Beliefs and Behaviors about Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk Reduction among African American Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

A growing body of evidence suggests that breast cancer recurrence risk is linked to lifestyle behaviors. This study examined correlations between breast cancer recurrence, risk reduction beliefs, and related behaviors among African American breast cancer survivors (AA BCSs). Study participants included 191 AA BCSs, mean age = 56.3 years, who completed a lifestyle assessment tool. Most respondents believed that being overweight (52.7%), lack of physical activity (48.7%), and a high fat diet (63.2%) are associated with breast cancer recurrence. Over 65% considered themselves overweight; one third (33.5%) agreed that losing weight could prevent recurrence, 33.0% disagreed, while the remaining 33.5% did not know; and nearly half (47.9%) believed that recurrence could be prevented by increasing physical activity. Almost 90% survivors with BMI < 25 Kg/M2 reported no recurrence compared to 75.7% with BMI ≥ 25 Kg/M2 (p = 0.06); nearly all of the women (99.2%) answered “yes” to seeking professional help to lose weight, 79.7% of which were recurrence-free (p = 0.05). These results provide information about AA BCSs’ beliefs and behaviors protective against breast cancer recurrence. Additional research is warranted to determine the effectiveness of educational interventions for AA BCSs that promote consumption of a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

Impact of breast cancer and quality of life of women survivors

“…The lowest QoL scores were found in the body changes, negative self-evaluation, and concern about cancer sub-scales. These data are similar to those described in other studies and can be explained by the sequelae of therapies (4,(10)(11) . The type of surgery performed, for example, regardless of extension, impacts these women's self-esteem and self-image, in addition to how they position themselves and relate to the world.…”

“…From a biopsychosocial point of view, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis negatively impacts a woman's life, with common feelings of fear and suffering throughout the entire process, including the diagnostic, therapeutic and survival phases. In general, post-treatment patients, whether surgical or clinical (antineoplastic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy), continue with consultations, or follow-up visits, for up to 10 years, regardless of endocrine therapy indication (4)(5) .…”

Weight management and physical activity throughout the cancer care continuum

“…Among cancer survivors, prevalence of overweight and obesity is high, especially among non‐Hispanic blacks and Hispanics compared with non‐Hispanic whites . Concordantly, cancer survivors who are members of minority groups have lower adherence to diet and PA guidelines and are more likely to report poorer health status compared with nonminority cancer survivors or racial/ethnic minorities without cancer . Thus, there is a critical need to develop and examine weight management and PA interventions among cancer survivors of racial/ethnic minority status to enhance outcomes and reduce disparities.…”

Culture, identity, strength and spirituality: A qualitative study to understand experiences of African American women breast cancer survivors and recommendations for intervention development

“…Despite advancements in cancer treatment, African American women continue to suffer disproportionately from cancer morbidity and mortality, with a 41% higher breast cancer death rate and a 23% lower five‐year relative survival rate (Hershman et al, ), compared to non‐Hispanic White women. African American breast cancer survivors also have an increased risk of recurrence and a poorer prognosis (Ansa, Yoo, Whitehead, Coughlin, & Smith, ). Emerging evidence suggests potential disparities in quality of life (QOL) during the survivorship period (Matthews, Tejeda, Johnson, Berbaum, & Manfredi, ).…”

“…African American breast cancer survivors also have an increased risk of recurrence and a poorer prognosis (Ansa, Yoo, Whitehead, Coughlin, & Smith, 2016). Emerging evidence suggests potential disparities in quality of life (QOL) during the survivorship period (Matthews, Tejeda, Johnson, Berbaum, & Manfredi, 2012).…”