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Journal of Cancer Survivorship

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Open Access 01-06-2011

Quality of life among Latina breast cancer patients: a systematic review of the literature

Authors: Betina Yanez, Elizabeth H. Thompson, Annette L. Stanton

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 2/2011

Abstract

Introduction

The Latino population is the most rapidly growing ethnic minority in the United States and Latinas have higher rates of advanced breast cancer and more rigorous treatments than White women. However, the literature lacks reviews on quality of life among this population of breast cancer patients.

Methods

A systematic review of the breast cancer quality of life (QOL) literature was conducted among studies that provided a comparison of mental, physical, social, or sexual QOL between Latinas and other racial/ethnic groups. Of the 375 studies reviewed, 20 quantitative studies and two qualitative studies met criteria for inclusion.

Results

Latinas were more likely to report poor mental, physical, and social QOL, relative to non-Latinas. Only four studies assessed sexual QOL, making it difficult to draw any conclusions. Of these four QOL domains, the largest disparity was found in the area of mental health in which Latinas reported poorer QOL compared to non-Latina Whites and Blacks.

Discussion/conclusions

Most quantitative studies revealed either that Latinas consistently evidenced significantly lower QOL than non-Latinas on all measures (6 studies) or reported mixed findings in which Latinas generally demonstrated significantly worse QOL on most, but not all, measures (12 studies) included in the study. Explanatory mechanisms including socio-demographic, treatment-related, and culturally-relevant factors are discussed. Implications for research design, measurement, and clinical work are also included.

Implications for cancer survivors

Although not entirely consistent, data suggest that Latina breast cancer survivors on average experience worse QOL than non-Latina Whites.

Understanding ethnic differences in QOL among breast cancer survivors can inform interventions targeted at improving health status for Latinas.

A list of key phrases is available from the authors.

One study by Tomich and Helgeson (2004) reported racial/ethnic differences in QOL. However, given the small subsample of Latinas, approximately 1% (n = 4), this study was not included.

List of variables: 1) study purpose, 2) number of participants, 3) location of study, 4) participants’ heritage, 5) age, 6) stage of cancer, 7) cancer treatment, 8) comorbidities, 9) first or recurrent diagnosis, 10) time since diagnosis, 11) health insurance, 12) language spoken, 13) SES, 14) study design, 15) recruitment setting, 16) measures of QOL and corresponding estimates of internal consistencies, 17) data analytic plan, 18) results.

References for measures used in the studies are available from the authors.

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Title: Quality of life among Latina breast cancer patients: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Betina Yanez
Elizabeth H. Thompson
Annette L. Stanton
Publication date: 01-06-2011
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 2/2011
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-011-0171-0

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Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion/conclusions

Implications for cancer survivors

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