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Vitamin D (VitD) plays an important role in immune modulation. VitD deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to acute respiratory syndrome as observed in COVID-19. We evaluated potential associations between serum VitD levels and risk of COVID-19 infection and hospitalisation, within the overall and cancer populations. We performed a nested case-control study within the UK biobank cohort, among all individuals with at least one serum VitD level measurement at baseline (2006-2010) and a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results recorded, and individuals with previous cancer diagnosis. Binary multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess associations between VitD levels and risk of COVID-19 infection (positive PCR), and hospitalisation (COVID-19-positive PCR in hospital), and stratified by ethnicity. Of 151,543 participants, 21,396 tested positive for COVID-19. Of 24,400 individuals with cancer, 2,608 tested positive. In the total cohort, VitD insufficiency (Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 0.97, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.94-1.00) and deficiency (aOR 0.95, 95%CI 0.90-0.99) were associated with slightly lower odds of COVID-19 infection. In contrast, both VitD insufficiency (aOR 1.19, 95%CI 1.08-1.31) and deficiency (aOR 1.36, 95%CI 1.19-1.56) were associated with higher odds of COVID-19 hospitalisation. Among Asian (aOR 1.50; 95%CI 1.08-2.07) and Black (aOR 1.57; 95%CI 1.14-2.16) participants, VitD deficiency was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 infection. Among White participants, VitD insufficiency was associated with slightly lower odds of COVID-19 infection (aOR 0.97; 95%CI 0.86-0.95), while both VitD insufficiency (aOR 1.19; 95%CI 1.08-1.32) and deficiency (aOR 1.44; 95%CI 1.25-1.66) were associated with increased odds of hospitalisation. In the cancer population, vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher odds of infection only among Black participants (aOR 3.50; 95%CI 1.22-10.01); no other associations were observed. Low VitD levels were associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation but showed only a weak association with infection risk. Black and Asian populations had higher infection risk associated with VitD deficiency, but this did not translate to increased hospitalisation. In contrast, White populations with low VitD levels exhibited a higher risk of hospitalisation. There was no evidence of an interaction between VitD levels and ethnicity affecting infection or hospitalisation risk. In the cancer cohort, no significant associations were observed for COVID-19 infection or hospitalisation.

We investigated whether prostate cancer patients treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) have a higher cumulative incidence of secondary cancer compared with patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP). We used state-wide linked data from South Australia to follow men with prostate cancer diagnosed from 2002 to 2019. The cumulative incidence of overall and site-specific secondary cancers between 5 and 15 years after treatment was estimated. Fine-Gray competing risk analyses were performed with additional sensitivity analyses to test different scenarios. A total of 7625 patients were included (54% underwent RP and 46% EBRT). Characteristics of the two groups differed significantly, with the EBRT group being older (71 vs. 64 years), having higher comorbidity burden and being more likely to die during follow-up than the RP group. Fifteen-year cumulative incidence for all secondary cancers was 27.4% and 22.3% in EBRT and RP groups, respectively. In the adjusted models, patients in the EBRT group had a significantly higher risk of genitourinary (adjusted subhazard ratio (aSHR), 2.29; 95%CI 1.16–4.51) and lung (aSHR, 1.93; 95%CI 1.05–3.56) cancers compared with patients in the RP group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for risk of any secondary cancer, gastro-intestinal, skin or haematologic cancers. No statistically significant differences in overall risk of secondary cancer were observed in any of the sensitivity analyses and patterns for risk at specific cancer sites were relatively consistent across different age restriction and latency/time-lag scenarios. In conclusion, the increased risk of genitourinary and lung cancers among men undergoing EBRT may relate partly to treatment effects and partly to unmeasured residual confounding.

Background Inequalities in survival from colorectal cancer (CRC) across socioeconomic groups and by area of residence have been described in various health care settings. Few population-wide datasets which include clinical and treatment information are available in Australia to investigate disparities. This study examines socio-demographic differences in survival for CRC patients in South Australia (SA), using a population-wide database derived via linkage of administrative and surveillance datasets . Methods The study population comprised all cases of CRC diagnosed in 2003-2008 among SA residents aged 50-79 yrs in the SA Central Cancer Registry. Measures of socioeconomic status (area level), geographical remoteness, clinical characteristics, comorbid conditions, treatments and outcomes were derived through record linkage of central cancer registry, hospital-based clinical registries, hospital separations, and radiotherapy services data sources. Socio-demographic disparities in CRC survival were examined using competing risk regression analysis. Results Four thousand six hundred and forty one eligible cases were followed for an average of 4.7 yrs, during which time 1525 died from CRC and 416 died from other causes. Results of competing risk regression indicated higher risk of CRC death with higher grade (HR high v low =2.25, 95 % CI 1.32-3.84), later stage (HR C v A = 7.74, 95 % CI 5.75-10.4), severe comorbidity (HR severe v none =1.21, 95 % CI 1.02-1.44) and receiving radiotherapy (HR = 1.41, 95 % CI 1.18-1.68). Patients from the most socioeconomically advantaged areas had significantly better outcomes than those from the least advantaged areas (HR =0.75, 95 % 0.62-0.91). Patients residing in remote locations had significantly worse outcomes than metropolitan residents, though this was only evident for stages A-C (HR = 1.35, 95 % CI 1.01-1.80). These disparities were not explained by differences in stage at diagnosis between socioeconomic groups or area of residence. Nor were they explained by differences in patient factors, other tumour characteristics, comorbidity, or treatment modalities. Conclusions Socio-economic and regional disparities in survival following CRC are evident in SA, despite having a universal health care system. Of particular concern is the poorer survival for patients from remote areas with potentially curable CRC. Reasons for these disparities require further exploration to identify factors that can be addressed to improve outcomes.

Background Although sexual dysfunction is a common treatment side-effect affecting men’s quality of life, many prostate cancer patients do not receive or seek out treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). The aims of this study are to investigate the extent and patterns of use of ED treatments and their perceived impact at different times following prostate cancer treatment. Methods This retrospective cohort study included all men on the South Australian prostate cancer registry who completed one or more Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) survey from 2016 to 2023 ( n  = 5561). Outcomes included self-reported use of ED treatment (oral medications, intra-cavernosal injections (ICI) and vacuum pumps) and their impact men’s sex life at various time points after treatment. The type and timing of ED treatments used was analysed descriptively. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with utilisation and self-reported satisfaction were examined using multivariable mixed-effects binomial logistic regression. Results Post-treatment use of ED treatments did not exceed 43% at any timepoint, with utilisation rates decreasing over time. Oral medications were most frequently used, while vacuum pump and ICI use was limited. Oral medications were more likely to be used at three-months (odds ratio [OR] = 2.48; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.88–3.27) and six-months (OR = 2.10; 95%CI = 1.63–2.27) than at 12-months post-treatment, and among men from higher socioeconomic areas (OR = 2.41; 95%CI = 1.47–3.93, highest vs. lowest quintile), and following prostatectomy (OR = 4.37; 95%CI = 2.92–6.42), and less likely among older men (OR = 0.08; 95%CI = 0.05–0.13, < 60yrs vs. 70-79yrs). Men were more likely to report an improved sex life with oral medication use at two-years (OR = 3.79; 95%CI = 1.69–8.47) and five-years (OR = 3.07; 95%CI = 1.51–6.25) post-treatment compared with 12-months or if they were socioeconomically advantaged (OR = 3.22; 95%CI = 1.30–7.96, highest vs. lowest quintile). Conclusions A substantial proportion of Australian men do not access or continue to use ED treatments after prostate cancer treatment, with many users reporting only modest effects on their sex life. There is a need to improve access to and maintenance of ED treatments following prostate cancer treatment.

PurposePathways involving sex hormones and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) have been proposed to explain, in part, the lower risk of prostate cancer among men with diabetes. To gain insights into potential biological mechanisms we explored differences in serum concentrations of sex hormones and IGFs across the trajectory from normoglycemia to prediabetes to poorly controlled diabetes.MethodsUsing cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III we examined differences in levels of circulating sex hormones, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), IGF-1, and IFG-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), according to diabetes status: no diabetes [n = 648], prediabetes [n = 578], undiagnosed diabetes [n = 106], well-controlled diabetes [n = 42], and poorly controlled diabetes [n = 56]. Adjusted geometric mean concentrations were derived using multivariable linear regression, adjusted for age, race, and other lifestyle factors.ResultsTotal testosterone concentrations were lower among prediabetics (4.89 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.95–5.21) than men without prediabetes/diabetes (5.29 ng/mL, 95% CI 5.06–5.53) but did not reduce further across diabetes groups. Concentrations of estradiol, estimated free testosterone, SHGB, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 did not differ. While the ratio of IGF-1 to IGFBP-3 was lower among men with prediabetics and undiagnosed diabetes than men without prediabetes/diabetes, there was no trend across groups. A positive trend for the ratio of estradiol-to-testosterone levels was observed across groups (p trend = 0.045).ConclusionOur findings do not provide clear support for either an androgen driven or IGF-driven pathway for the inverse association between diabetes and prostate cancer risk.

Background Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is the most common presenting side effect of chemotherapy. As a sensory based neuropathy, this condition can persist for a long time after cessation of chemotherapy and impact the quality of life of cancer survivors. Podiatrists in Australia have been managing people with CIPN related lower limb complications, however guidelines on management of CIPN do not exist. The aim of this study was to achieve consensus and agreement of Australian podiatrists on strategies to best manage people presenting with symptoms of CIPN. Methods An online three-round modified Delphi survey of Australian podiatrists with expertise in CIPN was conducted in line with recommendations for conducting and reporting of Delphi studies (CREDES). Panellists responded to open-ended questions in Round 1, whereupon their responses were themed into statements and analysed for existing consensus. Statements not reaching consensus were returned during Round 2 to seek agreement from responders using a five-point Likert scale and to allow responders to make further comments. For a statement to reach consensus or agreement, 70% or more of panellists needed to make the same comment or agree or strongly agree with the same themed statement. Statements reaching 50 to 69% consensus or agreement were returned to panellists in Round 3 for them to consider their responses in the light of group outcomes. Results Round one resulted in 229 comments from 21 of 26 podiatrists who agreed to participate. These comments were themed into 53 statements with 11 consensus statements accepted. Round 2 resulted in 22 statements reaching agreement, and 15 new statements being generated from 18 comments made by 17 respondents. Round 3 resulted in 11 statements reaching agreement. Outcomes were developed into a set of clinical recommendations for diagnosis and management of people presenting with CIPN. These recommendations provide guidance on 1) identifying common signs and symptoms of CIPN including sensory, motor and autonomic symptoms; 2) diagnosis and assessment of CIPN including neurological, motor and dermatological assessment modalities; and 3) best clinical practice and management strategies for CIPN identified by podiatrists including both podiatry and non-podiatry specific care. Conclusions This is the first study in podiatry literature to develop expert-informed consensus-based recommendations for clinical presentation, diagnosis and assessment and management of people with CIPN. These recommendations aim to help guide podiatrists in the consistent care of people with CIPN.

Background The aim of this study was to describe changes in patient-reported functional outcome measures (PROMs) comparing pre-treatment and 12 months after radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), brachytherapy and active surveillance (AS). Methods Men enrolled from 2010 to 2019 in the South Australian Prostate Cancer Clinical Outcomes Collaborative registry a prospective clinical registry were studied. Urinary, bowel, and sexual functions were measured using Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26) at baseline and 12 months post-treatment. Higher scores on the EPIC-26 indicate better function. Multivariable regression models were applied to compare differences in function and extent of bother by treatment. Results Of the 4926 eligible men, 57.0% underwent RP, 20.5% EBRT, 7.0% brachytherapy and 15.5% AS. While baseline urinary and bowel function varied little across treatment groups, sexual function differed greatly (adjusted mean scores: RP = 56.3, EBRT = 45.8, brachytherapy = 61.4, AS = 52.8; p < 0.001). Post-treatment urinary continence and sexual function declined in all treatment groups, with the greatest decline for sexual function after RP (adjusted mean score change − 28.9). After adjustment for baseline differences, post-treatment sexual function scores after EBRT (6.4; 95%CI, 0.9–12.0) and brachytherapy (17.4; 95%CI, 9.4–25.5) were higher than after RP. Likewise, urinary continence after EBRT (13.6; 95%CI, 9.0-18.2), brachytherapy (10.6; 95%CI, 3.9–17.3) and AS (10.6; 95%CI, 5.9–15.3) were higher than after RP. Conversely, EBRT was associated with lower bowel function (− 7.9; 95%CI, − 12.4 to − 3.5) than RP. EBRT and AS were associated with lower odds of sexual bother (OR 0.51; 95%CI, 0.29–0.89 and OR 0.60; 95%CI, 0.38–0.96, respectively), and EBRT with higher odds of bowel bother (OR 2.01; 95%CI, 1.23–3.29) compared with RP. Conclusion The four common treatment approaches for prostate cancer were associated with different patterns of patient-reported functional outcomes, both pre- and 12 months post-treatment. However, after adjustment, RP was associated with a greater decline in urinary continence and sexual function than other treatments. This study underscores the importance of collecting baseline PROMs to interpret post-treatment functional outcomes.

Background and Purpose Evidence on how treatment outcomes vary by patient characteristics helps to inform clinical practice. In this study, we measured socioeconomic and geographic disparity in post‐radiotherapy procedures, as an indication of short‐term radiotherapy adverse effects, among men with prostate cancer. Materials and Methods We studied 8344 South Australian diagnosed men with prostate cancer (2002–2020) who received external beam radiotherapy. The outcomes were anorectal and urinary procedures, identified using hospital admission procedure codes and Medicare Benefits Schedule item codes. Crude rates per 1000 person‐time were estimated at two years post‐radiotherapy. Socioeconomic and geographic disparities were identified through multivariable adjusted zero‐inflated Poisson regression. Results Fifteen percent of men underwent at least one post‐radiotherapy procedure within two years. The rates of anorectal, urinary and overall (both anorectal and urinary) procedures were 18, 66 and 81 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. Men in the highest socioeconomic quintile had lower rates of overall (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.70, 95% CI: 0.61–0.81), anorectal (IRR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.20–0.52) and urinary (IRR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56–0.86) procedures than men in the lowest socioeconomic quintile. Men from non‐metropolitan areas had higher rates of anorectal procedures (IRR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05–1.77) than men from metropolitan areas, which was further compounded by low socioeconomic advantage. Receiving radiotherapy in more recent years was associated with lower rates of post‐radiotherapy procedures. Conclusion Anorectal and urinary procedures following radiotherapy significantly vary across different population subgroups. Observed differences in procedure rates may suggest socioeconomic and geographic disparities in radiotherapy adverse effects for prostate cancer. This underscores the importance of follow‐up care for at‐risk population subgroups.

To investigate the association between lower urinary-tract infections, their associated antibiotics and the subsequent risk of developing PCa. Using data from the Swedish PCBaSe 3.0, we performed a matched case-control study (8762 cases and 43806 controls). Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between lower urinary-tract infections, related antibiotics and PCa, whilst adjusting for civil status, education, Charlson Comorbidity Index and time between lower urinary-tract infection and PCa diagnosis. It was found that lower urinary-tract infections did not affect PCa risk, however, having a lower urinary-tract infection or a first antibiotic prescription 6-12 months before PCa were both associated with an increased risk of PCa (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.23-1.82 and 1.96, 1.71-2.25, respectively), as compared to men without lower urinary-tract infections. Compared to men with no prescriptions for antibiotics, men who were prescribed ≥10 antibiotics, were 15% less likely to develop PCa (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78-0.91). PCa was not found to be associated with diagnosis of a urinary-tract infection or frequency, but was positively associated with short time since diagnoses of lower urinary-tract infection or receiving prescriptions for antibiotics. These observations can likely be explained by detection bias, which highlights the importance of data on the diagnostic work-up when studying potential risk factors for PCa.

Understanding the relative contribution of modifiable risk factors to cancer morbidity and mortality is crucial for designing effective cancer prevention and control strategies. Our study estimated cancer-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in Australia using data from the Global Burden of Diseases 2021 study. In 2021, an estimated 20,409 cancer deaths (37.5%) and 431,575 cancer DALYs lost (37.9%) in Australia were attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors. Males had higher modifiable risk attributed to cancer death and DALY rates than females. Behavioral risks accounted for 25.0% of cancer deaths and 26.5% of DALYs. Metabolic risks and environmental/occupational risks accounted for 9.4% and 9.3% of deaths, respectively. Smoking remained the leading attributable risk factor, accounting for 12.2% cancer deaths and 13.1% DALYs lost. Dietary risks accounted for 40.0% of colorectal cancer deaths and DALYs lost. Cervical, larynx, liver, lung, and colorectal cancers had a high proportion of deaths and DALYs lost attributed to modifiable risks. Liver and nasopharyngeal cancers had the highest burden attributed to alcohol use (39.1% and 39.0%, respectively), while 21.3% liver cancer deaths were attributed to drug use. Strengthening public health interventions, such as multi-disciplinary approaches to promote a healthy lifestyle, is required.