BACKGROUNDIt has been shown that social integration and the availability of social support influence quality of life. However, little is known about the relation between social support and mental and physical health in patients with colorectal cancer. In the current study, the authors examined the effects of social network size, as well as emotional and instrumental support, on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with colorectal cancer.METHODSSix hundred thirty‐six veterans with colorectal cancer were asked to complete a telephone interview, which included a measure of social support (the Berkman–Syme Index) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12‐Item Survey. Mean physical composite scale (PCS) and mental composite scale (MCS) scores were compared across groups.RESULTSNo difference in mean PCS or MCS scores was found between patients who had larger social networks and patients who had smaller social networks. The availability of emotional and instrumental support was associated with higher MCS scores, whereas the availability of instrumental support was associated with lower PCS scores.CONCLUSIONSIrrespective of network size, the availability of emotional support and instrumental support had an impact on HRQOL in patients with colorectal cancer. More emphasis needs to be placed on understanding how various types of social support, individually and collectively, influence physical and mental health in patients with colorectal cancer. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
In multiple studies, the chronic use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been associated with a decreased incidence of several types of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasia. This effect may be mediated by one of several intracellular mechanisms, some of which involve the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) isoenzyme. In multiple studies of colorectal carcinoma, chronic NSAID use has shown a protective effect, with the majority of studies demonstrat-
BACKGROUND The growing use of vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements has the potential to influence the design and interpretation of randomized controlled trials of chemopreventive agents. To the extent that these complementary agents are effective, they could limit the ability of trials to demonstrate an effect of the agents under study. METHODS During the course of a colorectal neoplasia chemoprevention trial using aspirin in a group of colorectal carcinoma survivors, the authors obtained information on the use of vitamins, minerals, and supplements at baseline and every 6 months. The information from 622 study participants was categorized and enumerated. RESULTS One or more supplements were used at some time by 341 (55%) subjects. Among those who took supplements, 66% took more than 1 and 13% took 5 or more. The mean number of supplements taken was 2.6 (1.7 standard deviation). Vitamins were the most commonly used (49%), followed by minerals (22%), botanicals (13%), and others (5%). Among the vitamins, the most frequently used were multivitamins (38% of subjects), vitamin C (18%), and vitamin E (22%). Calcium (16%) was the most frequent mineral. Among users, there were no differences in supplement use by age or gender. CONCLUSIONS Supplement use was common among colorectal carcinoma survivors enrolled in a prevention trial. Investigators should record the information on supplement use so that the possible impact of the supplements on trial endpoints can be evaluated. It may be necessary to increase the size of studies if many of the subjects take potentially effective supplements. Cancer 2001;91:1040–5. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
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