Oncology provider and African-American breast cancer survivor perceptions of the emotional experience of transitioning to survivorship

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the emotional experience of African American breast cancer survivors (BCS), and the information exchange between providers and patients, during transitioning to post-treatment survivorship

Research Approach

We conducted a qualitative study using interviews and focus groups.

Participants

We sought perspectives of oncology providers (n = 27) and African-American breast cancer survivors (BCS) (n = 45) who provided and received care in three counties in Washington State.

Methods

African-American community consultants conducted interviews and focus groups. Thematic coding and constant comparison were applied to identify emergent themes.

Findings

Participants reported emotional health information and support were needed but not consistently provided, resulting in a sense of survivor isolation. Systemic challenges limited providers’ ability to deliver emotional support information. Survivors and providers expressed similar understandings of the emotional impact of transition, but each group highlighted different, yet complementary priorities to address emotional needs of African-American BCS.

Conclusions

There is congruence between African-American BCS and oncology providers perceptions of the emotional experience of transitioning to post-treatment survivorship, but patients are not receiving adequate information and resources to help them adequately address their emotional needs.

Implications for Policy

Improved care continuity, team-based approaches, and partnerships between health systems and community organization partnerships may help patients and providers recognize and address emotional needs during the transition.

Keywords:

• African American
• breast cancer
• minorities
• qualitative research
• survivorship

Acknowledgments

We thank Ms. Edree Allen-Agbro, M.Ed and Mr. Arthur Walker for their roles as community consultants and contributing to data collection. Thank you to Jennifer Cruz for her assistance with data analyses.

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded as a pilot project for new investigators awarded to Dr. Rachel Ceballos through an NCI Cancer Consortium Support Grant (P30 CA015704, PI: Gilliland, G.).