Kerri M. Winters, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Associate Scientist
Oregon Health & Science University
School of Nursing Portland Campus
3455 SW US Veterans Road., SN-ORD
Portland, Ore. 97239
Phone: 503 494-0813
FAX: 503 418-0903
E-mail: wintersk@ohsu.edu
Bone fragility and quality of life in cancer survivors is the focus of my research. Our research has shown that breast cancer survivors have poorer bone health and fall more compare to women who have not been treated for breast cancer and both factors contribute to an increased risk of fracture after cancer treatment. We are continuing to examine treatment related causes of falls in breast cancer survivors to better develop interventions that reduce fall risk. In addition to breast cancer, prostate cancer survivors may be at higher fracture risk due to bone and muscle destroying treatments. A major focus of our research is testing the ability of a specific exercise intervention that we developed in non-cancer populations to reduce fracture risk and improve quality of life in breast and prostate cancer survivors. Beyond fracture risk, the intersection of aging and cancer treatment can increase the risk of frailty and loss of independence in older cancer survivors. Exercise may prevent frailty development, and determining the optimal type and amount of exercise to do so is the focus of another intervention study in older breast cancer survivors. The next step for our research is to translate our findings into evidence-based programs that can be disseminated and broadly implemented in the greater cancer survivor community, including innovative programs that can reach frail elders and rural adults.
CURRENT RESEARCH SUPPORT
2010-11: Comparison of physical function between breast cancer survivors and cancer-free controls (Role: PI)Goal: The goal of this project is to compare objective and self-report measures of physical function between breast cancer survivors and cancer-free controls in order to determine the influence of breast cancer treatment on physical functioning.
Funding: John C. Erkkila Foundation (Oregon State University)
2009-11: Exercising Together: An intervention for men with prostate cancer and their spouses (Role: PI).
Goal: The goal of this project is to test the physical and emotional benefits of a partnered strength training program in prostate cancer survivors, their spouse/partners and their relationship.
Funding: National Cancer Institute
2007-10: Comparison of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise in Older Breast Cancer Survivors. (Role: PI)
Goal: The goal of this project is to determine the specific benefits of each aerobic and resistance exercise in older breast cancer survivors.
Funding: National Cancer Institute.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
1. Winters-Stone K, Schwartz A, Nail L. A review of exercise interventions to improve bone health in adult cancer survivors. J Cancer Survivor Sep;4(3):187-201, 20102. Schwartz AL, Winters-Stone K. Effects of a 12-month randomized controlled trial of aerobic or resistance exercise during and following cancer treatment in women. Phys Sportsmed. 2009 Oct;37(3):62-7.
3. Winters-Stone KM, Nail L, Bennett J, Schwartz A,. Bone Health and Falls Fracture Risk in Breast Cancer Survivors with Chemotherapy-Induced Amenorrhea. Oncol Nurs Forum 36(3):315-325, 2009.
4. Jones K, Bennett R, Horak F, Winters-Stone K, Morea J. Fibromyalgia is Associated with Impaired Balance and Falls. J Clin Rheum 15(1):16-21, 2009.
5. Winters-Stone KM, Nail, L, Schwartz A, Bennett J. Muscle strength, physical activity and age predict fatigue in older breast cancer survivors. Oncol Nurs Forum 35(5):815-21, 2008
6. Bennett, JA, Young HM, Nail LM, Winters-Stone K, Hanson, G. A telephone-only motivational intervention to increase physical activity in rural adults: A randomized controlled trial. Nurs Res 57 (1):24-32, 2008.
7. Robinson M, Winters-Stone KM, Gabel K, Dolny D. Modifiable lifestyle factors affecting bone health using calcaneus quantitative ultrasound in adolescent girls. Osteoporosis International, 18(8):1101-7, 2007.
8. Schwartz A, Winters-Stone K, Galluci B. Exercise effects on bone mineral density in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Oncology Nursing Forum, 34(3):627-33, 2007.
9. Winters-Stone, K. and Snow, C. Site-specific response of bone to exercise in premenopausal women. Bone 39(6):1203-9, 2006.
