Black, Hispanic Cancer Survivors Face Barriers to Survivorship Health Behaviors

Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic survivors of cancer appear to face challenges with maintaining healthy behaviors, according to results of a recent study. The study findings were reported in the journal Cancer Nursing.

The study had a goal of determining factors of a biologic, social, and behavioral nature affected quality of life (QOL) in NHB and Hispanic survivors of breast or gastrointestinal cancer. Survivors were recruited from Western and Central Massachusetts between June and October 2022, and included participants had received medical cancer treatment during the prior 5 years.

The researchers conducting the study used semistructured interviews. Participants were surveyed about sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, quality of life, physical activity, diet, and perceived stress. The researchers analyzed interviews to identify key themes among participants’ responses.

The study included 29 survivors, with a mean age of 55.3 years (SD, 11.03). Of these survivors, 16 identified as African American/Black; 11 identified as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin; and 2 identified as American Indian or Alaska Native. Breast cancer was the most common diagnosis in the study, affecting 82.8% of participants, and nearly half (48.2%) had stage I cancer. 

The researchers identified 3 key themes of cancer survivors’ experiences: the impact of a cancer diagnosis on oneself, facilitators and barriers to health and health behaviors, and utilization of available resources for health.

The impact of a cancer diagnosis on survivors’ lives and view of living included effects considered disruptive, enlightening, or involving a feeling of indifference. Among disruptive effects, some participants experienced feeling their lives were turned “upside down” with the diagnosis. Regarding enlightening effects, some described having more appreciation of life, among other sentiments.

Facilitators and barriers to health and health behaviors involved factors related to general health, those related to desired physical activity and exercise, and those around desired eating habits. Facilitators and barriers incorporated multiple factors, which were described as involving participants’ biologic, behavioral, physical/build, and sociocultural environment and circumstances related to healthcare. Barriers were varied and included issues such as limited insurance coverage, lack of transportation, and others. 

Utilization of available resources for health primarily involved needs and desired sources for healthy living. Related to this, it was noted that many participants reported feeling “left out” upon finishing medical treatment, and many felt they lacked information on resources. For example, “do not eat or avoid” food lists were described as ineffective in the absence of information on healthier options.

The researchers indicated that nurses are important in assessing how social determinants of health impact oncology practice. “A safe and culturally sensitive environment in the healthcare system with continuous care to support a trusting relationship and empower racially/ethnic minoritized cancer survivors is essential for help-seeking behaviors,” the researchers wrote in their report.

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