Postpartum nurses' perceptions of barriers to screening for intimate partner violence: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a human rights violation that is pervasive worldwide, and is particularly critical for women during the reproductive period. IPV includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Nurses on in-patient postpartum units are well-positioned to screen women for IPV, yet low screening rates suggest that barriers to screening exist.

Sentinel lymph node positivity of patients with ductal carcinoma in situ or microinvasive breast cancer.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity in patients with a final diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or microinvasive breast cancer (MIC).

Methods: One hundred thirty patients underwent SLN mapping from 1998 to 2003 for DCIS or MIC.

Results: One hundred nine patients with DCIS and 21 with MIC underwent SLN mapping.

Can axillary dissection be avoided in patients with sentinel lymph node metastasis?

Background: Who should undergo a completion dissection following identification of a +sentinel lymph node (SLN) is controversial.

Methods: The records of 1,133 patients who underwent SLN mapping were reviewed. The association between patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics and the presence of +SLNs and +nonSLNs was analyzed using two-way tables of frequency counts and Pearson chi2 test.

Factors associated with involvement of four or more axillary nodes for sentinel lymph node-positive patients.

Purpose: Sentinel lymph node-positive (SLN+) patients who are unlikely to have 4 or more involved axillary nodes might be treated with less extensive regional nodal radiation. The purpose of this study was to define possible predictors of having 4 or more involved axillary nodes.

Methods And Materials: The records of 224 patients with breast cancer and 1 to 3 involved SLNs, who underwent completion axillary dissection without neoadjuvant chemotherapy or hormonal therapy were reviewed.

Teen sexuality. Reaching out in the malls.

Background: Existing sexual health programs have not significantly reduced teen pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. A more creative approach is needed.

Methods: An assessment of 539 teens in one Ontario city was conducted to identify knowledge about and use of birth control, comfort in discussing sexual health, and preferred sites, providers and methods of service delivery.