In the United States, African Americans (AAs) have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 mortality. However, AAs are more likely to be hesitant in receiving COVID-19 vaccinations when compared to non-Hispanic Whites. We examined factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among a predominant AA community sample. We performed a cross-sectional analysis on data collected from a convenience sample of 257 community-dwelling participants in the Central Savannah River Area from 5 December 2020, through 17 April 2021. Vaccine hesitancy was categorized as resistant, hesitant, and acceptant. We estimated relative odds of vaccine resistance and vaccine hesitancy using polytomous logistic regression models. Nearly one-third of the participants were either hesitant (n = 40, 15.6%) or resistant (n = 42, 16.3%) to receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine-resistant participants were more likely to be younger and were more likely to have experienced housing insecurity due to COVID-19 when compared to both acceptant and hesitant participants, respectively. Age accounted for nearly 25% of the variation in vaccine resistance, with 21-fold increased odds (OR: 21.93, 95% CI: 8.97–5.26–91.43) of vaccine resistance in participants aged 18 to 29 compared to 50 and older adults. Housing insecurity accounted for 8% of the variation in vaccine resistance and was associated with 7-fold increased odds of vaccine resistance (AOR: 7.35, 95% CI: 1.99–27.10). In this sample, AAs under the age of 30 and those experiencing housing insecurity because of the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to be resistant to receiving a free COVID-19 vaccination.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic and debilitating complication of breast cancer treatment, commonly associated with mastectomy, axillary lymph node dissection, and adjuvant radiation therapy. Though demographic and treatment-related risk factors for BCRL are well documented, emerging evidence suggests that certain genetic polymorphisms may predispose some patients to developing the condition. This review aims to summarize the current research regarding the genetic variants implicated in the development and severity of BCRL. Several candidate genes related to lymphangiogenesis, inflammation, immune cell activation, and lymphatic contractility have been identified. Unfortunately, the existing literature remains limited by the small number of manuscripts, modest sample sizes, and heterogeneous methodologies of available studies. However, further research may shed light on screening options and lead to more personalized treatment strategies to mitigate the incidence and severity of secondary lymphedema.

Radiation therapy complicates implant-based breast reconstruction by inducing fibrosis, vascular compromise, and capsular contracture, often resulting in significant breast asymmetry. Reoperation on irradiated implant pockets carries a high risk of wound-healing complications and implant loss, limiting reconstructive options. We present a case demonstrating a contralateral reconstructive strategy to address radiation-induced asymmetry without revising the irradiated breast. A woman with a history of bilateral mastectomy and implant-based reconstruction developed severe asymmetry following postmastectomy radiation to the left breast. Given the patient’s preference for the irradiated breast position and the risks of operating on irradiated tissue, revision was performed on the nonirradiated side using a narrow, ultra-high-profile implant wrapped in acellular dermal matrix that was positioned cephalad. This approach restored symmetry when surgical intervention of the irradiated breast was not advised, and nonsurgical treatment of the contracted breast was not preferred. This technique avoids the morbidity associated with operating on irradiated tissue and represents a safe, reproducible treatment option for select patients.