Search

Background: Early sexual reproductive health (SRH) education is linked to a reduction in risky sexual behaviors. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising at alarming rates. Risky sexual behaviors, including initiation of sex before age 13, having more than four sexual partners, and lack of use of condoms, increase the chance of infection and cancer. Informing students about the link between risky behaviors and cancer is vital to reduce morbidity and mortality. Methods: A trend analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) data between 2001 and 2019 was conducted. Results from four survey responses related to sexual risk behaviors among 9th to 12th grade in Mississippi students are compared with their US peers. Results: Between 2001 and 2019, favorable declines in 3 out of 4 sexual risk behaviors were observed. Declining prevalence was reported for "ever had sexual intercourse," "age of sexual initiation at age 13 or younger," and "having 4 or more sexual partners in their lifetime" are promising. However, fewer students report using condoms. The adjusted prevalence rates for Mississippi students in all 4 measures were higher than the national responses. Conclusions: Our analysis supports the need for early skill-based sex education to promote health. States with increased behavioral risk among students should consider trends in data to improve education and policy.

Introduction: In the U.S., an estimated 46,143 Human Papillomavirus (HPV)- associated cancers occur each year. (CDC, 2021;). HPV vaccination and cancer disparities exist geographically and by race and ethnicity. Cancer sites include the cervix vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx. HPV vaccination may prevent 90% of cervical cancers if vaccinated at the recommended ages of 9-12, even without screening. Of the HPV infections that persist and evolve to cervical cancer, 80% were acquired before age 26. In 2018, across the U.S., HPV vaccination completion rates for girls and boys were the lowest in Mississippi. Lack of vaccine uptake prevents community-acquired immunity from reducing disease and death. Therefore, the goal was to create statewide partnerships to improve HPVvaccination. Methods: The American Cancer Society (ACS), the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), the University of Missis sippi Medical Center (UMMC), and many statewide partners formed alliances. In 2019, a Mis s is sippi HPVRoundtable (MS-HPV-RT) was created, and the MS-HPV-RT consists of experts from multiple sectors. Priority areas include: (1) strengthening provider recommendations, (2) engage systems change, and (3) increase community knowledge. Results: In 2016, a new awareness of HPV cancer prevention developed and lead to improvements. In 2019, 1,853 more HPV vaccinations occurred in Mississippi than in 2018, a 69.2 % increase after widespread system changes. Effective 2021, Mississippi Medicaid extended coverage of vaccines in pharmacy settings, and the Mississippi Board of Dental Examiners approved new dental privileges to vaccinate and bill. State Health Officer Resolutions and Legislative endorsements created observances. Discussion: Adolescent vaccination is the key to HPV cancer prevention; however, screening remains critical to preventing HPV-related cancers. In the U.S., information is lacking on HPV vaccination programs and policies at the population level. Our study demonstrates changes in HPV vaccination practice and policies through statewide partnerships in Mississippi. KEY WORDS--Cervical Cancer, Cervical Cancer Screening, Human Papillomaviruses (HPV), Vaccination, Oral Health, Dentists., INTRODUCTION In the U.S., an estimated 46,143 Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers occur each year. (CDC, 2021;). In Mississippi, during 20152019, 2478 new cases of HPV- associated cancers were reported. (CDC, [...]

Background: Transplant recipients have a 2‐ to 4‐fold increased risk of developing malignancies over the general population. Cancer is the second most common cause of death for recipients. The magnitude of the risk depends on the cancer type and increases in viral‐related malignancies. Skin cancer is the most common. However, data in most cancer registries is limited to cutaneous melanomas, thereby limiting the epidemiologic examination of cancer risk in non‐melanoma skin cancer. Our goal was to evaluate post‐kidney transplant cancer cases and sites in our population to guide screening recommendations. Methods: Between 2009 and 2015, a retrospective study of adult kidney recipients transplanted at East Carolina University was conducted. The first cancer diagnosis after transplant through February 18, 2020, was captured and analyzed. Patient demographics, cancer sites, and histological diagnoses were analyzed and compared. p16 immunohistochemistry was used as a surrogate marker for high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Results: Retrospectively, kidney transplant recipients were analyzed (N = 439), the majority were non‐Hispanic Black (NHB) individuals, 312 (71.1%), and 127 (28.9%) were non‐Hispanic White (NHW) individuals. Of these, 59 (13.4%) developed a posttransplant malignancy, with the majority on sun‐exposed skin found in NHW. NHB had all anogenital/mucosa skin cancers on non‐sun‐exposed skin. Of these detected in NHB, all were squamous cell carcinomas, with five out of six (83.3%) being positive for p16. Conclusions: Posttransplant malignancy differed significantly by race, site, and potential source of etiology. The majority of malignancies are likely explained by acceleration of precursor lesions from prior exposure to ultraviolet rays or HPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of using glacial acetic acid (GAA) to convert unsatisfactory bloody ThinPrep (TP) cervical smear test to satisfactory, and identify associated missed diagnoses and high-risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes.Methods: In a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional analysis, all TP tests performed in Mississippi, USA, 2012-2016, were evaluated for unsatisfactory results owing to blood. Tests that were converted to satisfactory by GAA treatment, and corresponding anomalies and HPV genotypes were identified.Results: Among 106 384 TP tests, there were 1460 (1.37%) unsatisfactory results, of which 1442 (98.77%) were converted to satisfactory after GAA treatment. Laboratory preprocessing with GAA increased costs minimally. Precancerous lesions were detected in 166 (11.51%) of 1442 GAA-treated samples, of which 12 (7.2%) were high-grade lesions, 110 (66.3%) were atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, and 63 (57.3%) tested positive for hrHPV. Of 60 genotyped samples, 39 (65%) had non-HPV16 and non-HPV18. Including mixed infections, 48 (80%) contained less-common hrHPV types, reflecting an unexpected distribution in bloody specimens.Conclusions: GAA pretreatment of bloody TP tests would reduce the incidence of unsatisfactory results and missed high-grade lesions, and prevent the cost of repeat tests and delayed treatment. Clinicians without access to GAA should consider HPV testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cervical screening is used to detect and treat precancers to prevent invasive cancers. However, successful prevention also requires adequate follow-up and treatment of individuals with abnormal screening results. The aim was to investigate demographics, clinical characteristics, and follow-up status for individuals needing colposcopy after an abnormal screening result., Methods: The STRIDES ( St udying R isk to I mprove D ispariti ES ) cohort comprises individuals undergoing cervical cancer screening and management at a Mississippi Health Department or University of Mississippi clinic. Follow-up status, demographics, and clinical data were assessed from electronic health records and, if necessary, patient navigation on individuals identified as needing a colposcopy after an abnormal screening., Results: Of the 1,458 individuals requiring colposcopy, 43.0% had the procedure within 4 months, 16.4% had a delayed procedure, and 39.5% had no documented follow-up, with significant predictors of follow-up identified as age and cytology diagnosis. Based on age, individuals 30 + were more likely to follow up with a colposcopy compared to individuals < 30 years (49% and 38.7%, respectively; p < .001). Individuals with cytology diagnoses of LSIL (52.9%), ASC-H (51.4%), and HSIL (62.3%) had higher percentages of adherence to follow-up colposcopy guidelines (p < .001)., Conclusion: Despite high cervical cancer screening rates among Mississippians, a substantial portion did not have adequate next-step intervention. However, it is encouraging that highest risk individuals were more likely to have a colposcopy. Regardless, continuing to understand the underlying causes for incomplete follow-up is crucial for timely secondary targeted interventions to reduce cervical cancer burden, promote awareness, and improve health outcomes., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. Additional Declarations: No competing interests reported.