bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract A22: Single institution analysis of disparities in colon rectal cancer in Hispanics and non-Hispanics.
Authors: Yu Steven , Shabihkhani Maryam , Yang Dongyun , Barzi Afsaneh 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Purpose: Despite advances in treatment and decreasing mortality rates in colorectal cancer over the past decade, Hispanics have experienced less improvement in mortality rates compared to other racial groups. We investigate whether delays in presentation and treatment contribute to less improvement in Hispanic.
Methods: Our study is a retrospective cohort study on 158 patients treated for stage IV colorectal cancer presenting from 2006-2011 to Los Angeles County (LAC-USC) Medical Center. All patients had at least one cycle of their first line chemotherapy completed at LAC- USC. We assessed potential factors such as time from symptom to presentation, time from presentation to treatment, age, gender, race, tumor site, and stage at time of diagnosis. Statistical analysis used the aforementioned data as covariates comparing Hispanics to non-Hispanic whites and analyzed by the Cox proportional hazard model.
Result: Median age 54 (21-82) years old, 58% of patients were male and 42% were female. 54% of patients were Hispanics, 25% were Asian, 11% were Black and 10% were White. 69 % of patients had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis and 31% had non-metastatic disease. 47% of patients had left sided cancer, 25% had right sided and 28% had rectal cancer. Median time between symptom to presentation was 83 days; 88 days in Hispanics, 86 days in non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), 93 days in Blacks and 81 days in Asian. Median start day of treatment was 88 days; 103 days in Hispanics, 116 days in NHW, 31 days in Blacks and 66 days in Asians. Median age at the time of presentation, location of tumor, time between first symptom to presentation and time between presentation and treatment were not significantly significant in Hispanics compared to NHW.
Conclusions: In our small cohort we failed to show any association between race, presentation, and initiation of treatment. This data suggests that biological differences in Hispanics may be contribute to colorectal outcomes.
Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference.
Citation Format: Steven Yu, Maryam Shabihkhani, Dongyun Yang, Afsaneh Barzi. Single institution analysis of disparities in colon rectal cancer in Hispanics and non-Hispanics. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A22.
Abstract A31: Factors associated with compliance to adjuvant hormone therapy for African American and Caucasian women.
Authors: Suh Christina H. , Bhatta Sumita , Hou Ningqi , Moton Zakiya N. , Hong Susan 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Background: Studies have documented lower rates of breast cancer survival for African American versus Caucasian women. Differences in compliance to adjuvant hormone therapy (AHT) may partially explain the survival disparity. The purpose of our study is to examine whether or not a difference in self-reported compliance to AHT exists between African American and Caucasian women and to describe which factors may impact this compliance.
Methods: Women who were 2-10 years from diagnosis of estrogen receptor positive, non-metastatic breast cancer at the University of Chicago Hospital were asked to complete a voluntary mail-in survey. All information was self-reported. Compliance to AHT was defined as not missing more than 2 doses of therapy a month and completing 5 years of therapy (or still taking therapy if less than 5 years had passed between initiation of therapy and date of survey completion). Chi square tests and logistic regressions were performed to compare compliance rates by sociodemographic factors, reported perception of AHT importance, and self-perceived risk for breast cancer recurrence.
Results: Among the 381 eligible patients, 217 (56.9%) completed the survey. Overall self-reported compliance rate to AHT was 78.5%. African American women (n = 66, 30.8%) reported lower compliance rates compared to Caucasian women (70.0% vs. 82.3%, P = 0.055). For both African American and Caucasian women, perceived importance of AHT (from not important to very important) was correlated with higher rates of reported compliance (OR = 10.65; 95% CI: 3.55-31.94). Patients who weighted their cancer doctor's opinion more when considering taking or stopping AHT were also more likely to report being compliant (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 0.75-5.25), whereas patients who reported being very worried about side effects were less likely to report being compliant (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.10-1.13). Perceived risk of breast cancer recurrence, however, was not associated with reported compliance.
Conclusions: For both African American and Caucasian women, compliance to adjuvant hormone therapy was associated with greater perceived importance of therapy. This study suggests that educating our patients on the importance of hormone therapy may significantly impact their compliance.
Citation Format: Christina H. Suh, Sumita Bhatta, Ningqi Hou, Zakiya N. Factors associated with compliance to adjuvant hormone therapy for African American and Caucasian women. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A31.
Abstract A69: The association between chronic stress and telomere length in African American men.
Authors: Simon Samantha , Sharif Wallace 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The telomere is a region of repetitive DNA located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, which protect genetic material from degradation during cellular replication. As a consequence of the inability of DNA polymerase to fully replicate the ends of the chromosome, the telomere progressively shortens as an organism ages. Telomere length in individuals is highly variable, and studies have shown that shortened telomeres are associated with poor prognoses in many diseases, including cancers and other diseases that disproportionately affect American-Americans. There is also strong evidence that environmental and behavioral factors can play an epigenetic role in telomere length homeostasis. Chronic stress is associated with shorter telomeres in women, but studies have not been explicitly done to assess the role of chronic stress in men or minorities. Though there is little evidence of a functional relationship between shortened telomeres and heightened disease states, it is clear that telomeres reflect the health of the individual. We hypothesize that telomere length can be used as a diagnostic indicator of health status, and that the average telomere length are shorter in African-American men due in part to higher levels of chronic stress. To test this hypothesis, we examined the telomere length of DNA from the peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes of more than 40 African-American men and administered a stress survey to assess chronic stress levels. Preliminary analysis of the data indicates a potential negative association between stress and telomere length, though the results are not significant. We also observed a significant negative correlation between telomere length and body mass index. The results indicate that environmental factors can affect telomere length in African-American men, and that telomere length may be a useful health status indicator in this population.
Citation Format: Samantha Simon, Wallace Sharif. The association between chronic stress and telomere length in African American men. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A69.
Abstract A72: Bilateral oophorectomy and cancer mortality in African American women.
Authors: Boggs Deborah A. , Palmer Julie R. , Rosenberg Lynn 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S., and many women also undergo bilateral oophorectomy at the time of hysterectomy. African American women are more likely than white women to undergo gynecologic surgery, particularly at younger ages. The effect of premature loss of ovarian hormones on long-term health is not well understood. Based on limited epidemiologic data, bilateral oophorectomy has been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer but an increased risk of colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and total cancer mortality. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relation of bilateral oophorectomy to cancer mortality among African American women. We used data from the Black Women's Health Study, a follow-up of women aged 21-69 years at enrollment in 1995. The analysis was restricted to 11,745 women who had had a hysterectomy, either with bilateral oophorectomy (47%) or with retention of both ovaries (53%). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cancer mortality in relation to bilateral oophorectomy compared with hysterectomy alone. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, age at surgery, female hormone use, and other lifestyle factors. During 14 years of follow-up from 1995 to 2009, 241 cancer deaths occurred in the study group. The multivariable HRs were 1.05 (95% CI 0.79-1.39) for bilateral oophorectomy overall, 1.05 (95% CI 0.77-1.44) for bilateral oophorectomy at age &lt;45 years, and 1.18 (95% CI 0.76-1.83) for bilateral oophorectomy among nonusers of female hormones. For breast cancer mortality, the HRs were 0.70 (95% CI 0.33-1.49) for all bilateral oophorectomies, 0.57 (95% CI 0.23-1.42) for bilateral oophorectomy before age 45, and 0.58 (95% CI 0.14-2.52) among nonusers of female hormones. The corresponding HRs for mortality from other (non-reproductive) cancers were 1.19 (95% CI 0.87-1.63), 1.23 (95% CI 0.88-1.73), and 1.34 (95% CI 0.83-2.17), respectively. Our results suggest that women who undergo surgical removal of their ovaries and do not take female hormone supplements may have a reduction in mortality from breast cancer but an increased mortality from other cancers. Further work is needed to establish the magnitude of these risks and benefits.
Citation Format: Deborah A. Boggs, Julie R. Palmer, Lynn Rosenberg. Bilateral oophorectomy and cancer mortality in African American women. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A72.
Abstract A74: The impact of health-related legal issues on timely care among women with abnormal cancer screening.
Authors: Battaglia Tracy A. , Primeau Sarah W. , Bak Sharon M. , Heeren Timothy , Morton Samantha , Freund Karen M. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Introduction: The presence of health-related legal issues, defined as adverse social circumstances with legal remedies that reside in laws, regulation or polices, may contribute to cancer disparities. For example, the denial of adequate food, housing or insurance may impact one's ability to engage in recommended care.
Methods: The Boston Patient Navigation Research Program collected data (2007-2008) for women with a breast or cervical cancer screening abnormality at 6 community health centers. This secondary analysis assesses the impact of health-related legal issues on timeliness to diagnostic care, defined as resolution within 365 days from the abnormal screen. Legal issues were captured in 5 categories: income supports, housing and utilities, education and employment, legal status, and personal or family stability and safety.
Results: 1,493 women received navigation; mean age 39 years; 31% Hispanic, 27% Black, 32% White; 37% non-English speakers and 28% had private health insurance. Overall, 88 women (6%) had legal issues identified by the navigator. Compared to those without legal issues, those with were more likely to be younger (p=.001) and have public or no health insurance (p=.03). The association between the presence of legal issues and time to resolution was found to be time-dependent. When controlling for age, race, insurance, language and care site, women with legal issues were less likely to resolve early on (60 day HR=.51 (0.39, 0.66)), though the effect diminished with follow-up time (180 day HR=0.81 (0.57, 1.14)).
Conclusion: The presence of health-related legal issues negatively impacts timely resolution of screening abnormalities, suggesting unmet needs despite navigation.
Citation Format: Tracy A. Battaglia, Sarah W. Primeau, Sharon M. Bak, Timothy Heeren, Samantha Morton, Karen M. Freund. The impact of health-related legal issues on timely care among women with abnormal cancer screening. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A74.
Abstract A87: “I didn't know what to think. I thought I was going to die.” Latinas' understanding and attitudes toward an abnormal Pap test result.
Authors: Carosso Elizabeth , Martinez Javiera , Banegas Matthew , Coronado Gloria , Thompson Beti 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Background and purpose: There is a disproportionate burden of cervical cancer among Latinas compared with non-Latino White women. This is thought to be attributed to both low rates of screening and poor adherence to recommended diagnostic follow-up after an abnormal Pap test. The purpose of this study is to assess knowledge, attitudes, barriers and facilitators to follow up after an abnormal Pap test result in Latinas.
Study Design: We conducted 26 semi-structured interviews among Latinas aged 21 to 64 years old who had an abnormal Pap test result in rural Eastern Washington. Interviews were conducted in the participants' preferred language. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and uploaded into Atlas.ti for coding and analysis.
Results/Outcome: One of the main themes that emerged as a potential barrier to follow up was misconceptions and secrecy around an abnormal Pap test result. Upon receiving the result, all women instantly believed they had cancer, and many felt desperate and embarrassed to talk to close family and friends. Transportation, lack of insurance and pain from the procedures were also mentioned as very important barriers to follow up. For those participants who had shared their result, family support was mentioned as a key facilitator to follow up. Interestingly, trusting oneself and having faith in God were also mentioned by some as facilitators to follow up. Within our participants, unlike previous studies, “Fatalismo” did not emerge as a barrier.
Impact: Understanding the barriers and facilitators to follow up care after an abnormal Pap test as well attitudes and knowledge of the implications of an abnormal Pap test can help us improve the education and outreach strategies used in reaching the Latina population.
Discussion: Latinas seem to have misconceptions about the implications of having an abnormal Pap. There are important cultural barriers that derive from these misconceptions that may be affecting the uptake and follow up of cervical cancer screening in this population. Our results will inform an intervention to increase cervical cancer screening in Latinas in Eastern Washington.
Citation Format: Elizabeth Carosso, Javiera Martinez, Matthew Banegas, Gloria Coronado, Beti Thompson. “I didn't know what to think. I thought I was going to die.” Latinas' understanding and attitudes toward an abnormal Pap test result. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A87.
Abstract B05: Technical assistance as part of capacity building for collaborative research in breast cancer, the environment, and/or disparities.
Authors: Fernandez Senaida , Plumb Marj , Thomsen Catherine , Susan Braun , Sarantis Heather , Olphen Juliana van , Galpern Emily , Kavanaugh-Lynch Marion 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Training and technical assistance efforts for community based participatory research (CBPR) partnerships have the potential to improve outcomes in both scientific rigor and collaboration. Successful competition for regional or national funding for CBPR represents a critical step in this trajectory. To this end, a collaboration funded through this NIEHS award has developed and implemented an intensive training program (Community Based Research Infrastructure to Better Science [CRIBS]) to build capacity among community-academic teams to conduct CBPR into disparities in breast cancer and/or environmental causes of breast cancer. The program includes face-to-face training; online training; mock grant review; and technical assistance (TA); and skill-building in creating CBPR partnerships; understanding the science of the environmental causes of and disparities in breast cancer; creating a pathway from vision to project; and writing successful grant applications. Participants in the training included 31 individuals in 12 partnerships with at least one community and one academic member in each. Fifty-five percent of participants identified as belonging to an ethnic or racial minority group; 81% identified as female; 58% identified as community partners; the mean age was 49.76 years old (median = 52; range = 23 to 71). Partnerships came from twelve locations across California. TA efforts began in the second month of F2F trainings and included: a) four, monthly, tailored, in-person consultations of up to 1.5 hrs in length; b) review of an 8-page concept paper prepared by each team; c) four, monthly, tailored one-hour phone consultations. TA was provided by CRIBS staff and representatives from national funding organizations with expertise in scientific and collaborative aspects of breast cancer research, as well as by experts in the field of CBPR, disparities, and the environment. Over time, improved clarity and specificity were evident in the research questions formulated across partnerships. Implications of tailored, technical assistance for partnerships embarking on CBPR in disparities are discussed.
Citation Format: Senaida Fernandez, Marj Plumb, Catherine Thomsen, Braun Susan, Heather Sarantis, Juliana van Olphen, Emily Galpern, Marion Kavanaugh-Lynch. Technical assistance as part of capacity building for collaborative research in breast cancer, the environment, and/or disparities. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B05.
Abstract B13: Development of culturally tailored breast cancer brochures for the American Indian community in Kansas and Missouri.
Authors: Pacheco Joseph , Hammer Tara , Buffalo Ruth , Filippi Melissa K. , Greiner K. Allen , Daley Christine M. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The Center for American Indian Community Health (CAICH) conducted focus groups (n=48) to better understand screening attitudes and behaviors concerning breast cancer among American Indians (AI) living in Kansas and Missouri. Data revealed that study participants desire brochures that target AI needs, with an emphasis on local resources. CAICH is in the process of completing brochures that detail breast cancer knowledge and screening. Using principles of community-based participatory research, AI and non-AI research team members created a set of culturally targeted brochures for our local community. Team members came to a consensus concerning appropriate information, local resources, images, and literacy levels to include. CAICH presented the brochures at four cultural events during the summer of 2012 to solicit community feedback. Our Susan G. Komen for the Cure Scholars designed a method for interpreting comments and feedback from community members. The majority of brochures had several constructive comments, meaning that community members took time during cultural events to read, consider, and critique the content provided.
Citation Format: Joseph Pacheco, Tara Hammer, Ruth Buffalo, Melissa K. Filippi, K. Allen Greiner, Christine M. Daley. Development of culturally tailored breast cancer brochures for the American Indian community in Kansas and Missouri. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B13.