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Abstract
Since the turn of the century, there has been an expanded interest in the place that spirituality has in nursing practice, education, and research. The purpose of this article is to examine the study of spirituality from the perspective of 3 philosophical paradigms: empiricism, interpretivism, and poststructuralism. The strengths and weaknesses of the paradigms are identified through a review of an exemplar article for each. Each paradigm provides a unique approach to the development of knowledge, and thus makes its own contribution to the understanding of spirituality. It is the researcher's responsibility to identify the appropriate paradigm for the question.
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Lindor NM, Petersen GM, Hadley DW, Kinney AY, Miesfeldt S, Lu KH, Lynch P, Burke W, Press N. Recommendations for the care of individuals with an inherited predisposition to Lynch syndrome: a systematic review. JAMA 2006; 296:1507-17. [PMID: 17003399 DOI: 10.1001/jama.296.12.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 521] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT About 2% of all colorectal cancer occurs in the context of the autosomal dominantly inherited Lynch syndrome, which is due to mutations in mismatch repair genes. Potential risk-reducing interventions are recommended for individuals known to have these mutations. OBJECTIVES To review cancer risks and data on screening efficacy in the context of Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) and to provide recommendations for clinical management for affected families, based on available evidence and expert opinion. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION A systematic literature search using PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, reference list review of retrieved articles, manual searches of relevant articles, and direct communication with other researchers in the field. Search terms included hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer, Lynch syndrome, microsatellite instability, mismatch repair genes, and terms related to the biology of Lynch syndrome. Only peer-reviewed, full-text, English-language articles concerning human subjects published between January 1, 1996, and February 2006 were included. The US Preventive Services Task Force's 2-tier system was adapted to describe the quality of evidence and to assign strength to the recommendations for each guideline. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The evidence supports colonoscopic surveillance for individuals with Lynch syndrome, although the optimal age at initiation and frequency of examinations is unresolved. Colonoscopy is recommended every 1 to 2 years starting at ages 20 to 25 years (age 30 years for those with MSH6 mutations), or 10 years younger than the youngest age of the person diagnosed in the family. While fully acknowledging absence of demonstrated efficacy, the following are also recommended annually: endometrial sampling and transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries (ages 30-35 years); urinalysis with cytology (ages 25-35 years); history, examination, review of systems, education and genetic counseling regarding Lynch syndrome (age 21 years). Regular colonoscopy was favored for at-risk persons without colorectal neoplasia. For individuals who will undergo surgical resection of a colon cancer, subtotal colectomy is favored. Evidence supports the efficacy of prophylactic hysterectomy and oophorectomy. CONCLUSIONS The past 10 years have seen major advances in the understanding of Lynch syndrome. Current recommendations regarding cancer screening and prevention require careful consultation between clinicians, clinical cancer genetic services, and well-informed patients.
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Baty BJ, Dudley WN, Musters A, Kinney AY. Uncertainty inBRCA1 cancer susceptibility testing. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2006; 142C:241-50. [PMID: 17068806 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.30112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated uncertainty in individuals undergoing genetic counseling/testing for breast/ovarian cancer susceptibility. Sixty-three individuals from a single kindred with a known BRCA1 mutation rated uncertainty about 12 items on a five-point Likert scale before and 1 month after genetic counseling/testing. Factor analysis identified a five-item total uncertainty scale that was sensitive to changes before and after testing. The items in the scale were related to uncertainty about obtaining health care, positive changes after testing, and coping well with results. The majority of participants (76%) rated reducing uncertainty as an important reason for genetic testing. The importance of reducing uncertainty was stable across time and unrelated to anxiety or demographics. Yet, at baseline, total uncertainty was low and decreased after genetic counseling/testing (P = 0.004). Analysis of individual items showed that after genetic counseling/testing, there was less uncertainty about the participant detecting cancer early (P = 0.005) and coping well with their result (P < 0.001). Our findings support the importance to clients of genetic counseling/testing as a means of reducing uncertainty. Testing may help clients to reduce the uncertainty about items they can control, and it may be important to differentiate the sources of uncertainty that are more or less controllable. Genetic counselors can help clients by providing anticipatory guidance about the role of uncertainty in genetic testing.
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104
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Bloor LE, Sandler RS, Martin C, Uchino BN, Kinney AY. Associations Between Emotional Support and Health–Related Quality of Life Among a Population–Based Sample of Blacks and Whites. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2006. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2006.25.1.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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105
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Call TR, Boucher KM, Whiting BL, Hart M, Newman K, Kinney AY, Bowen GM, Zone JJ, Branson D, Leachman SA. Motivating factors for attendance of skin cancer screenings. J Am Acad Dermatol 2004; 51:642-4. [PMID: 15389207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Skin cancer screenings have the potential to reduce melanoma morbidity and mortality, especially if participants are from high-risk subgroups. Little is known about targeting these subgroups. This study investigates the attendance motivations of screening participants, including men 50 years of age and older, who are at heightened risk.
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Slattery ML, Kinney AY, Levin TR. Factors associated with colorectal cancer screening in a population-based study: the impact of gender, health care source, and time. Prev Med 2004; 38:276-83. [PMID: 14766109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2003.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening in reducing incident colorectal cancer and the risk of death has been shown. Despite campaigns to promote the benefits of and use of colorectal cancer screening, most people are not participating in screening. In this paper, we examine factors associated with screening behavior over time, by health care provider, and by gender and report associations between screening and development of colorectal cancer after adjusting for diet and lifestyle factors. METHODS Data from two population-based case-control studies of colorectal cancer were used to examine risk associations with nonparticipation in colorectal cancer screening. Study participants were identified for the first study between 1991 and 1994 (N = 1,346 cases and 1,544 controls) and for the second between 1997 and 2001 (N = 952 cases and 1,205 controls) and were asked to complete a detailed in-person interviewer-administered diet and lifestyle questionnaire. The control population is used to examine changes in screening behavior and associations with screening over time. RESULTS Significantly, fewer people reported fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in 1997-2001 than in 1991-1994 (62.5% in 1991-1994 vs. 47.2% in 1997-2001); a slight nonsignificant increase in sigmoidoscopy screening was reported for these periods among controls (33.9% vs. 36.6%). In the control population, during these periods, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of people who reported having had a sigmoidoscopy for screening rather than for problems (72.6% in 1997-2001 vs. 63.8% in 1991-1994). There were differences in factors associated with screening behavior by time, by sex, and by health care provider, although having a family history of colorectal cancer, having more education, and being male was associated with more screening in all settings. After adjusting for diet and lifestyle factors, we observed that non-sigmoidoscopy screening significantly influenced risk of incident cancer (rectal OR: 2.9; 95% CI, 2.3-3.7; distal tumor OR: 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4-2.3); proximal tumor: 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8). Nonuse of FOBT also was associated significantly with tumors in the rectal (OR: 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-1.9) and distal (OR: 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8) sites. SUMMARY These data reinforce the importance of screening to reduce risk of colorectal cancer development. However, flexible sigmoidoscopy screening is increasing only modestly over time, and primarily in settings where a significant investment in screening has been made. FOBT screening, which is effective for rectal cancer prevention, is actually decreasing.
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Sultan S, Fisher DA, Voils CI, Kinney AY, Sandler RS, Provenzale D. Impact of functional support on health-related quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer. Cancer 2004; 101:2737-43. [PMID: 15536617 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.20699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been shown that social integration and the availability of social support influence quality of life. However, little is known about the relation between social support and mental and physical health in patients with colorectal cancer. In the current study, the authors examined the effects of social network size, as well as emotional and instrumental support, on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS Six hundred thirty-six veterans with colorectal cancer were asked to complete a telephone interview, which included a measure of social support (the Berkman-Syme Index) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12-Item Survey. Mean physical composite scale (PCS) and mental composite scale (MCS) scores were compared across groups. RESULTS No difference in mean PCS or MCS scores was found between patients who had larger social networks and patients who had smaller social networks. The availability of emotional and instrumental support was associated with higher MCS scores, whereas the availability of instrumental support was associated with lower PCS scores. CONCLUSIONS Irrespective of network size, the availability of emotional support and instrumental support had an impact on HRQOL in patients with colorectal cancer. More emphasis needs to be placed on understanding how various types of social support, individually and collectively, influence physical and mental health in patients with colorectal cancer.
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Kinney AY, Marshall EM, Dudley WN, Martin CF, Sandler RS. #12 Limited social support or religious involvement as risk factors for colon cancer. Ann Epidemiol 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s1047-2797(02)00300-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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109
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Kinney AY, Croyle RT, Dudley WN, Bailey CA, Pelias MK, Neuhausen SL. Knowledge, attitudes, and interest in breast-ovarian cancer gene testing: a survey of a large African-American kindred with a BRCA1 mutation. Prev Med 2001; 33:543-51. [PMID: 11716649 DOI: 10.1006/pmed.2001.0920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assessed counseling and testing needs from the perspective of adult members of a large African-American kindred with a BRCA1 mutation. METHODS Interviews were conducted with 95 male and female kindred members to elicit information on sociodemographics, attitudes toward health care providers, breast cancer screening behaviors, and religious/spiritual beliefs, as well as to evaluate psychological distress, beliefs, knowledge, and attitudes related to genetic testing. RESULTS Knowledge about breast and ovarian cancer genetics was limited. Adherence to screening recommendations was low among females with no personal breast or ovarian cancer history. The majority (67%) wished to discuss risk factors with a health care provider. Most participants (82%) indicated that they would have a genetic test if it were available. Significant predictors of intent to undergo testing were having at least one first-degree relative with breast and/or ovarian cancer (OR = 5.1; 95% CI = 1.2-20.9) and perceived risk of being a gene carrier > or =50% (OR = 64.3; 95% CI = 5.1-803.9) or reporting that they did not know their risk of being a gene carrier (OR = 10.9; 95% CI = 2.1-57.7). Cited barriers to testing included cost and availability. CONCLUSION There is a high interest level in genetic testing despite limited knowledge about cancer genetics among these high-risk African Americans. Our study provides information for designing a genetic education and counseling intervention for this and similar families.
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King ME, Kinney AY. Tissue adhesives. A sticky solution to wound repair. Nursing 2001; 31:52-3. [PMID: 11288551 DOI: 10.1097/00152193-200131030-00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
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Kinney AY, DeVellis BM, Skrzynia C, Millikan R. Genetic testing for colorectal carcinoma susceptibility: focus group responses of individuals with colorectal carcinoma and first-degree relatives. Cancer 2001; 91:57-65. [PMID: 11148560 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(20010101)91:1<57::aid-cncr8>3.0.co;2-u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) may be the most frequent form of hereditary cancer. Genetic counseling and testing for heritable CRC is a promising approach for reducing the high incidence and mortality rates associated with the disease. Patients with CRC or those with at least one family member with the disease are the most likely persons to request or be offered genetic testing in the clinical or research setting. Currently, however, little is known about the behavioral, psychosocial, ethical, legal, and economic outcomes of CRC genetic counseling and testing. METHODS Eight focus group interviews, four for CRC patients (n = 28) and four for first-degree relatives (n = 33), were conducted to obtain insights into attitudes, beliefs, and informational needs about genetic testing for hereditary CRC. RESULTS Focus group interviews revealed a general lack of knowledge about cancer genetics and genetic testing; worry about confidentiality issues; strong concern for family members, particularly children; and a need for primary care providers to be informed about these issues. Major perceived advantages of genetic testing included improving health-related decisions, guiding physicians in making recommendations for surveillance, and informing relatives about risk potential. Disadvantages included potential discrimination, adverse psychologic effects, and financial costs associated with testing. CONCLUSIONS As knowledge and media coverage of genetics continue to expand, it becomes increasingly important to continue efforts on behalf of, and in partnership with, those individuals most affected by genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. These findings provide data needed to develop and implement informational, educational, counseling, and research-oriented programs that are sensitive to individuals' concerns and preferences.
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Kinney AY, Choi YA, DeVellis B, Millikan R, Kobetz E, Sandler RS. Attitudes toward genetic testing in patients with colorectal cancer. CANCER PRACTICE 2000; 8:178-86. [PMID: 11898257 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-5394.2000.84008.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine risk perceptions and interest in genetic testing among African American and White patients with colorectal cancer. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY In this cross-sectional study, 98 patients with colorectal cancer participated in a brief structured telephone interview. Information was collected on knowledge and risk perceptions regarding colorectal cancer genetics, health behaviors, knowledge about the availability of genetic testing, and interest in genetic testing for colorectal cancer susceptibility. RESULTS Sixty-one percent of the participants were worried about their relatives' risk of colorectal cancer, and 64% were concerned about being a colorectal cancer susceptibility gene carrier. Although 81% of the participants reported that they had never heard about a genetic test for colorectal cancer susceptibility, 72% stated that they would want to take the test if it were available. Predictors of intention to have a genetic test were younger age, less advanced stage of disease, and more frequent thoughts about colorectal cancer being hereditary. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that the demand for genetic testing may be great, despite a general lack of knowledge about colorectal cancer genetics and the potential risks and limitations of testing. Education and counseling about cancer genetics and genetic testing may clarify misconceptions about hereditary colorectal cancer and help patients with colorectal cancer and their family members make informed decisions about whether to undergo testing.
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113
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Kinney AY, Millikan RC, Lin YH, Moorman PG, Newman B. Alcohol consumption and breast cancer among black and white women in North Carolina (United States). Cancer Causes Control 2000; 11:345-57. [PMID: 10843445 DOI: 10.1023/a:1008973709917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of alcohol consumption on breast cancer risk in black and white women. METHODS We used data from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a population-based, case-control study of black and white women in North Carolina. Interviews were conducted with 890 cases and 841 controls frequency-matched on age and race. RESULTS Overall, the prevalence of moderate to high levels of alcohol consumption was low. Compared with abstainers, the multivariate odds ratio for recent intake of one or two drinks per day was 1.4 (95% CI = 0.9-2.1) and two or more drinks a day was 1.0 (95% CI = 0.6-1.6); increasing consumption was not associated with risk (p for trend = 0.6). The associations were similar, but somewhat weaker, for average lifetime consumption. Among women who consumed 91 g/week or more of alcohol, a nonsignificant increased risk of breast cancer was observed for women reporting binge drinking (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 0.9-2.3), but not for those who consumed less than 91 g/week reporting binge drinking (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.6-1.5). Odds ratios did not differ meaningfully by race, age, menopausal status, exogenous hormone use, or body mass index. CONCLUSIONS These data provide little evidence for an association between alcohol consumption and risk of breast cancer among either black or white women.
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Kinney AY, Choi YA, DeVellis B, Kobetz E, Millikan RC, Sandler RS. Interest in genetic testing among first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients. Am J Prev Med 2000; 18:249-52. [PMID: 10722992 DOI: 10.1016/s0749-3797(99)00162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study examined colorectal cancer screening behaviors, risk perceptions, and willingness to receive genetic testing to determine colorectal cancer susceptibility. METHODS We recruited 95 first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients, then conducted a brief telephone interview using a structured questionnaire that elicited information on sociodemographics, cancer screening behaviors, risk perceptions, and interest in genetic testing. RESULTS Among these high-risk individuals who were aged 40 years or older, only 31% reported fecal occult blood testing within the past year and 59% reported undergoing sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy within the past 5 years. The majority of participants believed their relative risk of colorectal cancer was increased (68%). Eighty-four percent of the participants indicated that they would have a genetic test if one were available. Participants who believed that <50% of colorectal cancers were caused by heredity were more likely to be interested in genetic testing than were participants who believed that 50% or more of colorectal cancers were caused by heredity. Referral source, sociodemographic factors, clinical factors, and perceived personal risk were not significantly associated with interest in genetic testing. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the demand for colorectal cancer susceptibility testing may be high among individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer. We also observed that a substantial number of first-degree relatives were not adhering to colorectal cancer screening guidelines. Accurate information on the genetic aspects of colorectal cancer and the benefits and limitations of genetic testing may help relatives of colorectal cancer patients make informed decisions about whether to undergo enhanced screening and genetic testing.
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115
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King ME, Kinney AY. Tissue adhesives: a new method of wound repair. Nurse Pract 1999; 24:66, 69-70, 73-4. [PMID: 10546258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Simple traumatic lacerations are one of the most common reasons for visits to the emergency department. Traditionally, wound repair has been performed using sutures. The use of tissue adhesives is an approved and popular alternative method of wound closure in several countries. Numerous published studies have found that, with appropriate use, repair of lacerations using tissue adhesives is faster, less painful, and more economical than suturing. Tissue adhesives result in fewer wound infections than suturing, and cosmetic outcomes have been comparable to or better than suturing. The newest product, 2-octylcyanoacrylate, received Food and Drug Administration approval in 1998 and is being marketed in the United States. The technique of wound repair with tissue adhesives is easily mastered and is a useful skill in the management of simple lacerations. This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the use of tissue adhesives and discusses them as an alternative to traditional methods of wound repair.
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Kinney AY, Richards C, Vernon SW, Vogel VG. The effect of physician recommendation on enrollment in the Breast Cancer Chemoprevention Trial. Prev Med 1998; 27:713-9. [PMID: 9808803 DOI: 10.1006/pmed.1998.0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of physician recommendation on whether to enroll in a randomized controlled chemoprevention trial for breast cancer. METHODS We surveyed 360 women who were at increased risk for breast cancer regarding social and behavioral factors that could influence their decision to enroll or not to enroll in the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT). Respondents completed a questionnaire following attendance at an informational session about the trial. The analysis was restricted to 175 women who discussed the possibility of their participation in the trial with their primary care physician (PCP) and who reported what their physician advised them to do regarding participation. RESULTS Logistic regression modeling showed that among women who discussed the trial with their physician, physician recommendation was the most important factor that influenced the respondent's decision to enroll in the BCPT. Women who reported that their physician advised them to enroll in the trial were 13 times more likely to participate than were women who reported that their physicians advised them not to participate. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study show that PCPs play an important role in influencing preventive health behavior, specifically, regarding enrollment in a randomized breast cancer chemoprevention trial. Efforts to increase recruitment to a trial should include enlisting the support of PCPs.
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Kinney AY, Sahin A, Vernon SW, Frankowski RF, Annegers JF, Hortobagyi GN, Buzdar AU, Frye DK, Dhingra K. The prognostic significance of sialyl-Tn antigen in women treated with breast carcinoma treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Cancer 1997; 80:2240-9. [PMID: 9404700 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19971215)80:12<2240::aid-cncr4>3.0.co;2-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sialyl-Tn (STn) represents an aberrantly glycosylated mucin epitope that is expressed in breast carcinoma and other adenocarcinomas and is an important factor in the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of STn expression on the prognoses of patients with breast carcinoma. METHODS A cohort of 207 women diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma who were treated with anthracycline-containing adjuvant chemotherapy and were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial were studied. Expression of STn was determined by an immunohistochemical procedure in which the B72.3 monoclonal antibody was used. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional regression survival analyses were used to compare low STn and high STn patients. RESULTS Forty-eight (23%) of the 207 specimens demonstrated high STn staining (>25% cells were immunoreactive). During a median follow-up of 5 years, high STn patients had worse disease free survival than low STn patients (55% vs. 74%, respectively; P = 0.03). High STn expression was significantly associated with age (P = 0.04) but not with other conventional prognostic markers. In multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model, high STn emerged as an independent prognostic indicator for disease free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-3.73) and for overall survival (HR, 2.16; 95% CI, 0.95-4.92). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that STn may be a valuable marker for identifying women at high risk of developing recurrent breast carcinoma who may be candidates for trials investigating new therapies in combination with standard adjuvant therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/analysis
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/analysis
- Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate/biosynthesis
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carcinoma, Lobular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Lobular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Lobular/pathology
- Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
- Cohort Studies
- Cyclophosphamide/administration & dosage
- Disease-Free Survival
- Doxorubicin/administration & dosage
- Female
- Fluorouracil/administration & dosage
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Leucovorin/administration & dosage
- Methotrexate/administration & dosage
- Middle Aged
- Prognosis
- Vinblastine/administration & dosage
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Kinney AY, Hawkins R, Hudmon KS. A descriptive study of the role of the oncology nurse practitioner. Oncol Nurs Forum 1997; 24:811-20. [PMID: 9201735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To describe the characteristics and activities of nurse practitioners (NP) with a focus in oncology. DESIGN Descriptive. SAMPLE 129 NPs employed in an oncology setting who completed on NP program and were functioning in the NP role. METHODS Subjects completed an eight-page, self-administered questionnaire comprised of fixed-choice and open-ended questions. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Demographics, employment settings, populations served, advanced practice subroles, clinical functions, practice privileges, reimbursement issues, job descriptions, performance appraisals, job satisfaction, and facilitators/barriers to role implementation. FINDINGS The majority of oncology NPs (ONPs) were located in the eastern United States in university-affiliated hospitals. The most common patient population served by the respondents was adults in the medical oncology outpatient setting. More than three-quarters of the respondents worked from protocols, almost two-thirds performed procedures traditionally performed by physicians, and approximately half had prescriptive authority. Few NP respondents reported that they obtained direct reimbursement for their services from third-party payors. Physicians were cited as the most facilitative of the NP role, and administrators were cited as the most frequent barrier. The vast majority of the respondents were satisfied with their roles. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE The NP role in oncology is established and expanding. The scope of practice and more detailed characterization of the role is an area for future research. Data on the effectiveness of ONPs, particularly regarding cost-effectiveness, quality of care, and patient satisfaction, are needed to maintain their viability within the healthcare system.
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