Abstract C23: Understanding the breast cancer experiences of rural Latina breast cancer survivors in Eastern North Carolina
Authors: Torres Essie T. , Richman Alice R. 
Published: May 2016

Background: While there is a wealth of information available concerning the barriers to breast cancer screening and the psychosocial concerns that minority women have regarding self-breast exams and mammography, there is still a limited understanding concerning breast cancer survivorship among diverse groups of women. To address issues relevant to the increasing numbers of diverse women with breast cancer, the purpose of this pilot study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the breast cancer survivors' experiences in Eastern North Carolina (ENC). Specifically, this study aims to investigate barriers and facilitators in accessing breast cancer treatment, as well as possible challenges in adherence to survivorship plans to ensure life-long, cancer-free health.

Methods: Through a mixed-method approach of surveys and face-to-face interviews, we can better understand cultural and contextual factors of cancer survivorship. The sample size for this pilot study is ten Latina breast cancer survivors and two key-informants that run the only Latina cancer support group in the ENC region. In-depth interviews provided an environment where breast cancer survivors could share their experiences and provide insight into challenges they experienced during their treatment phase, and after. Surveys were also utilized to gather basic demographic information and family health history information from each participant. The survey contains questions regarding general information about participants' breast cancer prognosis, including age at which they were diagnosed, stage and treatment received. Interviews lasted approximately one hour and were audio-tape recorded, transcribed and analyzed using qualitative data analysis techniques.

Results: Preliminary themes include barriers to getting yearly recommended screening exams before diagnosis (i.e. no insurance, not recommended age for screenings); experience with breast cancer diagnosis; psychosocial factors (i.e. quality of life, fear and anxiety, coping mechanisms, support systems, and body changes); and quality of care factors (i.e. doctor-patient relationship, treatment, side-effects of treatment, and being adherent to survivorship plan). Final analysis of data will be presented at the conference.

Conclusion: This study will provide novel information regarding barriers faced by Latinas in “new-growth” communities, specifically the impact of sociocultural factors, structural barriers to accessing breast cancer care and resources, patient-doctor relationships, and survivorship. Our findings also highlights opportunities for intervention that can contribute to a seamless transition through the continuum of breast cancer care.

Citation Format: Essie T. Torres, Alice R. Richman. Understanding the breast cancer experiences of rural Latina breast cancer survivors in Eastern North Carolina. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C23.