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Research has been conducted on cervical adenocarcinoma clinical outcome in Hispanic and white women. The authors have tested the hypothesis that race may be an independent survival predictor, and they have concluded that Hispanic race is not an independent predictor in cervical adenocarcinoma survival.

Background: Few studies have tested the hypothesis that changes in disease risk factors are more closely associated with changes in visceral fat than with changes in other adipose tissue depots, particularly in subjects with different ethnic or racial backgrounds. Objective: We describe changes in triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, insulin sensitivity ([S.sub.i]), visceral fat, and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAAT) with weight loss in premenopausal, overweight [body mass index (in kg/[m.sup.2]): 27-30], African American (n = 19) and white (n = 18) women. Design: Assessments were performed before and after diet-induced weight loss to a BMI < 25. Body composition and body fat distribution were assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography, respectively; [S.sub.i] was assessed with an intravenous-glucose-tolerance test and minimal modeling. Results: White women lost significantly more visceral fat and less SAAT than did African American women despite similar weight losses ([approximately equal to] 13 kg). Mixed-model analysis indicated significant effects of time (ie, weight loss) on [S.sub.i], triacylglycerol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol and of race on triacylglycerol. Time race interaction terms were not significant. After adjustment for either total body or visceral fat, time was not related to any outcome variable; however, race remained significantly related to triacylglycerol. Conclusions: With weight loss, moderately overweight African American and white women experienced significant improvements in [S.sub.i] and lipids. The beneficial effects of weight loss did not differ with race and could not be attributed to a specific body fat depot. Lower triacylglycerol concentrations among African American women are independent of both obesity status and body fat distribution. KEY WORDS Body fat distribution, intraabdominal fat, weight loss, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, African American women, white women

Background: Recent reports of rickets among African American children drew attention to the vitamin D status of these infants and their mothers. African American women are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency than are white women, but few studies have examined determinants of hypovitaminosis D in this population. Objective: We examined the prevalence and determinants of hypovitaminosis D among African American and white women of reproductive age. Design: We examined 1546 African American women and 1426 white women aged 15-49 y who were not pregnant and who participated in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994). Hypovitaminosis D was defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration [less than or equal to] 37.5 nmol/L. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the independent association of dietary, demographic, and behavioral determinants of hypovitaminosis D. Results: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 42.4 [+ or -] 3.1% ([bar]x [+ or -] SE) among African Americans and 4.2 [+ or -] 0.7% among whites. Among African Americans, hypovitaminosis D was independently associated with consumption of milk or breakfast cereal Conclusions: The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among African American women warrants further examination of vitamin D recommendations for these women. The determinants of hypovitaminosis D among women should be considered when these women are advised on dietary intake and supplement use. KEY WORDS Hypovitaminosis D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D deficiency, African American women, diet, body mass index, oral contraceptive pills, rickets

Weight, weight change, and mortality have been investigated in a random sample of older community-dwelling women numbering 648, 106 of whom died in the folllowup period. Results indicate that white, older, women in this group are at increased risk of mortality if they are underweight or lose weight. Weight cycling is detrimental to their health.

Byline: Eric Levitz For the first time on record, life expectancy for white women is declining in America, according to (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db244.htm) newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control [...]

Byline: Eric Levitz For the first time on record, life expectancy for white women is declining in America, according to (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db244.htm) newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control [...]

Background and Objectives: Few published data describe the seroprevalence of antibodies to herpes viruses and hepatitis viruses among Southwestern minority women. Goals: To determine the prevalence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus type-1 and type-2, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C among 595 southwestern Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients seeking gynecologic care; and to investigate risk factors associated with seropositivity. Study Design: Analysis of serologic and interview data. Antibody assays were based on purified glycoprotein assays (herpes simplex virus), and commercial assays for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. Results: Hispanic ethnicity was a risk factor for herpes simplex virus type-1 (age-adjusted odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-5.3) but was not associated with antibodies to herpes simplex virus type-2, hepatitis B virus, or hepatitis C virus. Risks associated with seropositivity to herpes simplex virus type-included 2 a high lifetime number of sex partners, history of any sexually transmitted disease, and increasing age. Among all patients with herpes simplex virus type-2 antibodies, only 11.1% gave histories of genital herpes infection. For women with antibodies to hepatitis B virus, 31.1% gave histories of hepatitis during adulthood. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus type-1 and herpes simplex virus type-2 was high in this clinic population; the prevalence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus type-1 was significantly higher in Hispanics than in non-Hispanic whites. Antibodies to herpes simplex virus type-and 2 hepatitis B virus were associated with most indicators of sexual behavior. The high prevalence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus type-2 and the infrequent reporting of histories of genital herpes suggest that asymptomatic infection with herpes is common among these clinic patients., Hispanic women in the southwestern U.S. may be more likely to test positive for herpes simplex virus type-1 than non-Hispanic white women. Researchers in New Mexico tested blood samples from 595 Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients of a university clinic for the presence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus (HSV) type-1 and type-2, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. HSV may predispose women to developing cervical cancer. A total of 469 women from both ethnic groups combined had antibodies to HSV-1, and 181 were positive for HSV-2. Hispanic women with normal Pap smears had three times the risk of HSV-1 than did non-Hispanic whites. A high number of sexual partners was a risk factor for HSV-2. Women had a relatively low rate of reporting genital herpes, suggesting that many HSV infections are without symptoms.

Background: In the United States, prognosis and survival after the diagnosis of breast cancer is poorer among black patients and, to a lesser extent, among Hispanic patients, compared with white patients. Patients who are black or Hispanic have been reported to present with higher stage or more advanced disease. Even after adjusting for stage, however, survival rates are lower for blacks but not for Hispanics. Purpose: Our purpose was to compare survival, age, tumor size, nodal status, estrogen-receptor (ER) and progesterone-receptor (PgR) status, histologic type, S-phase fraction, DNA ploidy status, Her-2/neu protein expression, and p53 protein status, along with systemic treatment, in a large group of white, black, and Hispanic U.S. women. Methods: From 1970 to 1991, breast tumor specimens were submitted to The University of Texas Health Science Center from 31 contributing hospitals throughout the United States for ER and PgR assay. A total of 4885 white, 1016 black, and 777 Hispanic women were eligible for this study. Median follow-up was 57 months. Results: Overall, white women were significantly more likely to be older and to have smaller tumors, have less lymph node involvement, have tumors with positive ER and PgR status, and have a lower S-phase fraction compared with Hispanic or black women. There were no clinically important differences in DNA ploidy, histologic type, Her-2/neu, and p53 expression among the three groups. Considering all stages, white women had the best overall survival (date of diagnosis to date of death) at 5 years - 75% [+ or -] 1% (means [+ or-] SE), with a median survival of 166 months, but Hispanic women had an intermediate survival - 70% [+ or -] 2% (median survival, 156 months), and black women had the worst survival - 65% [+ or -] 2% (median survival, 117 months) (P

Background. Although the overall incidence of invasive cervical cancer in the United States has declined over the past several decades, recent studies suggest that rates for both invasive and in situ cervical cancer are rising among younger women. Methods. Trends in cervical cancer incidence among females between the ages of 15 and 39 years were evaluated using data from the Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System, a population-based registry and founding participant in the SEER Program of the National Cancer Institute. Age-adjusted and age-specific rates for all black and white women in this age group were evaluated as well as rates for married and single women for the period 1973-1991. Results. Incidence trends vary by race and marital status. A nonlinear increasing trend was evident (P < 0.01), for in situ cervical cancer among white women, with rates for single white women exhibiting the largest increase. Rates among black women for in situ cervical cancer exhibited a nonlinear decreasing trend (P < 0.01), with rates for married black women declining by 75%. Among single white women, invasive cervical cancer exhibited an increasing linear trend (P < 0.01), although the number of cases was small. Conclusions. Differences in trends among black and white women may reflect a combination of greater exposure to risk factors associated with cervical carcinoma as well as differential access to diagnostic and treatment services. Appropriate groups should be targeted for educational, screening, and follow-up services. Cancer 1994; 73:1849-54. Key words: cervical cancer, epidemiology, incidence rates, age, race, marital status.

Investigators publish new data in the report '21-Gene recurrence scores: racial differences in testing, scores, treatment, and outcome.' According to the authors of recent research from Atlanta, Georgia, 'African American [...]

2002 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS, senior medical writer - After a weight-loss diet, black women became less fit and were less [...]

2001 MAR 15 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Survival rates among African-American women with cervical carcinoma are equivalent to those for white women, when treatment is provided in an equal [...]

Background: The prevalence of obesity is higher in black than in white women. Differences in energy economy and physical activity may contribute to this difference. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare free-livingenergy expenditure and physical activity in black and white women before and after weight loss. Design: Participants were 18 white and 14 black women with body mass indexes (in kg/[m.sup.2]) between 27 and 30. Diet, without exercise, was used to achieve a weight loss of [is greater than or equal to] 10 kg and a body mass index [is less than] 25. After 4 wk of energy balance in overweight and normal-weight states, body composition was assessed by using a 4-compartment model, sleeping and resting energy expenditures were assessed by using a chamber calorimeter, physiologic stress of exercise and exercise economy were measured by using standardized exercise tasks, and daily energy expenditure was assessed by using doubly labeled water. Results: Weight loss averaged 12.8 kg. Sleeping and resting energy expenditures decreased in proportion to changes in body composition. Weight reduction significantly improved physiologic capacity for exercise in both groups of women, making it easier for them to be physically active. Black women had lower body composition-adjusted energy requirements than did white women--both before and after weight loss--during sleep (9% lower, 519 kJ/d; P [is less than] 0.001), at rest (14% lower, 879 kJ/d; P [is less than] 0.001), during exercise (6% lower; P [is less than] 0.05), and as a daily total (9% lower, 862 kJ/d; P [is less than] 0.06). By contrast, free-living physical activity was similar between the groups. Conclusions: Weight-reduced women had metabolic rates appropriate for their body sizes. Black women had lower resting and nonresting energy requirements in both overweight and normal-weight states than did white women and did not compensate with greater physical activity, potentially predisposing them to greater weight regain. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:1138-46. KEY WORDS Overweight, obesity, weight loss, body composition, energy expenditure, aerobic capacity, energy economy, physical activity, exercise, African American women, white women

Background: Aerobic fitness, or maximal oxygen uptake ([VO.sub.2]max), and energy expenditure (EE) may be lower in African Americans than in whites. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare sleeping EE (SEE), resting EE (REE), free-living total EE (TEE), and [VO.sub.2]max in African American and white women after adjustment for body composition and free-living activity-related energy expenditure (AEE). Design: Eighteen African American and 17 white premenopausal women were matched for weight, percentage body fat, and age. SEE and REE were measured in a room calorimeter and [VO.sub.2]max was measured on a treadmill. Fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) (4-compartment model), AEE (doubly labeled water and SEE), and regional lean tissue (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were used as adjustment variables in SEE, REE, TEE, and [VO.sub.2]max comparisons. Results: The African American women bad significantly more limb lean tissue and significantly less trunk lean tissue than did the white women. The African American women also had significantly lower SEE (6.9%), REE (7.5%), TEE (9.6%), and [VO.sub.2]max (13.4%) than did the white women. Racial differences persisted after adjustment for [VO.sub.2]max, AEE, FFM, and limb lean tissue but disappeared after adjustment for trunk lean tissue. The [VO.sub.2]max difference was independent of all body-composition variables and of AEE. Conclusions: African American women had lower aerobic fitness than did white women, independent of differences in lean tissue or AEE. Diminished racial differences in SEE, REE, and TEE after adjustment for trunk lean tissue suggest that low EE in African American women is mediated by low volumes of metabolically active organ mass. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:500-6. KEY WORDS African American women, white women, aerobic fitness, energy expenditure, obesity, body composition, fat mass, fat-free mass, lean tissue

Byline: Steven R. Cummings (a)(b), Dennis Black (b) Abstract: Prospective studies have shown that bone mass, measured by any method and at any site, is inversely related to a woman's risk of fracture. Most types of fractures are more frequent in women with low bone mass. Bone mineral density measured in the proximal femur appears to have a stronger relationship to risk of hip fracture than bone density measured in other sites. On the other hand, measurement of bone mass in the spine does not appear to be substantially superior to measurements of bone mass in other sites. Even after age 80, bone mass measurements have a strong predictive value for most types of fracture. A woman's lifetime risk of hip fracture can be estimated from bone mass measurements made in the perimenopausal period. Although an individual's level of bone mass may vary from site to site, the incremental value of measuring bone mass in more than one site is not certain. Bone mass measurements, perhaps in combination with other risk factors for fracture, help define individuals with a high risk of fracture who stand to benefit most from efforts to prevent fractures. Author Affiliation: (a) Division of General Internal MedicineUniversity of California, San Francisco, California, USA (b) Department ofEpidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA

Synopsis: African-American women with endometrial cancer are significantly less likely to undergo primary surgery and have significantly shorter survival than white women with endometrial cancer. Source: Randall RC, Armstrong KJ. [...]