Background & Aims
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited form of colorectal cancer (CRC) characterized by hundreds of adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum. FAP is also associated with thyroid cancer (TC), but the lifetime risk is still unclear. This study reports the standardized incidence ratio of TC in Hispanic FAP patients.
Methods
TC incidence rates in patients with FAP were compared with the general population through direct database linkage from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry (PRCCR) and the Puerto Rico Familial Colorectal Cancer Registry (PURIFICAR) between the periods of January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2013. The study population consisted of 51 Hispanic patients with FAP and 3,239 with TC from the general population. The Standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated using the Indirect Method, defined as observed TC incidence among patients with FAP in PURIFICAR’s cohort (2006–2013) divided by the expected TC incidence based on the PR population rates (2006–2010). SIR values were estimated by sex (male, female and overall). This study received IRB approval (protocol # A2210207).
Results
In Hispanic patients with FAP the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) (95% CI) for TC was 251.73 (51.91 – 735.65), with higher risk for females 461.18 (55.85–1665.94) than males 131.91 (3.34–734.95).
Conclusions
Hispanic FAP patients are at a high risk for TC compared to the general population. Our incidence rates (SIR) are higher than previous studies, suggesting that this community may be at a higher risk for TC than previously assumed. Implementation of clinical surveillance guidelines and regular ultrasound neck screening in Hispanic FAP patients is recommended.
Uterine leiomyosarcomas are aggressive tumors associated with a poor prognosis. These neoplasms have high metastatic potential, more frequently affecting the lungs, liver, and peritoneum. There are very few cases of metastasis to the thyroid described in the literature. We present the case of a 47-year-old female diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the thyroid gland. In this case report, we want to emphasize the utility of ancillary studies to help differentiate a leiomyosarcoma from anaplastic thyroid carcinoma since cytologic evaluation alone can be challenging.
Objectives:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer and leading cause of cancer death in Puerto Rico. However, CRC screening rates remain low. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a Train-the-Trainers’ (TTT) program to develop trainers capable of educating others within their communities about CRC prevention.
Methods:
The TTT program consisted of didactics and seminars to capacitate participants to become trainers in CRC prevention. This project was evaluated using three components: (1) training workshops; (2) community educational sessions; and (3) the participant’s experience as a trainer. Pre - and post-tests on CRC screening knowledge were given to TTT participants. Program effectiveness was determined by the pre- and post-tests, number of workshop participants completing a community educational session within three months of training and the number of community members reached.
Results:
Among the 115 total participants, 97 participants took the pre- and post-test. There was a significant difference in the scores for the pre-test (M = 10.56, SD = 2.57) and the post-test (M = 11.43, SD = 1.83) given; t (96) = −4.68, p < 0.001. A total of 955 community members were reached. Participants from the community educational sessions (n = 680) evaluated the program. 77.7% of those participants expressed intent to undergo colonoscopy screening in the future.
Conclusions:
TTT was effective in preparing trainers in CRC prevention. Participants increased their knowledge about CRC prevention and successfully reached members of their community. Utilization of community trainers is an effective alternative to increase CRC education and awareness in Hispanic communities, which may positively impact CRC screening rates in this population.
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