Showing papers by "Douglas J. Reding published in 2003"

Do adults change their lifestyle behaviors after a cancer diagnosis

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To examine changes in lifestyle behaviors after a cancer diagnosis and medical and demographic influences on such changes. METHODS Adult cancer survivors (n = 352) completed a survey including demographic, medical, and lifestyle behavior change questions. RESULTS Results showed that since cancer diagnosis, 46% of smokers quit smoking, 47% improved their dietary habits, and 30.1% exercised less. Adult cancer survivors who changed their lifestyle behaviors varied, depending on various demographic and medical variables and physician recommendation. CONCLUSION It appears from our data that cancer diagnosis in adults may have a positive influence on smoking and diet and a negative influence on exercise.

Reported family history of cancer in the prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trial.

Abstract: The authors analyzed data from almost 150,000 subjects aged 55-74 years enrolled in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial who completed a self-administered baseline questionnaire (1993-2001) that included items about family history of cancer. Male respondents reported significantly less family history of cancer than females. The relative underreporting by male respondents relative to females was greater for female family members (28% lower for sisters and 21% lower for mothers) than for male family members (13% lower for brothers and 9% lower for fathers). Black, Hispanic, and Asian respondents reported significantly less family history of cancer than Whites. Reported family history prevalences for parents decreased with respondents' age, while those for siblings increased with respondents' age. The four most commonly reported cancers in families were breast (11.8%), lung (10.1%), colorectal (9.4%), and prostate (7.3%) cancer. Expected prevalences in family members of history of cancer overall and history of specific types of cancer were calculated using incidence rates and life table data obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Overall, the ratio of reported cancer rates to expected cancer rates in family members was approximately 0.7. Liver, bone, stomach, and brain cancer had greater-than-average reported:expected ratios, while lymphoma, bladder cancer, melanoma, and testicular cancer had lower-than-average ratios.

Genetics of prostate cancer.

Abstract: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed visceral cancer of men, responsible for approximately 40,000 deaths in adult males per year. To identify the genetic causes of prostate cancer, we performed a whole genome scan of affected sib pairs, using DNA markers spaced evenly across the human genome. We demonstrated that regions on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 16 and 19 might harbor genes that predispose individuals to prostate cancer and may affect tumor growth rate and tumor aggressiveness. Here we present DNA sequence analysis of KIAA 0872 and 17-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase that are located on chromosome 16 within the mapped region, and we demonstrate that neither of these genes carries mutations in the protein coding region or their splice junction sites. These results suggest that these genes are less likely to be associated with the cause of familial prostate cancer.

Differences in preventive screening rates in Wisconsin farm and non-farm resident women.

Abstract: PURPOSE To determine the proportion of rural women who met screening recommendations for Pap smears, mammograms, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure measurements. METHODS Women aged 25-75 were recruited for a population-based study of chronic diseases in rural residents. In addition to a self-administered health questionnaire and a brief examination, the most recent Pap smear, mammogram, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol measurements were documented from electronic medical records. RESULTS The study population was comprised of 675 farm and 825 non-farm residents. Fifty-five women (3.7%) had no documentation in their medical records of having ever had a Pap smear, and 19.3% (95% CL 16.9, 21.7) of women aged 40 and older had no documentation of a mammogram. Ninety-two percent of the women (95% CL = 90.2, 93.7) had a blood pressure measurement in the previous 2 years and 74.9% (95% CL = 72.2, 77.6) had a blood cholesterol measurement in the previous 5 years. Age was inversely related to Pap smears and positively correlated with mammograms, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol measurements. Farm residents were significantly less likely to have Pap smears or blood pressure measurements at recommended time intervals. DISCUSSION To increase the proportion of rural women in compliance with preventive screening recommendations, public health education efforts should target farm residents and younger women.