Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 344 in total

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  1. Xu M, Abdullah NA, Md Sabri AQ
    Comput Biol Chem, 2024 Feb;108:107997.
    PMID: 38154318 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107997
    This work focuses on data sampling in cancer-gene association prediction. Currently, researchers are using machine learning methods to predict genes that are more likely to produce cancer-causing mutations. To improve the performance of machine learning models, methods have been proposed, one of which is to improve the quality of the training data. Existing methods focus mainly on positive data, i.e. cancer driver genes, for screening selection. This paper proposes a low-cancer-related gene screening method based on gene network and graph theory algorithms to improve the negative samples selection. Genetic data with low cancer correlation is used as negative training samples. After experimental verification, using the negative samples screened by this method to train the cancer gene classification model can improve prediction performance. The biggest advantage of this method is that it can be easily combined with other methods that focus on enhancing the quality of positive training samples. It has been demonstrated that significant improvement is achieved by combining this method with three state-of-the-arts cancer gene prediction methods.
    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer
  2. Wee HL, Canfell K, Chiu HM, Choi KS, Cox B, Bhoo-Pathy N, et al.
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2024 Jan 18;24(1):102.
    PMID: 38238704 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10327-8
    BACKGROUND: The burden of cancer can be altered by screening. The field of cancer screening is constantly evolving; from the initiation of program for new cancer types as well as exploring innovative screening strategies (e.g. new screening tests). The aim of this study was to perform a landscape analysis of existing cancer screening programs in South-East Asia and the Western Pacific.

    METHODS: We conducted an overview of cancer screening in the region with the goal of summarizing current designs of cancer screening programs. First, a selective narrative literature review was used as an exploration to identify countries with organized screening programs. Second, representatives of each country with an organized program were approached and asked to provide relevant information on the organizations of their national or regional cancer screening program.

    RESULTS: There was wide variation in the screening strategies offered in the considered region with only eight programs identified as having an organized design. The majority of these programs did not meet all the essential criteria for being organized screening. The greatest variation was observed in the starting and stopping ages.

    CONCLUSIONS: Essential criteria of organized screening are missed. Improving organization is crucial to ensure that the beneficial effects of screening are achieved in the long-term. It is strongly recommended to consider a regional cancer screening network.

    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer*
  3. Rahmat K, Ab Mumin N, Ng WL, Mohd Taib NA, Chan WY, Ramli Hamid MT
    Ultrasound Med Biol, 2024 Jan;50(1):112-118.
    PMID: 37839984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.09.011
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of the work described here was to assess the performance of automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) as an adjunct to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in the screening and diagnostic setting.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study of women who underwent DBT and ABUS from December 2019 to March 2022 included opportunistic and targeted screening cases, as well as symptomatic women. Breast density, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categories and histopathology reports were collected and compared. The PPV3 (proportion of examinations with abnormal findings that resulted in a tissue diagnosis of cancer), biopsy rate (percentage of biopsies performed) and cancer detection yield (number of malignancies found by the diagnostic test given to the study sample) were calculated.

    RESULTS: A total of 1089 ABUS examinations were performed (age range: 29-85 y, mean: 51.9 y). Among these were 909 screening (83.5%) and 180 diagnostic (16.5%) examinations. A total of 579 biopsies were performed on 407 patients, with a biopsy rate of 53.2%. There were 100 (9.2%) malignant lesions, 30 (5.2%) atypical/B3 lesions and 414 (71.5%) benign cases. In 9 cases (0.08%), ABUS alone detected malignancies, and in 19 cases (1.7%), DBT alone detected malignancies. The PPV3 in the screening group was 14.6%.

    CONCLUSION: ABUS is useful as an adjunct to DBT in the opportunistic screening and diagnostic setting.

    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer/methods
  4. Sachithanandan A, Lockman H, Azman RR, Tho LM, Ban EZ, Ramon V
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Jan;79(1):9-14.
    PMID: 38287751
    INTRODUCTION: The poor prognosis of lung cancer has been largely attributed to the fact that most patients present with advanced stage disease. Although low dose computed tomography (LDCT) is presently considered the optimal imaging modality for lung cancer screening, its use has been hampered by cost and accessibility. One possible approach to facilitate lung cancer screening is to implement a risk-stratification step with chest radiography, given its ease of access and affordability. Furthermore, implementation of artificial-intelligence (AI) in chest radiography is expected to improve the detection of indeterminate pulmonary nodules, which may represent early lung cancer.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This consensus statement was formulated by a panel of five experts of primary care and specialist doctors. A lung cancer screening algorithm was proposed for implementation locally.

    RESULTS: In an earlier pilot project collaboration, AI-assisted chest radiography had been incorporated into lung cancer screening in the community. Preliminary experience in the pilot project suggests that the system is easy to use, affordable and scalable. Drawing from experience with the pilot project, a standardised lung cancer screening algorithm using AI in Malaysia was proposed. Requirements for such a screening programme, expected outcomes and limitations of AI-assisted chest radiography were also discussed.

    CONCLUSION: The combined strategy of AI-assisted chest radiography and complementary LDCT imaging has great potential in detecting early-stage lung cancer in a timely manner, and irrespective of risk status. The proposed screening algorithm provides a guide for clinicians in Malaysia to participate in screening efforts.

    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer/methods
  5. Jaapar FN, Parmin NA, Halim NHA, Hashim U, Gopinath SCB, Halim FS, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Dec 31;253(Pt 2):126745.
    PMID: 37689297 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126745
    Genosensor-based electrodes mediated with nanoparticles (NPs) have tremendously developed in medical diagnosis. Herein, we report a facile, rapid, low cost and highly sensitive biosensing strategy for early detection of HPV 18 using gold-nanoparticles (AuNPs) deposited on micro-IDEs. This study represents surface charge transduction of micro-interdigitated electrodes (micro-IDE) alumina insulated with silica, independent and mini genosensor modified with colloidal gold NPs (AuNPs), and determination of gene hybridization for early detection of cervical cancer. The surface of AuNPs deposited micro-IDE functionalized with optimized 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES) followed by hybridization with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus to develop DNA genosensor. The results of ssDNA hybridization with the ssDNA target of human papillomavirus (HPV) 18 have affirmed that micro-IDE functionalized with colloidal AuNPs resulted in the lowest detection at 0.529 aM. Based on coefficient regression, micro-IDE functionalized with AuNPs produces better results in the sensitivity test (R2 = 0.99793) than unfunctionalized micro-IDE.
    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer
  6. Ahmed Shaker Hegian Z, Moh'd Abu Tahoun L, Ramli RM, Noor Azman NZ
    Radiat Prot Dosimetry, 2023 Dec 29;200(1):25-31.
    PMID: 37738470 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncad259
    The mean glandular dose (MGD) is a measurement used in mammography to assess the amount of radiation absorbed. By considering specific exposure radiation dose criteria, MGD ensures minimal radiation while maintaining image quality for detecting abnormalities. The relationship between MGD and compressed breast thickness (CBT) is commonly utilized in mammographic dose surveys. This study aims to estimate the MGD-CBT relationship based on patient age in Jordan through retrospective analysis. The analysis involved 3465 screening mammography images of women aged 40-80, divided into three age groups: 40-49, 50-64 and 65-80 years. Each group had a specific CBT range (16.5-156 mm). The results indicate that MGD ranges from 1.6 to 1.7 mGy across all three age groups, independent of CBT. Thus, a significant and positive correlation exists between MGD and CBT in all age groups.
    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer
  7. Morshed AKMH, Al Azad S, Mia MAR, Uddin MF, Ema TI, Yeasin RB, et al.
    Mol Divers, 2023 Dec;27(6):2651-2672.
    PMID: 36445532 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10573-8
    The HER2-positive patients occupy ~ 30% of the total breast cancer patients globally where no prevalent drugs are available to mitigate the frequent metastasis clinically except lapatinib and neratinib. This scarcity reinforced researchers' quest for new medications where natural substances are significantly considered. Valuing the aforementioned issues, this research aimed to study the ERBB2-mediated string networks that work behind the HER2-positive breast cancer formation regarding co-expression, gene regulation, GAMA-receptor-signaling pathway, cellular polarization, and signal inhibition. Following the overexpression, promotor methylation, and survivability profiles of ERBB2, the super docking position of HER2 was identified using the quantum tunneling algorithm. Supramolecular docking was conducted to study the target specificity of EPA and DHA fatty acids followed by a comprehensive molecular dynamic simulation (100 ns) to reveal the RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, H-bonds, and MM/GBSA values. Finally, potential drug targets for EPA and DHA in breast cancer were constructed to determine the drug-protein interactions (DPI) at metabolic stages. Considering the values resulting from the combinational models of the oncoinformatic, pharmacodynamic, and metabolic parameters, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA can be considered as potential-targeted therapeutics for HER2-positive breast cancer treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer
  8. Jailani AS, Balqis-Ali NZ, Tang KF, Fun WH, Samad SA, Jahaya R, et al.
    BMC Public Health, 2023 Nov 14;23(1):2243.
    PMID: 37964260 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17132-2
    INTRODUCTION: High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) screening is vital for early cervical cancer detection and treatment. With the introduction of the national cervical cancer screening programme and screening registry in Malaysia, there is a need to monitor population-based HPV screening uptake and high-risk HPV prevalence as part of cervical cancer surveillance.

    OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors predicting high-risk HPV infection in Malaysia based on a public, community-based cervical cancer screening registry targeting women at risk of getting HPV infection.

    METHODS: The study used data from the Malaysian cervical cancer screening registry established by the Family Health Development Division from 2019 to 2021. The registry recorded sociodemographic data, HPV test details and results of eligible women who underwent HPV screening at public primary healthcare facilities. A vaginal sample (via self-sampling or assisted by a healthcare provider) was used for DNA extraction for HPV detection and genotyping. Registry data were extracted and analysed to determine prevalence estimates of high-risk HPV infection. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine predictors of high-risk HPV infection. All analyses were performed using Stata version 14.

    RESULTS: The programme screened a total of 36,738 women during the study period. Women who attended the screening programme were mainly from urban areas, aged 30-39 years, and of Malay ethnicity. The prevalence of high-risk HPV infection was 4.53% among women screened, with the yearly prevalence ranging from 4.27 to 4.80%. A higher prevalence was observed among urban settling women, those aged 30-49 years, those of Indian ethnicity, and those without children. The results from logistic regression showed that women from urban areas, lower age groups, of Indian or Chinese ethnicity, and who are self-employed were more likely to be infected with high-risk HPV.

    CONCLUSION: Targeted and robust strategies to reach identified high-risk groups are needed in Malaysia. In addition, the registry has the potential to be expanded for an improved cervical cancer elimination plan.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: NMRR ID-22-00187-DJU.

    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer/methods
  9. Sachithanandan A
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):847-848.
    PMID: 38031230
    No abstract available.
    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer
  10. Li Y, Ling Ma N, Chen H, Zhong J, Zhang D, Peng W, et al.
    Environ Int, 2023 Nov;181:108279.
    PMID: 37924601 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108279
    According to the World Health Organization, women's breast cancer is among the most common cancers with 7.8 million diagnosed cases during 2016-2020 and encompasses 15 % of all female cancer-related mortalities. These mortality events from triple-negative breast cancer are a significant health issue worldwide calling for a continuous search of bioactive compounds for better cancer treatments. Historically, plants are important sources for identifying such new bioactive chemicals for treatments. Here we use high-throughput screening and mass spectrometry analyses of extracts from 100 plant species collected in Chinese ancient forests to detect novel bioactive breast cancer phytochemicals. First, to study the effects on viability of the plant extracts, we used a MTT and CCK-8 cytotoxicity assay employing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 and normal epithelial MCF-10A cell lines and cell cycle arrest to estimate apoptosis using flow cytometry for the most potent three speices. Based on these analyses, the final most potent extracts were from the Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) wood/root bark and Nigaki (Picrasma quassioides) wood/root bark. Then, 5 × 106 MDA-MB-231 cells were injected subcutaneously into the right hind leg of nude mice and a tumour was allowed to grow before treatment for seven days. Subsequently, the four exposed groups received gavage extracts from Amur honeysuckle and Nigaki (Amur honeysuckle wood distilled water, Amur honeysuckle root bark ethanol, Nigaki wood ethanol or Nigaki root bark distilled water/ethanol (1:1) extracts) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), while the control group received only PBS. The tumour weight of treated nude mice was reduced significantly by 60.5 % within 2 weeks, while on average killing 70 % of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells after 48 h treatment (MTT test). In addition, screening of target genes using the Swiss Target Prediction, STITCH, STRING and NCBI-gene database showed that the four plant extracts possess desirable activity towards several known breast cancer genes. This reflects that the extracts may kill MBD-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This is the first screening of plant extracts with high efficiency in 2 decades, showing promising results for future development of novel cancer treatments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer
  11. Lam DC, Liam CK, Andarini S, Park S, Tan DSW, Singh N, et al.
    J Thorac Oncol, 2023 Oct;18(10):1303-1322.
    PMID: 37390982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2023.06.014
    INTRODUCTION: The incidence and mortality of lung cancer are highest in Asia compared with Europe and USA, with the incidence and mortality rates being 34.4 and 28.1 per 100,000 respectively in East Asia. Diagnosing lung cancer at early stages makes the disease amenable to curative treatment and reduces mortality. In some areas in Asia, limited availability of robust diagnostic tools and treatment modalities, along with variations in specific health care investment and policies, make it necessary to have a more specific approach for screening, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with lung cancer in Asia compared with the West.

    METHOD: A group of 19 advisors across different specialties from 11 Asian countries, met on a virtual Steering Committee meeting, to discuss and recommend the most affordable and accessible lung cancer screening modalities and their implementation, for the Asian population.

    RESULTS: Significant risk factors identified for lung cancer in smokers in Asia include age 50 to 75 years and smoking history of more than or equal to 20 pack-years. Family history is the most common risk factor for nonsmokers. Low-dose computed tomography screening is recommended once a year for patients with screening-detected abnormality and persistent exposure to risk factors. However, for high-risk heavy smokers and nonsmokers with risk factors, reassessment scans are recommended at an initial interval of 6 to 12 months with subsequent lengthening of reassessment intervals, and it should be stopped in patients more than 80 years of age or are unable or unwilling to undergo curative treatment.

    CONCLUSIONS: Asian countries face several challenges in implementing low-dose computed tomography screening, such as economic limitations, lack of efforts for early detection, and lack of specific government programs. Various strategies are suggested to overcome these challenges in Asia.

    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer/methods
  12. Saberi FNM, Liew YM, Sukumaran P, Ung NM
    Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther, 2023 Sep;43:103715.
    PMID: 37481146 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103715
    Head and neck cancer patients are prone to dental caries after radiotherapy. An ex-vivo study was conducted to assess the feasibility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect tooth demineralization due to caries in irradiated teeth. Thirty-nine human molar teeth were subjected to caries lesion induction through irradiation (Group 1), pH cycling (Group 2-1), and both (Group 2-2). The OCT signal attenuation coefficient, µR was assessed and validated against microhardness test and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The µR for Group 1 increased from 10 Gy to 40 Gy, and subsequently decreased after irradiated to 50 Gy and 60 Gy due to damaged enamel microstructure. In Group 2-1, the µR decreased with duration of pH cycling from day 1 to day 14 due to the increase of porosity in enamel layer. However, the µR showed decreasing trend from day 14 to day 28 of pH cycling, resulted from mineral deposition in the enamel layer. Although no significant difference was found in the µR between Group 2-1 and 2-2, SEM of Group 2-2 demonstrated visually higher porosity and larger gaps between microstructures. Irradiation may accelerate caries damage to tooth microstructure by increasing its porosity and brittleness, but larger sample size may be needed to further prove the effect. OCT could potentially be used for early detection of tooth demineralization in vivo based on the measurable µR changes for all groups which are shown negatively correlated with microhardness value (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer
  13. Mohd Suan MA, Ng YZ, Henry GF, Md Said R, Kollanthavelu S, Mustapha MI, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2023 Sep 01;24(9):3183-3186.
    PMID: 37774070 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.9.3183
    BACKGROUND: Colorectal neoplasia is a multistep process that can lead to the development of colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis and screening of colorectal cancer, but its uptake is often hindered by unpleasant experiences and logistic obstacles. Therefore, non-invasive biomarker tests such as the M2-pyruvate kinase (M2PK) test have been explored as a potential screening tool.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the M2PK Quick Stool Test (ScheBo®) in detecting colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma in high-risk Malaysian populations using colonoscopy as the comparison.

    METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted from December 2017 to December 2019 in four hospitals in Malaysia. Participants were eligible if they met any of the following criteria: personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, inherited syndromes, altered bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unintended weight loss, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or cramps, or unexplained iron deficiency, or an Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening score of 4-7. Participants provided a stool sample that was tested for M2PK using the M2PK Quick Test. Participants then underwent a colonoscopy, and any lesions found were biopsied and sent for histopathological examination.

    RESULTS: A total of 562 participants were included in the study, of whom 89 had a positive M2PK test. Presence of adenoma and/or dysplastic lesions were confirmed in 14.4% and adenocarcinoma in 3.0% of the participants. The M2PK Quick Stool Test showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 58.8%, 85.5%, 11.2% and 98.5%, respectively in detecting colorectal adenocarcinoma. For detection of colorectal adenoma, this test yielded a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 27.3%, 86.3%, 27.0% and 86.5%, respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS: The M2PK Quick Stool Test showed a moderate accuracy in detecting colorectal adenocarcinoma and adenomas in the studied population.

    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer
  14. Su TT, Adekunjo FO, Schliemann D, Cardwell CR, Htay MNN, Dahlui M, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2023 Aug 31;13(8):e072166.
    PMID: 37652591 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072166
    OBJECTIVE: To conduct a cultural adaptation and validation of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening (CHBMS-CRC-M) in order to assess and investigate perceptions and beliefs about CRC screening in Malaysia.

    DESIGNS AND PARTICIPANTS: The results from an evidence synthesis and the outcomes from an expert panel discussion were used to shape CHBMS scale content into an assessment of beliefs about CRC screening (CHBMS-CRC). This questionnaire assessment was translated into the official language of Malaysia. An initial study tested the face validity of the new scale or questionnaire with 30 men and women from various ethnic groups. Factorial or structural validity was investigated in a community sample of 954 multiethnic Malaysians.

    SETTING: Selangor state, Malaysia.

    RESULTS: The new scale was culturally acceptable to the three main ethnic groups in Malaysia and achieved good face validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.66 to 0.93, indicating moderate to good internal consistency. Items relating to perceived susceptibility to CRC 'loaded' on Factor 1 (with loadings scoring above 0.90); perceived benefits of CRC screening items loaded on factor 2 and were correlated strongly (loadings ranged between 0.63 and 0.83) and perceived barriers (PBA) to CRC screening (PBA) items loaded on factor 3 (range 0.30-0.72).

    CONCLUSION: The newly developed CHBMS-CRC-M fills an important gap by providing a robust scale with which to investigate and assess CRC screening beliefs and contribute to efforts to enhance CRC screening uptake and early detection of CRC in Malaysia and in other Malay-speaking communities in the region.

    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer*
  15. Chan YM, Ismail MZH, Khaw WF
    BMC Womens Health, 2023 Jul 25;23(1):389.
    PMID: 37491253 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02553-3
    BACKGROUND: In 2020, cervical cancer ranked fourth in terms of both frequency of diagnosis and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. Among Malaysian women, it was the third most prevalent form of cancer. Published data on nationally representative cervical cancer screening in Malaysia have been limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of receiving a Pap smear test in the past three years, its relationship with socio-demographic factors and physical activity.

    METHODS: Using a subset of survey data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, a secondary data analysis was performed. Trained research assistants collected data through face-to-face method using a mobile tablet questionnaire system application. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors, physical activity, and cervical cancer screening. The analyses were conducted using STATA version 14 (Stata Corp, College Station, Texas, USA), accounting for sample weighs and complex sampling design.

    RESULTS: The analysis included 5,650 female respondents, representing an estimated 10.3 million Malaysian female adults aged 18 and above. Overall, 35.2% (95%CI 33.2, 37.4) respondents had a Pap smear test within the past three years. Respondents who were physically active were 1.41 times more likely to have a Pap smear test. Similarly, respondents aged 35-59 (OR 1.84; 95%CI 1.46, 2.34) and those living in rural localities (OR 1.38; 95%CI 1.13, 1.70) had higher odds of receiving a Pap smear test. Compared to married respondents, single respondents (OR 0.04; 95%CI 0.02, 0.07) and widowed/divorcee respondents (OR 0.72; 95%CI 0.56, 0.82) were less likely to receive a Pap smear test. Educated respondents were more likely to have had a Pap smear test.

    CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of cervical cancer screening in Malaysia remains low (35.2%). Efforts should be made to strengthen health promotion programs and policies in increasing awareness on the significance of cervical cancer screening. These initiatives should specifically target younger women, single women, and widowed/divorced individuals. The higher cervical screening uptake among rural women should be studied further, and the enabling factors in the rural setup should be emulated in urban areas whenever possible.

    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer
  16. Horry MJ, Chakraborty S, Pradhan B, Paul M, Zhu J, Loh HW, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2023 Jul 21;23(14).
    PMID: 37514877 DOI: 10.3390/s23146585
    Screening programs for early lung cancer diagnosis are uncommon, primarily due to the challenge of reaching at-risk patients located in rural areas far from medical facilities. To overcome this obstacle, a comprehensive approach is needed that combines mobility, low cost, speed, accuracy, and privacy. One potential solution lies in combining the chest X-ray imaging mode with federated deep learning, ensuring that no single data source can bias the model adversely. This study presents a pre-processing pipeline designed to debias chest X-ray images, thereby enhancing internal classification and external generalization. The pipeline employs a pruning mechanism to train a deep learning model for nodule detection, utilizing the most informative images from a publicly available lung nodule X-ray dataset. Histogram equalization is used to remove systematic differences in image brightness and contrast. Model training is then performed using combinations of lung field segmentation, close cropping, and rib/bone suppression. The resulting deep learning models, generated through this pre-processing pipeline, demonstrate successful generalization on an independent lung nodule dataset. By eliminating confounding variables in chest X-ray images and suppressing signal noise from the bone structures, the proposed deep learning lung nodule detection algorithm achieves an external generalization accuracy of 89%. This approach paves the way for the development of a low-cost and accessible deep learning-based clinical system for lung cancer screening.
    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer
  17. Huang Z, Hu Z, Wong LP, Lin Y
    BMJ Open, 2023 Jul 20;13(7):e073925.
    PMID: 37474189 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073925
    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the determinants of gastric cancer screening attendance among individuals aged 40 years in a region with high gastric cancer in China.

    DESIGN: An anonymous, cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 2021 and March 2022.

    SETTING: A self-administered online survey was conducted in Fujian Province in Southeastern China.

    PARTICIPANTS: People aged 40 years living in five selected cities in Fujian Province with no history of cancer.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gastric cancer screening attendance was measured with the question 'Have you ever been screened for gastric cancer in the past'.

    RESULTS: In total, 2547 complete responses were obtained. The mean age of respondents was 47.72±7.20 years, and 59.8% were men. A total of 42.6% of participants reported that they had undergone gastric cancer screening. The result of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that participants with a first-degree relative affected with gastric cancer (OR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.58 to 2.59) and high perceived susceptibility of gastric cancer (OR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.58 to 2.59) were the strongest facilitators for screening attendance. Other factors positively associated with screening attendance were age 51-60 years (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.31 to 2.18), living in urban regions (OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.55), friends/neighbours/colleagues with gastric cancer (OR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.58), history of chronic gastric disease (OR=1.90, 95% CI: 1.57 to 2.30), perceived high cost (OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.61) and physician recommendation (OR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.36 to 2.16). On the other hand, factors negatively associated with screening attendance included perceived barriers, namely screening is only necessary when symptoms present (OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.87) and perceived appointment for gastroscopy screening is difficult and time-consuming (OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.94). No significant association was found between knowledge level and participation in screening.

    CONCLUSION: This study highlights important individual-level factors and barriers to gastric cancer screening. Strategies targeting under-screened populations and eliminating patient-perceived barriers to gastric cancer screening are essential.

    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer
  18. Tan MM, Jamil ASA, Ismail R, Donnelly M, Su TT
    BMC Public Health, 2023 Jul 10;23(1):1319.
    PMID: 37430228 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16227-0
    BACKGROUND: Many upper-middle-income countries (UMICs), including Malaysia, continue to face low breast cancer (BC) screening rates and patients with delayed presentation of BC. This study investigated the role of beliefs about BC and use of screening (e.g. beliefs about whether or not screening reduced the possibility of dying from BC).

    METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in which a total of 813 women (aged ≥ 40 years old) were randomly selected and surveyed using the validated Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer (ABC) measure. The association between BC screening use, sociodemographic characteristics, and negative beliefs about BC screening were analysed using stepwise Poisson regressions.

    RESULTS: Seven out of ten Malaysian women believed that BC screening was necessary only when experiencing cancer symptoms. Women > 50 years and from households with more than one car or motorcycle were 1.6 times more likely to attend a mammogram or a clinical breast examination (mammogram: Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.60, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.19-2.14, Clinical Breast Examination (CBE): PR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.29-1.99). About 23% of women expected to feel anxious about attending BC screening, leading them to avoid the procedure. Women who held negative beliefs about BC screening were 37% less likely to attend a mammogram (PR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.42-0.94) and 24% less likely to seek a CBE (PR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60-0.95).

    CONCLUSIONS: Public health strategies or behaviour interventions targeting negative beliefs about BC screening among Malaysian women may increase uptake and reduce late presentation and advanced-stage cancer. Insights from the study suggest that women under 50 years, in the lower income group without a car or motorcycle ownership, and of Malay or Indian ethnicity (compared to Chinese-Malay) are more likely to hold beliefs inhibiting BC screening.

    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer*
  19. Ari ES, Dioso RIP, Sotunsa JO
    BMC Womens Health, 2023 Jul 04;23(1):356.
    PMID: 37403114 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02353-9
    INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally and the second most common cancer in low- to middle-income countries, and its screening rate is yet to reach the 70% WHO target. Most interventions that proved effective in improving screening participation in some communities did not achieve the desired behavioral outcome in some settings.

    AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of care-seeking behavior interventions on cervical cancer screening participation.

    METHOD: A pragmatic multiphase mixed methods design was adopted for this study, and three phases of the human-centered design process were used for data collection. Deductive thematic analysis was used for qualitative data, while SPSS was used for quantitative data analysis.

    RESULTS: The findings show a significant relationship between participants' tribes p values (0.03) 0.05 and screening participation. Before the intervention, most (77.4%) were afraid of exposing their private parts; 75.9% were afraid of being diagnosed with cervical cancer; and the majority felt the procedure was embarrassing and painful. Free screening, awareness, and knowledge, offering transport, the use of influencers, and sample collection by a female care provider are among other facilitators to screening. Screening participation improved from 11.2% preintervention to 29.7% postintervention (average mean screening score from 1.890.316 to 1.70000.458). All participants who were screened postintervention said the procedure was not embarrassing or painful and that they were not afraid of the procedure or the screening environment.

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, screening habits in the community were low before intervention, as this may have resulted from women's feelings and past experiences with screening services. Sociodemographic variables may not directly predict screening participation. Care-seeking behavior interventions have significantly increased screening participation postintervention.

    Matched MeSH terms: Early Detection of Cancer/methods
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