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01-05-2018 | Original Article

Racial differences in symptom management experiences during breast cancer treatment

Authors: Cleo A. Samuel, Jennifer Schaal, Linda Robertson, Jemeia Kollie, Stephanie Baker, Kristin Black, Olive Mbah, Crystal Dixon, Katrina Ellis, Eugenia Eng, Fatima Guerrab, Nora Jones, Amanda Kotey, Claire Morse, Jessica Taylor, Vickie Whitt, Samuel Cykert

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Racial disparities in cancer treatment-related symptom burden are well documented and linked to worse treatment outcomes. Yet, little is known about racial differences in patients’ treatment-related symptom management experiences. Such understanding can help identify modifiable drivers of symptom burden inequities. As part of the Cancer Health Accountability for Managing Pain and Symptoms (CHAMPS) study, we examined racial differences in symptom management experiences among Black and White breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Methods

We conducted six focus groups (n = 3 Black BCS groups; n = 3 White BCS groups) with 22 stages I–IV BCS at two cancer centers. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Based on key community-based participatory research principles, our community/academic/medical partner team facilitated focus groups and conducted qualitative analyses.

Results

All BCS described positive symptom management experiences, including clinician attentiveness to symptom concerns and clinician recommendations for pre-emptively managing symptoms. Black BCS commonly reported having to advocate for themselves to get information about treatment-related symptoms, and indicated dissatisfaction regarding clinicians’ failure to disclose potential treatment-related symptoms or provide medications to address symptoms. White BCS often described dissatisfaction regarding inadequate information on symptom origins and clinicians’ failure to offer reassurance.

Conclusions

This study elucidates opportunities for future research aimed at improving equity for cancer treatment-related symptom management. For Black women, warnings about anticipated symptoms and treatment for ongoing symptoms were particular areas of concern. Routine symptom assessment for all women, as well as clinicians’ management of symptoms for racially diverse cancer patients, need to be more thoroughly studied and addressed.

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Title: Racial differences in symptom management experiences during breast cancer treatment
Authors: Cleo A. Samuel
Jennifer Schaal
Linda Robertson
Jemeia Kollie
Stephanie Baker
Kristin Black
Olive Mbah
Crystal Dixon
Katrina Ellis
Eugenia Eng
Fatima Guerrab
Nora Jones
Amanda Kotey
Claire Morse
Jessica Taylor
Vickie Whitt
Samuel Cykert
Publication date: 01-05-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3965-4

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