Study of Support Groups for African-American Breast Cancer Survivors

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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RATIONALE: A study that evaluates successful Los Angeles-based, peer-led African American breast cancer survivor support groups may help in developing a guide on how to organize and maintain breast cancer support groups. PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying support groups for African-American breast cancer survivors.

Detailed Description
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OBJECTIVES: Characterize five established Los Angeles (LA)-based, peer-led African American Breast Cancer Survivor (AABCS) support groups by identifying and evaluating the successful elements of structure and process that distinguish these groups: the purpose and goals; theories and techniques that are utilized; the structure of the group and implementation of specific goals; the cultural aspects that are incorporated to enhance the efficacy; and similarities and differences among these AABCS support groups. Develop a preliminary Culturally Informed Breast Cancer Support Group Guide on how to organize and maintain support groups, modeled on the best model experiences of the five established LA-based support groups for AABCS. Conduct three needs-assessment focus groups and 5 key informant interviews in the Inland Empire to evaluate the psychosocial needs and resources of AABCS in that region. OUTLINE: At least 10 support group leaders (2 from each support group) undergo semi-structured interviews to elicit information about the needs of breast cancer survivors in their community and the cultural modes of support that are given. Eight to twelve African American Breast Cancer Survivors (AABCS) participate in 5 focus group discussions and complete a questionnaire about their breast cancer and experience with support groups for qualitative and quantitative analysis. At least 5 Inland Empire community leaders undergo semi-structured interviews to elicit information about the needs of breast cancer survivors in their community. Eight to twelve AABCS from the Inland Empire participate in 3 focus group discussions and complete a questionnaire about their breast cancer and experience with support groups for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Official Title
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Sister Survivor: African American Breast Cancer Coalition

Conditions
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Breast Cancer, Cancer Survivor

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: communication analysis
* Other: questionnaire administration
* Procedure: psychosocial assessment and care
* Procedure: support group therapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Meets 1 of the following criteria: African American Breast Cancer Survivor (AABCS) meeting 1 of the following criteria: A member of 1 of the 5 support groups listed below Live in the Inland Empire region of California A cancer support group leader or facilitator of 1 of the 5 established support groups in Los Angeles: Women of Essence (WOE) Women of Color (WOC) Support Sisters African American Breast Cancer Support Groups Sisters Celebrate Life A community leader knowledgeable about breast cancer support services in the Inland Empire region PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Not specified PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Not specified

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Intervention/Treatment |
| --- |
|Other: communication analysis|nan|
|Other: questionnaire administration|nan|
|Procedure: psychosocial assessment and care|nan|
|Procedure: support group therapy|nan|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Characterization of five established Los Angeles-based, peer-led African American Breast Cancer Survivor (AABCS) support groups |  |  | 
| Preliminary Culturally-Informed Breast Cancer Support Group Guide on how to organize and maintain support groups |  |  | 
| Completion of 3 needs-assessment focus group sessions and 5 key-informant interviews in the Inland Empire |  |  | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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stage I breast cancer, stage II breast cancer, stage IIIA breast cancer, stage IIIB breast cancer, stage IIIC breast cancer, stage IV breast cancer, cancer survivor