Breast Cancer Interventions Serving US-Based Latinas: Current Approaches and Directions

Abstract

Despite efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality in breast cancer, Latinas continue to have lower 5-year survival rates than their non-Latina white counterparts. All along the cancer continuum from screening to follow-up of abnormal screening to diagnosis and treatment to survivorship, Latinas fare poorer than non-Latina whites. To close this gap, a number of research projects across the continuum have attempted to improve breast cancer outcomes. In this review, we examine studies that have been carried out in breast cancer along the cancer continuum. We focus not only on randomized, controlled trials, but also on quasi-experimental, and pre- and post-test studies that provided interventions for positive breast cancer outcomes. We examine not only the intervention outcomes, but also the type of intervention targets and type of intervention implementation. In future breast cancer research among Latinas, more emphasis should be placed on the steps in detection and treatment that occur after screening.

Psychological Distress, Social Withdrawal, and Coping Following Receipt of an Abnormal Mammogram Among Different Ethnicities: A Mediation Model

“…Latina patients with breast cancer and survivors appear to have lower quality of life, including poorer emotional and social functioning, compared to NLC counterparts (Bickell et al, 2006; Fedewa, Ward, Stewart, & Edge, 2010). A large body of literature exists that has characterized and addressed modifiable factors associated with early detection of breast cancer, including promotion of mammography screening among Latinas (Guerra, Krumholz, & Shea, 2005; Molina, Thompson, Espinoza, & Ceballos, 2013; Purc-Stephenson & Gorey, 2008; Santiago-Rivera, Arrendondo, & Gallardo-Cooper, 2002). However, little research exists to date of quantified ethnic differences in mental health comorbidities after abnormal screening results.…”

“…Most research has focused on predominantly NLC women or has not addressed racial or ethnic differences (Andrés-Hyman, Ortiz, Añez, Paris, & Davidson, 2006; Molina et al, 2013). Although the authors of the current article found no study that compared distress among Latinas and NLC women, one qualitative study with a largely Latina sample noted that psycho logical distress interfered with motivation to schedule a follow-up appointment (Allen, Shelton, Harden, & Goldman, 2008).…”

“…Some studies have indicated that receipt of an abnormal mammogram may result in negative social consequences, including withdrawal from one's family and friends (Austin, Ahmad, McNally, & Stewart, 2002; Cockburn, De Luise, Hurley, & Clover, 1992; Lowe, Balanda, Del Mar, & Hawes, 1999). Conversely, social support has been seen as protective with regard to reduced psychological distress (Andrés-Hyman et al, 2006; Molina et al, 2013; Montgomery, 2010). Social withdrawal may be particularly problematic for Latinas, given the cultural importance placed on strong interpersonal relationships (Marin & Marin, 1991).…”

“…Coping has been linked to psychological distress and well-being across the cancer continuum (Boinon, Charles, Dauchy, & Sultan, 2011; Bond et al, 2013; Kreuter & McClure, 2004), including in response to an abnormal mammogram result (Andrés-Hyman et al, 2006; Austin et al, 2002; Molina et al, 2013; Montgomery, 2010; Moy, Park, Feibelmann, Chiang, & Weissman, 2006). Ethnic differences in coping are largely unknown in the context of the abnormal mammography experience, but hypotheses can be drawn from existing literature on Latinas’ coping strategies in other phases of the cancer continuum.…”

Study design and protocol for My Guide : An e-health intervention to improve patient-centered outcomes among Hispanic breast cancer survivors

“…The past decade has seen an increase in observational research focusing on the HRQoL of women diagnosed with breast cancer, including Hispanic women, [12–17] as well as a handful of studies documenting the efficacy of supportive interventions to improve HRQoL among Hispanic women diagnosed with cancer [13,16]. While preliminary findings suggest that increasing cancer knowledge, self-efficacy in communication, and self-management skills can improve HRQoL outcomes in this population [6,17–22], the extant literature is limited by in-person or phone-based treatment modalities.…”