Racial disparity in breast cancer survivorship: themes from a series of four national healthcare provider live virtual forums

Abstract

Purpose Significant disparity exists in the diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship outcomes among Black breast cancer (BC) survivors. Black BC survivors have more significant survivorship issues and a greater burden of illness than White counterparts. Barriers to rehabilitation exist for all BC survivors but are magnified in Black BC survivors. The purpose of this qualitative research was to document patient, clinician, and researchers’ perceptions surrounding contributing factors, lived experiences, and potential solutions to racial disparity in BC survivorship. Methods A narrative approach was utilized to identify themes from a series of four virtual healthcare provider forums that explored lived personal and professional experiences, issues, and potential solutions surrounding racial disparity in BC survivorship. Forums included perspectives of patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and stakeholders in the BC field. An independent thematic analysis was performed by the investigators, all of whom have emic perspectives with respect to race and/or BC. Results Three main themes were identified related to racial disparity in BC survivorship: (1) societal and cultural contributing factors, (2) contribution of healthcare providers and systems, and (3) models of care and research considerations. Conclusions The findings provide compelling documentation of lived personal and professional experiences of racial disparity in BC survivorship. Potential solutions exist and must be enacted immediately to ensure equitable survivorship outcomes for Black individuals following a BC diagnosis. Implications for Cancer Survivors Increased awareness related to racial disparity in BC survivorship among survivors, healthcare providers, and researchers will contribute to health equity and improved outcomes for Black individuals.