Lower Incidence of Positive Gynecological Cancers in Examinees of a Unique Health Check-Up Institute, Ningen Dock in Japan, 2011-2016

Abstract

The present study aims to determine the gynecologic health status of asymptomatic women at a unique Japanese Health Check-up Institute, Ningen Dock. Medical records of Japanese women, who underwent gynecological medical (health) examinations between January 2011 and December 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Of the cervical smears from 8927 women aged 18 - 85 years, 50 (0.6%) were classified as dysplastic and malignant changes: 18 of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 10 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 21 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and 1 cervical squamous cell carcinoma. No case of cervical adenocarcinoma was found. Ultrasonographic examination detected uterus enlargements and ovary tumors in 2.0% and 0.9% of cases, respectively. Most of participants (95.6%) revealed no gynecologic abnormalities. The present study based on the records of Ningen Dock, where asymptomatic participants undergo a medical examination at their own expense, showed very low incidence of abnormal cytologic and/or ultrasonographic findings.

Share and Cite:

Koiwai, C. , Ichigo, S. , Takagi, H. , Kajikawa, H. and Imai, A. (2017) Lower Incidence of Positive Gynecological Cancers in Examinees of a Unique Health Check-Up Institute, Ningen Dock in Japan, 2011-2016. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 7, 545-551. doi: 10.4236/ojog.2017.75057.

1. Introduction

A community-based cervical screening strategy plays an important role to reduce cervical cancer incidence worldwide [1] . Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia typically develops into invasive cancer over a 10-year period and apparent cases of rapidly progressive cervical cancer are likely to be among women who have escaped screening and proper follow-up [2] - [7] . The cervical screening, currently cytology, is a routine screening test used for the detection of early cervical abnormalities, namely precancerous dysplastic changes of the uterine cervix [2] - [7] . The screening is a relatively simple, low cost and noninvasive method. Together with transvaginal ultrasonography for detection of ovarian and uterine tumors, the routine screening reduces the probability of developing gynecological malignant diseases.

In many countries, undergoing cancer screening is not mandatory but voluntary. Some systemic review found a positive association of an awareness of the mortality rates associated gynecological cancer, educational level and financial status with gynecological malignant diseases attendance [8] [9] [10] . The level of knowledge and attitude toward screening are related to multiple factors such as ethnicity, place of residence, income, and social-economic status [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] . In Japan, there are unique facilities (namely Ningen Dock) of health check-up provide asymptomatic participants a medical examination including gynecological cancer screening activities at their own expense. Our previous exploratory study based on data from the 2002-2010 Ningen Dock suspected very low incidence of abnormal cytologic and/or ultrasonographic findings in this population [16] . To accomplish the hypothesis, we aim to determine the recent (2011-2016) medical records of Ningen Dock.

2. Methods

Between January 2011 and December 2016, 8927 asymptomatic women, age 18 - 85, visited the Ningen Dock in Matsunami General Hospital for their gynecological health check-up. The women underwent medical evaluations including a medical history, physical examination, blood sampling, urine sampling and radiological imaging as part of a routine health check-up and cancer screening. The cost was not covered by the social insurance.

All of these participants underwent gynecologic examinations including routine cancer screening (Papanicolaou test), transvaginal ultrasonography, and pelvic examination by a gynecologist. All participants provided written informed consents against these examination protocols, and the institutional ethics committee approved the procedure. Cervical and endometrial smears were taken using a speculum and brush and classified into 9 categories: normal, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), atypical squamous cells cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H), squamous carcinoma, atypical glandular cells (AGC), adenocrcinoma in situ (AIS), adenocarcinoma and other malignant neoplasms. The endometrial cytological findings were divided into four categories: normal endometrium, benign endometrial abnormality, atypical endometrial cell, and suspected endometrial carcinoma. When classified as inadequate, the participants were soon resubmitted to smear examination. Their records of gynecologic findings were retrospectively reviewed. Data and statistical analyses were done with Excel 2011 (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA).

3. Results

Table 1 shows the cytologic and ultrasonografic findings of all subjects distributed by age class. Of the cervical smears, 50 (0.6%) were classified as abnormal. Low-grade cervical abnormalities were seen in 49 cases: 28 cases were classified as LSIL and HSIL, 21 were ASC-US. One malignant case was detected within this study period. No case of cervical adenocarcinoma was found. None of the categories were clustered in any specific age group.

The most frequently detected gynecologic finding was uterine enlargement, with a peak reaching approximately 17% - 19% for age groups 40 - 49 and 50 - 59 years. After 60 years, the frequency of uterine abnormalities decreased (Table 1). Ovarian tumor was detected in 4.3% to 9.3% of those aged 30 to 59 years, while those aged over 60 years showed less frequent. Table 1 summarized all other abnormal findings pointed out. No gynecologic abnormality was detected in 95.6% of cases. There was no special findings about the other medical history, physical examination, blood sampling, urine sampling (data not shown).

4. Discussion

The cervical and endometrial smears are widely used routine tests with many benefits, especially in detecting early cervical changes that can be treated to limit dysplastic processes developing into cancer. The previous literatures found squamous intraepithelial lesion SIL in 3% - 8% of women aged 20 - 29 years and

Table 1. Gynecologic findings of participants distributed by age group.

*including vaginosis, leukoplakie, Bartholin cyst, posthysterectomy. LSIL, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; HSIL, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; ASC-US, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance; SCC, cervical squamous cell carcinoma; AGC, atypical grandular cells; EM; endometrium. **optional examination.

1% - 5% of over 30-year age group. In this retrospective single-center study, we used an approach similar to that used in our previous study [16] , that investigated medical records of Japanese women who underwent gynecological examinations between 2002 and 2010. The former study found that, of the cervical smear tests on 7585 subjects in our study, 98.2% were negative. The incidence of abnormal cytologic findings (dysplastic changes and cervical cancer) was extremely low compared with other studies performed in developed countries (3.4% to 9%) [2] - [7] . Our findings of 2011-2016 Ningen Dock records are similar to those former observations and most of participants (95.6%) revealed no gynecologic abnormalities.

Substantial data point to persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection as cervical cancer cause. The mean time between HPV infection and invasive cancer is about 15 years, and within 2 to 4 years of detection 15.5% to 25.5% of low-grade epithelial lesions become high-grade lesions [17] [18] [19] . The most frequently sexually transmitted disease (STD) worldwide is HPV infection [20] [21] . Societies where sexual activity starts at a young age and where multiple partners are common are at high risk of exposure to HPV than in conservative societies. For example, a study in Jordan, one of the most conservative and religious countries, found that of the smears from 1176 women aged 18 - 70 years, 9 cases (0.8%) were classified as ASC-US and 2 cases (0.2%) were LSIL. In Ningen Dock which medical records we analyzed, asymptomatic participants undergo a medical examination at their own expense. The cultural tradition and high concern on check-up of our subjects restrict the likelihood of multiple sexual partners. This may explain why very low incidence of dysplastic changes and cervical cancer were found in our study group of women.

Of pelvic mass, uterine myomas and/or adenomyosis are estimated to be present in 20% - 25% or reproductive-age women, indicating that they are one of the most common human neoplasma [22] [23] [24] . A myoma does not necessarily produce symptoms, and even very large ones may go undetected by the patient, particularly if she is obese. Symptoms from myomas depend on their location, size and state of presentation; symptoms are present in 35% - 50% of patients with myomas. Ovarian tumors, cystic or solid, are also frequently asymptomatic and undetected by themselves. The diagnosis of these tumors is not usually difficult using ultrasonography at physical check-up. We observed lower frequency of uterine enlargement and ovarian tumors in our subjects.

All participants with abnormal cytologic and/or ultrasonographic findings were referred to the medical facilities for further managements. Although no additional information regarding their detail examination outcomes, the present study based on symptom-free population suggested annual gynecologic screening and proper follow-up programs even against asymptomatic women may remarkably reduce the probability of (pre)malignant disease. Since the study sample was shown to be representative population of high-income and high-attitude toward screening, most of our observations may have important implications in terms of public health.

This study has some limitations. The main limitation is that we cannot examine the associations of life style and health factors with cancer screening attendances. Moreover, we did not extend to the association between gynecological cancer screening, socio-demographic characteristics and educational level, financial status, and being married. Lastly small sample sizes limited our ability to examine the relation ship between cervical smear results and contraceptive method use among various sub-populations.

The current American Cancer Society guidelines recommended that screening stops at age 65 for women with adequate negative prior screening and no history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasma 2 of higher [25] . However, screening continues to be common among women over 65 years of age, even among those with less than 5-year life expectancy due to poor health [26] . It seems plausible that as clinical practice continues to change around the screening pelvic examination, consequent changes in utilization of reproductive health services among adolescence to menopausal.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, not paying attention to cancer screening is risk factors for non- attendance to health check-up. In this study, we confirmed that Ningen Dock attendances were associated with extremely lower in positive gynecology cancer screening incidence. These findings are of importance for improving the gynecological cancer screening practices of the lower screening attendance in Japan.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1] Mitchell, S., Pedersen, H., Sekikubo, M., Biryabarema, C., Byamugisha, J., Mwesigwa, D., Steinberg, M., Money, D. and Ogilvie G. (2016) Strategies for Community Education Prior to Clinical Trial Recruitment for a Cervical Cancer Screening Intervention in Uganda. Frontiers in Oncology, 6, 90.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2016.00090
[2] Anttila, A., Ronco, G., Clifford, G., Bray, F., Hakama, M., Arbyn, M. and Weiderpass, E. (2004) Cervical Cancer Screening Programmes and Policies in 18 European Countries. British Journal of Cancer, 91, 935-941.
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjc.6602069
[3] Bray, F., Loos, A., McCarron, P., Weiderpass, E., Arbyn, M., Moller, H., Hakama, M. and Parkin, D. (2005) Trends in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma Incidence in 13 European Countries: Changing Risk and the Effects of Screening. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 14, 677-686.
https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-04-0569
[4] Greenlee, R., Hill-Harmon, M., Murray, T. and Thun, M. (2001) Cancer Statistics, 2001. A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 51, 15-36.
https://doi.org/10.3322/canjclin.51.1.15
[5] Hakama, M., Coleman, M., Alexe, D. and Auvinen, A. (2008) Cancer Screening: Evidence and Practice in Europe 2008. European Journal of Cancer, 44, 1404-1413.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2008.02.013
[6] Johannesson, G., Geirsson, G., Day, N. and Tulinius, H. (1982) Screening for Cancer of the Uterine Cervix in Iceland 1965-1978. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 61, 199-203.
https://doi.org/10.3109/00016348209156556
[7] Mount, S. and Papillo, J. (1999) A Study of 10 296 Pediatric and Adolescent Papanicolaou Smear Diagnoses in Northern New England. Pediatrics, 103, 539-545.
https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.103.3.539
[8] Richard, A., Rohrmann, S., Schmid, S., Tirri, B., Huang, D., Güth, U. and Eichholzer, M. (2015) Lifestyle and Health-Related Predictors of Cervical Cancer Screening Attendance in a Swiss Population-Based Study. Cancer Epidemiology, 39, 870-876.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canep.2015.09.009
[9] Limmer, K., LoBiondo-Wood, G. and Dains, J. (2014) Predictors of Cervical Cancer Screening Adherence in the United States: A Systematic Review. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, 5, 31-41.
[10] Kamberi, F., Theodhosi, G., Ndreu, V., Sinaj, E., Stramarko, Y. and Kamberi, L. (2016) Nurses, Healthy Women and Preventive Gynecological Examinations— Vlora City Scenario, Albania. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 17, 311-314.
https://doi.org/10.7314/APJCP.2016.17.1.311
[11] Dietrich, A., Tobin, J., Cassells, A., Robinson, C., Greene, M., Sox, C., Beach, M., DuHamel, K. and Younge, R. (2006) Telephone Care Management to Improve Cancer Screening Among Low-Income Women: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 144, 563-571.
https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-144-8-200604180-00006
[12] Lawson, H., Henson, R., Bobo, J. and Kaeser, M. (2000) Implementing Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast and Cervical Cancer among Low-Income Women. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Recommendation Report, 49, 37-55.
[13] Ng, E., Wilkins, R., Fung, M. and Berthelot, J. (2004) Cervical Cancer Mortality by Neighbourhood Income in Urban Canada from 1971 to 1996. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 170, 1545-1549.
https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.1031528
[14] Schoenberg, N., Hopenhayn, C., Christian, A., Knight, E. and Rubio, A. (2005) An In-Depth and Updated Perspective on Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Central Appalachian Women. Women Health, 42, 89-105.
https://doi.org/10.1300/J013v42n02_06
[15] Yabroff, K., Lawrence, W., King, J., Mangan, P., Washington, K., Yi, B., Kerner, J. and Mandelblatt, J. (2005) Geographic Disparities in Cervical Cancer Mortality: What Are the Roles of Risk Factor Prevalence, Screening, and Use of Recommended Treatment? Journal of Rural Health, 21, 149-157.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-0361.2005.tb00075.x
[16] Imai, A., Matsunami, K., Takagi, H. and Ichigo, S. (2012) Trend of Incidence in Positive Cervical Smears from 2002-2010 in Ningen Dock, a Special Japanese Health Check-Up System. Ningen Dock, 26, 923-926.
[17] Munoz, N., Bosch, F., de Sanjosé, S., Herrero, R., Castellsagué, X., Shah, K., Snijders, P. and Meijer, C. (2003) Epidemiologic Classification of Human Papillomavirus Types Associated with Cervical Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 348, 518-527.
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa021641
[18] Rocha-Zavaleta, L., Yescas, G., Cruz, R. and Cruz-Talonia, F. (2004) Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cervical Ectopy. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 85, 259-266.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2003.10.002
[19] Tachezy, R., Saláková, M., Hamsíková, E., Kanka, J., Havránková, A. and Vonka V (2003) Prospective Study on Cervical Neoplasia: Presence of Hpv Dna in Cytological Smears Precedes the Development of Cervical Neoplastic Lesions. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 79, 191-196.
https://doi.org/10.1136/sti.79.3.191
[20] Baseman, J. and Koutsky, L. (2005) The Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infections. Journal of Clinical Virology, 32, 16-24.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcv.2004.12.008
[21] Clavel, C., Masure, M., Bory, J., Putaud, I., Mangeonjean, C., Lorenzato, M., Nazeyrollas, P., Gabriel, R., Quereux, C. and Birembaut, P. (2001) Human Papillomavirus Testing in Primary Screening for the Detection of High-Grade Cervical Lesions: A Study of 7932 Women. British Journal of Cancer, 84, 1616-1623.
https://doi.org/10.1054/bjoc.2001.1845
[22] Levy, B. (2007) Modern Management of Uterine Fibroids. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 87, 812-823.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00016340802146912
[23] Parker, W. (2007) Uterine Myomas: Management. Fertility and Sterility, 88, 255-271.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.06.044
[24] Sankaran, S. and Manyonda, I. (2008) Medical Management of Fibroids. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 22, 655-676.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2008.03.001
[25] Smith, R., Manassaram-Baptiste, D., Brooks, D., Doroshenk, M., Fedewa, S., Saslow, D., Brawley, O. and Wender, R. (2015) Cancer Screening in the United States, 2015. A Review of Current American Cancer Society Guidelines and Current Issues in Cancer Screening. Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 65, 30-54.
https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21261
[26] Royce, T., Hendrix, L., Stokes, W., Allen, I. and Chen, R. (2014) Cancer Screening Rates in Individuals with Different Life Expectancies. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174, 1558-1565.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.3895

Copyright © 2024 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.

Creative Commons License

This work and the related PDF file are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.