Can obligate apomixis and more stable reproductive assurance explain the distributional successes of asexual triploids in Hieracium alpinum (Asteraceae)?

Although reproductive assurance has been suggested to be one of the most important factors shaping the differential distributional patterns between sexuals and asexuals (geographic parthenogenesis), it has only rarely been studied in natural populations of vascular plants with autonomous apomixis. Moreover, there are almost no data concerning the putative relationship between the level of apomictic versus sexual plant reproduction on one hand, and reproductive assurance on the other. We assessed the level of sexual versus apomictic reproduction in diploid and triploid plants of Hieracium alpinum across its distributional range using flow cytometric analyses of seeds, and compared the level of potential and realized seed set, i.e. reproductive assurance, between the two cytotypes under field and greenhouse conditions. Flow cytometric screening of embryos and endosperms of more than 4,100 seeds showed that diploids produced solely diploid progeny sexually, while triploids produced triploid progeny by obligate apomixis. Potential fruit set was much the same in diploids and triploids from the field and the greenhouse experiment. While in the pollination-limited environment in the greenhouse apomictic triploids had considerably higher realized fruit set than sexual diploids, there was no significant difference between cytotypes under natural conditions. In addition, sexuals varied to a significantly larger extent in realized fruit set than asexuals under both natural and greenhouse conditions. Our results indicate that triploid plants reproduce by obligate apomixis, assuring more stable and predictable fruit reproduction when compared to sexual diploids. This advantage could provide apomictic triploids with a superior colonisation ability, mirrored in a strong geographic parthenogenesis pattern observed in this species.

Risk-reduction mastectomy: clinical issues and research needs.

Risk-reduction mastectomy (RRM), also known as bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, is a controversial clinical option for women who are at increased risk of breast cancer. High-risk women, including women with a strong family history of breast cancer and BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, have several clinical options: risk-reduction surgery (bilateral mastectomy and bilateral oophorectomy), surveillance (mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast self-examination), and chemoprevention (tamoxifen). We review research in a number of areas central to our understanding of RRM, including recent data on 1) the effectiveness of RRM in reducing breast cancer risk, 2) the perception of RRM among women at increased risk and health-care providers, 3) the decision-making process for follow-up care of women at high risk, and 4) satisfaction and psychological status after surgery. We suggest areas of future research to better guide high-risk women and their health-care providers in the decision-making process.

A systems model for adaptation to somatic distress among cancer survivors.

Applied coping research has generally failed to fulfill its goal of providing an empirical basis for clinical interventions, and research on coping with cancer is no exception. This can be attributed in large measure to the wide gap between coping theory and coping research. Theories of stress and adaptation are complex systems formulations that present conceptual and methodological challenges and thus make testing comprehensive models difficult. The present paper reviews arguments for a microanalytic strategy through which researchers can increase coverage of relevant variables from broad systems models of stress and coping by concentrating their resources on selected, high-frequency, high-stress problems. The utility of this approach for formulating problem-specific systems models is illustrated using the example of coping with somatic distress among cancer survivors.

Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy decision making: A vignette study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the perception of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM), and whether perceptions are influenced by a family history of breast cancer. It is also unclear what factors may play a role in selecting BPM for follow-up care. METHODS: Samples of predominantly Caucasian, well-educated women with (n = 129) and without (n = 104) family histories of breast cancer were provided a vignette of a woman at increased risk. They selected one of two follow-up options: (1) clinical breast examination, breast self exam, and annual mammography or (2) BPM. RESULTS: The samples did not differ on the decision to select BPM (29.5% vs 22.1%). The family history sample reported worry about breast cancer as a problem (34.4%) more often than women with no history (15.7%). Multivariate analysis found worry and estimated 10-year risk of the woman in the vignette as significant predictors of selecting BPM. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 25% of our sample selected BPM as the preferred option. The majority supported the need to discuss BPM among women at increased risk. Finally, both factors associated with the selection of BPM (worry, risk assessment) are potentially amenable to psychosocial or educational approaches. There is a clear need for assessment of worry and risk perception prior to surgical decision making.

The impact of a brief coping skills intervention on adherence to breast self-examination among first-degree relatives of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

The present investigation sought to determine (1) the impact of a single session stress management/coping intervention (problem-solving training; PST) versus a general health counseling (GHC) control condition on breast self-examination (BSE) adherence among relatives of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, and (2) whether women with heightened perceived risk of breast cancer and/or cancer specific distress at baseline were more likely to improve their BSE adherence following PST. The participants were 510 women age 20-75 who had at least one first-degree relative with breast cancer. All of the participants completed a baseline telephone interview, an intervention (PST versus GHC), and a 3-month follow-up telephone interview. The results revealed a 36% overall improvement in BSE adherence, with no significant between-group difference in improvement (chi 2 = 0.03, p = 0.87). The logistic regression analysis of improvement in BSE adherence revealed a statistically significant cancer-specific distress by treatment interaction (p = 0.04). Among women who received PST, those with high levels of cancer-specific distress were two times more likely to improve in BSE adherence than women low in cancer-specific distress. There was no effect of cancer-specific distress in the control condition. These results suggest that women with a family history of breast cancer who have high levels of distress may be most likely to benefit from behavioral coping skills intervention to promote adherence to breast cancer screening.

Sleep alterations in cancer patients.

This multi-institutional sleep study involved two phases aimed at investigating sleep alterations in patients with any stage of breast and lung cancer. The first phase of this study used an 82-item, 20-minute telephone survey to elicit information regarding the impact of sleep disturbances on a convenience sample of 150 patients. Of these patients, 44% reported a sleep problem during the month before the interview. Significant relations included these: report of sleep problems prediagnosis over the past month (x = 5.82; p = 0.02), duration of sleep medication use and frequency of sleep problem (r = 0.58; p = 0.05), age and severity of sleep problems (r = 0.38; p = 0.05), and frequency and severity of the sleep problem over the past month (r = 0.21; p < 0.10). Communication with health care providers occurred in 16.6% of patients reporting a sleep disturbance. The second phase of this study explored the type, frequency, and severity of sleep problems and perceptions of causation, support, and methods of coping with the sleep problem. A qualitative approach to the problem was used in this phase. A one-time telephone interview of 42 patients, derived from a convenience sample, revealed a 45% prevalence of sleep problems a month before the interview. A qualitative analysis of the responses suggested that sleep problems are related to experiences of other symptoms and perceptions of cancer and treatment. Content analysis of the responses identified the following categories: figuring out the reason, seeking help, seeking support and relation to the overall cancer experience.

The impact of a brief problem-solving training intervention for relatives of recently diagnosed breast cancer patients.

Previous studies have found high levels of psychological distress in women who have a family history of breast cancer. We evaluated a brief Problem-Solving Training (PST) intervention designed to reduce distress among women with a first-degree relative recently diagnosed with this disease. Participants were randomly assigned to either the PST group (N = 144) or a General Health Counseling (GHC) control group (N = 197). At baseline, these groups did not differ on any sociodemographic, risk factor, or psychological distress variables. We evaluated the impact of PST, relative to GHC, at the three-month follow-up assessment using a 2 (treatment group) x 2 (time of assessment) mixed factor analysis of variance (ANOVA). Although there were significant decreases in both cancer-specific and general distress in both the PST and GHC groups, the magnitude of these decreases did not differ. However, when PST participants were divided into those who regularly practiced the PST techniques and those who did not, significant differences emerged. Participants who regularly practiced the PST techniques had significantly greater decreases in cancer-specific distress [Impact of Event Scale (IEs) intrusion and avoidance subscales] compared to infrequent practicers and GHC participants. Effects on general distress were not found. Additional studies are needed to identify ways to promote the practice of PST techniques and to evaluate other psychosocial interventions for female relatives of breast cancer patients.

Genetic counseling and testing for breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility: what do women want?

PURPOSE: To assess preferences for the content and process of genetic counseling and testing for breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility among women at high risk for breast cancer. METHODS: Ninety-eight healthy women who had a family history of breast cancer in at least two first-degree relatives participated in a structured telephone survey that evaluated preferences for type of provider and the content and process of pretest education and posttest genetic counseling. RESULTS: Forty-two percent of women preferred that pretest education be delivered by a genetic counselor, while 22% preferred an oncologist. This preference was positively associated with a desire to discuss psychosocial issues during the session (P = .001). For posttest counseling, 38% of women preferred an oncologist, while 20% preferred a genetic counselor. However, women who desired supportive counseling during this session were significantly more likely to prefer a genetic counselor to an oncologist (P = .02). Fewer women wished to see a primary care physician or gynecologist for pretest education (11%) or posttest counseling (22%). With regard to the counseling process, 82% of women wished to self-refer for genetic counseling, but 63% desired advice and recommendations about whether to be tested. CONCLUSION: When feasible, the optimal approach may be for oncologists to work with genetic counselors to provide pretest education and medical recommendations. Elicitation of patients' preferences may be useful to determine the level of counseling services needed.

Excessive breast self-examination among first-degree relatives of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. High-Risk Breast Cancer Consortium.

First-degree relatives (FDRs) of women with breast cancer may have heightened anxiety about their personal risk for developing breast cancer. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important component of risk surveillance for all women. In this study, the authors describe a subset of FDRs who appear to excessively (> or = once per day) perform BSE. These women, who constituted 8% of 1,053 FDRs in this study, were compared with women who did not examine excessively. The excessive self-examiners were older, more frequently African American, and less educated. They were more likely to have an affected daughter and > or = two FDRs with breast cancer. They were significantly more likely to think frequently about breast cancer and to report that such thoughts affected their mood. In a multivariate analysis, three variables had significant independent associations with excessive BSE practice: ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3), perceived risk of breast cancer compared with women without a family history (OR = 2.9), and frequency of thoughts about breast cancer (OR = 5.5). The women who practice excessive BSE would benefit from enhanced educational efforts and screening for the presence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and hypochondriasis.

Psychosocial issues in breast cancer.

Over the past year, increasing research attention has been devoted to the issue of women at increased risk of developing breast cancer. These articles focus on a range of issues from recruiting high-risk women into breast cancer trials to recommendations for assessment and counseling women with a family history of breast cancer. In addition, continuing research attention has focused on quality of life, symptom management, and articles related to physician-patient communication. This review summarizes and critiques publications in these areas, and it includes articles reviewing the status of research in psychosocial oncology.

Predictors of and satisfaction with bilateral prophylactic mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Women with a first-degree relative with breast cancer are at increased risk of developing this disease. The optimal medical management of these women is unclear, with options including close breast cancer screening, bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, or participation in chemoprevention trials. Among women who undergo prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, very little is known about satisfaction with this surgery. Also, we know very little about variables related to prophylactic mastectomy decision making. METHODS: Participants were women at increased risk of breast cancer due to family history. These women were categorized by self-report as not interested in prophylactic mastectomy (n = 58), interested but deciding against surgery (n = 92), or subsequently having a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (n = 14). Information on screening practices, risk perception, level of depression, and cancer-related worry was collected. Women completing prophylactic mastectomy reported on their satisfaction with the surgery and breast reconstruction. RESULTS: Women selecting surgery reported more breast cancer worry. The group expressing no interest in surgery reported fewer biopsies and lower risk estimates. Women completing surgery were satisfied with their decision, although satisfaction with reconstruction was mixed. CONCLUSION: Factors influencing surgical decision making may include breast-cancer-related worry, biopsy history, and subjective breast cancer risk.

The practice of prophylactic mastectomy: a survey of Maryland surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is a drastic breast cancer preventive option for which indications are not standardized and efficacy has not been proven. To estimate the magnitude of this controversial practice, surgeons were surveyed on their recommendations about and performance of prophylactic mastectomy. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was sent to general surgeons (n = 522), plastic surgeons (n = 80), and gynecologists (n = 801) licensed to practice in Maryland in 1992. Proportions responding were 41.9%, 66.3%, and 54.9%, respectively. In addition, there were 30 respondents who identified "other" as their specialty. The respondents were asked about the role of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and the number of times they had recommended and performed it in a year. RESULTS: Seven hundred forty-two surgeons responded (51.8%). More plastic surgeons (84.6%) than general surgeons (47.0%) and gynecologists (38.3%) agreed that bilateral prophylactic mastectomy has a role in the care of high-risk women. Eighty-one percent of plastic surgeons had recommended the procedure, compared with 38.8% of general surgeons and 17.7% of gynecologists. CONCLUSIONS: Indications and practice patterns reveal heterogeneity of medical opinion and practice of prophylactic mastectomy. This study raises the need for better evaluation of the efficacy and appropriateness of prophylactic mastectomy.

Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy: issues and concerns.

At present, the care of women at increased risk of developing breast cancer poses a clinical dilemma and remains an area of controversy. A number of investigators have addressed the pros and cons of prophylactic mastectomy versus close follow-up, utilizing annual mammography, semiannual or even more frequent physical examinations of the breast, and proficient monthly breast self-examinations. Recent efforts to isolate a gene (BRCA1) on chromosome 17q12-21 raise additional concerns about the management of women testing positive for BRCA1 mutations. These women are estimated to have an 85% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Testing for BRCA1 mutation carriers may soon be available for population screening. This article describes preliminary studies investigating health care provider and patient perceptions of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. In addition, a number of research questions remain regarding the efficacy and utilization of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy as a treatment option for women at increased risk of developing breast cancer. These women include those testing positive for BRCA1 mutations. In addition, women with a strong family history opting against testing for BRCA1 mutations may express interest in surgery.

Quality of life and other psychosocial issues in breast cancer.

Over the past year, quality of life among patients with breast cancer has continued to be a noteworthy area of research. Several articles related to provider-patient communication are also included in this review. Reports on the psychologic distress and cancer screening practices of spouses and other relatives of patients with breast cancer are noted. This review summarizes and critiques publications in these three areas.

Younger women at increased risk for breast cancer: perceived risk, psychological well-being, and surveillance behavior.

The problem of breast cancer in younger women has received increased attention in recent years. As yet, however, little is known about the surveillance patterns and psychological characteristics of younger women who are at increased risk for this disease. This report presents a summary of preliminary data on risk perceptions, surveillance behaviors, and psychological well-being among women with a family history of breast cancer, with particular attention to younger women (under age 50). These data show that over three fourths of women aged 29 and younger hold the belief that they are likely to develop breast cancer; this finding was not significantly different in other age groups. Surprisingly, over one third of women aged 29 and younger had received mammograms; over one half of women aged 30-34 had mammograms; and over three fourths of women aged 35 and older had mammograms. As many as one half of women aged 35-39 had mammograms within the past year. Serious psychological morbidity was not noted in the samples; however, one third of women of all ages reported breast cancer worries that impair their daily functioning. Psychological distress was associated with nonadherence to mammography and with both infrequent and excessive breast self-examination practice. These data provide the basis for recommendations for research on breast cancer risk counselling for younger women.

Psychosocial aspects of breast cancer.

Over the past year, several research areas have been noteworthy. This article discusses decision making related to breast cancer treatment, the effects of treatment on measures of psychological distress, and studies related to quality-of-life among breast cancer patients. In addition, an area of continued interest involves breast cancer survival as a function of psychological distress or psychological intervention. This article summarizes and critiques publications in these areas.

Psychosocial aspects of breast cancer.

Over the past year, several research areas have been noteworthy. This article discusses several reports on psychiatric morbidity and psychological factors of breast cancer, quality-of-life issues related to breast cancer treatment, and psychological factors in breast cancer screening. An area of increasing interest includes studies examining the psychological status and breast cancer screening practices of women at increased risk of developing breast cancer, primarily as a function of family history.