Erick Suárez

Incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer in Puerto Rico and among Hispanics, Non-Hispanic Whites, and Non-Hispanic Blacks in the United States, 1998–2002

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Puerto Rico (PR). In the United States, the incidence and mortality rates of CRC have great variation by sex and race/ethnicity. Age‐standardized incidence and mortality rates of CRC in PR were assessed and compared with the rates among US Hispanics (USH), non‐Hispanic whites (NHW), and non‐Hispanic blacks (NHB) in the United States for the period from 1998 through 2002. Incidence and mortality trends and relative differences among racial/ethnic groups by sex and age were determined.

The association of DNA Repair with breast cancer risk in women. A comparative observational study

BackgroundPrevious studies have found a link between a low DNA repair capacity (DRC) level and increased cancer risk. Our aim was to assess the statistical association of DRC level and breast cancer (BC) using a case–control epidemiological study in a Hispanic community.MethodsWe conducted a comparative observational study to assess the validity of DRC in detecting BC in 824 women throughout Puerto Rico. Over a 6-year period, we compared 285 women newly diagnosed with BC to 539 without BC. DRC levels were measured in lymphocytes by means of a host-cell reactivation assay. We assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and association using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Multiple logistic regression-adjusted odds ratios were estimated with 95% confidence level to measure the strength of the association of DRC and BC after adjusting for all confounders simultaneously.ResultsCompared to women without cancer, women with BC showed an average decrease of 60% in their DRC levels (p < 0.001). Validity of the association of DRC as a measure of BC risk showed a sensitivity of 83.2% and specificity of 77.6% (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur results support the usefulness of DRC level as a measure of BC risk. Additional studies in other populations are needed to further verify its usefulness.

18O proteomics reveal increased human apolipoprotein CIII in Hispanic HIV-1+ women with HAART that use cocaine

Drug abuse is a major risk factor in the development and progression of HIV‐1. This study defines the alterations in the plasma proteome of HIV‐1‐infected women that use cocaine.

Assessing Lung Cancer Incidence Disparities Between Puerto Ricans and Other Racial/Ethnic Groups in the United States, 1992–2010

This study compared the incidence of lung cancer among Puerto Ricans (PRs) with that of Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics in the United States. We computed age-standardized rates of lung cancer during 1992–2010 and percentages of change over time. Standardized rate ratios (SRR) were estimated to assess racial/ethnic and gender differences. All men groups showed a significant decline in lung cancer over time but PRs observed the smallest change (−1.2xa0%). For both men and women, PRs had lower incidence rates compared to other racial/ethnic groups (SRRxa0<xa01; Pxa0<xa00.05). Among all groups, men reported higher incidence rates than women but PRs showed the largest gender disparity (SRRxa0=xa02.29). This study showed that although PRs exhibited lower incidence rates of lung cancer, this subgroup of Hispanics faced an important burden of lung cancer, principally because PR men had the smallest decline over time and the largest gender difference among all groups.

Survival from Anal Cancer Among Hispanics—Puerto Rico, 2000–2007

PurposeThe incidence of anal cancer is increasing, particularly among HIV and men who have sex with men (MSM) groups. The vast majority of cases are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection. Epidemiological studies have also documented low survival, which might be linked to lack of appropriate screening, access, and utilization of pertinent health care services. Our objective was to assess the relative survival (1 and 3xa0years) of anal cancer in Puerto Rico for men and women during the period from 2000–2007.MethodsAll histological types of cancer of anus, anal canal, and anorectum (ICD-O-3 codes C210-C218), except for sarcomas, were included. Relative survival was estimated with the use of life tables from the population of Puerto Rico. In addition, the excess survival was compared by age at diagnosis, histology, and stage (defined as local, regional, or distant), using the Poisson regression model.ResultsThe overall 3-year relative survival in Puerto Rico was the same (53 %) for men and women.ConclusionsOur findings establish baseline survival data for anal cancer in Hispanics from Puerto Rico. Since now, the national guidelines for anal cancer screening and treatment are on their way to be determined; baseline information about survival will allow monitoring the efficacy that standardized screening programs may eventually have in increasing anal cancer survival in this population.

Applications of Regression Models in Epidemiology

This book is written for public health professionals and students interested in applying regression models in the field of epidemiology. The academic material is usually covered in public health courses including (i) Applied Regression Analysis, (ii) Advanced Epidemiology, and (iii) Statistical Computing. The book is composed of 13 chapters, including an introduction chapter that covers basic concepts of statistics and probability. Among the topics covered are linear regression model, polynomial regression model, weighted least squares, methods for selecting the best regression equation, and generalized linear models and their applications to different epidemiological study designs. An example is provided in each chapter that applies the theoretical aspects presented in that chapter. In addition, exercises are included and the final chapter is devoted to the solutions of these academic exercises with answers in all of the major statistical software packages, including STATA, SAS, SPSS, and R. It is assumed that readers of this book have a basic course in biostatistics, epidemiology, and introductory calculus. The book will be of interest to anyone looking to understand the statistical fundamentals to support quantitative research in public health.

Same-Sex Behavior and its Relationship with Sexual and Health-Related Practices Among a Population-Based Sample of Women in Puerto Rico: Implications for Cancer Prevention and Control

ABSTRACT This secondary data analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of same-sex behavior and sexual and health-related practices of a population-based sample (n = 560) of women aged 16–64 years in Puerto Rico (PR). Data collection included interviews and biologic samples. Seven percent of the sample had had sex with other women (WSW). Age-adjusted logistic regression models indicated that WSW had higher odds of history of cancer, having ≥ 7 lifetime sexual partners, using sex toys and sharing them, and use of tobacco and illicit drugs. Future research is needed to address the health needs of WSW, including cancer-related risk factors and sexual practices.