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Objective: To determine the incidence of decompensated cirrhosis and associated risk factors in people hospitalised with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non- alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with or without cirrhosis. Design: Retrospective cohort study; analysis of linked Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection, Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and Queensland Cancer Register data. Setting, participants: Queensland residents aged 20 years or older admitted to Queensland hospitals with NAFLD/NASH during 1 July 2009 - 31 December 2018. Main outcome measures: Progression to decompensated cirrhosis (ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or oesophageal variceal bleeding). Results: We included data for 8006 patients in our analysis (10 082 admissions), including 4632 women (58%) and 2514 people with diabetes mellitus (31%); median follow- up time was 4.6 years (interquartile range, 2.7-7.2 years). Three hundred and fifty- one people (4.4%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis during the follow- up period. Of the 6900 people without cirrhosis, 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6-5.7%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis within ten years (mean, 0.5% per year; 95% CI, 0.4-0.6% per year); risk of progression was greater for people aged 70 years or older (v 20-39 years: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 4.7; 95% CI, 2.0-11.0) and those who had extrahepatic cancers (aHR, 5.0; 95% CI, 3.0-8.2), history of major cardiovascular events (aHR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1), or diabetes mellitus (aHR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.0-3.9). Of the 1106 people with cirrhosis, 32.4% (95% CI, 27.2-38.3%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis within ten years (mean, 5.5% per year; 95% CI, 4.8-6.3% per year); risk of progression was greater for those with portal hypertension (aHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7), extrahepatic cancer (aHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9), or diabetes mellitus (aHR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0). Compared with people who had neither cirrhosis nor diabetes mellitus, the risk of decompensation was greater for people with cirrhosis (aHR, 10.7; 95% CI, 7.6-15.0) or cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus (aHR, 14.4; 95% CI, 10.1-20.6). Conclusions: Given the greater risk of progression to cirrhosis decompensation in people with diabetes mellitus, a disorder common in people with NAFLD/NASH, identifying advanced fibrosis and providing appropriate treatment for averting disease progression is vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to examine the experience and impact of radiotherapy related fatigue in children diagnosed with solid tumours. Children (n = 25) and parents (n = 19) participated in a semi-structured interview on the last week of radiotherapy treatment. The study sample included children who were 6 to 14 years of age, diagnosed with brain or solid tumour, and received radiotherapy as part of their treatment protocol over the period of 6 weeks. Interpretation of data was undertaken through the adoption of thematic analysis approach. Data revealed children's experience and response to fatigue while undergoing radiotherapy. Several recurring themes arose about their experience of fatigue/tiredness while undergoing radiotherapy. Two themes and eight sub themes, namely 'Experience of Fatigue' ("You feel Different in your body", Mood and Feeling, Activity and Occurrence) and 'Response to Fatigue' (Rest and Sleep, Activity, Mood and Concentration and Eating Habit) were identified. The findings illustrated significant fatigue on activity sleep, rest and mood of children undergoing radiotherapy. Monitoring and addressing fatigue and its consequences during radiotherapy treatment are essential to improve well-being of children with cancer. • Some children described fatigue as physical, mental or a combination of both. • Fatigue impacted on many aspects of their lives such as daily activities, mood and social interaction. • Assessment of fatigue during radiotherapy treatment is key to improve well-being of children with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Indigenous Australians experience more aggressive cancers and higher cancer mortality rates than other Australians. Cancer patients undergoing treatment are likely to access health services (e.g. social worker, cancer helpline, pain management services). To date Indigenous cancer patients’ use of these services is limited. This paper describes the use of health services by Indigenous cancer patients. Methods Indigenous cancer patients receiving treatment were recruited at four major Queensland public hospitals (Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, Princess Alexandra, Cairns Base Hospital and Townsville Hospital). Participants were invited to complete a structured questionnaire during a face-to-face interview which sought information about their use of community and allied health services. Results Of the 157 patients interviewed most were women (54.1%), of Aboriginal descent (73.9%), lived outer regional areas (40.1%) and had a mean age of 52.2 years. The most frequent cancer types were breast cancer (22.3%), blood related (14.0%), lung (12.1%) and gastroenterological (10.8%). More than half of the participants reported using at least one of the ‘Indigenous Health Worker/Services’ (76.4%), ‘Allied Health Workers/Services’ (72.6%) and ‘Information Sources’ (70.7%). Younger participants 19–39 years were more likely to use information sources (81.0%) than older participants who more commonly used community services (48.8%). The cancer patients used a median of three health services groups while receiving cancer treatment. Conclusions Indigenous cancer patients used a range of health services whilst receiving treatment. Indigenous Health Workers/Services and Allied Health Workers/Services were the most commonly used services. However, there is a need for further systematic investigation into the health service utilization by Indigenous cancer patients.

Abstract Background The prevalence of chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) and bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis (CF) among Indigenous children in Australia, New Zealand and Alaska is very high. Antibiotics are a major component of treatment and are used both on a short or long-term basis. One aim of long-term or maintenance antibiotics is to reduce the frequency of acute pulmonary exacerbations and symptoms. However, there are few studies investigating the efficacy of long-term antibiotic use for CSLD and non-CF bronchiectasis among children. This study tests the hypothesis that azithromycin administered once a week as maintenance antibiotic treatment will reduce the rate of pulmonary exacerbations in Indigenous children with bronchiectasis. Methods/design We are conducting a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial in Australia and New Zealand. Inclusion criteria are: Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Maori or Pacific Island children aged 1 to 8 years, diagnosed with bronchiectasis (or probable bronchiectasis) with no underlying disease identified (such as CF or primary immunodeficiency), and having had at least one episode of pulmonary exacerbation in the last 12 months. After informed consent, children are randomised to receive either azithromycin (30 mg/kg once a week) or placebo (once a week) for 12–24 months from study entry. Primary outcomes are the rate of pulmonary exacerbations and time to pulmonary exacerbation determined by review of patient medical records. Secondary outcomes include length and severity of pulmonary exacerbation episodes, changes in growth, school loss, respiratory symptoms, forced expiratory volume in 1-second (FEV1; for children ≥6 years), and sputum characteristics. Safety endpoints include serious adverse events. Antibiotic resistance in respiratory bacterial pathogens colonising the nasopharynx is monitored. Data derived from medical records and clinical assessments every 3 to 4 months for up to 24 months from study entry are recorded on standardised forms. Discussion Should this trial demonstrate that azithromycin is efficacious in reducing the number of pulmonary exacerbations, it will provide a much-needed rationale for the use of long-term antibiotics in the medical management of bronchiectasis in Indigenous children. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12610000383066

Abstract Background Little is known about the supportive care needs of Indigenous people with cancer and to date, existing needs assessment tools have not considered cultural issues for this population. We aimed to adapt an existing supportive care needs assessment tool for use with Indigenous Australians with cancer. Methods Face-to-face interviews with Indigenous cancer patients (n = 29) and five focus groups with Indigenous key-informants (n = 23) were conducted to assess the face and content validity, cultural acceptability, utility and relevance of the Supportive Care Needs Survey - Short Form 34 (SCNS-SF34) for use with Indigenous patients with cancer. Results All items from the SCNS-SF34 were shortened and changed to use more appropriate language (e.g. the word 'anxiety' was substituted with 'worry'). Seven questions were omitted (e.g. items on death and future considerations) as they were deemed culturally inappropriate or irrelevant and 12 items were added (e.g. accessible transport). Optional instructions were added before the sexual items. The design and response format of the SCNS-SF34 was modified to make it easier to use for Indigenous cancer patients. Given the extensive modifications to the SCNS-SF34 and the liklihood of a different factor structure we consider this tool to be a new tool rather than a modification. The Supportive care needs assessment tool for Indigenous people (SCNAT-IP) shows promising face and content validity and will be useful in informing services where they need to direct their attention for these patients. Conclusions Indigenous people with cancer have language, customs and specific needs that are not accommodated within the standard SCNS-SF34. Our SCNAT-IP improves acceptability, relevance and face validity for Indigenous-specific concerns. Our SCNAT-IP will allow screening for supportive care needs that are specific to Indigenous cancer patients' and greatly inform targeted policy development and practice.

Abstract Background Overall, Indigenous Australians with cancer are diagnosed with more advanced disease, receive less cancer treatment and have poorer cancer survival than non-Indigenous Australians. The prognosis for Indigenous people with specific cancers varies however, and their prognosis for cancers of the head and neck is largely unknown. We therefore have compared clinical characteristics, treatment and survival between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people diagnosed with head and neck cancer in Queensland, Australia. Methods Rates were based on a cohort of Indigenous people (n = 67), treated in public hospitals between 1998 and 2004 and frequency-matched on age and location to non-Indigenous cases (n = 62) also treated in the public health system. Data were obtained from hospital records and the National Death Index. We used Pearson's Chi-squared analysis to compare categorical data (proportions) and Cox proportional hazard models to assess survival differences. Results There were no significant differences in socioeconomic status, stage at diagnosis or number and severity of comorbidities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients, although Indigenous patients were more likely to have diabetes. Indigenous people were significantly less likely to receive any cancer treatment (75% vs. 95%, P = 0.005) and, when cancer stage, socioeconomic status, comorbidities and cancer treatment were taken into account, they experienced greater risk of death from head and neck cancer (HR 1.88, 1.10, 3.22) and from all other causes (HR 5.83, 95% CI 1.09, 31.04). Conclusion These findings show for the first time that Indigenous Australians with head and neck cancer receive less cancer treatment and suggest survival disparity could be reduced if treatment uptake was improved. There is a need for a greater understanding of the reasons for such treatment and survival disparities, including the impact of the poorer overall health on cancer outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Objectives: To describe changes in childhood cancer incidence in Australia, 1983-2015, and to estimate projected incidence to 2035.Design, Setting: Population-based study; analysis of Australian Childhood Cancer Registry data for the 20 547 children under 15 years of age diagnosed with cancer in Australia between 1983 and 2015.Main Outcome Measures: Incidence rate changes during 1983-2015 were assessed by joinpoint regression, with rates age-standardised to the 2001 Australian standard population. Incidence projections to 2035 were estimated by age-period-cohort modelling.Results: The overall age-standardised incidence rate of childhood cancer increased by 34% between 1983 and 2015, increasing by 1.2% (95% CI, +0.5% to +1.9%) per annum between 2005 and 2015. During 2011-2015, the mean annual number of children diagnosed with cancer in Australia was 770, an incidence rate of 174 cases (95% CI, 169-180 cases) per million children per year. The incidence of hepatoblastoma (annual percentage change [APC], +2.3%; 95% CI, +0.8% to +3.8%), Burkitt lymphoma (APC, +1.6%; 95% CI, +0.4% to +2.8%), osteosarcoma (APC, +1.1%; 95%, +0.0% to +2.3%), intracranial and intraspinal embryonal tumours (APC, +0.9%; 95% CI, +0.4% to +1.5%), and lymphoid leukaemia (APC, +0.5%; 95% CI, +0.2% to +0.8%) increased significantly across the period 1983-2015. The incidence rate of childhood melanoma fell sharply between 1996 and 2015 (APC, -7.7%; 95% CI, -10% to -4.8%). The overall annual cancer incidence rate is conservatively projected to rise to about 186 cases (95% CI, 175-197 cases) per million children by 2035 (1060 cases per year).Conclusions: The incidence rates of several childhood cancer types steadily increased during 1983-2015. Although the reasons for these rises are largely unknown, our findings provide a foundation for health service planning for meeting the needs of children who will be diagnosed with cancer until 2035. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the incidence of second primary cancers in people diagnosed with cancer during childhood.Design, Setting: Retrospective, population-based study; analysis of Australian Childhood Cancer Registry data.Participants: People alive at least two months after being diagnosed before the age of 15 years with a primary cancer, 1983-2013, followed until 31 December 2015 (2-33 years' follow-up).Main Outcome Measures: Risks of second primary cancer compared with the general population, expressed as standardised incidence ratios (SIRs).Results: Among 18 230 people diagnosed with cancer during childhood, 388 (2%) were later diagnosed with second primary cancers; the estimated 30-year cumulative incidence of second cancers was 4.4% (95% CI, 3.8-5.0%). The risk of a new primary cancer was five times as high as for the general population (SIR, 5.13; 95% CI, 4.65-5.67). Relative risk of a second primary cancer was greatest for people who had childhood rhabdomyosarcoma (SIR, 19.9; 95% CI, 14.4-27.6). Relative risk was particularly high for children who had undergone both chemotherapy and radiotherapy (SIR, 9.80; 95% CI, 8.35-11.5). Relative risk peaked during the 5 years following the first diagnosis (2 to less than 5 years: SIR, 10.3; 95% CI, 8.20-13.0), but was still significant at 20-33 years (SIR, 2.58; 95% CI, 2.02-3.30). The most frequent second primary cancers were thyroid carcinomas (65 of 388, 17%) and acute myeloid leukaemias (57, 15%).Conclusions: Survivors of childhood cancer remain at increased risk of a second primary cancer well into adulthood. As the late effects of cancer treatment probably contribute to this risk, treatments need to be refined and their toxicity reduced, without reducing their benefit for survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]