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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 4/2015

01-04-2015 | Original Article

Risk-reduction opportunities in breast cancer survivors: capitalizing on teachable moments

Authors: Krista Beth Highland, Alejandra Hurtado-de-Mendoza, Cassandra A. Stanton, Chiranjeev Dash, Vanessa B. Sheppard

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 4/2015

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Abstract

Purpose

With advancements in detection and treatment, the number of breast cancer survivors is growing. To reduce mortality among survivors, tailored health-promotion programs are needed to combat comorbidities. However, the demand for such programs exceed that which is available for a vastly diverse population of survivors. The goal of the present study was to describe the prevalence of comorbidities in a group of breast cancer survivors and to examine associations between biological proximal factors of and the more distal individual-level factors on the number and types of comorbidities.

Methods

In addition to medical chart reviews, breast cancer survivors (N = 369) from hospitals in two urban locations completed self-report measures. Bivariate analyses examined the relationship between distal and proximal predictors and the outcomes: number of comorbidities and comorbidity types.

Results

Both proximal and distal factors were associated with comorbidities. African American, women with lower education attainment, and older women were more likely to be obese and have more comorbidities than their counterparts. In particular, they were more at risk for cardiovascular disease. Those who initiated hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy were more likely to have comorbidities. Several psychosocial variables were related to proximal psychosocial factors.

Conclusions

The present findings highlight the need for targeted health-promotion treatments for breast cancer survivors, particularly for African Americans, those with lower education attainment, those who are obese, and those who may be older. Given the relationships between specific comorbidities and proximal psychosocial factors, future interventions may benefit from tailored approaches.

Implications for cancer survivors

Tailored interventions for survivors may be more effective when accounting for factors associated with health-promotion engagement.
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Metadata
Title
Risk-reduction opportunities in breast cancer survivors: capitalizing on teachable moments
Authors
Krista Beth Highland
Alejandra Hurtado-de-Mendoza
Cassandra A. Stanton
Chiranjeev Dash
Vanessa B. Sheppard
Publication date
01-04-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 4/2015
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2441-7

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