Health Behaviors and Breast Cancer: Experiences of Urban African American Women

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 604-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda R. Stolley ◽  
Lisa K. Sharp ◽  
Anita M. Wells ◽  
Nolanna Simon ◽  
Linda Schiffer
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Behavior Changes ◽  
American Women ◽  
Health Behavior Changes

Breast-cancer survival rates are lower among African American women compared to White women. Obesity may contribute to this disparity. More than 77% of African American women are overweight or obese. Adopting health behaviors that promote a healthy weight status may be beneficial because obesity increases risk for recurrence. Studies among White breast-cancer survivors indicate that many make health behavior changes after diagnosis. This cross-sectional pilot study collected quantitative and qualitative data on the attitudes, beliefs, barriers, and facilitators related to health behavior changes in 27 overweight/obese African American breast-cancer survivors. Results indicated that most participants reported making dietary changes since their diagnosis, and some had increased their physical activity. Focus groups provided rich details on the barriers and facilitators for behavior change. These results begin to address the significant gap in our knowledge of African American breast-cancer survivors' health behaviors and underscore the need for culturally competent health behavior interventions.

scholarly journals Exploring the Perceptions of African American Breast Cancer Survivors on Endocrine Therapy: A Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Belle Donevant ◽  
Sue P Heiney ◽  
Cassandra Wineglass ◽  
Benjamin Schooley ◽  
Akanksha Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Endocrine Therapy ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Culturally Sensitive ◽  
American Women

BACKGROUND Although the incidence of breast cancer is lower in African American women than white women, they have decreased survival rate. This problem may be due to poor adherence to endocrine therapy which decreases the likelihood of recurrence. Accessible and culturally sensitive interventions to improve survival may decrease mortality. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to describe the process of obtaining qualitative and quantitative data to guide the development of the proposed mHealth app, STORY+. METHODS We recruited 20 African American women with breast cancer. We used quantitative data collection and qualitative interviewing to collect data about their experiences with managing endocrine therapy and its side effects, understanding the value and purpose of endocrine therapy, and using technology in the breast cancer journey. RESULTS We found the women only had general knowledge of the purpose of endocrine therapy but were committed to adherence due to their health care provider’s recommendation. These women used their smartphones far more than a computer. The smartphone provided social connection, information, and practical ways to adhere to treatment. Most participants want a culturally sensitive app to assist them with adherence and connect them with other women that were diagnosed with breast cancer and were African American, not white. CONCLUSIONS Further research is needed to develop a culturally sensitive app for African American women with breast cancer to improve adherence to endocrine therapy. Our work strongly suggests this population would use the app to connect with other African American breast cancer survivors and manage endocrine therapy including side effects.

scholarly journals Engaging young African American women breast cancer survivors: A novel storytelling approach to identify patient‐centred research priorities

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 473-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Yan ◽  
Sandra Millon-Underwood ◽  
Alonzo Walker ◽  
Caitlin Patten ◽  
Debra Nevels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
American Women

scholarly journals Health Behaviors and Lifestyle Interventions in African American Breast Cancer Survivors: A Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raheem J. Paxton ◽  
William Garner ◽  
Lorraine T. Dean ◽  
Georgiana Logan ◽  
Kristen Allen-Watts
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Lifestyle Interventions

scholarly journals Heritable Susceptibility to Breast Cancer among African-American Women in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 2369-2375
Author(s):  
Kristen S. Purrington ◽  
Sreejata Raychaudhuri ◽  
Michael S. Simon ◽  
Julie Clark ◽  
Valerie Ratliff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
African American Women ◽  
American Women

scholarly journals Efficacy of a Weight Loss Intervention for African American Breast Cancer Survivors

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (24) ◽  
pp. 2820-2828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda Stolley ◽  
Patricia Sheean ◽  
Ben Gerber ◽  
Claudia Arroyo ◽  
Linda Schiffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
African American ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Weight Loss Program ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention

Purpose African American women with breast cancer have higher cancer-specific and overall mortality rates. Obesity is common among African American women and contributes to breast cancer progression and numerous chronic conditions. Weight loss interventions among breast cancer survivors positively affect weight, behavior, biomarkers, and psychosocial outcomes, yet few target African Americans. This article examines the effects of Moving Forward, a weight loss intervention for African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS) on weight, body composition, and behavior. Patients and Methods Early-stage (I-III) AABCS were randomly assigned to a 6-month interventionist-guided (n = 125) or self-guided (n = 121) weight loss program supporting behavioral changes to promote a 5% weight loss. Anthropometric, body composition, and behavioral data were collected at baseline, postintervention (6 months), and follow-up (12 months). Descriptive statistics and mixed models analyses assessed differences between groups over time. Results Mean (± standard deviation) age, and body mass index were 57.5 (± 10.1) years and 36.1 (± 6.2) kg/m2, respectively, and 82% had stage I or II breast cancer. Both groups lost weight. Mean and percentage of weight loss were greater in the guided versus self-guided group (at 6 months: 3.5 kg v 1.3kg; P < .001; 3.6% v 1.4%; P < .001, respectively; at 12 months: 2.7 kg v 1.6 kg; P < .05; 2.6% v 1.6%; P < .05, respectively); 44% in the guided group and 19% in the self-guided group met the 5% goal. Body composition and behavioral changes were also greater in the interventionist-guided group at both time points. Conclusion The study supports the efficacy of a community-based interventionist-guided weight loss program targeting AABCS. Although mean weight loss did not reach the targeted 5%, the mean loss of > 3% at 6 months is associated with improved health outcomes. Affordable, accessible health promotion programs represent a critical resource for AABCS.

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