Perceptions of a Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention: Pearls of Wisdom from Young African American Women.

Abstract

African American (AA) women ages 20-44 develop breast cancer at higher rates compared with Caucasian women. These young survivors (<45 years) also have disparate quality of life (QOL). Little is known about survivorship information needs of young AA survivors. The purpose of this study was to explore young AA survivors' perceptions of an existing QOL intervention for breast cancer survivors, identifying information needs to address using a targeted intervention. Two semistructured interviews were conducted with each of 15 young AA survivors who had completed breast cancer treatment. This article focuses on the second interview in which young AA survivors reviewed intervention materials and described their perceptions of the intervention. Content analysis was used to identify themes, which were validated by participants. Participants (n: 15; mean age at study entry: 35 years) reported that the existing evidence-based intervention discussed relevant but general survivorship information. They suggested adapting the information for young AA survivors: addition of content geared toward finances, how to better communicate to manage dating and relationships, how to engage in healthful activities, and how to find local resources for any stage of survivorship. Furthermore, they suggested multiple modes of information delivery and inclusion of diverse imagery. Engaging young AA survivors yielded pearls of wisdom, highlighting the general nature of an existing intervention and suggesting adaptations to meet young AA survivors' information needs. Applying such pearls can be a powerful method to target survivorship interventions for this disparate group of cancer survivors.