Abstract A13: African American breast cancer survivors in the digital age

Abstract

Abstract The information needs of breast cancer survivors are varied and complex. How African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS) access cancer-related information and the extent to which they find the information helpful is not well understood. We conducted a statewide survey with 297 female AABCS and led 8 in-depth focus groups with 60 female AABCS to understand where AABCS look for health information and their preferred format of materials. We were also interested in the extent to which AABCS used social media services to look for information or to bolster their supportive networks. The average age of those who completed the survey was 57.5 years, and almost all (95%) received surgical treatment for their breast cancer; 77% received radiotherapy and 53% chemotherapy. Almost all (95%) reported at least one co-morbid health condition such as hypertension or diabetes; 22% reported five or more co-morbid conditions. The majority of AABCS (85%) reported using informational books or brochures, followed by in-person talks or lectures by experts (56%). AABCS also found these two formats to be the most helpful. Not surprisingly, most AABCS preferred to receive information in written form (59%) or in-person (60%). Although most of the AABCS in our sample (70%) had access to the Internet in their home and many (61%) were on Facebook, the majority (63%) reported that they are not members of social networking sites such as Twitter or Google Plus, and few (<10%) reported using these platforms for sharing their cancer-related experiences, connecting to other survivors, or accessing health-related information. The discussions of AABCSs in the focus groups echo these findings with stories of difficulty finding information tailored to their needs and frustration that too many resources are only available online. The results from this mixed-methods study suggest that while many organizations have moved their cancer information online, there are segments of the population, such as AABCS, who continue to rely on and prefer print materials and in-person formats to manage their health care needs. Organizations should aim to increase AABCS' familiarity and ease of accessing online health information, as many AABCS have access to the Internet yet do not perceive online materials or social networking services to be as helpful for addressing their needs. Citation Format: Amy Leader, Melissa DiCarlo, Patricia Bradley, Sarah Hagerty, Andrea Barsevick. African American breast cancer survivors in the digital age. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A13.