A comparison of approaches for association studies of polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk.

Aim: Meta-analyses have been used to evaluate associations between polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk, but the quality of individual studies used to inform them may vary substantially. Our aim was to apply well-established quality-control criteria to individual association studies and then compare the results of meta-analyses that included or excluded studies that did not meet these criteria.

Method: We used meta-analyses of studies reporting a relationship between polymorphisms and colorectal cancer published between 1996 and 2008.

Adjusting to pancreatic cancer: perspectives from first-degree relatives.

Objective: The combination of a difficult early diagnosis, few treatment options, and high mortality rate could make the experience of pancreatic cancer different from the experience of other cancers, both for patients and families. To design effective interventions for families with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, there is need for a model of family members' adjustment to cancer that is specific to these unique aspects of pancreatic cancer.

Method: Trained clinical interviewers and a genetic counselor conducted phone interviews with 22 first-degree relatives-parents, siblings, and offspring-from a pool of participating family members.