Clinico-pathological characteristics among South African women with breast cancer receiving anti-retroviral therapy for HIV

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally and among South African women. Women from socioeconomically disadvantaged South African communities more often present later and receive total mastectomy compared to those from more affluent communities who have more breast conserving surgery (which is less invasive but requires mandatory radiation treatment post-operatively). Standard chemotherapy and total mastectomy treatments are known to cause traumatizing side effects and emotional suffering among South African women; moreover, many women face limited communication with physicians and psychological support. Objective: This article investigates the experiences of women seeking breast cancer treatment at the largest public hospital in South Africa. Methods We interviewed 50 Black women enrolled in the South African Breast Cancer Study to learn more about their health system experiences with detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for breast cancer. Each interview was between 2–3 hours, addressing perceptions, experiences, and concerns associated with breast cancer and comorbidities such as HIV and hypertension. Results: We found most women feared diagnosis, in part, because of the experience of chemotherapy and physical mutilation related to mastectomy. The importance of social support from family, religion, and clinical staff was fundamental for women coping with their condition and adhering to treatment and medication. Conclusions: These findings exemplify how interventions might promote early detection of breast cancer and better adherence to treatment. Addressing community perceptions of breast cancer, patient needs and desires for treatment, structural barriers to intensive therapies, and the burden of invasive treatments are imperative next steps for delivering better breast cancer care in Soweto and other resource-constrained settings.

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Exploring breast cancer diagnosis and treatment experience among a sample of South African women who access primary health care

South African Journal of Psychology ◽

10.1177/0081246319870410 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 195-206

Author(s):

Bronwynè Coetzee ◽

Rizwana Roomaney ◽

Paula Smith ◽

Jo Daniels

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Health Care ◽

Primary Health Care ◽

South African ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Breast Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Diagnosis And Treatment ◽

African Women ◽

Primary Health ◽

South African Women

Despite the known impact of a cancer diagnosis and related treatments on quality of life, and the complexity of patient journeys in low-resource settings, there has been little published research into the relevant issues faced by South African women living with breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to understand the experiences of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment among a sample of South African women who access primary health care. A convenience sample of 12 women between the ages of 48 and 66 years attending a primary health care facility took part in our study. Women undergoing breast cancer treatment were invited to take part in face-to-face interviews. The interviews were semi-structured and guided by an interview schedule. Interviews were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti v 8 computer software. We identified three important themes that explained how women experience diagnosis and treatment, namely, (1) reactions to the diagnosis experience, (2) the importance of faith, and (3) the value in having a sense of agency. Women’s initial reaction to their cancer diagnosis was one of shock and disbelief. Despite these reactions, faith and agency played an important role in how women in this study made sense of their illness experience and how they coped. Our findings demonstrate that women’s experiences of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment were accompanied by some psychological distress for which they need support. Furthermore, supporting women to make positive choices about coping and valuing the role of religion when appropriate should form part of any therapeutic engagement, medical or otherwise.

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Can Endocrine Therapy Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer in South African Women?

Wits Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.18772/26180197.2020.v2n1a7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 39

Author(s):

Georgia Demetriou ◽

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Endocrine Therapy ◽

South African ◽

African Women ◽

South African Women

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The multimorbidity profile of South African women newly diagnosed with breast cancer

International Journal of Cancer ◽

10.1002/ijc.32727 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 147 (2) ◽

pp. 361-374

Author(s):

Oluwatosin A. Ayeni ◽

Shane A. Norris ◽

Maureen Joffe ◽

Herbert Cubasch ◽

Sarah Nietz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

South African ◽

African Women ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

South African Women

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Reproductive factors and risk of breast cancer in black South African women

Cancer Causes & Control ◽

10.1007/s10552-021-01390-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Isabelle Romieu ◽

Carine Biessy ◽

Maureen Joffe ◽

Herbert Cubasch ◽

Shane Norris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

South African ◽

Reproductive Factors ◽

African Women ◽

Black South African ◽

South African Women

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Dietary intake and breast cancer risk in black South African women: the South African Breast Cancer study

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114518003744 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 121 (5) ◽

pp. 591-600 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Inarie Jacobs ◽

Christine Taljaard-Krugell ◽

Cristian Ricci ◽

Hester Vorster ◽

Sabina Rinaldi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

South African ◽

Meat Consumption ◽

African Women ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Cancer Study ◽

Black South African ◽

Breast Cancer Study ◽

South African Women

AbstractIncidence rates of breast cancer (BC) are increasing in South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary intake and BC risk in black South African women. The study population included 396 BC cases and 396 population-based controls matched on age and residence, participating in the South African Breast Cancer study. Diet was assessed using a validated quantified FFQ from which twelve energy-adjusted food groups were formed and analysed. OR were estimated using conditional logistic regressions, adjusted for confounding factors, comparing highestv.lowest median intake. Fresh fruit consumption showed an inverse association with BC risk (OR=0·3, 95 % CI 0·12, 0·80) in premenopausal women, whilst red and organ meat consumption showed an overall inverse association with BC risk (OR=0·6, 95 % CI 0·49, 0·94 and OR=0·6, 95 % CI 0·47, 0·91). Savoury food consumption (sauces, soups and snacks) were positively associated with BC risk in postmenopausal women (OR=2·1, 95 % CI 1·15, 4·07). Oestrogen receptor-positive stratification showed an inverse association with BC risk and consumption of nuts and seeds (OR=0·2, 95 % CI 0·58, 0·86). Based on these results, it is recommended that black South African women follow a diet with more fruit and vegetables together with a decreased consumption of less energy-dense, micronutrient-poor foods such as savoury foods. More research is necessary to investigate the association between BC risk and red and organ meat consumption. Affordable and practical methods regarding these recommendations should be implemented within health intervention strategies.

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