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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.