Although satisfied with their cancer treatment, most African-American breast cancer survivors were never offered clinical trials opportunities or support services during or after their treatment, according to a study published online in Advances in Breast Cancer Research in April.
The study involved telephone interviews with 137 African-American women throughout the Sacramento region who had been treated for breast cancer. Researchers asked participants questions about their treatment, access to information, support services and clinical trials, insurance and employment status, general health, and lingering effects of cancer treatment.
“Anyone who takes care of people with cancer should be aware of these concerns,” said Marlene M. von Friederichs-Fitzwater, director of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Outreach Research and Education Program, principal investigator and lead author of the study. “We know that one powerful factor in cancer outcomes is the extent to which patients obtain information and participate in their treatment decision-making.”
Most of the participants (90%) stated that they were satisfied with their treatment, however nearly one-quarter of them were not satisfied with the breast cancer and treatment information they received from their doctors.
For example, more than 80% of respondents would have welcomed information about complementary medicine options but did not receive it. Of those interviewed, 78% said their doctors did not discuss clinical trials with them, yet the same percentage of responders said they would have enrolled, if eligible.
Although 62% said they wanted support services, 43% said their doctor or other healthcare provider did not provide information about such services.
The study results also uncovered the fact that many African-American women diagnosed with breast cancer perceived discrimination in their medical care. Participants voiced concerns that information or treatment options were withheld due to race or socioeconomic circumstances.
Study coauthor Rev Tammie Dynse, breast cancer survivor and president of a Sacramento-area nonprofit community organization for African-American women with breast and other cancers, said, “The experiences that these women encounter have a lot to do with a lack of trust of the medical professional community.”
According to Von Friederichs-Fitzwater, such perceptions, whether based in reality or not, can affect a patient’s satisfaction and overall outcome. “This study points to the need to develop more patient-centered care that is culturally sensitive and to deliver comprehensive care that addresses the physical, mental, psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients,” she said.
Source: UC Davis.
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