Behavioral change in African American breast cancer survivors: results and challenges.

Abstract

Abstract Abstract #1126 Background: African American breast cancer survivors have higher cancer mortality and greater prevalence of health risk behaviors than Caucasians. They are appropriate candidates for a behavioral intervention but few lifestyle change studies focus exclusively on this population.
 Methods: 37 breast cancer survivors enrolled in a healthy living study that sought to implement a comprehensive lifestyle and breast care intervention to an African American target population. The 12-month intervention included behavioral change classes and individualized telephone counseling. Questionnaires and anthropometric measurement determined diet, exercise, cancer history and care, and psychosocial characteristics (quality of life on FACT-G; breast cancer and obesity awareness; self-efficacy). At entry subjects averaged: 60 yrs. Of age; 7 yrs. Post-breast cancer diagnosis; 190 lbs. Body weight; BMI = 32; 5.1 fruit/vegetable servings daily; 48% diagnosed at cancer stage I; 33% calories from fat in diet.
 Results: 68% completed the 12-month study. Subjects who attended <2 of 8 class sessions had higher BMI at intake (p < .05). Oldest subjects were less likely to complete the study (p <.05). Behavioral changes at 4-months (after 8 classes) were: +3.5 hrs. weekly exercise; -2.37 % fat in diet; - 1 lb. weight. 12-month outcomes (after telephone counseling) were: average weight loss 1.44 lbs; small reduction in BMI; rise in moderate or more physical activity; improved cancer and obesity awareness; improved FACT-G scores (p = .07); reduced self efficacy for behavioral change (p < .05) as subjects realized the implications of improving eating and exercise habits. Neither length of time since cancer diagnosis nor age effected the extent of behavioral change.
 Discussion: African American breast cancer survivors entered, and many completed, a intensive health behavior intervention. Overall, study completers improved their exercise behavior, food choices, and lost a modest amount of weight. Some early changes (4 months) were sustained over 12 months. Subjects with higher BMIs at entry provided the most challenge; they attended fewer class sessions and were less likely to lose weight. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 1126.