Black Breast Cancer Survivors Face Barriers to Endocrine Therapy Adherence

By Rob Dillard - Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Support interventions are needed for managing oral endocrine therapy (ET)-related symptoms among Black breast cancer survivors, according to a study published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship.

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Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews between October 29, 2021, and March 1, 2023. They analyzed a convenience sample of 24 Black breast cancer survivors. Nine medical oncology providers were also included. Patients in the population of interest were 18 years or older, English-speaking, diagnosed with stage I-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, and had initiated ET.

Among the results, investigators uncovered 3 major themes of note: (1) Black breast cancer survivors often had concerns about ET before initiation; (2) after initiation, both breast cancer survivors and providers reported side effects as the most impactful barrier to ET adherence; and (3) survivors experienced challenges with managing ET side effects.

“Our results suggest that multifaceted support interventions for managing ET-related symptoms may lead to improved adherence to ET among Black women and may reduce disparities in outcomes,” researchers concluded.

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