BackgroundBreast and cervical cancer screening are widely recognized as effective preventive procedures in reducing cancer mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic disparities in the uptake of female screening in Italy, with a specific focus on different types of screening programs.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2004-2005 national health interview survey. A sample of 15, 486 women aged 50-69 years for mammography and one of 35, 349 women aged 25-64 years for Pap smear were analysed. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between socioeconomic factors and female screening utilization.ResultsEducation and occupation were positively associated with attendance to both screening. Women with higher levels of education were more likely to have a mammogram than those with a lower level (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.10-1.49). Women of intermediate and high occupational classes were more likely to use breast cancer screening (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.55-2.03, OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.40-1.91) compared to unemployed women. Women in the highest occupational class had a higher likelihood of cervical cancer screening compared to those in the lowest class (OR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.63-2.01). Among women who attended screening, those with lower levels of education and lower occupational classes were more likely than more advantaged women to attend organized screening programs rather than being screened on the basis of their own initiative.ConclusionsInequalities in the uptake of female screening widely exist in Italy. Organized screening programs may have an important role in increasing screening attendance and tackling inequalities.

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Highlights A 1-hour plasma glucose (1-h PG) threshold >155 mg/dl (8.6 mmol/L) during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may be a suitable biomarker for identifying normal glucose tolerant (NGT) individuals at risk for future type 2 diabetes (T2D). A one-hour, non-fasting, 50g Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) performed during a routine health care visit has potential for practical screening of glucose disorders. The shape of the glucose curve reflects the cumulative effect of insulin sensitivity and response on glucose concentrations with prospective studies warranted to evaluate its prognostic utility. The continuous glucose monitor (CGM) has facilitated insight into the pathophysiology of prediabetes and phenotypes of T2D and holds promise for detecting glycemic disorders. Metabolomic profiling including amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates and other metabolites may be useful for early diagnosis of glycemic disorders. Non-classical markers for assessing glycemic disorders including fructosamine, glycated albumin, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol that evaluate shorter periods of glucose exposure than HbA1c have potential use as adjunctive tools.

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Among subjects with NGT, those with 1-hour OGTT glucose of >155 mg/dL showed lower insulin sensitivity, impaired β-cell function, and worse cardiovascular risk profile and therefore are at greater risk of developing T2DM and cardiovascular disease.