Annette L. Stanton, PhD

Now that genetic testing for the BRCA1/BRCA2 cancer susceptibility genes has become an option for women at risk, evidence is accumulating to suggest that women who undergo genetic testing and discover that they carry the BRCA1/2 genes in general adjust well to learning the result. However, BRCA1/2 carriers often experience elevated cancer-specific distress compared to non-carriers. This research is designed to examine whether cognitive processing of cancer-related material also is affected in 120 women who are BRCA1/2 gene carriers or non-carriers.

In addition, Dr. Stanton and her team are assessing the relations of cancer-related cognitive processing to psychosocial adjustment and important health-related parameters (i.e., breast cancer genetic knowledge, difficulty in making decisions about preventive options) in women who have undergone genetic testing. A 6-month follow- up assessment will allow prospective prediction of psychological and health-related parameters from the cancer-related cognitive processing indicators. Accrual for the research is complete, and data analysis is ongoing. Findings potentially will inform interventions to promote quality of life and health in women at high risk for breast cancer. In light of the documented benefits of the endocrine therapies for women with breast cancer, investigation of factors that promote or impede adherence to these medical regimens is essential for ensuring optimal therapeutic effect.

In another ongoing project led by Dr. Stanton, a proposed biopsychosocial model of contributors to adherence in clinical practice settings will be tested in a prospective, longitudinal study of 150 breast cancer patients initiating a first endocrine therapy prescription. Such research is a vital step toward the development of interventions to target factors that promote adherence to endocrine therapies. The first recruitment letters were sent in February 2009, and first participants completed the initial study assessment in March 2009. More than 30 women are being monitored for upcoming tamoxifen/AI prescription, and another community practice has agreed to refer patients. The accrual goal for the parent study is 200 women, to attain a sample at four months of 150. Dr. Stanton projects a sample of 120 women completing all phases of the study through the 12-month assessment.

Bio:
Annette Stanton is Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry/Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, senior research scientist at the UCLA Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, and a member of the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research centers on specifying factors that promote psychological and physical health in individuals who confront health-related adversity.

In the area of psychosocial oncology, she conducts both longitudinal research and randomized, controlled intervention trials to understand the influences of personality and contextual resources, cognitive appraisals, and coping processes on the quality of life and health in women diagnosed with breast cancer or at risk for the disease. Dr. Stanton received the Senior Investigator Award in 2002-2003 from Division 38 (Health Psychology) of the American Psychological Association in recognition of her research contributions to health psychology.