TL1 fellow Timothy Copeland selected for oral presentation at ACTS

Timothy Copeland, a TL1 predoctoral fellow in healthy policy and management in the Fielding School of Public Health, has been selected to present his research at the annual meeting of the Association of Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) on March 8 in Washington.

Copeland’s research examined the association between race and marital status and the type pf breast cancer surgery patients received.

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry, Copeland identified nearly 175,000 patients with early- to advanced-stage cancer who received surgery after cancer was detected in one breast. Surgical options included a mastectomy to remove the diseased breast and, for woman with early-stage cancer, a breast-conserving lumpectomy. However, some women chose a more intensive option – a double mastectomy to remove both the diseased and healthy breast. Why?

Previous studies have shown that women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer, as well as women with anxiety about a recurrence, may choose a double mastectomy. Other woman, concerned about their appearance, may chose a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction to improve the symmetry of their breasts.

But earlier studies have also shown that race influences the intensity of breast cancer care. For example, African American women are more likely to experience treatment delays and to receive lower doses of chemotherapy. Copeland’s findings support this earlier research.

After taking insurance, income and other factors into account, he found that, compared to white women, African American, Latina and Asian women were slightly less likely to receive a double mastectomy for both early-stage and advanced breast cancer. 

He also found that married, divorced or separated, and widowed women were more likely to receive a double mastectomy than single, never-married women.

Copeland said his findings suggest that patients and doctors may benefit from further education about surgical treatment options in specific contexts, such as unilateral breast cancer.

Also at ACTS, Dr. Carol Mangione, leader of the CTSI Workforce Development Program, will give an oral presentation on March 5 about community-engaged K and T training programs as an opportunity to enhance clinical translation. 

In addition, several CTSI teams have been selected to display posters, including:

• Carol Mangione et al. “Effectiveness of Shared Decision-Making for Diabetes Prevention: 12-Month Results from the Prediabetes Informed Decision and Education (PRIDE Randomized Trial).”
• Magda Shaheen and Senait Teklehaimanot. “Asthma and Depression in Children: The Role of Family Structure.”
• Magda Shaheen and Deyu Pan. “Age and Racial Variation in the Relation between Blood Lead Level and Asthma in Children: Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2016.”
• Moira Inkelas and Tony Kuo. “Developing a Population Health Learning System.”
• Magda Shaheen. “Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, Sleep and Cognitive function in Elderly Population: Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014.”
• Magda Shaheen et al. “Relationship between Dental Fluorosis, Water and Serum and Water Levels of Fluoride and Chronic Kidney Disease in Children: Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Study.”
• Magda Shaheen et al. “Relationship between Smoking and Alcohol Use Status: Variations in Candidate Genes Associated with Addiction and Successful Quitting Smoking.”
• Jachael Gardner et al. “Research Training and Career Development in Junior Investigators at a Multi-Institutional CTSA.”

Image source: UCLA CTSI

Image caption: Timothy Copeland, MPP.