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Principal Investigator
Name
Victoria Jeffers
Degrees
MPH
Institution
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Position Title
Graduate Student
Email
About this CDAS Project
Study
PLCO (Learn more about this study)
Project ID
PLCO-1474
Initial CDAS Request Approval
Feb 6, 2024
Title
Capstone Project
Summary
Breast cancer, particularly HER2-positive subtypes, represents a significant health challenge for women worldwide. Among women aged 40 to 65, those diagnosed with stage I and II HER2-positive breast cancer constitute a specific demographic facing unique clinical considerations. Understanding the complex interplay between female-specific factors and sociodemographic variables in this population is crucial for tailoring interventions, improving healthcare delivery, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
The proposed capstone project seeks to delve into the intricate landscape of female-specific factors, encompassing hormonal status, reproductive history, and menopausal status, to elucidate their potential influence on the onset and progression of HER2-positive breast cancer. Recognizing the nuanced role of these factors in disease presentation is pivotal for developing targeted therapeutic approaches that account for the individualized nature of the patient's biology.
Furthermore, this research aims to scrutinize sociodemographic variables, including education, race, and socioeconomic status, to unveil disparities in healthcare access, treatment options, and overall outcomes. By examining these variables in conjunction with female-specific factors, the project aspires to identify potential gaps in healthcare equity and propose strategies to mitigate disparities, ensuring that all women receive timely and tailored interventions irrespective of sociodemographic backgrounds.
Investigating recurrence patterns is a critical aspect of the project, seeking to discern whether specific female-related and sociodemographic factors contribute to the risk and timing of disease recurrence. This knowledge is indispensable for refining post-treatment surveillance strategies and developing targeted interventions to mitigate the risk of recurrence in this specific cohort.
Equally important is the evaluation of overall survival rates, as it allows for a comprehensive understanding of the long-term outcomes for women with stage I and II HER2-positive breast cancer. By integrating findings from female-specific factors and sociodemographic variables, the project aims to identify modifiable factors that can positively impact survival outcomes, thus guiding clinicians in optimizing patient care strategies.
In conclusion, this capstone project not only seeks to advance the scientific understanding of HER2-positive breast cancer in women aged 40 to 65 but also aims to translate its findings into actionable insights for clinicians, policymakers, and healthcare providers. The ultimate goal is to contribute to developing patient-centric, evidence-based practices that improve this population's overall quality of care and outcomes, addressing the multifaceted aspects of HER2-positive breast cancer within the context of female-specific and sociodemographic influences.
Aims

Characterize Female-Specific Factors:

Identify and assess female-specific factors, including hormonal status, reproductive history, and menopausal status, among women aged 40 to 65 with stage I and II HER2-positive breast cancer.
Evaluate the correlation between these female-specific factors and the initial presentation of HER2-positive breast cancer.
Examine Socio-Demographic Variables:

Investigate the socio-demographic landscape of the study population, focusing on variables such as education, race, and socioeconomic status.
Explore the association between these socio-demographic variables and the stage at diagnosis, treatment patterns, and access to healthcare resources.
Determine Recurrence Patterns:

Analyze the incidence and patterns of recurrence in women with stage I and II HER2-positive breast cancer.
Investigate the potential influence of female-specific factors and socio-demographic variables on the risk and timing of recurrence.
Evaluate Overall Survival:

Assess the overall survival rates among the study cohort and analyze the factors influencing survival outcomes.
Examine the collective impact of female-specific factors and socio-demographic variables on long-term survival in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
Integrate Findings for Comprehensive Insights:

Synthesize the results from the analyses to provide a comprehensive understanding of how female-specific factors and socio-demographic variables collectively contribute to the incidence of recurrence and overall survival in women aged 40 to 65 with stage I and II HER2-positive breast cancer.
Offer implications for clinical practice, policy development, and potential areas for further research.

Collaborators

n/a