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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Jan C. Jernigan, PhD1, Jeanette M. Trauth, PhD1, and Derietra Neal-Ferguson, RN, MPH2. (1) Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, 412-624-3506, janj@pitt.edu, (2) University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 3600 Forbes Avenue, Suite 405, Iroquois Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
There is widespread consensus that women treated for breast cancer should receive regular follow-up surveillance in order to detect any recurrence. The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends the following: 1) physical examinations with history taking every 3-6 months for three years then every 6-12 months for two years, then annually; and 2) annual mammography. Yet, little is known about the extent of follow-up surveillance behaviors in breast cancer survivors or those factors that influence these behaviors. One study, using SEER data, found that overall only 62% of women treated for breast cancer underwent recommended annual mammography in the two years post-treatment. In addition, African American women were less likely than white women to have any mammography during this time.
This presentation: 1) identifies the extent of follow-up surveillance among a sample of breast cancer survivors, comparing African American and white women; 2) examines psychosocial and cultural factors that influence surveillance behaviors in this sample; and 3) examines the impact of patient-provider communication on follow-up surveillance in this sample. Data includes focus group results with a sample of 70 African American and White breast cancer survivors and interviews with a sample of 10 African American and White physicians who treat women with breast cancer in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Greater Metropolitan Area (GMA). Focus group results will present women’s perceptions of the importance of follow-up care, barriers and facilitators to follow-up care, and experiences with the health care system during treatment and follow-up care. Results will examine differences between African American and white breast cancer survivors. Interview results will present physician views on routine follow-up care for breast cancer survivors, information needs of women treated for breast cancer, and the importance of patient-provider communication and the involvement of women in the treatment decision-making process. Results will compare breast cancer survivor and physician perceptions of informational needs, patient role in decision-making, and quality of life issues.
Adherence to recommended follow-up surveillance in breast cancer survivors can significantly impact quality of life and survival. However, we have almost no information about follow-up surveillance behaviors in breast cancer survivors or those factors that impact these behaviors. This presentation presents initial findings that can help identify and develop approaches for improving follow-up surveillance, and increasing mortality and quality of life in this population.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: African American, Breast Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.