BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary supplement use is common among breast cancer survivors, but studies on Asian populations remain limited. This study investigated dietary supplement use among Korean breast cancer survivors, distinguishing between vitamin/ mineral (VM) and non-vitaminon-mineral (NVNM) supplements. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,136 stage I–III breast cancer survivors from 12 Korean hospitals, who survived more than 6 mon post-surgery. The participants completed a questionnaire on post-diagnostic dietary supplement use. Stepwise logistic regression was applied, calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify the demographic and clinical factors associated with VM and NVNM use. RESULTS: Seventy percent of survivors reported supplement use, with 25% using a single product. The most common VM supplements were multivitamins/minerals, vitamin D, and vitamin C, while the most common NVNM supplements included omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and ginseng. Survivors with higher education and greater physical activity were more likely to use VM supplements (ORs [95% CIs], 2.74 [1.76–4.25] for college graduates or above vs. middle school or below; 1.38 [1.02–1.88] for the most active group vs. the least active group). NVNM use was associated with higher education, greater physical activity levels, and a history of smoking (ORs [95% CIs], 2.29 [1.46–3.58] for college graduates or above vs. middle school or below; 1.52 [1.13–2.06] for the most active group vs. the least active group; 2.00 [1.23–3.25] for ever smokers vs. never smokers). Survivors who had undergone chemotherapy were also more likely to use NVNM supplements than those who had not (OR [95% CI], 1.37 [1.02–1.84]). CONCLUSION Seventy percent of Korean breast cancer survivors used dietary supplements in this study. VM use was associated with higher education and physical activity, while higher NVNM use was associated with higher education, greater physical activity, a history of smoking, and chemotherapy.

Background: Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making. Methods: This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes. Conclusion This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.

Background: Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making. Methods: This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes. Conclusion This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.

Background: Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making. Methods: This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes. Conclusion This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.

Background: Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making. Methods: This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes. Conclusion This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.

Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) formation is a complication of long-term tracheostomy use. Surgical closure is necessary for a persistent TCF because this can lead to various complications. Herein, we describe our use of an island deltopectoral (DP) flap to treat a large TCF. A 62-year-old male, who had previously undergone supraglottic partial laryngectomy with laser and radiation therapy, presented with a second recurrence of supraglottic cancer. Supracricoid partial laryngectomy and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) were performed. Afterward, a large TCF measuring about 2.0×2.5 cm developed. The island DP flap facilitated successful TCF closure. There have been no recurrences or complications, and both the reconstruction site and donor site are well-maintained after 25 months of follow-up. The island DP flap can be a useful option for large TCF closure, even for patients who have had previous radiation therapy.

Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) formation is a complication of long-term tracheostomy use. Surgical closure is necessary for a persistent TCF because this can lead to various complications. Herein, we describe our use of an island deltopectoral (DP) flap to treat a large TCF. A 62-year-old male, who had previously undergone supraglottic partial laryngectomy with laser and radiation therapy, presented with a second recurrence of supraglottic cancer. Supracricoid partial laryngectomy and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) were performed. Afterward, a large TCF measuring about 2.0×2.5 cm developed. The island DP flap facilitated successful TCF closure. There have been no recurrences or complications, and both the reconstruction site and donor site are well-maintained after 25 months of follow-up. The island DP flap can be a useful option for large TCF closure, even for patients who have had previous radiation therapy.

Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) formation is a complication of long-term tracheostomy use. Surgical closure is necessary for a persistent TCF because this can lead to various complications. Herein, we describe our use of an island deltopectoral (DP) flap to treat a large TCF. A 62-year-old male, who had previously undergone supraglottic partial laryngectomy with laser and radiation therapy, presented with a second recurrence of supraglottic cancer. Supracricoid partial laryngectomy and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) were performed. Afterward, a large TCF measuring about 2.0×2.5 cm developed. The island DP flap facilitated successful TCF closure. There have been no recurrences or complications, and both the reconstruction site and donor site are well-maintained after 25 months of follow-up. The island DP flap can be a useful option for large TCF closure, even for patients who have had previous radiation therapy.

Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) formation is a complication of long-term tracheostomy use. Surgical closure is necessary for a persistent TCF because this can lead to various complications. Herein, we describe our use of an island deltopectoral (DP) flap to treat a large TCF. A 62-year-old male, who had previously undergone supraglottic partial laryngectomy with laser and radiation therapy, presented with a second recurrence of supraglottic cancer. Supracricoid partial laryngectomy and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) were performed. Afterward, a large TCF measuring about 2.0×2.5 cm developed. The island DP flap facilitated successful TCF closure. There have been no recurrences or complications, and both the reconstruction site and donor site are well-maintained after 25 months of follow-up. The island DP flap can be a useful option for large TCF closure, even for patients who have had previous radiation therapy.

Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) formation is a complication of long-term tracheostomy use. Surgical closure is necessary for a persistent TCF because this can lead to various complications. Herein, we describe our use of an island deltopectoral (DP) flap to treat a large TCF. A 62-year-old male, who had previously undergone supraglottic partial laryngectomy with laser and radiation therapy, presented with a second recurrence of supraglottic cancer. Supracricoid partial laryngectomy and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) were performed. Afterward, a large TCF measuring about 2.0×2.5 cm developed. The island DP flap facilitated successful TCF closure. There have been no recurrences or complications, and both the reconstruction site and donor site are well-maintained after 25 months of follow-up. The island DP flap can be a useful option for large TCF closure, even for patients who have had previous radiation therapy.