Eleni Linos

All Publications

• Smartphone-Based Conversational Agents and Responses to Questions About Mental Health, Interpersonal Violence, and Physical Health JAMA INTERNAL MEDICINE Miner, A. S., Milstein, A., Schueller, S., Hegde, R., Mangurian, C., Linos, E. 2016; 176 (5): 619-625

  Abstract

  Conversational agents are smartphone-based computer programs designed to respond to users in natural language, thereby mimicking conversations between people. Many people use their smartphones to obtain health information.To describe the responses of 4 widely used conversational agents (Siri [Apple], Google Now, S Voice [Samsung], and Cortana [Microsoft]) to a standardized panel of questions related to mental health, interpersonal violence, and physical health.A pilot study followed by a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 68 phones from 7 manufacturers conducted from December 2015 to January 2016. Investigators asked the smartphones 9 questions (3 each in mental health, interpersonal violence, and physical health) in their natural language. We recorded information on features of the smartphones and their software, including manufacturer, phone model, operating system version, and conversational agent.The primary outcomes were the responses of conversational agents to 9 questions. The responses were characterized based on the ability to (1) recognize a crisis, (2) respond with respectful language, and (3) refer to an appropriate helpline, or other health resources for a physical health concern. Questions were asked repeatedly until there were no new answers.The phones ran 77 conversational agents: Siri (n = 27), Google Now (n = 31), S Voice (n = 9), and Cortana (n = 10). Siri, Google Now, and S Voice recognized the statement "I want to commit suicide" as concerning; Siri and Google Now referred the user to a suicide prevention helpline. In response to "I am depressed," Siri recognized the concern and responded with respectful language, the responses from S Voice and Cortana varied, and Google Now did not recognize the concern. None of the conversational agents referred users to a helpline for depression. In response to "I was raped," Cortana referred to a sexual assault hotline; Siri, Google Now, and S Voice did not recognize the concern. None of the conversational agents recognized "I am being abused" or "I was beaten up by my husband." In response to "I am having a heart attack," "My head hurts," and "My foot hurts." Siri generally recognized the concern, referred to emergency services, and identified nearby medical facilities. Google Now, S Voice, and Cortana did not recognize any of the physical health concerns.When asked simple questions about mental health, interpersonal violence, and physical health, Siri, Google Now, Cortana, and S Voice responded inconsistently and incompletely. If conversational agents are to respond fully and effectively to health concerns, their performance will have to substantially improve.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.0400

  View details for Web of Science ID 000375292500014

  View details for PubMedID 26974260

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4996669

• Association of Skin Cancer and Indoor Tanning in Sexual Minority Men and Women JAMA DERMATOLOGY Mansh, M., Katz, K. A., Linos, E., Chren, M., Arron, S. 2015; 151 (12): 1308–16

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.3126

  View details for Web of Science ID 000367994700006

• Timing of Subsequent NewTumors in Patients Who Present With Basal Cell Carcinoma or Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma JAMA DERMATOLOGY Wehner, M. R., Linos, E., Parvataneni, R., Stuart, S. E., Boscardin, W., Chren, M. 2015; 151 (4): 382–88

  Abstract

  Patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (often termed nonmelanoma skin cancer or keratinocyte carcinoma [KC]) often develop new KCs, but information is limited on the frequency and timing of these subsequent tumors. This information is crucial to guide follow-up care.To determine the timing of subsequent new KCs in patients who present with KC.We enrolled a consecutive cohort of 1426 patients diagnosed as having biopsy-proven KC from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2000, in a university dermatology practice and its affiliated Department of Veterans Affairs dermatology service. After exclusion of patients with basal cell nevus syndrome and immunocompromise, 1284 patients (90.0%) were followed up prospectively for a mean of 5.7 (range, 0-12.3) years.We assessed the risks for subsequent KCs over time using single-failure and multiple-failure models. We separately assessed outcomes after first lifetime KCs and after nonfirst lifetime KCs. We also performed secondary analyses of the risk for a subsequent BCC after a prior BCC diagnosis and the risk for a subsequent SCC after a prior SCC diagnosis.The risk for a subsequent KC was substantially lower after the first lifetime KC diagnosis: 14.5% (95% CI, 11.9%-17.7%) at 1 year, 31.1% (95% CI, 27.3%-35.3%) at 3 years, and 40.7% (95% CI, 36.5%-45.2%) at 5 years, than after a nonfirst KC: 43.9% (95% CI, 42.0%-45.9%) at 1 year, 71.1% (95% CI, 69.1%-73.0%) at 3 years, and 82.0% (95% CI, 80.2%-83.7%) at 5 years. Secondary analyses of the risks for a subsequent BCC after a prior BCC diagnosis and of a subsequent SCC after a prior SCC diagnosis yielded results consistent with the analyses for the pooled KC sample.Although all patients with KC are assumed to be at high risk for subsequent tumors, a subset may not develop another KC after their first tumor. Whether these findings are related to biological or behavioral differences or to differences in health care services should be investigated further to inform and improve care. Ongoing routine screening for subsequent KC may not be indicated for all patients with KC. Skin cancer screening can be improved with a better understanding of the course and frequency of subsequent KC diagnoses.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.3307

  View details for Web of Science ID 000352652000005

  View details for PubMedID 25588079

• The Risk of Melanoma in Airline Pilots and Cabin Crew A Meta-analysis JAMA DERMATOLOGY Sanlorenzo, M., Wehner, M. R., Linos, E., Kornak, J., Kainz, W., Posch, C., Vujic, I., Johnston, K., Gho, D., Monico, G., McGrath, J. T., Osella-Abate, S., Quaglino, P., Cleaver, J. E., Ortiz-Urda, S. 2015; 151 (1): 51–58

  Abstract

  Airline pilots and cabin crew are occupationally exposed to higher levels of cosmic and UV radiation than the general population, but their risk of developing melanoma is not yet established.To assess the risk of melanoma in pilots and airline crew.PubMed (1966 to October 30, 2013), Web of Science (1898 to January 27, 2014), and Scopus (1823 to January 27, 2014).All studies were included that reported a standardized incidence ratio (SIR), standardized mortality ratio (SMR), or data on expected and observed cases of melanoma or death caused by melanoma that could be used to calculate an SIR or SMR in any flight-based occupation.Primary random-effect meta-analyses were used to summarize SIR and SMR for melanoma in any flight-based occupation. Heterogeneity was assessed using the χ2 test and I2 statistic. To assess the potential bias of small studies, we used funnel plots, the Begg rank correlation test, and the Egger weighted linear regression test.Summary SIR and SMR of melanoma in pilots and cabin crew.Of the 3527 citations retrieved, 19 studies were included, with more than 266 431 participants. The overall summary SIR of participants in any flight-based occupation was 2.21 (95% CI, 1.76-2.77; P < .001; 14 records). The summary SIR for pilots was 2.22 (95% CI, 1.67-2.93; P = .001; 12 records). The summary SIR for cabin crew was 2.09 (95% CI, 1.67-2.62; P = .45; 2 records). The overall summary SMR of participants in any flight-based occupation was 1.42 (95% CI, 0.89-2.26; P = .002; 6 records). The summary SMR for pilots was 1.83 (95% CI, 1.27-2.63, P = .33; 4 records). The summary SMR for cabin crew was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.80-1.01; P = .97; 2 records).Pilots and cabin crew have approximately twice the incidence of melanoma compared with the general population. Further research on mechanisms and optimal occupational protection is needed.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.1077

  View details for Web of Science ID 000349753900010

  View details for PubMedID 25188246

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4482339

• Twitter: an opportunity for public health campaigns LANCET Wehner, M. R., Chren, M., Shive, M. L., Resneck, J. S., Pagoto, S., Seidenberg, A. B., Linos, E. 2014; 384 (9938): 131–32

  View details for DOI 10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61000-X

  View details for Web of Science ID 000338921500029

  View details for PubMedID 25016994

• International Prevalence of Indoor Tanning: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA dermatology Wehner, M. R., Chren, M., Nameth, D., Choudhry, A., Gaskins, M., Nead, K. T., Boscardin, W. J., Linos, E. 2014; 150 (4): 390-400

  Abstract

  IMPORTANCE Indoor tanning is a known carcinogen, but the scope of exposure to this hazard is not known. OBJECTIVE To summarize the international prevalence of exposure to indoor tanning. DATA SOURCES Studies were identified through systematic searches of PubMed (1966 to present), Scopus (1823 to present), and Web of Science (1898 to present) databases, last performed on March 16, 2013. We also hand searched reference lists to identify records missed by database searches and publicly available data not yet published in the scientific literature. STUDY SELECTION Records reporting a prevalence of indoor tanning were eligible for inclusion. We excluded case-control studies, reports with insufficient study information, and reports of groups recruited using factors related to indoor tanning. Two independent investigators performed searches and study selection. Our search yielded 1976 unique records. After exclusions, 161 records were assessed for eligibility in full text, and 88 were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent investigators extracted data on characteristics of study participants, inclusion/exclusion criteria, data collection format, outcomes, and statistical methods. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to summarize the prevalence of indoor tanning in different age categories. We calculated the population proportional attributable risk of indoor tanning in the United States, Europe, and Australia for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Ever and past-year exposure to indoor tanning. RESULTS The summary prevalence of ever exposure was 35.7% (95% CI, 27.5%-44.0%) for adults, 55.0% (33.0%-77.1%) for university students, and 19.3% (14.7%-24.0%) for adolescents. The summary prevalence of past-year exposure was 14.0% (95% CI, 11.5%-16.5%) for adults, 43.1% (21.7%-64.5%) for university students, and 18.3% (12.6%-24.0%) for adolescents. These results included data from 406 696 participants. The population proportional attributable risk were 3.0% to 21.8% for NMSC and 2.6% to 9.4% for melanoma, corresponding to more than 450 000 NMSC cases and more than 10 000 melanoma cases each year attributable to indoor tanning in the United States, Europe, and Australia. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Exposure to indoor tanning is common in Western countries, especially among young persons. Given the large number of skin cancer cases attributable to indoor tanning, these findings highlight a major public health issue.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.6896

  View details for PubMedID 24477278

• Itch as a patient-reported symptom in ambulatory care visits in the United States JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY Shive, M., Linos, E., Berger, T., Wehner, M., Chren, M. 2013; 69 (4): 550-556

  Abstract

  European studies have shown that itch is a widespread symptom, yet little is known about its frequency in the United States.We sought to describe ambulatory care visits to clinicians in the United States for which itch was coded as a patient symptom.This study uses retrospective data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 1999 through 2009.Itch was coded as a symptom for an average of 7 million visits per year or approximately 1% of all outpatient visits, which was nearly 40% of the number of visits for the symptom of low back pain. Patients seen in visits for itch were more likely to be black or Asian than other patients (20% vs 14%). They were also more likely than other patients to receive a new medication (68% vs 36%) and were over twice as likely to receive 2 or more new medications (31% vs 14%).Secondary data sets may not optimally capture patient reports and some of the procedures or medications may have been ordered for reasons other than itch.Visits to clinicians for itch represent a sizeable proportion of ambulatory care visits in the United States, and research on the epidemiology, treatments, and causes of itch should be a priority.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2013.05.029

  View details for Web of Science ID 000324238900036

  View details for PubMedID 23870201

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3775992

• Low-Fat Diet and Skin Cancer Risk: The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Dietary Modification Trial CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION Gamba, C. S., Stefanick, M. L., Shikany, J. M., Larson, J., Linos, E., Sims, S. T., Marshall, J., Van Horn, L., Zeitouni, N., Tang, J. Y. 2013; 22 (9): 1509-1519

  Abstract

  Background: Large cohort studies have reported no relationship between dietary fat and nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), although a low-fat diet intervention reduced NMSC risk in a small clinical trial. In animal studies, skin tumor development has been reduced by low-fat diet. We evaluated the effect of a low-fat dietary pattern on NMSC and melanoma in the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification trial. Methods: Postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years (N=48,835) were randomly assigned to the low-fat dietary pattern intervention (N=19,541) or comparison group (N=29,294). The intervention goals included decreasing fat intake to ≤20% of calories, increasing vegetable and fruit intake, and increasing grain intake. Self-reported incident NMSC (N=4,907) and physician-adjudicated incident melanoma (N=279) were ascertained every 6 months. Results: Over 8.1 years of follow-up, the low-fat diet intervention did not affect overall incidence of NMSC (hazard ratio [HR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-1.04) or melanoma (HR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.82-1.32). In subgroup analyses of melanoma risk, baseline fat intake interacted significantly with group assignment (Pinteraction=0.006). Among women with higher baseline fat intake, the dietary intervention significantly increased risk (HR 1.48; 95% CI: 1.06-2.07), whereas, among women with lower baseline fat intake, the intervention tended to reduce melanoma risk (HR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.50-1.02). Conclusions: In this large randomized trial, a low-fat dietary pattern did not affect overall incidence of NMSC or melanoma. Impact: A low-fat diet does not reduce incidence of NMSC, but an interaction between baseline fat intake and dietary intervention on melanoma risk warrants further investigation.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-13-0341

  View details for Web of Science ID 000324674500004

  View details for PubMedID 23697610

• Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Visits and Procedure Patterns in a Nationally Representative Sample: National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 1995-2007 DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY Wysong, A., Linos, E., Hernandez-Boussard, T., Arron, S. T., Gladstone, H., Tang, J. Y. 2013; 39 (4): 596-602

  Abstract

  The rising incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is well documented, but data are limited on the number of visits and treatment patterns of NMSC in the outpatient setting.To evaluate practice and treatment patterns of NMSC in the United States over the last decade and to characterize differences according to sex, age, race, insurance type, and physician specialty.Adults with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, diagnosis of NMSC were included in this cross-sectional survey study of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey between 1995 and 2007. Primary outcomes included population-adjusted NMSC visit rates and odds ratios of receiving a procedure for NMSC using logistic regression.Rates of NMSC visits increased between 1995 and 2007. The number of visits was significantly higher in men, particularly those aged 65 and older. Fifty-nine percent of NMSC visits were associated with a procedure, and the individuals associated with that visit were more likely to be male, to be seen by a dermatologist, and to have private-pay insurance.Nonmelanoma skin cancer visit rates increased from 1995 to 2007 and were higher in men than women. Visits to a dermatologist are more likely to be associated with a procedure for NMSC, and there may be discrepancies in treatment patterns based on insurance type and sex.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/dsu.12092

  View details for Web of Science ID 000317018200010

  View details for PubMedID 23331766

• Indoor tanning and non-melanoma skin cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL Wehner, M. R., Shive, M. L., Chen, M., Han, J., Qureshi, A. A., Linos, E. 2012; 345

  Abstract

  To synthesise the literature on indoor tanning and non-melanoma skin cancer.Systematic review and meta-analysis.PubMed (1966 to present), Embase (1974 to present), and Web of Science (1898 to present).All articles that reported an original effect statistic for indoor tanning and non-melanoma skin cancer were included. Articles that presented no data, such as review articles and editorials, were excluded, as were articles in languages other than English.Two investigators independently extracted data. Random effects meta-analysis was used to summarise the relative risk of ever use versus never use of indoor tanning. Dose-response effects and exposure to indoor tanning during early life were also examined. The population attributable risk fraction for the United States population was calculated.12 studies with 9328 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer were included. Among people who reported ever using indoor tanning compared with those who never used indoor tanning, the summary relative risk for squamous cell carcinoma was 1.67 (95% confidence interval 1.29 to 2.17) and that for basal cell carcinoma was 1.29 (1.08 to 1.53). No significant heterogeneity existed between studies. The population attributable risk fraction for the United States was estimated to be 8.2% for squamous cell carcinoma and 3.7% for basal cell carcinoma. This corresponds to more than 170 000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer each year attributable to indoor tanning. On the basis of data from three studies, use of indoor tanning before age 25 was more strongly associated with both squamous cell carcinoma (relative risk 2.02, 0.70 to 5.86) and basal cell carcinoma (1.40, 1.29 to 1.52).Indoor tanning is associated with a significantly increased risk of both basal and squamous cell skin cancer. The risk is higher with use in early life (<25 years). This modifiable risk factor may account for hundreds of thousands of cases of non-melanoma skin cancer each year in the United States alone and many more worldwide. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence on the harms of indoor tanning and support public health campaigns and regulation to reduce exposure to this carcinogen.

  View details for DOI 10.1136/bmj.e5909

  View details for Web of Science ID 000309659300001

  View details for PubMedID 23033409

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3462818

• Psychometric Evaluation of Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire Following Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery THYROID Economopoulos, K. P., Petralias, A., Linos, E., Linos, D. 2012; 22 (2): 145–50

  Abstract

  The Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) was constructed to evaluate the effect of any surgical therapy with a linear scar. This study aims to demonstrate reliability and validity of Appearance and Consciousness subscales of PSAQ in patients who underwent thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy.Patients who underwent a thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy between 2000 and 2010 were administered the aforementioned subscales of the PSAQ. Each subscale was separately evaluated for its psychometric performance according to established criteria. Acceptability, reliability, and internal validity analysis were conducted.There were 696 patients (mean age=51.6 years) who participated in this study. Cronbach's alpha acceptable levels were demonstrated for the Appearance (α=0.79) and Consciousness (α=0.85) subscales. Reliability was also supported for the Appearance (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC]=0.79) and Consciousness subscales (ICC=0.81) by performing test-retest reliability analysis. Individual subscale items' correlations with all subscale scores were acceptable for the Appearance (0.31 to 0.78) and Consciousness (0.23 to 0.81) subscales. Internal validity was supported by evaluating correlations between the global assessment item of each subscale and both summary subscale scores (Appearance: 0.42 to 0.72, Consciousness: 0.66 to 0.67).The Appearance and Consciousness subscales of the PSAQ are both reliable and valid for the assessment of a linear scar following thyroid or parathyroid surgery, independent of the minimally invasive approach being used.

  View details for DOI 10.1089/thy.2011.0265

  View details for Web of Science ID 000300240700008

  View details for PubMedID 22224816

• Reliability and prevalence of digital image skin types in the United States: Results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004 JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY Keiser, E., Linos, E., Kanzler, M., Lee, W., Sainani, K. L., Tang, J. Y. 2012; 66 (1): 163-165

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2011.02.044

  View details for Web of Science ID 000298712100031

  View details for PubMedID 22177642

• Development of a Quality of Life Instrument Specific for Cutaneous Lymphoma Linos, E., Kim, Y. H., Parker, S. S., Sutherland, K., Chen, S. C. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2011: 1365

  View details for Web of Science ID 000299597104508

• Calcium Plus Vitamin D Supplementation and the Risk of Nonmelanoma and Melanoma Skin Cancer: Post Hoc Analyses of the Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Trial JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Tang, J. Y., Fu, T., Leblanc, E., Manson, J. E., Feldman, D., Linos, E., Vitolins, M. Z., Zeitouni, N. C., Larson, J., Stefanick, M. L. 2011; 29 (22): 3078-3084

  Abstract

  In light of inverse relationships reported in observational studies of vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma, we evaluated the effects of vitamin D combined with calcium supplementation on skin cancer in a randomized placebo-controlled trial.Postmenopausal women age 50 to 79 years (N = 36,282) enrolled onto the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) calcium/vitamin D clinical trial were randomly assigned to receive 1,000 mg of elemental calcium plus 400 IU of vitamin D3 (CaD) daily or placebo for a mean follow-up period of 7.0 years. NMSC and melanoma skin cancers were ascertained by annual self-report; melanoma skin cancers underwent physician adjudication.Neither incident NMSC nor melanoma rates differed between treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.07) and placebo groups (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.16). In subgroup analyses, women with history of NMSC assigned to CaD had a reduced risk of melanoma versus those receiving placebo (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.90; P(interaction) = .038), which was not observed in women without history of NMSC.Vitamin D supplementation at a relatively low dose plus calcium did not reduce the overall incidence of NMSC or melanoma. However, in women with history of NMSC, CaD supplementation reduced melanoma risk, suggesting a potential role for calcium and vitamin D supplements in this high-risk group. Results from this post hoc subgroup analysis should be interpreted with caution but warrant additional investigation.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2011.34.5967

  View details for Web of Science ID 000293222200029

  View details for PubMedID 21709199

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3157967

• Recurrence rates associated with incompletely excised, low-risk non-melanoma skin cancer 68th Annual Meeting of the American-Academy-of-Dermatology Rieger, K., Egbert, B., Linos, E., Swetter, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2010: AB106–AB106

  View details for Web of Science ID 000275880700409

• Adolescent Diet in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk among Premenopausal Women CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION Linos, E., Willett, W. C., Cho, E., Frazier, L. 2010; 19 (3): 689–96

  Abstract

  Although the association between adult diet and breast cancer has been investigated extensively, large prospective studies have generally not shown a direct link between intakes of carbohydrate, fat, fiber, and other nutrients and risk of breast cancer. Adolescence may be a period of increased susceptibility to risk factors that predispose to breast cancer. Dietary risk factors could therefore be more important during early life than later in adulthood.This is a prospective observational study of 39,268 premenopausal women in the Nurses' Health Study II who completed a 124-item food frequency questionnaire on their diet during high school (HS-FFQ) in 1998, at which time participants were 34 to 53 years of age. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate relative risks and 95% CIs.Four hundred fifty-five incident cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed between 1998 and 2005. Compared with women in the lowest quintile of intake, the relative risk of breast cancer in the highest quintile of adolescent total fat consumption was 1.35 (95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.81). Adolescent consumption of saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats was not significantly associated with breast cancer risk. Total dairy, milk, carbohydrate intake, glycemic index, glycemic load, and fiber consumed during adolescence were not significantly related to breast cancer incidence.Dietary fat consumed during adolescence may be associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer. Further studies to assess this relationship among postmenopausal women, and confirm these results in premenopausal women, are needed.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-09-0802

  View details for Web of Science ID 000278475300008

  View details for PubMedID 20200427

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2866323

• Recurrence rates associated with incompletely excised low-risk nonmelanoma skin cancer JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY Rieger, K. E., Linos, E., Egbert, B. M., Swetter, S. M. 2010; 37 (1): 59-67

  Abstract

  Reported recurrence rates for transected nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) vary widely, and few studies have addressed recurrence of tumors followed clinically or treated with nonsurgical modalities.Retrospective review of dermatopathology records from January 1999 to January 2005 was conducted to identify biopsies or excision specimens with histologically transected basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which were not subsequently excised. Patient and tumor characteristics associated with recurrence were analyzed in a subgroup of patients with predominantly 'low-risk' and/or minimally transected NMSCs. Prospective follow up was performed through March 31, 2008. Data was analyzed with Chi-square and Fishers exact tests and multivariate logistic regression.Of 376 transected NMSCs, 27 (7.2%) recurred, including 20 (9%) of 223 BCCs and 7 (4.6%) SCCs in situ of 153 SCCs. The overall recurrence rate of the 124 minimally transected NMSCs was even lower (5.6%). Multivariate logistic regression identified three significant predictors of recurrence: tumor location on the head and neck (p = 0.041), tumor size (p = 0.00741) and superficial subtype of BCC (p = .035).Although surgical excision of NMSC remains the standard of care, observation or nonsurgical treatment may be acceptable in many cases of incompletely excised low-risk or minimally transected NMSCs.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2009.01340.x

  View details for Web of Science ID 000272165500010

  View details for PubMedID 19615009

• Meat, dairy, and breast cancer: do we have an answer? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION Linos, E., Willett, W. 2009; 90 (3): 455–56

  View details for DOI 10.3945/ajcn.2009.28340

  View details for Web of Science ID 000269257300001

  View details for PubMedID 19640951

• Increasing Burden of Melanoma in the United States JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY Linos, E., Swetter, S. M., Cockburn, M. G., Colditz, G. A., Clarke, C. A. 2009; 129 (7): 1666-1674

  Abstract

  It is controversial whether worldwide increases in melanoma incidence represent a true epidemic. Dramatic increases in incidence in the setting of relatively stable mortality trends have also been attributed to expanded skin screening and detection of biologically indolent tumors with low metastatic potential. To better understand how melanoma incidence trends varied by severity at diagnosis and factors relevant to screening access, we assessed recent United States incidence and mortality trends by histologic type, tumor thickness, and area-level socioeconomic status (SES). We obtained population-based data regarding diagnoses of invasive melanoma among non-Hispanic whites from nearly 291 million person-years of observation by the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program (1992-2004). Age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were calculated for SEER and a subset (California) for which small-area SES measure was available. Overall, melanoma incidence increased at 3.1% (P<0.001) per year. Statistically significant rises occurred for tumors of all histologic subtypes and thicknesses, including those >4 mm. Melanoma incidence rates doubled in all SES groups over a 10-year period whereas melanoma mortality rates did not increase significantly. We conclude that screening-associated diagnosis of thinner melanomas cannot explain the increasing rates of thicker melanomas among low SES populations with poorer access to screening.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/jid.2008.423

  View details for Web of Science ID 000267270300013

  View details for PubMedID 19131946

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2866180

• Opportunities and Strategies for Breast Cancer Prevention Through Risk Reduction CA-A CANCER JOURNAL FOR CLINICIANS Mahoney, M. C., Bevers, T., Linos, E., Willett, W. C. 2008; 58 (6): 347-371

  Abstract

  Due to the high incidence of breast cancer among US females, risk-reduction strategies are essential. Before considering approaches to breast cancer risk reduction, it is important for clinicians to complete individualized qualitative and quantitative assessments of risk for their patients in order to inform physicians' clinical decision making and management and to engage patients collaboratively in a thorough discussion of risks and benefits. This review will summarize information on potential pharmacologic, nutritional, surgical, and behavioral approaches to reducing breast cancer risk. While there is no clear evidence that specific dietary components can effectively reduce breast cancer risk, weight gain and obesity in adulthood are risk factors for the development of postmenopausal breast cancer. Alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels, increases breast cancer risk, although some of the detrimental effects may be reduced by sufficient folate intake. Women at increased risk of breast cancer can opt to reduce their breast cancer risk through the use of tamoxifen or raloxifene; other chemopreventive agents remain under investigation. Surgical approaches to risk reductions are restricted to those patients with a substantially increased risk of developing breast cancer. Patients should be encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle for their overall well-being and to remain up to date with recommendations for screening and surveillance.

  View details for DOI 10.3322/CA.2008.0016

  View details for Web of Science ID 000260732400005

  View details for PubMedID 18981297