Racial/ethnic differences in adequacy of information and peer support for women with breast cancer

Abstract

9085 Background: Existing disparities in quality of care for women with breast cancer suggest the need to explore the adequacy of information and care support provided to patients. This study investigated whether racial/ethnic variation existed in receipt and usefulness of cancer-related information and availability of peer support. Methods: 2,030 women diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer and reported to the Los Angeles County, Surveillance Epidemiologic and End Results registry between 8/05–5/06, were identified and mailed a survey shortly after initial treatment. Latina and African American (AA) women were oversampled. Outcomes included self-reported receipt and perceived usefulness of treatment-related (recovery from surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) and survivorship-related (sexual functioning, relationships, nutrition, anxiety) information and experiences with other women with breast cancer. We report results on a 50% respondent sample (N=742) that will be updated based on a final sample of 1,400 women (projected response rate, 72%). Results: More women received information and found it useful regarding treatment than survivorship issues. After adjusting for age and education, a higher percentage of Latina women, compared to white and AA women, desired more information on treatment-related issues and survivorship-related issues (p<.01). A higher percentage of Latina women also reported having no contact with other women with breast cancer, either through the health care system or a family/friend (p<.001), and reported a desire for more contact as compared to white or AA women (42%, vs. 15% and 29%, respectively). Overall, women rated the benefit of talking to other women high, particularly in helping with emotional issues and few endorsed potentially negative consequences. Conclusions: Women with breast cancer expressed the need for more useful information and care support, especially about managing survivorship concerns. Particular focus is warranted with Latina women to provide desired information and greater opportunities for peer contact. No significant financial relationships to disclose.