Abstract 37: Exploring the Impact of Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Over 70% of breast cancer patients in Nigeria present metastatic/advanced breast cancer (MBC). An estimated 90% of breast cancer deaths are a result of metastatic disease, either at diagnosis or recurrence. MBC is associated with a severe burden to the patient, family, healthcare delivery system and society at large. Women living with MBC face many challenges ranging from poor access to MBC information, untreated pain, frequent breakdown of radiotherapy machines and absence of peer support. Methods: In this research, we set up the first metastatic breast cancer support group in Abuja. The group meet once every month on a face-to-face basis and also uses WhatsApp group for regular meaningful engagement. We explored the impact of the group on the patient’s quality of life (QoL) using a focused group discussion (FGD). Eighteen (18) patients participated in the two sessions of FGD. We also conducted a follow-up semi-structured interview with 8 MBC patients. Results: Many of the patients report that the support group provides a culture of love and strength over their death anxiety, especially meeting other patients who have lived with MBC longer. They also report having found peer support on the online WhatsApp group. Citation Format: Runcie C.W. Chidebe, Mary-Gloria A. Orji, Theodora Zitta-Nwosu, Khadijat Banwo-Fatai, Agha A. Agha, Darlingtina K. Esiaka, Tochukwu C. Orjiakor. Exploring the Impact of Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group in Nigeria [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 37.