African-American Breast Cancer Survivors Participating in a Breast Cancer Support Group: Translating Research into Practice

Abstract

Background Despite an overall decline in mortality, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death among African American women. As such, clinicians should prepare to address the unique sociocultural and psychological concerns encountered by African American women breast cancer survivors. Objective To examine, using qualitative methods, the main coping facilitators used by African American women as they transition across the cancer continuum. The identification of these facilitators was then aligned with culturally sensitive interventions most useful with women coping with cancer, along the cancer continuum. Methods This was a secondary analysis of 20 video-taped stories of African American breast cancer survivors collected as a part of the Washington University Center for Excellence in Cancer Communications project. The interview began with a discussion of how the survivor first became aware she had breast cancer, followed by a series of open-ended probes used to explore the following themes: coping, relationships, health care system experiences, follow up care, and quality of life living with breast cancer. Results Survivors discussed their experiences and advice for targeting needs at each cancer stage, from screening to diagnosis, treatment, and then survivorship. Survivor narratives point to key evidence-based clinical intervention strategies at each stage of the cancer trajectory. Conclusion This study found that survivors see a cyclical cancer course, whereby African American breast cancer survivors serve an important role in the lives of unscreened women, newly diagnosed women, and women in treatment.

Medical advocacy among African-American women diagnosed with breast cancer: from recipient to resource

“…Simultaneously, our findings highlight unintended health-protective consequences: our participants' experiences in supportive environments resulted in a strong desire to “give back” and offer support. Such work clarifies findings from other research, wherein African American women described the process as ‘cyclical’ between their personal cancer experiences and subsequent roles within their communities [34]. Further, our work indicates that the type of support women receive during their journey may directly pertain to their perceived roles as resources.…”

“…Little is also known about if and how promoting self advocacy may result in an increased interest in other levels of advocacy for survivors. One study to date has explored how a sample of African American women diagnosed with breast cancer perceive themselves as advocates for their communities across different stages of cancer treatment [34]. This study did not explore if and how previous experiences as a recipient contributed to future opportunities as a resource.…”

Availability, accessibility, and impact of social support on breast cancer treatment among breast cancer patients in Kumasi, Ghana: A qualitative study

“…The importance of social support in enhancing positive treatment outcomes for people with chronic diseases and conditions is well-established [23,19,11,16]. This study sought to assess the availability and accessibility of social support for women receiving breast cancer treatment at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.…”

“…Lack of social support for chronic disease patients including breast cancer has been linked to poor emotional wellbeing, increased depressive symptoms, and poor quality of life [19]. Socially isolated women who lack access to care especially from social networks such as family and friends may develop an increased risk of mortality after breast cancer diagnosis [20] due to pain, depression, and poor emotional and mental wellbeing.…”

Advancing breast cancer survivorship among African-American women

“…Social support and social connectedness have been shown to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall health and quality of life. African American breast cancer survivors can assist newly diagnosed women in coping with their illness and treatment [94]. …”