Women's Health and Aging

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Women’s reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) plays a pivotal role in the sustainable development of the population and whole society. In the context of population aging and low fertility, women’s health becomes even more important and requires strengthened health investment. Over the years, the target of women’s health has broadened from reducing mortality to providing high-quality care across the whole lifetime of women. The key areas of focus include fertility issues, sexually transmitted diseases, breast cancer, reproductive cancers, safe motherhood, access, equity and quality of health services, and health aging for women. Remarkable improvements have been achieved in improving women’s health globally; these achievements are attributable to coordinated efforts from sectors inside and outside the health systems. However, there are still gaps around universal health coverage for women, and huge disparities exist in this field, especially in less developed regions. A comprehensive review of the current situation, determinants, policy practice, public health programs for women’s health, and summary of related experience and lessons from different countries are needed for better women’s health.

For this Topic, we encourage researchers to submit observational, experimental, and review studies related to the following aspects for women:

1. maternal and child health;
2. cancer screening, prevention, and treatment (including breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, etc.)
3. sexually transmitted diseases prevention and treatment;
4. health services utilization;
5. health equity;
6. health aging.

Dr. Li Yang
Dr. Rosa Legood
Dr. Fei Ma
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Cancers cancers	5.2	7.4	2009	17.9 Days	CHF 2900
Diseases diseases	3.7	-	2013	18.8 Days	CHF 1800
Geriatrics geriatrics	2.3	2.7	2016	22.4 Days	CHF 1800
Healthcare healthcare	2.8	2.7	2013	19.5 Days	CHF 2700
Women women	-	-	2021	19 Days	CHF 1000

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Published Papers (18 papers)

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15 pages, 904 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Dyslipidemia Is Positively Associated with Chronic Low Back Pain in Korean Women: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2012

by Sunmin Kim and Seon-Mi Lee

Healthcare 2024, 12(1), 102; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare12010102 - 02 Jan 2024

Viewed by 748

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between chronic low back pain (CLBP) and chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) between [...] Read more.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between chronic low back pain (CLBP) and chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) between 2010–2012 and included women who answered a questionnaire in the KNHANES asking whether they had low back pain for ≥3 months. Participants were divided into non-CLBP and CLBP groups. For statistical analysis, the Student’s t-test, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS. Results: Of 5961 participants, the non-CLBP group comprised 4098 women and the CLBP group comprised 1863. Adjusted logistic regression model revealed that dyslipidemia was positively associated with CLBP (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.140, 1.530; p < 0.001). However, hypertension and diabetes were not associated with CLBP. Conclusions: Our results suggest that proper treatment of dyslipidemia may contribute to lowering the risk of CLBP later in life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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8 pages, 243 KiB  

Open AccessOpinion

Surviving the Storm: The Impact of COVID-19 on Cervical Cancer Screening in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

by Mandana Vahabi, Anam Shahil-Feroz, Aisha Lofters, Josephine Pui-Hing Wong, Vijayshree Prakash, Sharmila Pimple, Kavita Anand and Gauravi Mishra

Healthcare 2023, 11(23), 3079; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare11233079 - 01 Dec 2023

Viewed by 959

Abstract

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the cervical cancer screening rate dropped by 84% soon after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges facing cervical cancer screening were largely attributed to [...] Read more.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the cervical cancer screening rate dropped by 84% soon after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges facing cervical cancer screening were largely attributed to the required in-person nature of the screening process and the measures implemented to control the spread of the virus. While the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening is well-documented in high-income countries, less is known about the low- and middle-income countries that bear 90% of the global burden of cervical cancer deaths. In this paper, we aim to offer a comprehensive view of the impact of COVID-19 on cervical cancer screening in LMICs. Using our study, “Prevention of Cervical Cancer in India through Self-Sampling” (PCCIS), as a case example, we present the challenges COVID-19 has exerted on patients, healthcare practitioners, and health systems, as well as potential opportunities to mitigate these challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

11 pages, 273 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Exercise Training on Lipoprotein Subclass Particle Concentrations and Sizes in Older Women: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

by Ryan R. Porter, Joshua R. Sparks, J. Larry Durstine, Sabra S. Custer, Raymond W. Thompson and Xuewen Wang

Geriatrics 2023, 8(6), 116; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geriatrics8060116 - 29 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1324

Abstract

Background: Evidence suggests that lipoprotein subclass particles are critical markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Older women have increased CVD risk related to age. The purpose of this study was to determine whether low and moderate doses of exercise influence lipoprotein subclasses. Methods: [...] Read more.

Background: Evidence suggests that lipoprotein subclass particles are critical markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Older women have increased CVD risk related to age. The purpose of this study was to determine whether low and moderate doses of exercise influence lipoprotein subclasses. Methods: Women (60–75 years) were randomized into groups for 16 weeks of moderate-intensity exercise training at a low or moderate dose (33.6 and 58.8 kJ/kg body weight weekly, respectively). Lipoprotein subclasses were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after the training. RESULTS: The average weekly exercise duration was 109 and 164 min, for low- and moderate-dose groups, respectively. In the low-dose group, high-density lipoprotein particle (HDL-P) concentration decreased (Δ = −1.9 ± 3.1 µmol/L, mean ± SD, p = 0.002) and mean HDL-P size increased (Δ = 0.1 ± 0.3 nm, p = 0.028). In the moderate-dose group, mean HDL-P size (Δ = 0.1 ± 0.2 nm; p = 0.024) and low-density lipoprotein particle size increased (Δ = 0.4 ± 3.9 nm; p = 0.007). Baseline body mass index, peak oxygen consumption and age were associated with changes in a few lipoprotein subclasses. Conclusions: In this sample of inactive older women, moderate-intensity exercise training at a dose equivalent to or even lower than the minimally recommended level by public health agencies induced changes in lipoprotein subclasses in line with reduced CVD risk. However, higher doses are encouraged for greater health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

15 pages, 818 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

New Media Use and Mental Health of Married Women: Mediating Effects of Marital Quality

by Dong Zhou, Yi Xu and Qixuan He

Healthcare 2023, 11(21), 2909; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare11212909 - 06 Nov 2023

Viewed by 944

Abstract

While previous studies have investigated the influence of new media on mental health, little is known about its effects on the mental health of married women. This is a crucial research area, given that married women commonly encounter distinct mental health difficulties. Also, [...] Read more.

While previous studies have investigated the influence of new media on mental health, little is known about its effects on the mental health of married women. This is a crucial research area, given that married women commonly encounter distinct mental health difficulties. Also, current research fails to provide comprehensive, population-based studies, with most relying on cross-sectional designs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between new media use and mental health among married women in China, utilizing a nationally representative longitudinal dataset. We utilized a balanced panel dataset from 2016 to 2020 to establish a causal connection between internet use and the mental health of these women. Our findings indicate that internet use has a positive impact on the mental health of married women in China. Additionally, a structural estimation model (SEM) with 2020 wave data was utilized to investigate various new media use effects and explore mediating pathways of marital satisfaction. Consistently, there were negative findings between new media use, marital satisfaction, and depression. Furthermore, it was determined that new media usage had a significant negative impact on married women’s overall satisfaction with their spouses’ housework contribution, which, in turn, negatively affected marital satisfaction as a whole. The pathways that mediate the effect of marital satisfaction on depression differ across general internet use, streaming media use, and WeChat use. Examining various theoretical perspectives, we interpreted the indirect impact of new media use on mental health through marital satisfaction as passive mediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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14 pages, 320 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Dancing toward Well-Being: Effects on Mood and Well-Being of a 12-Week Flamenco Dance Workshop in Women Aged 60–80 Years

by José M. León-Rubio, Carmen Rivera-Rodríguez, Jose M. León-Pérez, Carlos Sepúlveda and Francisco J. Cantero-Sánchez

Women 2023, 3(4), 457-470; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/women3040035 - 22 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1405

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a flamenco dance program on the mood and subjective well-being of 34 self-selected women from the community, aged between 62 and 79 years. The mean age was 70.11 (SD = 5.13). Participants [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a flamenco dance program on the mood and subjective well-being of 34 self-selected women from the community, aged between 62 and 79 years. The mean age was 70.11 (SD = 5.13). Participants voluntarily enrolled in a 12-week flamenco dance workshop conducted by the Autoestima Flamenca Association, with one two-hour session per week. Every two weeks, mood measurements (sadness, anxiety, anger and joy) were taken, and subjective well-being assessments were conducted before and after each session. It was found that the participants’ overall mood and subjective well-being improved significantly following the intervention. These improvements were observed at both the individual and group levels. Overall, our findings suggest that participation in a free 12-week flamenco dance program had a positive impact on mood and subjective well-being in this segment of the population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

17 pages, 309 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Senior Immigrant Women and Participation in Voluntary Services in Norway

by Rakel Bruland, Wenche Malmedal and Lene Blekken

Healthcare 2023, 11(15), 2162; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare11152162 - 29 Jul 2023

Viewed by 901

Abstract

In Norway, there is a rising trend in the number of senior immigrants. Engagement in society is known to be crucial to their well-being and health, with participation in voluntary activities being one way of partaking in a community. A qualitative study was [...] Read more.

In Norway, there is a rising trend in the number of senior immigrants. Engagement in society is known to be crucial to their well-being and health, with participation in voluntary activities being one way of partaking in a community. A qualitative study was conducted, involving 12 immigrant women aged 50 years and above. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to gain insight into their experiences of participation in activities, aiming to identify both facilitators and barriers to their engagement in activities provided by voluntary organizations. The analysis resulted in two main themes and five sub-themes. According to the women’s experience, learning Norwegian was important for successful integration. They also emphasized the importance of social relationships for improved self-perceived health and a sense of belonging in a community. Language challenges and limited social integration were barriers negatively impacting their participation, with health being a crucial factor determining their capacity to engage in voluntary services. Since most of the women talked about their health, this became an important topic of further investigation. This article is a contribution towards gaining further insight into the experiences of senior immigrant women participating in voluntary services and explores the challenges faced by voluntary organizations in improving information dissemination and minimizing barriers to participation. Public health competence can improve knowledge regarding facilitating health-promoting participation in voluntary services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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11 pages, 1793 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Health-Care Seeking Behavior and Treatment of Menstrual Migraine among Danish Women—A Social Media Study

by Mona Ameri Chalmer and Ulla Sofie Lønberg

Women 2023, 3(3), 385-395; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/women3030029 - 17 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1280

Abstract

An estimated 4–8% of all women, and 16–25% of women with migraine, have menstrual migraine (MM), which causes considerable disability, but is underdiagnosed and undertreated. We investigated the burden of disease, health-care seeking behavior, and treatment practices among women with MM, using social [...] Read more.

An estimated 4–8% of all women, and 16–25% of women with migraine, have menstrual migraine (MM), which causes considerable disability, but is underdiagnosed and undertreated. We investigated the burden of disease, health-care seeking behavior, and treatment practices among women with MM, using social media. In 12 days, 6246 women answered an online survey, allowing for diagnosis of MM by the International Classification of Headache Disorders third edition (ICHD-3). In total, 47% had MM, 21% had non-menstrual migraine (nMM), and 15% had probable menstrual migraine (pMM). Among women with MM, 61% had missed out on school/work and 69% on family, leisure, or social activities in the last 3 months. Fifty-four percent had consulted a health-care practitioner about their MM, of whom thirty-seven percent had received information about medical treatment of MM. A total of 85% used medicine in connection with MM, either over-the-counter medication only (57%), prescription medication only (24%), or both. Social media offers an efficient and less expensive recruitment platform for population-based studies on MM and is a useful tool to raise public awareness about MM. Moreover, this study confirms the significant impact of MM on women’s everyday lives and the challenges it poses to their regular activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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12 pages, 287 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Association between Facebook Addiction, Depression, and Emotional Regulation among Women

by Atallah Alenezi, Warda Hamed, Ibrahim Elhehe and Rania El-Etreby

Healthcare 2023, 11(12), 1701; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare11121701 - 09 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2224

Abstract

Facebook has grown to be one of the most widely used communication platforms. A new condition linked with widespread use has emerged with its expanding popularity: Facebook addiction. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used in the current study, in two randomly selected [...] Read more.

Facebook has grown to be one of the most widely used communication platforms. A new condition linked with widespread use has emerged with its expanding popularity: Facebook addiction. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used in the current study, in two randomly selected villages (Elmanial and Batra) and one town (Talkha city) affiliated with Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Data were collected from women only through using a self-administered socio-demographic questionnaire, Facebook addiction scale, Beck depression inventory-II, and emotional regulation scale. The study found 83.7% of the studied women reported moderate emotional regulation; 27.9% had moderate Facebook addiction, and 23.9% reported mild depression. The study concluded there was a significant negative correlation between Facebook addiction and emotional regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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11 pages, 846 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Antimüllerian Hormone as a Tool to Predict the Age at Menopause

by Efstathia Chatziandreou, Andreas Eustathiou, Areti Augoulea, Eleni Armeni, Nikoletta Mili, Ioannis Boutas, Nikolaos Tsoltos, Antigoni Kapetanaki and Sofia Kalantaridou

Geriatrics 2023, 8(3), 57; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geriatrics8030057 - 19 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4945

Abstract

This study aimed to assess an eligible cut-off value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) to detect ovarian senescence in a group of premenopausal Greek women to evaluate the possible link between AMH-values and the severity of climacteric symptoms during a follow-up of 24 months. [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess an eligible cut-off value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) to detect ovarian senescence in a group of premenopausal Greek women to evaluate the possible link between AMH-values and the severity of climacteric symptoms during a follow-up of 24 months. This study included 180 women (group A, 96 women of late reproductive stage/early perimenopause; group B, 84 women in late perimenopause). We measured AMH blood levels and assessed climacteric symptoms using the Greene scale. Log-AMH is inversely associated with postmenopausal status. The AMH cut-off of 0.012 ng/mL predicts the postmenopausal status with a sensitivity of 24.2% and specificity of 30.5%. The postmenopausal stage associated with age (OR = 1.320, 95%CI: 1.084–1.320) and AMH (values ≥ vs. <0.012 ng/mL, OR = 0.225, 95%CI: 0.098–0.529, p-value < 0.001). Moreover, the severity of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) was only associated inversely with AMH (b-coefficient = −0.272, p-value = 0.027). In conclusion, AMH levels measured in the late premenopausal period are inversely associated with the time to ovarian senescence. In contrast, AMH levels measured in the perimenopausal period are inversely associated only with the severity of VMS. Therefore, a cut-off of 0.012 ng/mL predicts menopause with low sensitivity and specificity, making it challenging to use in a clinical setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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11 pages, 1161 KiB  

Open AccessPerspective

Body Image, Body Composition, and Aging in Women: Insights into an Older Adult Problem

by Ronald B. Brown

Women 2023, 3(2), 214-224; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/women3020017 - 12 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2839

Abstract

Body image is understudied in aging women. The present perspective article reviews body image, body composition, and aging in women. Sarcopenia, a condition of low muscle mass, is associated with aging, and sarcopenia in combination with excessive body fat causes sarcopenic obesity. Findings [...] Read more.

Body image is understudied in aging women. The present perspective article reviews body image, body composition, and aging in women. Sarcopenia, a condition of low muscle mass, is associated with aging, and sarcopenia in combination with excessive body fat causes sarcopenic obesity. Findings of improved health in people with a higher body mass index, known as the obesity paradox, are due to misclassifying healthy people as overweight according to height and body weight instead of according to fat mass and fat-free mass. Body fat infiltrates internal organs in aging adults as increasing levels of body fat are redistributed into the trunk, especially in the abdomen, while subcutaneous fat in the appendages decreases. Accuracy of body image perceptions can determine an individual’s control of body weight. Aging women can protect against sarcopenic obesity by increasing fat-free mass with resistance training and by lowering body fat levels with weight management knowledge and skills. Healthy dietary patterns are low in ultra-processed foods that stimulate excessive consumption of calories and increase body fat levels. In combination with the phosphate additives in ultra-processed food which increase sarcopenia and aging, the present article proposes an etiological pathway in which ultra-processed food consumption eventually leads to aging-related sarcopenic obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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12 pages, 849 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Postpartum Depression and Health: Role of Perceived Social Support among Pakistani Women

by Samrah Jamshaid, Najma Iqbal Malik, Irfan Ullah, Sundas Saboor, Fauzia Arain and Domenico De Berardis

Diseases 2023, 11(2), 53; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/diseases11020053 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2821

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) can predispose to physical and mental health problems in Pakistani women. However, PPD is associated with health and perceived social support, yet their causal relationship is unclear. Therefore, this study intended to evaluate the association of PPD with insomnia, mental [...] Read more.

Postpartum depression (PPD) can predispose to physical and mental health problems in Pakistani women. However, PPD is associated with health and perceived social support, yet their causal relationship is unclear. Therefore, this study intended to evaluate the association of PPD with insomnia, mental health, and physical health. The convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 320 (52.8%) young and middle-aged postpartum women, at the outpatient departments of obstetrics and gynecology of the Government Maula Bakhsh Hospital, District Head Quarter in Sargodha, Pakistan. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, patient health questionnaire, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used to measure study variables. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between PPD and physical health (r = 0.45, p = 0.001), negative relationships with insomnia (r = −0.24, p < 0.001), and perceived social support (r = −0.38, p = 0.001). Results further confirmed that perceived social support played a moderating role (β = 0.97, p = 0.01) in the relationship between PPD and mental health among Pakistani women. This study concluded that perceived social support has an important role in PPD and the health of Pakistani women. The study also concluded that poor health is a risk indicator for the identification of aid in the early stages of postpartum among Pakistani women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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14 pages, 958 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Ultrasound for Breast Cancer Screening in Resource-Limited Settings: Current Practice and Future Directions

by Qing Dan, Tingting Zheng, Li Liu, Desheng Sun and Yun Chen

Cancers 2023, 15(7), 2112; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15072112 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3315

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among women globally. Cancer screening can reduce mortality and improve women’s health. In developed countries, mammography (MAM) has been primarily utilized for population-based BC screening for several decades. However, it is usually unavailable in low-resource [...] Read more.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among women globally. Cancer screening can reduce mortality and improve women’s health. In developed countries, mammography (MAM) has been primarily utilized for population-based BC screening for several decades. However, it is usually unavailable in low-resource settings due to the lack of equipment, personnel, and time necessary to conduct and interpret the examinations. Ultrasound (US) with high detection sensitivity for women of younger ages and with dense breasts has become a supplement to MAM for breast examination. Some guidelines suggest using US as the primary screening tool in certain settings where MAM is unavailable and infeasible, but global recommendations have not yet reached a unanimous consensus. With the development of smart devices and artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging, clinical applications and preclinical studies have shown the potential of US combined with AI in BC screening. Nevertheless, there are few comprehensive reviews focused on the role of US in screening BC in underserved conditions, especially in technological, economical, and global perspectives. This work presents the benefits, limitations, advances, and future directions of BC screening with technology-assisted and resource-appropriate strategies, which may be helpful to implement screening initiatives in resource-limited countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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12 pages, 804 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Obesity-Related Factors in Adult Women with Early Menarche

by Hunha Cho and Jeong-Won Han

Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 557; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare11040557 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1292

Abstract

The average menarche age among South Korean women has decreased over time. Early menarche in women causes a higher incidence of obesity owing to the continuous fat accumulation induced by prolonged exposure to estrogen and adrenal steroids. Identifying the factors affecting obesity in [...] Read more.

The average menarche age among South Korean women has decreased over time. Early menarche in women causes a higher incidence of obesity owing to the continuous fat accumulation induced by prolonged exposure to estrogen and adrenal steroids. Identifying the factors affecting obesity in women who experience early menarche is essential for managing obesity in adult women. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with obesity in adult women who experienced early menarche and to provide basic data for obesity management. This study was a cross-sectional and descriptive survey from the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination. A total of 371 women aged ≥ 19 years experienced early menarche, and the propensity matching method was used to analyze the obesity-related factors identified in previous studies. The results showed that obesity in adult women with early menarche was negatively associated with the level of aerobic exercise (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.30–0.93, p = 0.028) and muscle-strengthening exercise (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.17–0.64, p = 0.001). Future longitudinal studies on girls who experience early menarche are needed to address female obesity prevention at every stage of life, and, based on these findings, obesity management programs can be developed and applied and their effectiveness determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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10 pages, 1228 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Menopausal Status Contributes to Overall Survival in Endometrial Cancer Patients

by Bartłomiej Barczyński, Karolina Frąszczak, Artur Wnorowski and Jan Kotarski

Cancers 2023, 15(2), 451; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15020451 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1413

Abstract

Endometrial cancer is the most common female genital tract malignancy in developed countries that occurs predominantly in postmenopausal women. The primary objective of our research was to investigate whether menopause status together with selected conventional prognostic indicators may contribute to overall (all-cause) survival [...] Read more.

Endometrial cancer is the most common female genital tract malignancy in developed countries that occurs predominantly in postmenopausal women. The primary objective of our research was to investigate whether menopause status together with selected conventional prognostic indicators may contribute to overall (all-cause) survival in endometrial cancer patients. For this purpose, we applied the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Patients in advanced FIGO stage showed a relatively poor survival rate. The time since last menstruation and postoperative FSH concentration were identified as unfavorable prognostic factors in our model. Additionally, age at diagnosis, BMI value, adjuvant treatment (brachytherapy), and parity showed no impact on survival. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a prognostic model for endometrial cancer including exact time from last menstruation as one of the prognostic variables. Due to the fact that there are no stratifying systems to reliably predict survival in patients with endometrial cancer, there is a strong need to revise and update existing models using complementary prognostic indicators. Collection of precise data on various risk factors may contribute to increased accuracy of artificial intelligence algorithms in order to personalize cancer care in the near future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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15 pages, 584 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Presumed Low- and Intermediate-Risk Endometrial Cancer Management (SLIM): A Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study in The Netherlands

by Lara C. Burg, Roy F. P. M. Kruitwagen, Annemarie de Jong, Johan Bulten, Tijmen J. J. Bonestroo, Arjan A. Kraayenbrink, Dorry Boll, Sandrina Lambrechts, Huberdina P. M. Smedts, Annechien Bouman, Mirjam J. A. Engelen, Jenneke C. Kasius, Ruud L. M. Bekkers and Petra L. M. Zusterzeel

Cancers 2023, 15(1), 271; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15010271 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1817

Abstract

The aim was to investigate the incidence of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases and the contribution of SLN mapping in presumed low- and intermediate-risk endometrial cancer (EC). A multicenter, prospective cohort study in presumed low- and intermediate-risk EC patients was performed. Patients underwent [...] Read more.

The aim was to investigate the incidence of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases and the contribution of SLN mapping in presumed low- and intermediate-risk endometrial cancer (EC). A multicenter, prospective cohort study in presumed low- and intermediate-risk EC patients was performed. Patients underwent SLN mapping using cervical injections of indocyanine green and a minimally invasive hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The primary outcome was the incidence of SLN metastases, leading to adjusted adjuvant treatment. Secondary outcomes were the SLN detection rate and the occurrence of complications. Descriptive statistics and univariate general linear model analyses were used. A total of 152 patients were enrolled, with overall and bilateral SLN detection rates of 91% and 61%, respectively. At final histology, 78.9% of patients (n = 120) had truly low- and intermediate-risk EC. Macro- and micro-metastases were present in 11.2% (n = 17/152), and three patients had isolated tumor cells (2.0%). Nine patients (5.9%) had addition of adjuvant radiotherapy based on SLN metastases only. In 2.0% of patients with high-risk disease, adjuvant therapy was more limited due to negative SLNs. This study emphasizes the importance of SLN mapping in presumed early-stage, grade 1 and 2 EC, leading to individualized adjuvant management, resulting in less undertreatment and overtreatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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40 pages, 3931 KiB  

Open AccessSystematic Review

Beneficial Exercises for Cancer-Related Fatigue among Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

by Yu-Chen Liu, Tsai-Tzu Hung, Sriyani Padmalatha Konara Mudiyanselage, Chi-Jane Wang and Mei-Feng Lin

Cancers 2023, 15(1), 151; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15010151 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2934

Abstract

Context: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common cause of physical powerlessness in women with breast cancer (BC). The practice of continuous effective exercise is beneficial with respect to reducing CRF. Objective: To explore exercise efficacy and respective ranks with respect to reducing [...] Read more.

Context: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common cause of physical powerlessness in women with breast cancer (BC). The practice of continuous effective exercise is beneficial with respect to reducing CRF. Objective: To explore exercise efficacy and respective ranks with respect to reducing CRF in women with BC within the inter-treatment and post-treatment periods. Methods: Throughout this systematic review and network meta-analysis, articles published from 2000 to March 2022 were included. Article searches were conducted on the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases. Adult women with BC and different exercise programs were compared with those involved in regular care as a control during or after treatment. In addition, randomized controlled trials (RCT) were also included. A risk-of-bias assessment, with the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool regarding RCT and probability-based ranking, was established based on the surface under the cumulative rank (SUCRA) method via network meta-analysis. Results: a total of 5747 women with BC followed seven exercise interventions. Yoga (SMD = −0.54, 95% CI [−0.86, −0.22]) was ranked first (94.5%), with significant effects in respect of mitigating CRF, followed by resistance exercise (66.2%), and aerobic resistance (63.3%), while Qigong ranked last (22.2%) among the 36 RCT in inter-treatment. Aerobic resistance exercise (SMD = −0.52, 95% CI [−0.98, −0.07]) induced significant effects in respect of mitigating CRF in the 38 RCTs in the post-treatment period. Yoga, aerobic yoga, and aerobic resistance exercise ranked as the top three (75.5%, 75.0%, and 72.4%, respectively), whereas relaxation ranked last (38.8%) in the post-treatment period. Conclusion: Yoga, aerobic resistance, and aerobic yoga are recommended for the purposes of inter- and post-treatment exercise to reduce CRF in women with BC by enhancing their physical resilience and long-term quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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15 pages, 425 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Association between Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Frailty: Cross-Sectional Study Using National Survey Data in Korea

by Hyunjoo Kim and Euni Lee

Healthcare 2022, 10(11), 2121; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10112121 - 24 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1551

Abstract

Frailty is a multidimensional clinical syndrome that increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. Previous studies have reported a close link between menopause and frailty. Combined estrogen–progestin therapy (or estrogen-only therapy in women who have undergone a hysterectomy) is currently approved as a [...] Read more.

Frailty is a multidimensional clinical syndrome that increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. Previous studies have reported a close link between menopause and frailty. Combined estrogen–progestin therapy (or estrogen-only therapy in women who have undergone a hysterectomy) is currently approved as a menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) to treat menopausal symptoms. Despite increasing evidence of the importance of sex hormones in the development of frailty, very few studies have investigated the association between MHT and frailty. A cross-sectional evaluation was conducted using population-based survey data known as the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV-V, 2008–2012). The KNHANES data provided variables that were used to construct a 51-item frailty index (FI). The number of study population, only including postmenopausal women, was 7823 women, and their mean age was 62.51 years (range 32–80 years). Approximately 40% of them had graduated from middle school or higher, 45% lived in metropolitan statistical areas, and 5% were recipients of the national Medical Aid. The mean age at menopause was 48.66 years (range 30–62 years). Overall, the mean FI value was 0.15, and the prevalence of MHT was 13.23%. Findings from multiple regression analysis using the inverse probability of treatment weighting showed that a treatment duration of more than 2 years and up to 5 years, age at first treatment between 50 and 59 years, and MHT initiation 3 to 6 years after menopause were all negatively associated with frailty (p < 0.05). Further studies are needed to confirm these findings using prospective data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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15 pages, 1097 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Advances in Exosomes as Diagnostic and Therapeutic Biomarkers for Gynaecological Malignancies

by Mengdan Miao, Yifei Miao, Yanping Zhu, Junnan Wang and Huaijun Zhou

Cancers 2022, 14(19), 4743; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers14194743 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2149

Abstract

Background: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that can be released by practically all types of cells. They have a diameter of 30–150 nm. Exosomes control the exchange of materials and information between cells. This function is based on its special cargo-carrying and transporting functions, [...] Read more.

Background: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that can be released by practically all types of cells. They have a diameter of 30–150 nm. Exosomes control the exchange of materials and information between cells. This function is based on its special cargo-carrying and transporting functions, which can load a variety of useful components and guarantee their preservation. Recently, exosomes have been confirmed to play a significant role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of gynaecological malignancies. Particularly, participation in liquid biopsy was studied extensively in gynaecological cancer, which holds the advantages of noninvasiveness and individualization. Literature Review: This article reviews the latest research progress of exosomes in gynaecological malignancies and discusses the involvement of humoral and cell-derived exosomes in the pathogenesis, progression, metastasis, drug resistance and treatment of ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer. Advances in the clinical application of exosomes in diagnostic technology, drug delivery, and overcoming tumour resistance are also presented. Conclusion: Exosomes are potentially diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in gynaecological malignancies, and also provide new directions for the treatment of gynaecological tumours, showing great clinical potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Women's Health and Aging)

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