Objective Breast cancer survivors report adverse sexual effects (sexual morbidity) such as disrupted sexual function, sexual distress and body dissatisfaction. However, most studies have failed to evaluate the persistence of these effects in long-term survivors. The present study comprehensively assessed the prevalence and predictors of sexual/body image problems among survivors three or more years post diagnosis. Design/outcome measures Eighty-three breast cancer survivors completed surveys a median of seven years post diagnosis. Survey items probed demographic, diagnostic and clinical information, in addition to sexual activity, sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]), body image, and distress regarding body changes and sexual problems (Female Sexual Distress Scale-revised; FSDS-R). Results Seventy-seven percent of all participants and 60% of sexually active participants qualified for sexual dysfunction based on the FSFI. Between 37 and 51% met criteria for female sexual dysfunction, based on two FSDS-R clinical cut-offs. Body satisfaction was worse than normative values, while body change stress was mid-range. Notable sexual morbidity predictors included mastectomy, which was associated with worse sexual/body change distress, and post-treatment weight gain, which predicted greater body dissatisfaction/body change stress. Conclusions Breast cancer survivors report substantial sexual morbidity years after treatment, especially after mastectomy or post-treatment weight gain. Breast cancer patients and their providers should be aware of these potential sexual effects.

This pilot study tested a novel program to promote adoption and maintenance of aerobic activity in midlife women. Lifestyle modification group sessions were held weekly for 3 months, followed by two booster sessions during the 3-month maintenance phase. During all 6 months of the program, participants used a physical activity sensor to automate self-monitoring and a web platform to facilitate social connectivity. Aerobic exercise increased from 63 to 132 minute/week from baseline to 3 months (p < .01), and activity was maintained at 6 months (135 minute/week). Technology enhancements have strong potential to promote maintenance of behavior change.

The need for a generally applicable tool to forecast long-term outcomes based on relatively short-term data is becoming increasingly acute with the advent of new therapies for AD. The AHEAD model provides a relatively simple framework for the prediction of time to FTC requirement based on short-term observed data such as those from clinical trials. Although subject to the uncertainties inherent in modeling, the model nevertheless provides a standard estimation technique that may facilitate comparisons between existing and emerging therapies.

Adiponectin, an adipokine facilitating insulin action, has antiatherogenic effects. This study investigated whether common polymorphisms in the adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) gene mediating these effects influence the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in type 2 diabetes. Linkage disequilibrium analysis of 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the entire ADIPOR1 locus revealed two haplotype blocks that could be tagged by six SNPs. These six markers were typed in two populations of CAD-positive and -negative subjects with type 2 diabetes, one from Boston (n ‫؍‬ 411) and the other from Italy (n ‫؍‬ 533). In the Boston population, the three tags of the more 3 block were all significantly associated with CAD (P ‫؍‬ 0.001-0.01). A similar trend, although not significant, was found in Italian subjects. Haplotype analysis of the combined populations revealed different haplotype distributions in case and control subjects (P ‫؍‬ 0.0002), with one common haplotype being associated in homozygotes with a greater than threefold increase in cardiovascular risk (odds ratio 3.6 [95% CI 1.8 -7.2]). Some of the genotypes associated with increased cardiovascular risk were associated with 30 -40% lower ADIPOR1 mRNA levels in blood mononuclear cells (n ‫؍‬ 60) and adipose tissue biopsies (n ‫؍‬ 28) (P ‫؍‬ 0.001-0.014). Our findings point to genetic variability at the ADIPOR1 locus as a strong determinant of CAD susceptibility in type 2 diabetes.

A technology-based weight loss intervention is feasible in women with Type I endometrial cancer/hyperplasia. Both interventions produced weight loss, although more person-to-person contact produced more significant outcomes. Reductions in expression of IL-2 were related to weight loss.