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C Lerman

Publications and source records attributed to C Lerman.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

The role of the serotonin transporter gene in cigarette smoking.

Data from twin studies have suggested that cigarette smoking has a significant heritable component. The serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) is a plausible candidate gene for smoking predisposition because of its association with psychological traits relevant to smoking behavior. The present investigation evaluated the associations of smoking practices and smoking cessation with a common polymorphism in the upstream regulatory region of 5-HTT that is manifested as either an inserted (long) variant or a deleted (short) variant. The short variant of the polymorphism is associated with reduced transcription of the gene promoter and diminished uptake. A case-control study design (268 smokers and 230 controls) was used to evaluate the associations of 5-HTT genotype with smoking status. Case series analysis of smokers was used to evaluate the role of 5-HTT in age at smoking initiation, previous quitting history, current smoking rate, and 12-month quit rate following a minimal-contact smoking cessation program. There were no significant differences in the distribution of 5-HTT genotypes in smokers as compared with nonsmokers in either Caucasians or African Americans, nor was the 5-HTT genotype associated with the smoking outcome variables. However, the results did reveal significant racial differences in the distribution of 5-HTT genotypes: Caucasians were significantly more likely to carry the short variant of the 5-HTT gene than were African Americans (P = 0.005). These findings suggest that the 5-HTT gene may not play a significant role in cigarette smoking practices.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Dopamine D4 receptors and the risk of cigarette smoking in African-Americans and Caucasians.

An understanding of why people smoke cigarettes can have an important impact on smoking prevention and cessation. People smoke cigarettes to maintain nicotine levels in the body, and nicotine has been implicated in the stimulation of brain reward mechanisms via central neuronal dopaminergic pathways. In this study, we evaluated the association of smoking and smoking cessation with a dopamine D4 receptor 48-bp variable nucleotide tandem repeat polymorphism in which the seven-repeat allele (D4.7) reduces dopamine affinity. Smokers (n = 283) and nonsmokers (n = 192) were recruited through local media for a case-control study of smoking. After giving informed consent and answering a behavioral questionnaire, smokers underwent a single minimal-contact session of smoking cessation counseling and then were followed for up to 1 year. The frequency of the dopamine D4 receptor genetic polymorphism using PCR was determined, and individuals were classified by the number of repeat alleles (two to five repeats as S and six to eight repeats as L). Persons with those genotypes including only S alleles (homozygote S/S) were compared with those with at least one L allele (heterozygote S/L and homozygote L/L). Chi2 tests of association, Fisher's exact test, and Student's t test were used. Ps were two-tailed. The data show that African-Americans (n = 72) who had at least one L allele had a higher risk of smoking (odds ratio, 7.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-39.9; P = 0.006), shorter time to the first cigarette in the morning (P = 0.03), and earlier age at smoking initiation (P = 0.09) compared with homozygote S/S genotypes. After smoking cessation counseling, none of the African-American smokers with an L allele were abstinent at 2 months, compared with 35% of the smokers who were homozygote S/S (P = 0.02). The analysis of Caucasians (n = 403) did not suggest a similar smoking risk for the D4 genotypes (odds ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-1.6; P = 0.90), or smoking cessation (P = 0.75). Although the number of African-Americans is small, this study is consistent with the hypothesis that the L alleles increase the risk of smoking because these individuals are prone to use nicotine to stimulate synaptic dopamine transmission. If replicated, the data indicate that a single minimal-contact session of cessation counseling, similar to what is typically provided in primary care physician offices, is ineffective in African-American smokers who have at least one L allele. The finding of an effect for these polymorphic loci in African-Americans, but not Caucasians, suggests that the variable nucleotide tandem repeat studied here is a marker for another polymorphic site in African-Americans, but not in Caucasians.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Patients' attitudes about autonomy and confidentiality in genetic testing for breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility.

The identification of BRCA1 and BRCA2, two breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility genes, has brought many ethical and social issues to the forefront. This paper presents the results of a survey assessing the attitudes of 238 unaffected first-degree relatives of women with breast or ovarian cancer regarding the ethical issues of autonomy and confidentiality as they relate to BRCA1/2 testing. Baseline knowledge about BRCA1/2 and ethnic and psychosocial characteristics of our study population were examined to determine their association with women's attitudes. The majority of women (86-87%) felt that health care providers should not disclose the results of genetic tests for breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility to insurance companies or employers without written consent; however, only 56-57% felt that written consent should be required for a spouse or immediate family to receive this information. Ninety-eight percent of the women surveyed agreed that genetic testing for breast-ovarian cancer risk should be voluntary. Likewise, most women (95%) agreed that a person should be able to have genetic testing against a doctor's recommendation and 88% of the women surveyed agreed that parents should be able to consent to genetic susceptibility testing on behalf of their minor children. African American women were less concerned than Caucasian women about the protection of confidentiality in families, they were more likely to agree that an individual should still have access to testing when their physicians recommended against it, and they were more supportive of parents' rights to consent to genetic predisposition testing on behalf of their minor children. Women with coping styles characterized by higher optimism were more likely to favor access to genetic testing when a physician recommended against it, and to support parents' rights to consent to testing of their minor children. Therefore, the setting and manner in which genetic counseling and testing are delivered must be appropriately tailored to reflect these attitudinal differences and preferences.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

A descriptive study of BRCA1 testing and reactions to disclosure of test results.

BACKGROUND: The identification of the BRCA1 gene is a powerful tool for predicting a patient's lifetime risk for carcinoma of the breast and ovary when she has hereditary breast/ovarian carcinoma (HBOC) syndrome. The process of BRCA1 testing and genetic counseling and participants' reactions to test results, are described. METHODS: Education about the natural history of HBOC syndrome and the pros and cons of genetic testing was provided to 14 HBOC families comprised of 2549 bloodline relatives. Of these, 388 underwent DNA testing. After informed consent was given by participants, formal linkage analysis and gene mutation studies were performed on the families. Qualitative data on intentions and emotional reactions were collected by physicians/counselors during the genetic counseling sessions. RESULTS: Of those tested, 181 received their results after further genetic counseling. Seventy-eight of them were positive and 100 were negative for BRCA1 gene mutation. Three had ambiguous findings. The most common reasons given for seeking DNA testing were concern about risk to children and concern about surveillance and prevention. Prophylactic mastectomy was considered by 35% of women who tested positive, whereas prophylactic oophorectomy was considered an important option by 76%. Twenty-five percent of both BRCA1 positive and negative individuals were concerned about discrimination by insurance companies. Eighty percent of those who tested negative reported emotional relief, whereas over one-third of those who tested positive reported sadness, anger, or guilt. CONCLUSIONS: DNA testing of patients with HBOC syndrome must be performed in the context of genetic counseling. The authors' results demonstrate the many complex clinical and nonclinical issues that are important in this process.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Enhancing adherence following abnormal Pap smears among low-income minority women: a preventive telephone counseling strategy.

BACKGROUND: Although the incidence of precancerous conditions of the cervix has recently been increasing, prompt initial and long-term follow-up care can effectively reduce unnecessary morbidity and mortality. For example, the 4-year survival rates among those individuals at greatest risk for cervical cancer (i.e., minority women of low socioeconomic status) approach 95% with early detection. Women who present with advanced disease have a much poorer outlook (0%-39% survival). Yet, high-risk individuals are least likely to adhere to recommended diagnostic regimens. PURPOSE: We tested the effectiveness of a brief telephone counseling intervention directed to low-income, inner-city women after they had received an abnormal Pap smear result. The women were counseled on the importance of having an initial and 6-month repeat follow-up diagnostic procedure (i.e., colposcopic examination of the cervix). METHODS: A randomized trial design was used to compare the effects on these women of telephone counseling with (n = 192) or without (n = 203) a booster counseling telephone call prior to the appointment for a repeat colposcopy 6 months later, with a telephone appointment confirmation/reminder call (n = 216) and with standard care (i.e., no telephone contact) (n = 217). The telephone counseling protocol probed for and addressed three psychologic barriers to adherence (i.e., attendance at appointment for colposcopy examination): 1) encoding/expectancy (e.g., did the patient understand her risk of developing cervical cancer?); 2) affective/emotional (e.g., was the woman worried about the condition and its consequences?); and 3) self-regulatory/practical (e.g., was the woman likely to forget medical appointments?). Logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of the intervention group and the type of psychologic barriers elicited on colposcopy adherence. RESULTS: The results of logistic regression analysis (using those who received an appointment confirmation/reminder telephone call as the comparison group) revealed that telephone counseling produced significantly higher adherence rates to the initial colposcopy visit compared with telephone confirmation (300 [76%] of 395 women versus 147 [68%] of 216; odds ratio [OR] = 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04-2.17). Additionally, standard care resulted in significantly lower adherence rates than did telephone confirmation (109 [50%] of 217 women versus 147 [68%] of 216; OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.32-0.73). Regarding attendance at the 6-month repeat colposcopy appointments, the 80 patients who had received telephone counseling prior to the initial visit (and were recommended for follow-up colposcopy) were significantly more likely to adhere than were the 47 patients who had received telephone confirmation (49 [61%] of 80 women versus 17 [36.2%] of 47; OR = 2.70; 95% CI = 1.15-6.51). The 6-month adherence rates for patients in the telephone confirmation group and the standard care group (n = 30) were low and did not differ significantly (17 [36.2%] of 47 women versus nine [30.0%] of 30; OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.40-2.89). Forgetting medical appointments (OR = 0.31; 95% CI = 0.19-0.51) and having scheduling conflicts (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.28-0.72) were also associated with lower rates of adherence. CONCLUSION: The use of telephone counseling appears to be an effective strategy for enhancing initial and long-term adherence to a follow-up cervical diagnostic procedure in a traditionally underserved population. Patients who respond to a positive Pap test result with a particular profile of psychologic barriers may require more intensive and targeted counseling interventions.

Colposcopy↗
PubMed1997

Controlled trial of pretest education approaches to enhance informed decision-making for BRCA1 gene testing.

BACKGROUND: In response to the isolation of the BRCA1 gene, a breast-ovarian cancer-susceptibility gene, biotechnology companies are already marketing genetic tests to health care providers and to the public. Initial studies indicate interest in BRCA1 testing in the general public and in populations at high risk. However, the optimal strategies for educating and counseling individuals have yet to be determined. PURPOSE: Our goal was to evaluate the impact of alternate strategies for pretest education and counseling on decision-making regarding BRCA1 testing among women at low to moderate risk who have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. METHODS: A randomized trial design was used to evaluate the effects of education only (educational approach) and education plus counseling (counseling approach), as compared with a waiting-list (control) condition (n = 400 for all groups combined). The educational approach reviewed information about personal risk factors, inheritance of cancer susceptibility, the benefits, limitations, and risks of BRCA1 testing, and cancer screening and prevention options. The counseling approach included this information, as well as a personalized discussion of experiences with cancer in the family and the potential psychological and social impact of testing. Data on knowledge of inherited cancer and BRCA1 test characteristics, perceived risk, perceived benefits, limitations and risks of BRCA1 testing, and testing intentions were collected by use of structured telephone interviews at baseline and at 1-month follow-up. Provision of a blood sample for future testing served as a proxy measure of intention to be tested (in the education and counseling arms of the study). The effects of intervention group on study outcomes were evaluated by use of hierarchical linear regression modeling and logistic regression modeling (for the blood sample outcome). All P values are for two-sided tests. RESULTS: The educational and counseling approaches both led to significant increases in knowledge, relative to the control condition (P < .001 for both). The counseling approach, but not the educational approach, was superior to the control condition in producing significant increases in perceived limitations and risks of BRCA1 testing (P < .01) and decreases in perceived benefits (P < .05). However, neither approach produced changes in intentions to have BRCA1 testing. Prior to and following both education only and education plus counseling, approximately one half of the participants stated that they intended to be tested; after the session, 52% provided a blood sample. CONCLUSIONS: Standard educational approaches may be equally effective as expanded counseling approaches in enhancing knowledge. Since knowledge is a key aspect of medical decision-making, standard education may be adequate in situations where genetic testing must be streamlined. On the other hand, it has been argued that optimal decision-making requires not only knowledge, but also a reasoned evaluation of the positive and negative consequences of alternate decisions. Although the counseling approach is more likely to achieve this goal, it may not diminish interest in testing, even among women at low to moderate risk. Future research should focus on the merits of these alternate approaches for subgroups of individuals with different backgrounds who are being counseled in the variety of settings where BRCA1 testing is likely to be offered.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Psychological distress in women seeking genetic counseling for breast-ovarian cancer risk: the contributions of personality and appraisal.

The purpose of the present study was two-fold: (a) to characterize the psychological status of women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer who self-refer for genetic counseling and BRCA1 testing; and (b) to identify specific demographic, personality, and appraisal factors that contribute to cancer-specific distress and general distress in this group of women. Participants were 256 women ages 18 and older who had at least one first-degree relative (FDR) with breast and/or ovarian cancer. Participants were recruited through breast cancer clinics and obstetrics/gynecology departments at two medical centers by responding to program information described in a brochure. The results revealed moderate distress levels in this population. The results of a hierarchical regression of general distress indicated that women with higher levels of general distress were less likely to be married, less optimistic, and had heightened breast cancer risk perceptions accompanied by feelings of low perceptions of control over the development of breast cancer (R2 = .44, p = .0001). Women with higher levels of cancer-specific distress tended to be younger and non-White and had low perceptions of control over developing breast cancer (R2 = .15, p = .0002). These findings suggest that self-referred genetic counseling participants may be psychologically vulnerable and may benefit from interventions designed to decrease distress and the perceived absence of control over developing breast cancer.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1997

The influence of psychological distress on use of genetic testing for cancer risk.

The recent identification of BRCA1, a breast cancer susceptibility gene, offers an unprecedented opportunity for high-risk individuals to learn whether they are genetically predisposed to develop breast or ovarian cancer. This study examined the relationships between psychological distress and use of BRCA1 testing by 149 high-risk individuals from hereditary cancer families. After a baseline assessment of demographics, objective risk, cancer-specific distress, and global distress (depressive symptoms), study participants were offered the opportunity to receive genetic counseling and to learn whether they carry a mutation in the BRCA1 gene. Overall, 58% of study participants requested BRCA1 test results, and 42% declined to learn their genetic status. After controlling for demographic factors and risk status, cancer-specific distress was significantly and positively related to BRCA1 test use, whereas global distress was unrelated to test use.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Incorporating biomarkers of exposure and genetic susceptibility into smoking cessation treatment: effects on smoking-related cognitions, emotions, and behavior change.

In this article the authors report on the short-term impact of incorporating biomarker feedback about exposure and genetic susceptibility into minimal-contact quit-smoking counseling (QSC). Four hundred and twenty-seven smokers were randomized to 1 of 3 treatments: (a) QSC, (b) QSC + exposure biomarker feedback (EBF) about carbon monoxide in exhaled breath, or (b) QSC + EBF + biomarker feedback about genetic susceptibility to lung cancer (SBF). We observed significant immediate positive effects of SBF, compared with EBF and QSC on perceived risk, perceived quitting benefits, and fear arousal. However, at the 2-month follow-up, there were no group differences in quit rates. SBF did lead to significant reductions in the number of cigarettes smoked for smokers who were in the preparation stage. Smokers in the EBF and QSC conditions showed reductions in depressive symptoms by 2 months, but smokers in the SBF condition did not. In the context of QSC, genetic feedback may heighten vulnerability and possibly promote distress, but may not immediately enhance quitting in most smokers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Cancer genetic susceptibility testing: ethical and policy implications for future research and clinical practice. Cancer Genetic Studies Consortium, National Institutes of Health.

Authors examine the ethical and health policy implications in the Cancer Genetic Studies Consortium projects, which attempt to collect data on the clinical benefits and harms of cancer genetic testing. They suggest that more data are needed on the long-term physical and psychosocial effects of testing and that further examination is needed of the ethical issues raised by testing.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Gender and ethnic differences in readiness to change smoking behavior.

The Transtheoretical Model has been used extensively to investigate smoking behavior. However, gender and ethnic differences in key constructs of the Transtheoretical Model have not been fully evaluated. This gap in the literature is addressed in this brief report. We examined gender and ethnic differences in stages of change (readiness to quit smoking), perceived pros (benefits) and cons (costs) of smoking, and self-efficacy (confidence) in ability to quit among smokers seeking cessation treatment. Participants were 330 smokers ages 18 to 75, who responded to advertisements for a free minimal-contact smoking cessation program. Thirty percent of women were confident they could quit smoking compared to 53% of men. Women reported more pros of smoking and more cons of smoking than men. White smokers reported more pros of smoking than African smokers. These findings highlight the need to bolster quitting confidence among women and to identify alternatives to the pros of smoking relevant to women smokers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Etiology, natural history, management and molecular genetics of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndromes): genetic counseling implications.

We estimate that 5-10% of virtually all forms of cancer are due to a primary hereditary etiology. However, a hereditary cancer diagnosis is often missed because the family history of cancer is given short shrift in medical practice. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) certainly fits this estimate, although some studies suggest that a minimum of 2% with a range as high as 10% of the total colorectal cancer burden is due to HNPCC. Mutations in one of the four mismatch repair genes, i.e., hMSH2, hMLH1, hPMS1, and hPMS2, account for about 70% of HNPCC kindreds. Other germ-line mutations are likely to be identified to account for the remainder of HNPCC patients. By far the most common HNPCC mutations involve hMSH2 and hMLH1, with hPMS1 and hPMS2 accounting for only about 3% of such families. Prior to these molecular genetic discoveries, the genetic counselor could only provide the patient with an estimate of a 50% likelihood of manifesting HNPCC based on the counselee having one or more first-degree relatives manifesting syndrome cancers in their direct genetic lineage. Because DNA testing has become available in families with known mutations, we have provided pretest group education in the form of a family information service with intensive education about the natural history, genetic risk, surveillance, and options for management of HNPCC, as well as discussion of the potential for fear, anxiety, apprehension, and insurance or employer discrimination that might impact on this DNA testing. Following informed consent, these relatives were then counseled on a one-to-one basis. Using DNA-based genetic counseling involving hMSH2 or hMLH1, we have provided this service to four extended HNPCC kindreds. Details of this genetic counseling experience on these four kindreds will be discussed.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed1996

BRCA1 testing in families with hereditary breast-ovarian cancer. A prospective study of patient decision making and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of utilization of breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility (BRCA1 gene) testing and to evaluate outcomes of participation in a testing program. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with baseline interview assessment of predictor variables (eg, sociodemographic factors, knowledge about hereditary cancer and genetic testing, perceptions of testing benefits, limitations, and risks). BRCA1 test results were offered after an education and counseling session in a research setting. Outcome variables (including depression, functional health status, and prophylactic surgery plans [follow-up only]) were assessed at baseline and 1-month follow-up interviews. PARTICIPANTS: Adult male and female members (n=279) of families with BRCA1-linked hereditary breast-ovarian cancer (HBOC). RESULTS: Of subjects who completed a baseline interview (n=192), 60% requested BRCA1 test results (43% of all study subjects requested results). Requests for results were more frequent for persons with health insurance (odds ration [OR], 3.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.06-6.80); more first-degree relatives affected with breast cancer (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16-2.16); more knowledge about BRCA1 testing (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.36-2.50); and indicating that test benefits are important (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13-1.86). At follow-up, noncarriers of BRCA1 mutations showed statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms and functional impairment compared with carriers and nontested individuals. Individuals identified as mutation carriers did not exhibit increases in depression and functional impairment. Among unaffected women with no prior prophylactic surgery, 17% of carriers (2/12) intended to have mastectomies and 33% (4/12) to have oophorectomies. CONCLUSIONS: Only a subset of HBOC family members are likely to request BRCA1 testing when available. Rates of test use may be higher in persons of a higher socioeconomic status and those with more relatives affected with breast cancer. For some high-risk individuals who receive test results in a research setting that includes counseling, there may be psychological benefits. More research is needed to assess the generalizability of these results and evaluate the long-term consequences of BRCA1 testing.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Participation in a women's breast cancer risk counseling trial. Who participates? Who declines? High Risk Breast Cancer Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about what factors influence women to participate its trials designed for women at high risk for breast cancer. Yet the recruitment phase is of utmost importance in determining whether the trial can achieve its goals. The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of participation in a risk counseling trial for first-degree relatives of breast cancer patients. METHODS: Subjects were identified by their relatives who had received a diagnosis of breast cancer at one of six institutions. Letters of introduction were sent to potentially eligible, unaffected relatives. They were informed about the risk counseling study and given the opportunity to decline. Letters were sent to 1392 first-degree relatives; of these, 1149 women were contacted for an interview and 14% refused. Of the 987 respondents, 47% accepted and 53% declined to participate. Bivariate and multivariate statistics were used to examine predictors of participation. RESULTS: In the total sample, there were five significant multivariable predictors of participation: level of education, recent clinical breast examination (CBE), objective and perceived breast cancer risk, and any current use of alcohol. Participation was moderated by time since the relative's diagnosis. There was a statistically significant relationship to education such that women with a higher level of education were significantly more likely to participate if they were approached within 2 months of their relative's diagnosis of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Like many other kinds of trials, participants in this risk counseling trial were significantly more likely to have more than a high school education and more likely to be nonsmokers than the nonparticipants. They also were significantly more likely to drink alcohol (dichotomous measure), have had a recent CBE, and have higher subjective and objective breast cancer risks. Different types of recruitment strategies may be needed depending on the characteristics of the people being recruited and the timing of the invitation.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Genetic testing for colon cancer susceptibility: Anticipated reactions of patients and challenges to providers.

The commercial availability of genetic tests for colon cancer susceptibility is creating new opportunities and challenges for both patients and providers. To provide information useful in the education and counseling of individuals considering genetic testing, we conducted structured interviews with 45 male and female first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients. Fifty-one percent of respondents indicated that they definitely would want to obtain a genetic test for colon cancer susceptibility when it is available and 31% said that they probably would want to be tested. Interest in genetic testing was significantly higher among persons with less formal education and those with a Catholic religious preference. Motivations for genetic testing included the following: to know if more screening tests are needed, to learn if one's children are at risk and to be reassured. Barriers to testing included concerns about insurance, test accuracy and how one's family would react emotionally. Most participants anticipated that they would become depressed and anxious if they tested positive for a mutation, while many would feel guilty and still worry if they tested negative. Of note, about one-half of respondents expected that they would decrease their use of screening tests and make fewer attempts to reduce dietary fat if they tested negative. These preliminary results underscore the importance of educating patients about the potential risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing, with particular emphasis on the possibility of adverse psychological effects and implications for health insurance. The potential for false reassurance following a negative test result should be addressed by emphasizing the residual risks of cancer among non-carriers of predisposing mutations.

Adolescent↗