Long-Term Effect of a Nonrandomized Psychosocial Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Hispanic/Latina Breast Cancer Survivors.

Background: There is a paucity of research on the long-term impact of stress-reduction in Hispanic/Latina breast cancer (BC) survivors, a growing minority. In this article, we assess the long-term efficacy of an 8-week training program in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on quality of life (QoL) in Hispanic BC survivors. Methods: Hispanic BC survivors, within the first 5 years of diagnosis, stages I to III BC, were recruited. Participants were enrolled in bilingual, 8-week intensive group training in MBSR and were asked to practice a- home, daily. They were also provided with audio recordings and a book on mindfulness practices. Patient-reported outcomes for QoL and distress were evaluated at baseline, and every 3 months, for 24 months. Results: Thirty-three self-identified Hispanic women with BC completed the MBSR program and were followed at 24 months. Statistically significant reduction was noted for the Generalized Anxiety Disorder measure (mean change -2.39, P=0.04); and Patient Health Questionnaire (mean change -2.27, P=0.04), at 24 months, compared with baseline. Improvement was noted in the Short-Form 36 Health-related QoL Mental Component Summary with an increase of 4.07 (95% confidence interval = 0.48-7.66, P=0.03). However, there was no significant change in the Physical Component Summary. Conclusions: Hispanic BC survivors who participated in an 8-week MBSR-based survivorship program reported persistent benefits with reduced anxiety, depression, and improved mental health QoL over 24 months of follow-up. Stress reduction programs are beneficial and can be implemented as part of a comprehensive survivorship care in BC patients.

Prevalence of Low Vitamin D in Patients with Breast Cancer in a Predominantly Hispanic Population at the American-Mexican Border.

INTRODUCTION: Low level of vitamin D (VD) has been linked with a higher risk of cancers. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of low VD in patients with breast cancer in a predominantly Mexican Hispanic/Latino patient population, a fast growing and relatively understudied population. MATERIALS/METHODS: We sought to evaluate the serum VD levels in breast cancer patients diagnosed at the Texas Tech University Breast Cancer Center in El Paso, TX, between May 2013 and May2014 via a retrospective chart review of the Electronic Medical Records. RESULTS: We identified a total of 83 consecutive breast cancer patients with available VD levels. Mean age 57 yr, 94% were Hispanics. VD was insufficient (<30 ng/ml) in 86% of patients (95% CI: 0.76-0.92) and it was deficient (<20 ng/ml) in 39% (95% CI: 0.28-0.50). CONCLUSION: VD deficiency is widely prevalent in Hispanic/Latino patients with breast cancer. This is quite alarming in view of possible increased risk of cancer with low VD and potentially worse cancer outcomes. This calls for increased efforts to screen for, diagnose, and treat VD deficiency in this patient population. Further pharmacogenomics studies are warranted to explore the underlying etiology of VD deficiency in this paradoxically sunny region.