Open AccessPilot Study on the Application of Telemedicine as a Tool for a Population-Based Cancer Registry in Hlegu Township, Yangon Region, Myanmar
Author(s) -
Khin Saw Aye,
KhinThet Wai,
Yan Naing Swe,
S. Mon,
Nan Cho Nwe Mon,
Win Naing,
S T Aung,
Kyaw Zin Thant
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of global oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.002
H-Index - 17
ISSN - 2378-9506
DOI - 10.1200/jgo.18.15000
Subject(s) - medicine , cancer registry , referral , population , telemedicine , cancer , grassroots , palliative care , medical diagnosis , family medicine , health care , medical emergency , nursing , environmental health , economic growth , pathology , politics , political science , law , economics
Abstract 57 Purpose The cancer burden is rising and threatens the social and economic development of low- and middle-income countries, including Myanmar, in the ASEAN region. A quality cancer registry plays a unique role in planning, the evaluation of cancer control program, treatment, and palliative care. To date, there is a paucity of studies in Myanmar that have focused on the implementation of a population-based cancer registry. In addition, the concept of telemedicine with the use of information technology applications as appropriate during implementation needs to be introduced. Such an approach may be beneficial to those working at the grassroots level for the overall improvement of the processes of community reporting, confirmation of diagnoses, effective referral for palliative care, and the establishment of cancer registries.Methods A pilot study was therefore carried out to formulate the strategic approach for establishing a population-based cancer registry in Hlegu Township in Northern Yangon District, Myanmar. First, the cancer data entry software was created and installed on mobile phones as an information technology tool to initialize telemedicine. Next, 15 health assistants in Hlegu Township were trained in the collection of data and the entry of basic information on patients with cancer, including name, age, gender, national ID, education, occupation, primary diagnosis, and the site of metastasis of confirmed cancer cases through mobile phone applications and reported to the cancer database unit at the Department of Medical Research.Results A total of 126 patients with cancer were registered in Hlegu Township from June 2016 to May 2017. The estimated prevalence of disease is 4.6 per 10,000 people. The most common age at cancer diagnosis was 46 to 65 years (73.58%). Female sex was 2.5 times predominant than male sex (72% v 27%). Among 91 registered female patients with cancer, the three most common cancers were breast (32.35%), cervix (16.17%) and uterine (15.17%). Eighty-five patients with cancer (67.46%) received their diagnosis in public hospitals. Overall, 59% of patients received combination treatment, 19% received surgery only, 16% were treated with traditional medicine, 3% were treated with radiotherapy only, and 3% were treated with chemotherapy only.Conclusion This study is a first step in applying the concept of telemedicine to the creation of a population-based cancer registry in a resource-limited setting. More concerted efforts are needed to move toward a well-established population-based cancer registry in Myanmar.AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST No COIs from the authors.