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P M Lantz

Publications and source records attributed to P M Lantz.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Recent trends in breast cancer incidence, mortality, and mammography.

The recent trends in mammography, and in breast cancer incidence and mortality, demonstrate the impact of an effective cancer control effort. The number of women over age 40 years who have ever had mammography has increased over 200% since 1980. Concomitantly, breast cancer incidence has increased about 32%, with nearly all of the increase in early stage disease. Analytic studies of these changes have demonstrated persuasively that the vast majority of this increase is temporary and is attributable to the lead-time afforded by mammography. As a result of this early detection and treatment of breast cancer, mortality has begun to decline in 1991-92. Although the search for practical preventive measures should continue, the benefits of early detection can be realized now. Further research is needed to define age groups most appropriately screened and the optimum intervals for screening.

Adult↗

Mammography screening and increased incidence of breast cancer in Wisconsin.

The age-adjusted incidence of breast cancer among Wisconsin women age 40 and older has increased by almost one third since the early 1980s. To estimate what portion of the observed increase in breast cancer incidence is due to mammography screening, we developed a model of the lead-time effect of this screening test and its impact on incidence. The model incorporates annual age-specific information including 1) the expected number of cases, 2) the rate of screening, 3) the detection ratio of screening mammography, and 4) the lead time of screening mammography. For women 40 years of age and older, the model predicts a 25% increase in incidence, compared with an observed increase of 28%. Overall, mammography screening explains 74% of the difference between the expected and observed number of cases over the study period. A greater portion of the increase in incidence among postmenopausal women is attributed to mammography screening than among younger women. The increase in the use of mammography appears to account for most but not all of the increased incidence of breast cancer in Wisconsin.

Adult↗

Using a population-based cancer reporting system to evaluate a breast cancer detection and awareness program.

During May 1987, a total of 10,207 Wisconsin women were screened as part of a statewide Breast Cancer Detection and Awareness program sponsored by the Wisconsin Division of the American Cancer Society. Data from a population-based cancer reporting system were used to predict the number of expected breast cancer cases for that year. After controlling for secular and seasonal trends, we found that, compared with the number of cases that would have been expected, 51 more cases of localized breast cancer were diagnosed in the state during the time of the program. This study demonstrates the public health impact of a statewide screening program and the usefulness of a cancer reporting system in program evaluation.

Adult↗

Peer discussions of cancer among Hispanic migrant farm workers.

Hispanic migrant agricultural workers' exposure to pesticides and other agrichemicals places them at increased risk for a variety of acute and chronic conditions, including cancer. As a socioeconomically disadvantaged group, migrant workers also face many barriers to effective cancer control. In 1992, a series of focus groups was held with 55 Hispanic migrant agricultural workers (22 women, 33 men) in central Wisconsin to gather information on their knowledge and attitudes regarding cancer etiology and treatment, their practices regarding cancer screening and early detection, and their concerns regarding occupational exposure to pesticides. Beliefs that pesticides are toxic and can cause health problems were common among participants. In addition, however, participants reported that they are reluctant to demand occupational protections to which they are entitled because they are afraid of losing their jobs. Study results also suggest that barriers to effective primary and secondary prevention of cancer in this Hispanic migrant agricultural worker population include knowledge and information barriers, cultural barriers, and socioeconomic barriers. A lack of knowledge and information regarding the causes of cancer, its prevention, and its early detection and treatment was evident among participants, which in turn was reflected in strong fatalistic attitudes toward the disease. Cultural barriers included attitudes of embarrassment and shame associated with physical examinations and women's strong discomfort with male clinicians. Socioeconomic barriers to secondary prevention included the cost of obtaining health services, time constraints associated with the need to work and long working days, and a lack of transportation. Efforts to improve cancer screening as well as other preventive health services in the Hispanic migrant agricultural worker population must acknowledge these barriers and address as many of them as possible to be successful.

Agriculture↗