Latina a Latina^SM: developing a breast cancer decision support intervention

Abstract

Latinas have the fastest rising incidence of breast cancer. Yet, little data are available about Latinas' breast cancer treatment experiences. Aims were to: (1) identify factors in Latinas' treatment decision making and (2) develop and pilot a decision support intervention. Thirty-seven Latinas diagnosed with breast cancer participated. Qualitative data were used to identify intervention messages. Most women desired help in asking questions. Women were most concerned about chemotherapy side effects. Cultural values (e.g. personalismo, familismo) helped structure intervention messages. In phase two, participants completed a face-to-face skill-building session with a trained breast cancer survivor. Women found the intervention acceptable and reported better communication and decision-making skills. Interventions that focus on cultural strengths may improve Latinas treatment experiences and informed decision making.

Developing a Culturally Competent Peer Support Intervention for Spanish-speaking Latinas with Breast Cancer

“…A study of a peer-delivered intervention to assist Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer treatment decision making provides evidence of the usefulness of these types of interventions for less acculturated Latinas. Investigators in that study found that their intervention successfully addressed cultural factors that included living well for their children's sake, reticence to ask physicians questions out of respect, lack of fluency in English, fatalism, spirituality, and early intervention to dispel fear and misconceptions (24).…”

“…The use of peer cancer survivors to deliver support interventions is a promising avenue for increasing access to cancer support services in community settings, (21,22) especially for Latinas. Latina breast cancer survivors view other Latinas as engendering hope and as excellent sources of information about how to talk to their physicians and make better treatment decisions (23,24). Peer health educators have worked effectively among Spanish-speaking Latinas to promote cancer screening, (25,26) but the feasibility of tailored peer-delivered cancer support interventions for Latina breast cancer survivors needs to be investigated.…”

Understanding the Experience of Dominican American Women Living With Late-Stage Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study

“…Additional studies confirm that receiving the diagnosis of late-stage breast cancer often elicits feelings of shock, anxiety, fear of the treatment modalities, and the idea of suddenly having to face their own mortality (Buki et al, 2008;Campos, Besser, & Blatt, 2012;Sheppard et al, 2008;Weitz, Fisher, & Lachman, 2012;Yusuf et al, 2013). The diagnosis can have devastating effects on women physically, emotionally, and spiritually as they adjust to living with this illness (Chunlestskul, Carlson, Koopmans, & Angen, 2008;Logan, Hackbusch-Pinto, & De Grasse, 2006;Perreault & Bourbonnais, 2005).…”

Are Health-care Relationships Important for Mammography Adherence in Latinas?

“…[30][31][32][33][34] In non-Latina groups, studies have indicated that the 'art of care' (e.g., communication and trust) in the patient-practitioner relationship is the most important health service factor affecting satisfaction and cancer control behaviors. 11,[35][36][37][38][39][40] Little information is available regarding…”