Introduction:
Breast cancer survivorship guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) contain recommendations for health promotion, specifically obesity, nutrition, and physical activity. Breast cancer treatment is often cardiotoxic because of anthracycline- based drugs, radiation therapy, and use of monoclonal antibodies. Many African American (AA) BCS have preexisting conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes when diagnosed with breast cancer. Evidence suggests that breast cancer survivors (BCS) with sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and lack of physical activity have poorer outcomes among survivors. Research indicates AA BCS are less likely to be encouraged to lose weight or participate in physical activity by healthcare providers.
Hypotheses:
1) Physical inactivity, smoking, and suboptimal dietary patterns adversely affect cardiovascular health and survival of AA female BCS; and 2) Socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors serve as barriers or facilitators to adopting heart healthy behaviors and health outcomes.
Methods:
The sample consisted of 14 participants in three focus groups. Because these women had been discharged from acute oncology care, they were recruited from the AA community in Greensboro and Durham, NC. The organizations included cancer survivor organizations, religious and community organizations, and by referral from participants. Focus groups were held in locations that provided privacy for participants to verbally express themselves and interact with others freely. Anthropometric and biomarker data were collected from each participant and are reported elsewhere.
Results:
Using thematic analysis, verbatim transcripts were analyzed using word processing software. We familiarized ourselves with the focus group data, and continued with coding, theme generation, review and naming. The overarching themes identified were eating habits, thoughts about exercise, thoughts about weight, physician advice, and the importance of regular exercise.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, because many BCS are at risk for late and long-term cardiac effects of cancer treatment therapies, it is advisable to promote cardiovascular health behaviors that connect other health recommendations as suggested by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7. Accordingly, it is necessary to assess socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors that may influence heart healthy behaviors and health outcomes before creating culturally relevant interventions.
