Annette L. Stanton, PhD

In light of the documented benefits of 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 a prospective, longitudinal study of breast cancer patients initiating a first endocrine therapy prescription through 12 months, Dr. Stanton's team is testing model of contributors to adherence in clinical settings. Accrual of participants is now complete, and final data collection will be accomplished with approximately 120 women in January of 2013. In addition, data collection is complete for a nationwide survey of approximately 1,900 women currently taking endocrine therapy, and data coding and analysis is in progress. Dr. Stanton's next step is to develop an approach to help breast cancer survivors adhere to their endocrine therapy prescriptions.

Mid-year Progress: A model of contributors to adherence in clinical practice settings is being tested in a prospective, longitudinal study of breast cancer patients initiating a first endocrine therapy prescription through 12 months. In addition, data collection is complete for a nationwide survey of more than 2,000 women regarding their experience of endocrine therapy. Findings indicate that women who are more likely to take their endocrine therapy as prescribed are those who have a good collaborative relationship with their oncologist and believe strongly that endocrine therapy is effective, among other factors. Women who are more likely to take endocrine therapy for the prescribed five years have lower anxiety and depressive symptoms, better relationships with their oncologists, fewer general physical symptoms, and more positive emotions toward endocrine therapy than women who do not persist for the five years. Additional data analysis is in progress.

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.