General Research Interest
Cancer survivorship across the continuum, specifically issues experienced by breast cancer survivors. In addition, women at increased risk of breast cancer development, tissue markers relevant to risk status, and adherence to chemoprevention.Research Description
Dr. Lester is currently exploring professional barriers related to personalized cancer survivorship care in Ohio, specifically in counties with minimal or no access to cancer care, including Appalachia. The development of a mentored professional nursing education model may enhance survivorship care across the continuum. These research efforts are funded by Susan G. Komen For the Cure, Columbus Afffiliate. Dr. Lester has developed the Urogenital Atrophy Questionnire, a self-report instrument that characterizes symptoms related to urogenital atrophy. A pilot study is in progress to identify reliable objective markers of atrophic vaginitis in breast cancer survivors. Combined, these measures will provide a brief and concise instrument for use in the oncology clinical setting that measures the signs and symptoms of urogenital atrophy. Pending is a pilot study to measure the anti-inflammatory effects of omega 3 fatty acids on atrophic vaginitis in breast cancer survivors. These research efforts are funded by the Oncology Nursing Society and the Rehabilitation Nurses' Foundation.Transinstitutional Work
Dr. Lester is working in collaboration with Lisa Yee, MD and her studies related to breast tissue biomarkers in women at increased risk of breast cancer development. Adherence to chemoprevention and patient interest in healthy lifestyle behaviors in this population are also of interest.