Lives Of Women Research Articles

The relationship between quality of life and sex role of women with gynecological cancers undergoing brachytherapy.

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the quality of life and sex roles of women diagnosed with cancer and undergoing brachytherapy. The research is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The sample of the study included 116 women over 35years old who were diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer and underwent intracavitary brachytherapy at the Radiation Oncology Department of a university hospital. Personal information form, SF-36 the Quality of Life Scale, and BEM Sex Role Inventory were used in the study. The researcher collected the data through face-to-face interview. The data were collected in the nurses' room after 3 different brachytherapy treatments that patients received weekly. It was found that the average score of the physical functioning subscale was 32.80 ± 24.33, the average score of role physical was 15.43 ± 28.78, the average score of role emotional was 17.81 ± 28.96, the average score of vitality was 39.13 ± 16.12, the average score of social functioning was 43.53 ± 20.55, the score average of pain was 50.0 ± 20.09, the average score of general health was 42.67 ± 14.61, and the general health of mental health was 55.86 ± 16.12. In the BEM sex roles scale, the average score of BEM femininity was 105.56 ± 13.95, and the average score of BEM masculinity was 80.61 ± 12.77. In our study, a very low, negative, and significant relationship was determined between the role of femininity and emotional role limitation, physical functionality, social functionality, and general health perception in the women undergoing brachytherapy (p < 0.05). Based on the findings of the present study, we can state that an increase in the "role of femininity" in women undergoing brachytherapy was effective in the decrease in the quality of lives of women. It can be claimed that the results will be a guidance for the nurses who will play an important role in increasing the quality of lives of the women undergoing brachytherapy.

Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Adult Women's Lives: A Survey of 1,009 French Women.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory diseases, and has a higher prevalence among females in adulthood. The aim of this observational, cross-sectional, survey-based study was to evaluate the impact of AD on the daily lives of adult women patients. A scientific committee composed exclusively of women constructed a specific questionnaire in partnership with the French Eczema Association. Severity of AD was evaluated with the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM). A sample of 1,009 adult women (mean age ± standard deviation: 41.8 ± 14.2 years) with AD was identified from a representative sample of the French population (82% response rate 1,230 women surveyed). According to the POEM, 50.64% (n = 511) of subjects were identified as having mild AD, 39.35% (n = 397) moderate AD, and 10.01% (n = 101) severe AD. Overall, 67.7% (n = 682) reported that their eczema involved a visible area (face, neck or hands), and 19.6% (n = 198) a sensual area (breasts/chest, genital area or buttocks). Of the 720 women with menstrual cycles, exacerbations of AD were reported to occur mostly before (50.6%) and during (48.3%) menstruation. A small proportion of women, 7.3% (n = 74), reported being afraid of becoming pregnant because of their eczema. If AD involvement was in a visible area it had a greater impact on romantic relationships, sexual relationships and occupation. If AD involvement was in a sensual area it had a greater influence on romantic relationships and sexuality. Particular attention should be given to patients with localization of AD on the face, neck or hands, as they have a higher risk of social exclusion. Moreover, these results should encourage health professionals to ask patients with AD about the possible involvement of sensual areas.

The Role of Education in Promoting Empowerment as Agency in the Lives of Women and Girls in Somaliland

This article draws on 100 qualitative interviews with young women who participated in a girls’ education programme known as SOMGEP (Somali Girls Education Programme). The underpinning research sought to explore the impact of SOMGEP education on and for the later life outcomes of the participating girls now women. Researchers were able to revisit former SOMGEP students 7 years after the end of the programme. The findings made links between higher levels of educational attendance and attainment and its positive impact on agency. What also emerged was the ways in which the expression of agency is hampered by wider contextual factors that often act as a backlash to the transformative potential of a secular education.

Low-level laser therapy: an efficient supplement to treatments of vulvar Lichen sclerosus to improve quality of life

Background Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the genital and extra genital skin, causing pruritus, soreness, pain and dyspareunia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can improve the quality of life in women with Lichen sclerosus (LS) and insufficient topical treatment. Methods In a descriptive prospective observational study conducted between 02.01.2016 and 08.01.2018, we included 100 women with LS with insufficient topical treatment because of poor response of symptoms. All participants received ten LLLT treatments (808 nm and 500 mW) over a period of 8 weeks. The first four treatments were planned as two treatments per week. The remaining six treatments were planned as once a week. A Danish health-related quality of life tool (HRQoL test) monitored the effect. Results A total of 94 patients completed the study, median age of 62 [InterQuartile Range 53–69]. There was a statistically significant improvement in seven of the eight domains of the HRQoL test after ten LLLT. We found the results of DoloTest to be statistically significant in all of the groups except for smoking (p < 0.094). Conclusions LLLT treatment can improve the quality of life in women with LS.

Health-related quality of life in reproductive-age women on antiretroviral therapy: a cross sectional study in Ethiopia.

While numerous studies have explored the impact of gender on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), there is a lack of evidence specifically among reproductive-age women undergoing Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Therefore, this study aims to investigate HRQOL and its associated factors among reproductive-age women receiving ART at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study included 418 women of ART. The World Health Organization quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) was used to assess HRQOL. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors that could predict HRQOL. The study found that the median age of the participants was 37years, and the overall percentage of women with good HRQOL was 40.7%. Women who stayed on ART for more than 6years had higher odds of overall good HRQOL (AOR 6.73, 95% CI 3.31-13.71) compared to those with a duration of 6years or less. Besides, women having no child (AOR 25.03, 95% CI 4.93-127.06), one child (AOR 18.60, 95% CI 3.95-87.65), two children (AOR 12.89, 95% CI 3.66-45.37) and three children (AOR 3.77, 95% CI 1.06-13.34) had higher odds of overall good HRQOL compared to those with four/more children. The study found that the majority of women on ART had poor HRQOL. Factors such as longer duration of taking ART, higher CD4+ cell count, disclosure of HIV status, and receiving care from adherence support teams were associated with better quality of life. Thus, strengthening adherence support teams, promoting safe disclosure of HIV status, and providing comprehensive support for HIV-positive women are required to improve their overall HRQOL.

Picturing the dance: intersections of gender, sexuality, and age in older women queer square dancers

A dearth of research has focused on the diverse experiences of aging sexual minority populations and, in particular, older sexual minority women. Studies that have disaggregated the population of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex and two-spirit (LGBTQIS+) older adults reveal that due to minority stress and a lifetime of disadvantage. Lesbians experience higher rates of chronic health conditions and mental health problems (including loneliness) than heterosexual women and greater financial inequalities compared to gay men or heterosexual women. Despite this, limited inquiry has explored the everyday lives of older queer women and fewer still draws upon women’s commentary on their own lived experiences or centers older women as authoritative agents and experts on their own lives. In response to this knowledge deficit, this research traverses the aging experiences of female-identified members of a gay square dance (GSD) club in Toronto, Canada. We apply queer theory to explicate the unique ways in which a GSD club queers the aging process for 14 older women dancers. Findings of the inquiry highlight the ways in which these dancers confront and reject heteronormativity, while illuminating pathways to successful aging for older sexual diverse women. The older women dancers in this study perform gender in ways that challenged heteronormativity and gender binaries, enhanced belongingness and acceptance, embodied joy, and fostered wellness. These concepts have been identified as critical factors in successful aging and highlight what queering aging might look like for this resilient population who have overcome a lifetime of disadvantage.

FEMaLe: The use of machine learning for early diagnosis of endometriosis based on patient self-reported data—Study protocol of a multicenter trial

Introduction Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects up to 190 million women and those assigned female at birth and remains unresolved mainly in terms of etiology and optimal therapy. It is defined by the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity and is commonly associated with chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and decreased quality of life. Despite the availability of various screening methods (e.g., biomarkers, genomic analysis, imaging techniques) intended to replace the need for invasive surgery, the time to diagnosis remains in the range of 4 to 11 years. Aims This study aims to create a large prospective data bank using the Lucy mobile health application (Lucy app) and analyze patient profiles and structured clinical data. In addition, we will investigate the association of removed or restricted dietary components with quality of life, pain, and central pain sensitization. Methods A baseline and a longitudinal questionnaire in the Lucy app collects real-world, self-reported information on symptoms of endometriosis, socio-demographics, mental and physical health, economic factors, nutritional, and other lifestyle factors. 5,000 women with confirmed endometriosis and 5,000 women without diagnosed endometriosis in a control group will be enrolled and followed up for one year. With this information, any connections between recorded symptoms and endometriosis will be analyzed using machine learning. Conclusions We aim to develop a phenotypic description of women with endometriosis by linking the collected data with existing registry-based information on endometriosis diagnosis, healthcare utilization, and big data approach. This may help to achieve earlier detection of endometriosis with pelvic pain and significantly reduce the current diagnostic delay. Additionally, we may identify dietary components that worsen the quality of life and pain in women with endometriosis, upon which we can create real-world data-based nutritional recommendations.

Intermittent Hypoxic Training Increases and Prolongs Exercise Benefits in Adult Untrained Women.

Alba Camacho-Cardenosa, Marta Camacho-Cardenosa, Johannes Burtscher, Pedro R. Olivares, Guillermo Olcina, and Javier Brazo-Sayavera. Intermittent hypoxic training increases and prolongs exercise benefits in adult untrained women. High Alt Med Biol. 00:00-00, 2024. Background: Exercising in hypoxia may confer multiple health benefits, but the evidence for specific benefits is scarce. Methods: We investigated effects of intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) on the quality of life and functional fitness of healthy adult women, in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Subjects performed 36 sessions of IHT (experimental group, n = 41; fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2]: 0.17) or the same training in normoxia (control group, n = 41; FIO2: 0.21). Health-related quality of life, fitness tests, and hemoglobin levels were assessed before (T1), directly after (T2), and 4 weeks after (T3) cessation. Results: At T2, upper body strength (+14.96%), lower body strength (+26.20%), and agility (-4.94%) increased significantly in the experimental group compared to baseline but not in controls.The experimental group improved lower body strength more (by 9.85%) than controls at T2 and performed significantly better in walking (by 2.92%) and upper body strength testing (by 16.03%), and agility (by 4.54%) at T3. Perceived general health and vitality was significantly greater in the experimental group at T2 and T3 compared with T1. None of these improvements were observed in the control group. Conclusions: IHT is a promising strategy to induce long-lasting fitness benefits in healthy adult women.

The great health challenge: levelling up the U.K.

AbstractAround the world, there are persistent and growing health inequalities both between and within countries. The U.K. Government’s flagship policy for addressing inequalities is called ‘Levelling Up’. One of its missions is to narrow the gap in healthy life expectancy (HLE) between the healthiest and unhealthiest areas in England and to improve overall HLE by 5 years by 2035. We show that smoking is one of the major causes of health inequalities. We find a 17-year difference in HLE between local authorities, and that the number of years spent in ill health tended to be greatest in areas with the highest mortality from smoking-related disease. Our aim is to see if the 5-year target could be achieved, assuming there were drastic controls on the sale and consumption of tobacco. We show that never smokers enjoy six more years of good health at age 20 than current or ex-smokers. A complete ban on smoking would lead to a 2.5-year improvement in HLE, and also lengthen the working lives of both men and women. We conclude that while a complete tobacco ban is significant, other public health measures are needed for the full achievement of the target. The paper briefly considers wider issues and suggestions for further research and its international significance.

Gender Bias in Artificial Intelligence-Written Letters of Reference.

Letters of reference (LORs) play an important role in postgraduate residency applications. Human-written LORs have been shown to carry implicit gender bias, such as using more agentic versus communal words for men, and more frequent doubt-raisers and references to appearance and personal life for women. This can result in inequitable access to residency opportunities for women. Given the known gendered language often unconsciously inserted into human-written LORs, we sought to identify whether LORs generated by artificial intelligence exhibit gender bias. Observational study. Multicenter academic collaboration. Prompts describing identical men and women applying for Otolaryngology residency positions were created and provided to ChatGPT to generate LORs. These letters were analyzed using a gender-bias calculator which assesses the proportion of male- versus female-associated words. Regardless of the gender, school, research, or other activities, all LORs generated by ChatGPT showed a bias towardmale-associated words. There was no significant difference between the percentage of male-biased words in letters written for women versus men (39.15 vs37.85, P = .77). There were significant differences in gender bias found by each of the other discrete variables (school, research, and other activities) chosen. While ChatGPT-generated LORs all showed a male bias in the language used, there was no gender bias difference in letters produced using traditionally masculine versus feminine names and pronouns. Other variables did induce gendered language, however. ChatGPT is a promising tool for LOR drafting, but users must be aware of potential biases introduced or propagated through these technologies.

Social rights in relation to digitalization, mobile phone, and internet use – experiences of women in homelessness: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Given the fact that women in homelessness face considerable health inequities, the question of how digitalization can be understood in relation to social rights and right to health surfaces. The objective of this qualitative interview study was to explore the use of mobile phones and internet for women experiencing homelessness. Women (n = 26) shared experiences of healthcare access by using a mobile phone or internet. Data were analyzed using NVivo software. The results are presented in two themes: Conditions and circumstances of having a mobile phone; and Structural and intrapersonal challenges affecting social rights. The results show that digitalization actively influenced everyday life for women experiencing homelessness. Whether women wanted it to or not, digitalization presents a line of demarcation for participation and inclusion or exclusion, in health- and social-care services.

Outcome Measures in Adult Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: A Case Series of Women Diagnosed as Juveniles.

Studies on the consequences of juvenile vulvar lichen sclerosus (JVLS) in adulthood are limited. A number of measuring tools are available for analyzing adult vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS), but these have not been applied in studies on JVLS. The aim is to study physical findings, quality of life, sexual well-being, and self-image in adult women with a history of juvenile VLS. Adult women with a biopsy proven history of JVLS were recruited to be examined and surveyed using available standardized measurement tools. This took place in an outpatient setting by physicians who were not involved in the treatment of participants. Twenty-seven women (median age 29 years) with a history of JVLS and median time since biopsy of 19.5 years were recruited. Of these women, 59% currently had symptoms, 63% had signs of active disease, and 85% had moderate to severe architectural changes. Despite these residual signs, vulvar specific-quality of life and vulvar self-image scored favorably while generic health-related quality of life was somewhat effected. JVLS has consequences in adulthood involving physical findings and vulvar quality of life. The use of standardized outcome measures for clinical practice and research purposes facilitates a better understanding of the sequelae to JVLS.

Health-related quality of life among people with diabetes: A cross-sectional study in Hail region, Saudi Arabia ​.

Diabetes Mellitus is a serious and expanding health problem, together with the issues of health- related quality of life (HRQoL). This further puts pressure on the government to allocate more funds for public healthcare. This study was devised to evaluate the health-related quality of life of people living with diabetes in Hail region of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional research was carried out at eight locations in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia between 21st March-20th May 2022 using the adapted version of the Euro QoL-5 dimension (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire. A multistage random sample approach was used to choose the diabetes clinics, and data collectors approached the participants in the waiting areas to collect the information. The data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, Mann-Whitney test, and Kruskal-Wallis tests in IBM SPSS statistics 21.0. The mean HRQoL score was 0.71±0.21 with a visual analog score of 68.4±16.2. Despite having much higher levels of quality of life in terms of self-care (85.8%), regular activity (73.8%) and anxiety (71.8%), nearly one half of the people reported moderate pain or discomfort, and more than one third reported having moderate mobility issues. In general, the quality of life for women was poorer than for men. Individuals with diabetes who were unmarried, young, educated, financially secure, and taking only oral medication had much improved HRQoL. The Euro QoL of people with diabetes patients were significantly influenced by gender, marital status, age, education, employment and treatment modality (p-values < 0.05), whereas only treatment modality had a significant impact on the patients' visual analogue measures (p-values < 0.05). The HRQoL of people with diabetes in Hail region was moderate in general, with pain and mobility issues being particularly prevalent. Gender, marital status, age, education, employment and type of medication therapy are significant predictors of HRQoL of patients with diabetes. Hence, planning and programs to enhance the HRQoL of people with diabetes, especially women is recommended.

'Nothing About Us, Without Us': Research Priorities for Autistic Girls, Women and Gender Diverse People in Australia.

Autistic girls, women and gender diverse people have specific needs that are underrepresented in research. Research priorities are often established by funding bodies, researchers, parents, carers and health professionals and may not meet the needs of the diverse Autistic community. This co-produced project aimed to identify what research would benefit the lives of Autistic girls, women and gender diverse people in Australia. We interviewed 47 Autistic girls, women and gender diverse people aged seven and above and obtained feedback from an additional 411 Autistic people through an online survey. Autistic young people identified six key research priorities including (1) better understanding and support at school, (2) understanding our experiences, strengths and challenges, (3) autism specific mental health support, (4) Autistic friendships and relationships, (5) experiences of gender diversity and (6) accommodations to make life easier for us. Eight key research priority areas were identified by Autistic adults including (1) understanding and supporting specific needs in adulthood, (2) experiences of trauma, abuse and sexual violence, (3) supporting mental health and wellbeing, (4) addressing barriers in healthcare, (5) understanding and supporting physical health needs, (6) addressing barriers in education and the workplace, (7) understanding the role of society, embracing neurodiversity and the importance of Autistic identity and (8) co-designing research and supports with Autistic people. We provide a discussion around the importance of focusing on these research priority areas in future autism research in Australia.

Evaluation of quality of life in pregnant women with dysthyroidism

Evaluation of quality of life in pregnant women with dysthyroidism

An influence of menopausal symptoms on mental health, emotion perception, and quality of life: a multi-faceted approach.

The menopausal transition brings with it many physical, cognitive, and affective changes in a woman's life, impacting quality of life. Whereas prior work has examined impact on general mental health and cognitive function, research on basic affective processing during menopause remains scarce. Using a median-split procedure, this pre-registered study examined the impact of stronger (N = 46 women) vs. milder (N = 47 women) menopausal symptoms using a behavioural task of subjective emotion perception (embody) and a passive eye tracking viewing task of emotional faces in addition to self-report questionnaires. After 3 months, participants completed the questionnaires again to examine whether objective measures of emotion perception (eye tracking) might predict mental health at follow-up. As anticipated, women with stronger vs. milder menopausal symptoms reported increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, emotion regulation difficulties, and lower quality of life during both time points. While no evidence was found in the behavioural task, eye tracking data indicated blunted emotion perception in women with high menopausal symptoms, while women with low symptoms spent more time looking at happy faces relative to fearful or surprised faces. Although eye tracking or hormonal data did not predict mental health at follow-up, a higher estradiol/FSH ratio indicated a higher quality of life. This study documented an impact of the menopausal transition and strength of menopausal symptoms in particular on objective emotion perception as well as mental health and quality of life in women suffering from stronger vs. milder menopausal symptoms. Clinical implications are discussed.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH ADVANCED BREAST CANCER RECEIVING ADJUVANT HORMONE THERAPY (RIBOCICLIB AND LETROZOLE)

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects many women in Indonesia. Adjuvant hormone therapies, such as letrozole and ribociclib, have succeeded in improving the patient's quality of life. This study aimed to assess the quality of life of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer who received adjuvant hormone therapy with ribociclib and letrozole. A cross-sectional study was conducted using retrospective data from postmenopausal female breast cancer patients at Dharmais Cancer Hospital between 2020 and 2023 who met the inclusion criteria. To determine the impact of sociodemographics on patient quality of life, data were examined using the quality of life score (EQ5D5L) and Spearman test. There were 29 patients, with a mean age of 54.9 years (SD = 8.65); the highest education level was high school (34.5%); The majority of occupations are housewives (69%), and the majority are stage IV (34.5%). The mean utility and VAS values of Ribociclib were 0.885 and 81.66, respectively, whereas those for letrozole were 0.725 and 78.46, respectively. Analysis of the relationship between quality of life and patient characteristics showed that the quality of life of patients with breast cancer treated with adjuvant ribociclib and letrozole therapy was influenced by the stage of breast cancer (p = 0.008). These findings indicate that patients receiving ribociclib and letrozole therapy have a good quality of life, which quality of life quality of life is influenced by the stage of malignancy. Keywords: breast cancer, quality of life, letrozole, ribociclib, post menopause

Circ_TMCO3 Inhibits the Progression of Cervical Cancer by Activating FRMD6 Expression by Restraining miR-1291.

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common cancers that threaten the life of women. More and more circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to be maladjusted in tumor tissues. However, the mechanism of circ_TMCO3 in CC needs to be studied. In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expressions of circ_TMCO3, miR-1291, and FERM domain-containing protein 6 (FRMD6). Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and protein level were detected via 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, transwell and western blot, respectively. The glycolysis level was detected via specific kits. Dual-luciferase activity assay was used to analyze the targeted relationship between miR-1291 and circ_TMCO3 or FRMD6. Xenograft models were used to analyze the effect of circ_TMCO3 on the growth of CC tumors in vivo. Circ_TMCO3 and FRMD6 were low expressed in tumor tissues, and miR-1291 was conspicuously upregulated in tumor tissues. Upregulation of circ_TMCO3 dramatically curbed cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion, and enhanced cell apoptosis, while those effects were attenuated after the overexpression of miR-1291. MiR-1291 could directly target FRMD6, and knockdown of FRMD6 could restore the inhibitory effect of miR-1291 silencing on tumor cell growth. In terms of mechanism, circ_TMCO3 was confirmed as a miR-1291 sponge to regulate the expression of FRMD6. Tumor growth was markedly retarded with the overexpression of circ_TMCO3. In conclusion, circ_TMCO3 inhibited tumorigenicity of CC via miR-1291/FRMD6 axis, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for CC patients.

Abstract PS02-03: Is de-escalation of treatment by omission of radiotherapy associated with fear of cancer recurrence and health-related quality of life in women with early breast cancer? An exploratory study

Abstract Background: There is growing interest in treatment optimization in early breast cancer (EBC). PROSPECT (ANZ-1002) provided compelling evidence that a combination of pre-operative MRI and pathological features could identify a substantial group of patients with localised EBC in whom radiotherapy (RT) could be safely omitted. The patient experience of de-escalation or its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), was not examined in PROSPECT but is a key consideration of treatment decision-making. We conducted a retrospective, mixed methods, cross-sectional study to explore this association. Methods: Psychometrically validated measures including the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory Short-Form, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Breast Cancer Treatment Outcomes Scale, EORTC QLQ-C30 and its breast-specific module, the BR23, and the Decision Regret Scale were completed by three groups of women with early EBC: Women in the PROSPECT clinical trial who underwent pre-surgical MRI and omitted RT (A), women who underwent pre-surgical MRI and received RT (B); and women who received usual care (no MRI, received RT; C). Between group differences were analysed with ANOVA or equivalent non-parametric tests. A subset from each group participated in a semi-structured interview. These data (n=44) were analysed with directed content analysis. Results: Data from 400 women were analysed. Median age was 65 years, and median time since diagnosis was 4.4 years. There were no group differences in neuroticism, mental health, age, medical comorbidities, parity, or time since diagnosis. Significantly lower FCR was observed in Group A (n=125) than in Group B (n=102; p=.002) or Group C (n=173; p=.001), and when participants were categorized by RT status (omitted RT vs received RT; p&amp;lt; .001). The proportion of women with normal FCR was significantly (p &amp;lt; .05) larger in Group A (62%) than in Group B (35%) or Group C (40%). There were no differences between groups on depression and anxiety. Women in Group A had fewer breast symptoms than in Group B (p=.003) and Group C (p= &amp;lt; .001), fewer arm symptoms than in Group B (p=.004) and Group C (p=.011), and better body image than Group C (p=.041). Compared to Groups B and C, Group A performed better on cosmetic (both p&amp;lt; .001), functional (A vs C: p=.011) and breast-specific pain measures (both p&amp;lt; .001). Pre-operative MRI and omission of RT were highly acceptable and decision regret was low. A secondary analysis was conducted to eliminate any potential impact of disease severity on the analysis. All cases (n=126) with any positive nodes, a Grade 3 tumour and tumour size &amp;gt;20mm were removed. The remaining sample comprised 274 women. The results were similar to the primary analysis. Qualitative analysis showed that women who omitted RT viewed this as appropriate treatment, not undertreatment. Women considered RT toxic but endured it as a necessity, if prescribed. Few women experienced ongoing negative effects from RT but there was a tendency to minimize RT treatment burden. Women managed their FCR by having trust in their treatment and faith in the medical advice they received. Conclusions: In the setting of the PROSPECT trial, treatment de-escalation via omitting RT was associated with less FCR, better HRQoL and functional and cosmetic outcomes and was highly acceptable. Clinicians should consider the potential for preserved HRQoL associated with omission of RT in treatment decision-making. Positive perceptions about tailored care, lower treatment burden, and trust in clinicians appear to be protective against FCR. Future studies should include prospective collection of FCR and HRQoL measures. Citation Format: Bruce Mann, Michelle Sinclair, Phyllis Butow, Janemary Hughes, Allan Park, Leslie Gilham, Allison Rose, Lesley Stafford. Is de-escalation of treatment by omission of radiotherapy associated with fear of cancer recurrence and health-related quality of life in women with early breast cancer? An exploratory study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PS02-03.

Abstract PO2-10-02: 'Sharing Our Own Experience': A Qualitative Study of Black Women Diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is disproportionately prevalent among U.S. Black women. Black women diagnosed with TNBC are less likely to receive the primary treatment options for TNBC, and more likely to die from the disease compared to white patients with the same diagnosis. Given TNBC’s impact on Black women, there is an urgent need to better understand their needs for information and support and any unique barriers to care they may face. Thus, this study explored the perspectives, needs, and lived experiences of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Methods: Our study was guided by the transformative paradigm and used a multi-method approach. Study-eligible participants self-identified as: a) Black or African American; b) 18 years or older; c) being diagnosed with TNBC within the previous 5-7 years; d) receiving TNBC treatment in the U.S.; and e) English-speaking. From August-October 2022, SHARE Cancer Support (a national nonprofit focused on cancer) and 15 partner organizations used social media and listservs to recruit potential participants from their constituencies to complete a quantitative survey (n=49). From the survey participants, a stratified, purposeful sample of 20 Black women diagnosed with TNBC completed in-depth interviews from November 2022-February 2023. Two Black women researchers conducted virtual interviews with the participants via Zoom. The research team performed thematic analysis on the professionally transcribed data using NVivo 12. A Black Feminist lens was used to analyze codes and interpret emerging themes present across the interviews. The University of South Carolina's Institutional Review Board approved this study. Results: About half of those interviewed were between 35 and 44 years old, had a bachelor's degree or higher, and their annual household income ranged from less than $25,000 to $175,000. Eight major themes emerged from the personal stories of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. From diagnosis to survivorship, Black women discussed the importance of advocacy, including self-advocacy, others advocating on their behalf, and being motivated to become an advocate for others. The participants shared the significance of their identity as Black women and desired that cancer care team members acknowledge their identity and subsequently culturally tailor their care needs. Some participants also noted instances of racism and discrimination that occurred during their TNBC diagnosis or treatment experience. Participants overwhelmingly stressed the vital nature of having “someone who looks like me” to inform them about treatment options and existing resources, as well as to provide emotional support through their shared lived experiences with TNBC. Additionally, participants recognized the importance of embracing the uncertain yet inevitable future. They also emphasized that mental health support is not uniformly provided in care settings but should be an essential component of the TNBC treatment plan. Having support was essential to all the women, but they noted that support can look different for everyone and many existing support resources need to be improved. The themes were adapted into a list of recommended action steps for support organizations, clinical care team members, and TNBC patients to help improve the quality of life for Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Conclusions: The lived experiences of Black women diagnosed with TNBC can serve as a meaningful source of data and provide solutions to addressing persistent health disparities these women face. Findings from this study can inform future research and clinical practice about how to support the holistic needs of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Recommendations for improving the quality of life for Black women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. The 8 major themes that emerged in the qualitative study were adapted into a list of actionable recommendations for key interest groups to improve the lives of Black women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Citation Format: Tisha Felder, Lucy Ingram, Megan Austin, Victoria Burke, Stephanie Poland, Megan-Claire Chase, Christine Benjamin. 'Sharing Our Own Experience': A Qualitative Study of Black Women Diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-10-02.