Abstract PO2-10-02: 'Sharing Our Own Experience': A Qualitative Study of Black Women Diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Felder Tisha , Ingram Lucy , Austin Megan , Burke Victoria , Poland Stephanie , Chase Megan-Claire , Benjamin Christine 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is disproportionately prevalent among U.S. Black women. Black women diagnosed with TNBC are less likely to receive the primary treatment options for TNBC, and more likely to die from the disease compared to white patients with the same diagnosis. Given TNBC’s impact on Black women, there is an urgent need to better understand their needs for information and support and any unique barriers to care they may face. Thus, this study explored the perspectives, needs, and lived experiences of Black women diagnosed with TNBC.

Methods: Our study was guided by the transformative paradigm and used a multi-method approach. Study-eligible participants self-identified as: a) Black or African American; b) 18 years or older; c) being diagnosed with TNBC within the previous 5-7 years; d) receiving TNBC treatment in the U.S.; and e) English-speaking. From August-October 2022, SHARE Cancer Support (a national nonprofit focused on cancer) and 15 partner organizations used social media and listservs to recruit potential participants from their constituencies to complete a quantitative survey (n=49). From the survey participants, a stratified, purposeful sample of 20 Black women diagnosed with TNBC completed in-depth interviews from November 2022-February 2023. Two Black women researchers conducted virtual interviews with the participants via Zoom. The research team performed thematic analysis on the professionally transcribed data using NVivo 12. A Black Feminist lens was used to analyze codes and interpret emerging themes present across the interviews. The University of South Carolina's Institutional Review Board approved this study.

Results: About half of those interviewed were between 35 and 44 years old, had a bachelor's degree or higher, and their annual household income ranged from less than $25,000 to $175,000. Eight major themes emerged from the personal stories of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. From diagnosis to survivorship, Black women discussed the importance of advocacy, including self-advocacy, others advocating on their behalf, and being motivated to become an advocate for others. The participants shared the significance of their identity as Black women and desired that cancer care team members acknowledge their identity and subsequently culturally tailor their care needs. Some participants also noted instances of racism and discrimination that occurred during their TNBC diagnosis or treatment experience. Participants overwhelmingly stressed the vital nature of having “someone who looks like me” to inform them about treatment options and existing resources, as well as to provide emotional support through their shared lived experiences with TNBC. Additionally, participants recognized the importance of embracing the uncertain yet inevitable future. They also emphasized that mental health support is not uniformly provided in care settings but should be an essential component of the TNBC treatment plan. Having support was essential to all the women, but they noted that support can look different for everyone and many existing support resources need to be improved. The themes were adapted into a list of recommended action steps for support organizations, clinical care team members, and TNBC patients to help improve the quality of life for Black women diagnosed with TNBC.

Conclusions: The lived experiences of Black women diagnosed with TNBC can serve as a meaningful source of data and provide solutions to addressing persistent health disparities these women face. Findings from this study can inform future research and clinical practice about how to support the holistic needs of Black women diagnosed with TNBC.

Recommendations for improving the quality of life for Black women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.

The 8 major themes that emerged in the qualitative study were adapted into a list of actionable recommendations for key interest groups to improve the lives of Black women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.

Citation Format: Tisha Felder, Lucy Ingram, Megan Austin, Victoria Burke, Stephanie Poland, Megan-Claire Chase, Christine Benjamin. 'Sharing Our Own Experience': A Qualitative Study of Black Women Diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-10-02.