determine themost prevalent HPV genotypes in women with normal and abnormal cervical cytology in Iran. Materials and Methods:Samples from134 patients, including 127 who attended gynecology clinics and 7 with solid cervical tumors wereused. All 127 patients underwent routine Pap tests for cytological evaluation and at the same visit a sample ofcervical epithelial cells was obtained by scraping the cervix osteum. In each case HPV infection was primarily evaluatedby PCR using GP 5/6 primers and then subtyping was performed in proved infected samples with specific primersfor HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 11 and 6. After cytological evaluation, 50 patients with abnormal Pap tests were categorizedas the abnormal group and the remaining 77 patients as the normal group. Results: In the normal group, HPVinfection was established in 10 cases (13% infection rate), while 30 HPV positive cases were discovered in the abnormalgroup (60% infected). The most prevalent genotypes among the infected samples were HPV 16 (76%), HPV18 (12.7%)and HPV11/6 (8.5%). Moreover, all 7 tumor samples were positive for HPV general primers of which, 5 sampleswere infected with HPV 16, two were co-infected with HPV16,18 and HPV16,31 genotypes and one was infected withHPV 18. Conclusions: Infection with HPV 16 was found to be significantly higher in abnormal group in comparisonwith normal group (42% vs. 11.6%, P value <0.005), likewise HPV18 genotypes were proved to be more prevalent inabnormal group (8% vs. 0%, P value <0.05). No significant relation between other HPV genotypes and pathologiccervical changes was obtained. According to our study high rates of infection with HPV genotypes in sexually activeIranian women makes molecular investigation for HPV16 and 18 very essential in clinical approaches to patientswith proven dysplasia in their screening tests and also for those patients with borderline (i.e. ASCUS) or incongruouspathology reports. Larger studies are required to determine the most appropriate vaccine with highest protection inIranian women.     

Factors Associated with Time Intervals for Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer: A Hospital Based Study in Khon Kaen,Thailand

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the five-leading cancers in Thailand. Delayed diagnosis is crucial for undermining the prognosis of the patients. This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with the time interval for diagnosis (TID). Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study of 191 CRC patients with histological confirmation who were undergoing treatment in the tertiary hospital in Khon Kaen Province was conducted. The data were obtained by interview and retrieving from medical records. The time interval in each diagnostic process is reported in geometric mean. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) used to interpret the results from multiple linear regressions that analyze the relationship between factors and log-transformed TID. Results: Most patients were males (61.78%) with  mean age of 61.28±10.2 years old. The geometric mean of TID was 263.48 days. Two factors were significantly associated with longer TID: first visit at a tertiary hospital (GMR=7.77 relative to secondary hospital; 95%CI=1.95 to 30.57) and distance to tertiary healthcare. Two factors were significantly associated with shorter TID: officer/ state enterprise (GMR=0.53 relative to agriculture; 95%CI=0.28 to 0.98) and cost of traveling to secondary healthcare. Conclusions: The results showed the occupation, first health care visit, distance and cost were factors associated with TID. Improving the facilities at the secondary healthcare units for diagnosing CRC would be likely to help to reduce the  wasted time in the  healthcare system.     

宫颈癌与多发癌：附39例报告

1965年至1984年我院住院治疗宫颈癌3850例,宫颈癌与多发癌39例,占1.02％。同时性者10例,异时性者29例,其中发生于宫颈癌治疗后和治疗前各为16例和13例。宫颈癌与多发癌累及部位主要是女性生殖道,乳腺与直肠。对产生宫颈多发癌的可能因素,如放射线,激素,胚胎来源作了扼要讨论。多发癌的预后取决于第二癌所累及的器官,病理类型,期别和治疗。     

Factors Associated with Adherence to Colorectal Cancer Screening among Moderate Risk Individuals in Iran

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common neoplasms in Iran. Secondary prevention (colorectal cancer screening) is important and a most valuable method of early diagnosis of this cancer. The objectives of this study were to determine the factors associated with colorectal cancer screening adherence among Iranians 50 years and older using the Health Belief Model. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2012 to May 2013. A convenience sample of 200 individuals aged 50 and older was recruited from the population at outpatient clinics in teaching hospitals. Data gathering tools were the Champions health belief model scale (CHBMS) with coverage of socio demographic background and CRC screening information. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with colorectal cancer screening adherence. Results: The mean age of participants was 62.5± 10.8 and 75.5% were women. A high percentage of the participants had not heard or read about colorectal cancer (86.5%) and CRC screening (93.5%). Perceived susceptibility to colorectal cancer had the lowest percentage of all of the subscales. Participants who perceived more susceptibility (OR =2.99; CI 95%: 1.23-5.45) and reported higher knowledge (OR =1.29; CI 95%: 1.86-3.40) and those who reported fewer barriers (OR =.37; CI 95%:.21- .89), were more likely to have carried out colorectal cancer screening. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that CRC knowledge, perceived susceptibility and barriers were significant predictors of colorectal cancer screening adherence. Strategies to increase knowledge and overcome barriers in risk individuals appear necessary. Education programs should be promoted to overcome knowledge deficiency and negative perceptions in elderly Iranians.     

Gastric Cancer in Ardabil,Iran - a Review and Update onCancer Registry Data

The incidence rate of gastric cancer in western countries has shown a remarkable decline in recent yearswhile it is still the most common cancer among men in Iran. Ardabil, a North Western province, was found tohave the highest rate of GC in Iran and one of the highest gastric cardia cancer rates in the world. We used themost recent data from Ardabil cancer registry to update on the incidence and mortality of GC and performedan extensive search of the English and Persian literature in Pub Med, Embase and all 5 Persian web-baseddatabases, respectively, to summarize all possible risk factors for GC in Ardabil. The age-standardized incidencerate of gastric cancer was 51.8 (95% CI: 47.8-55.8) in men and 24.9 (95% CI: 21.5-27.2) in women per 100,000.Age-standardized mortality rates for gastric cancer in this population were 32.2 (95% CI: 29.1-35.3) and 16.3(95% CI: 13.9-18.6). The gastric cardia sub-site was the most common location (32.7%) in Ardabil. Accordingto our review H.pylori infection, gastroesphageal reflux symptoms, tobacco smoking, and high intakes of salt,red meat and dairy products increase the risk of GC while diets with a high content of allium vegetables andfruits, especially citrus fruits, and consumption of fresh fish, were significantly protective against GC. Weconclude that Ardabil has the highest rate of GC in Iran and one the highest rates of gastric cardia cancer inthe world, with no evidence of decline in incidence since 2000. In addition to H.pylori infection, the epidemicof gastroesphageal reflux disease and several dietary factors may be responsible for the very high incidence ofgastric cardia cancer in Ardabil.     

The Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in Cervical Cancer in Iran

Background: The human papiloma virus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted, and most commonly causesgenital warts, has been linked to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive carcinoma. Of ninety plus types ofHPV, HPV-16 is the most prevalent in cervical cancer, followed by HPV-18, and HPV-33. As HPV’s implication hasnot been assessed in the Middle East the main focus of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence ofHPV –16,18, and 33 in cases of cervical cancer from Iran.Material and Methods: This retrospective study covered 100 patients with uterine cervical carcinomas who werereferred to two referral centers for cancer in Tehran-Iran. Pathological blocks were collected for these cases andinitial review of the blocks showed poor specimens in 18 cases, which left 82 cases for the study. These samples werehistologically examined to verify the presence and the type of carcinoma. The next step was in situ hybridzation forthe detection of HPV common DNA. In Situ hybridization was preformed on all samples. Finally, Polymerase ChainReaction (PCR) was preformed for the HPV types 16, 18, and 33. PCR amplification of exon 5 of the p53 gene wasused as an internal control for the integrity of DNA. Takara PCR Human papilloma Detection method was usedwhich includes primer for HPV 16, 18, and 33. Three primers were used alone, or in combination, in order toincrease the sensitivity of the detection.Results: The majority of tumors were squamous cell carcinomas (87%). The rest were adenosquamous carcinomaand adenocarcinomas. None of the 82 different cervical carcinoma tissue samples were found to be positive by in situhybridization. In the PCR samples, amplification of DNA was observed for 69 tumor specimens. In the remainning13cases, the DNA in fixed tissue was degraded, as verified by the absence of an internal control band (p53). Out of thetotal 69 tumors (85.5%) with adequate DNA contained HPV band on PCR. The majority (73.9%) of HPV positivetumors contained HPV-16; the rest (11.6%) demonstrated type 18 and 33. There was no correlation between thehistology of carcinoma and presence of types of HPV.Conclusion: The prevalence of HPV in carcinomas of uterine cervix in Iran is similar to those reported in otherregions of the world. Similarly, it appears that HPV-16 is the most common type associated with cervical cancer inIran. Further studies on larger samples of patients, particularly in those with pre-invasive forms of the disease, areneeded to elucidate the carcinogenic role of HPV types in cervical cancer in Iranian women.     

Factors Associated with a Lack of Knowledge of Performing Breast Self-Examination and Unawareness of Cervical Cancer Screening Services: Evidence from the 2015 Egypt Health Issues Survey

Background: The incidence of breast and cervical cancers is growing rapidly among Egyptian women. In this context, we assessed the prevalence of, and factors associated with the lack of knowledge among Egyptian females of performing breast self–examination (BSE) and unawareness of cervical smear cancer screening services. Methods: Secondary data analysis was performed on a representative population-based sample of 7,518 Egyptian females aged 15–59 years from the 2015 Egypt Health Issues Survey (EHIS). Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were used to explore the relationship between sociodemographic variables and having a lack of knowledge of performing BSE or unaware of cervical smear cancer screening service amongst 6,572 and 6,942 Egyptian females aged 21–59 years, respectively. Results: Mean age of females was 36.9 years with 62% aged between 21–39 years. The proportion of women with a lack of knowledge of performing BSE or who were unaware of cervical smear cancer screening service was 87.4% and 92.3%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding of sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, young women aged 21–29 years (P<0.001), primary education or below (P<0.001), residing in rural areas (aOR, 1.37 and 1.48, P=0.001), accessing different media outlets "not at all or less than once a week" (aOR, 2.81 and 1.46, P≤0.05), were associated with a greater likelihood of being with lack knowledge of performing BSE or being unaware of cervical smear cancer screening services. Conclusions: In a country burdened with breast and cervical cancers, the majority of Egyptian women have a lack of knowledge on how to perform BSE or were unaware of the available cervical smear cancer screening services. Robust health campaigns are warranted to raise public knowledge of the method of BSE and of cervical smear cancer screening services, especially amongst females aged less than 30 years, with low levels of education, or those living in rural areas.     

Survival Analysis of Breast Cancer Patients in Northwest Iran

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer among Iranian women; however limitedstudies have been conducted to address survival rates. Objective: The objective was to examine survival rates inTabriz (Northwest of Iran) and comparing with those of data reported from other cities and countries. Methods:Survival rates were calculated for one, three, five, seven and ten years for 271 breast cancer patients referred toone university clinic during 1997-2008. Results: Survival analysis demonstrated a lower survival rate comparedto western countries. Conclusions: Survival rates for our patients are similar/better than other cities in Iran, butlower than certain European countries and the US. Further studies with a higher number of patients are nowrequired.