scholarly journals Exploring the Perceptions of African American Breast Cancer Survivors on Endocrine Therapy: A Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Belle Donevant ◽  
Sue P Heiney ◽  
Cassandra Wineglass ◽  
Benjamin Schooley ◽  
Akanksha Singh ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Although the incidence of breast cancer is lower in African American women than white women, they have decreased survival rate. This problem may be due to poor adherence to endocrine therapy which decreases the likelihood of recurrence. Accessible and culturally sensitive interventions to improve survival may decrease mortality. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to describe the process of obtaining qualitative and quantitative data to guide the development of the proposed mHealth app, STORY+. METHODS We recruited 20 African American women with breast cancer. We used quantitative data collection and qualitative interviewing to collect data about their experiences with managing endocrine therapy and its side effects, understanding the value and purpose of endocrine therapy, and using technology in the breast cancer journey. RESULTS We found the women only had general knowledge of the purpose of endocrine therapy but were committed to adherence due to their health care provider’s recommendation. These women used their smartphones far more than a computer. The smartphone provided social connection, information, and practical ways to adhere to treatment. Most participants want a culturally sensitive app to assist them with adherence and connect them with other women that were diagnosed with breast cancer and were African American, not white. CONCLUSIONS Further research is needed to develop a culturally sensitive app for African American women with breast cancer to improve adherence to endocrine therapy. Our work strongly suggests this population would use the app to connect with other African American breast cancer survivors and manage endocrine therapy including side effects.

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 604-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda R. Stolley ◽  
Lisa K. Sharp ◽  
Anita M. Wells ◽  
Nolanna Simon ◽  
Linda Schiffer

Breast-cancer survival rates are lower among African American women compared to White women. Obesity may contribute to this disparity. More than 77% of African American women are overweight or obese. Adopting health behaviors that promote a healthy weight status may be beneficial because obesity increases risk for recurrence. Studies among White breast-cancer survivors indicate that many make health behavior changes after diagnosis. This cross-sectional pilot study collected quantitative and qualitative data on the attitudes, beliefs, barriers, and facilitators related to health behavior changes in 27 overweight/obese African American breast-cancer survivors. Results indicated that most participants reported making dietary changes since their diagnosis, and some had increased their physical activity. Focus groups provided rich details on the barriers and facilitators for behavior change. These results begin to address the significant gap in our knowledge of African American breast-cancer survivors' health behaviors and underscore the need for culturally competent health behavior interventions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 473-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Yan ◽  
Sandra Millon-Underwood ◽  
Alonzo Walker ◽  
Caitlin Patten ◽  
Debra Nevels ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 2369-2375
Author(s):  
Kristen S. Purrington ◽  
Sreejata Raychaudhuri ◽  
Michael S. Simon ◽  
Julie Clark ◽  
Valerie Ratliff ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (24) ◽  
pp. 2820-2828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda Stolley ◽  
Patricia Sheean ◽  
Ben Gerber ◽  
Claudia Arroyo ◽  
Linda Schiffer ◽  
...  

Purpose African American women with breast cancer have higher cancer-specific and overall mortality rates. Obesity is common among African American women and contributes to breast cancer progression and numerous chronic conditions. Weight loss interventions among breast cancer survivors positively affect weight, behavior, biomarkers, and psychosocial outcomes, yet few target African Americans. This article examines the effects of Moving Forward, a weight loss intervention for African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS) on weight, body composition, and behavior. Patients and Methods Early-stage (I-III) AABCS were randomly assigned to a 6-month interventionist-guided (n = 125) or self-guided (n = 121) weight loss program supporting behavioral changes to promote a 5% weight loss. Anthropometric, body composition, and behavioral data were collected at baseline, postintervention (6 months), and follow-up (12 months). Descriptive statistics and mixed models analyses assessed differences between groups over time. Results Mean (± standard deviation) age, and body mass index were 57.5 (± 10.1) years and 36.1 (± 6.2) kg/m2, respectively, and 82% had stage I or II breast cancer. Both groups lost weight. Mean and percentage of weight loss were greater in the guided versus self-guided group (at 6 months: 3.5 kg v 1.3kg; P < .001; 3.6% v 1.4%; P < .001, respectively; at 12 months: 2.7 kg v 1.6 kg; P < .05; 2.6% v 1.6%; P < .05, respectively); 44% in the guided group and 19% in the self-guided group met the 5% goal. Body composition and behavioral changes were also greater in the interventionist-guided group at both time points. Conclusion The study supports the efficacy of a community-based interventionist-guided weight loss program targeting AABCS. Although mean weight loss did not reach the targeted 5%, the mean loss of > 3% at 6 months is associated with improved health outcomes. Affordable, accessible health promotion programs represent a critical resource for AABCS.


10.2196/23884 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Belle Donevant ◽  
Sue P Heiney ◽  
Cassandra Wineglass ◽  
Benjamin Schooley ◽  
Akanksha Singh ◽  
...  

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 633-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen M. Gil ◽  
Merle H. Mishel ◽  
Michael Belyea ◽  
Barbara Germino ◽  
Laura S. Porter ◽  
...  

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Kirsti Toivonen ◽  
Tamara Williamson ◽  
Linda Carlson ◽  
Lauren Walker ◽  
Tavis Campbell

Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) reduces risk of breast cancer recurrence. However, suboptimal adherence and persistence to AET remain important clinical issues. Understanding factors associated with adherence may help inform efforts to improve use of AET as prescribed. The present systematic review examined potentially modifiable factors associated with adherence to AET in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42019124200). All studies were included, whether factors were significantly associated with adherence or results were null. This review also accounted for the frequency with which a potentially modifiable factor was examined and whether univariate or multivariate models were used. This review also examined whether methodological or sample characteristics were associated with the likelihood of a factor being associated with AET adherence. A total of 68 articles were included. Potentially modifiable factors were grouped into six categories: side effects, attitudes toward AET, psychological factors, healthcare provider-related factors, sociocultural factors, and general/quality of life factors. Side effects were less likely to be associated with adherence in studies with retrospective or cross-sectional than prospective designs. Self-efficacy (psychological factor) and positive decisional balance (attitude toward AET) were the only potentially modifiable factors examined ≥10 times and associated with adherence or persistence ≥75% of the time in both univariate and multivariate models. Self-efficacy and decisional balance (i.e., weight of pros vs. cons) were the potentially modifiable factors most consistently associated with adherence, and hence may be worth focusing on as targets for interventions to improve AET adherence among breast cancer survivors.


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