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Faculty Preceptor:
Ann B. Nattinger, MD, MPH
Professor of Medicine and Health Services Research
Chief, General Internal Medicine
Lady Riders Professor of Breast Cancer Research
Director, Center for Patient Care and Outcomes Research
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Faculty Co-Mentor:
Tina W. F. Yen, MD, MS
Assistant Professor, Surgery
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"My research focused on adjuvant hormonal therapy (HT) use in older breast cancer patients. Hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that responds to estrogen, a hormone that promotes the proliferation of breast tissue. The vast majority of postmenopausal women with breast cancer are HR-positive. HT with tamoxifen, an estrogen receptor modulator, or with an aromatase inhibitor has been found to increase overall survival, increase disease-free survival, decrease the risk of distant metastases, and decrease the risk of contralateral breast cancer in HR-positive breast cancer survivors. However, existing data indicate that 25-30% of women who are eligible for HT treatment do not receive it. The objective of this study was to identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with the receipt of adjuvant HT. Telephone surveys were conducted to collect information from 2942 women who were 65-89 years old when they underwent initial breast cancer surgery in 2003. Our results showed that younger age, Hispanic race, residence in Illinois or New York, and better social support were associated with a greater likelihood of receiving adjuvant HT. Younger age, higher educational level, and insurance coverage for medication costs were associated with a greater likelihood of receiving an aromatase inhibitor among those patients on adjuvant HT. Providers should consider these factors and offer appropriate resources when discussing adjuvant HT options with older breast cancer survivors.
My experience in the medical student summer research program was an invaluable one. It was a great learning experience, where I was able to generate hypotheses, analyze data to test my hypotheses, and form conclusions. I also had the opportunity to interact with many doctors who were great resources to go to regarding research and clinical topics. I even had the opportunity to shadow a surgical oncologist who also conducts research through PCOR. Overall, I was able to gain both research and clinical experience through the program while still having ample free time during the summer."
Linda had an oral presentation accepted for the 3rd Annual Academic Surgical Congress, which was held February 13-15, 2008, in Huntington Beach, CA. Linda was also selected to present her abstract at the Conference's "Outstanding Medical Student Quick-Shot Mini-Oral" presentation. During this session, the top ten abstracts submitted by AAS Medical Students competed for the Association for Academic Surgery Outstanding Medical Student Award. The AAS leadership was also in attendance during this special session.
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