Abstract
This study aimed to identify the needs of low-income, African American cancer survivors in an urban setting. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews conducted with cancer survivors (n = 12), caregivers (n = 10), professionals (n = 10), and surveys from town hall meetings (n = 80). The major needs identified, across all groups, included a diverse array of practical needs including transportation, financial and job assistance, childcare, self-care assistance, more education and lifestyle information when diagnosed as well as after diagnosis, better post treatment plan, and more need for social support. They identified the ideal resource center as being located within the survivor's neighborhood and would provide a range of medically specific support as well as recreational services. Being of limited economic means has a host of implications for those diagnosed with cancer and for their family members. Participants suggested that needs for cancer survivors have to take into account a complexity of factors including culture, family, and especially economic implications.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Horner M et al (2008) SEER Cancer statistics review, 1975–2006. National Cancer Institute, Bethesda
Kantsiper M et al (2009) Transitioning to breast cancer survivorship: perspectives of patients, cancer specialists, and primary care providers. J Gen Intern Med 24(Supplement 2):459–466
Davis C et al (2009) Social workers as patient navigators for breast cancer survivors: what do African-American medically underserved women think of this idea? Soc Work Health Care 48(6):561–578
Franklin L et al (2009) Consultation support for rural women with breast cancer: results of a community based participatory research study. Patient Educ Counsel 80:80–87
Absolom K et al (2009) Follow up care for cancer survivors: views of the younger adult. Br J Cancer 101:561–567
Holland J, Lewis S (2000) The human side of cancer. Harper Collins, New York
Garth AK et al (2010) Nutritional status, nutrition practices and post-operative complications in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. J Hum Nutr Diet 23:393–401
Holland J, Alici Y (2010) Management of distress in cancer patients. J Support Oncol 8(1):4–12
Beckjord E et al (2008) Health related information needs in a large and diverse sample of adult cancer survivors: implications for cancer care. J Cancer Surviv 2(3):179–189
Burg M et al (2009) The potential of survivorship care plans in primary care follow-up of minority breast cancer patients. J Gen Intern Med 24(Supplement):467–471
Mikkelsena T et al (2009) Cancer survivors' rehabilitation needs in a primary health care context. Fam Pract 26(3):221–230
Rosedale M (2009) Survivor loneliness of women following breast cancer. Oncol Nurs Forum 36(2):175–183
Armes J et al (2009) Patients' supportive care needs beyond the end of cancer treatment: a prospective, longitudinal study. J Clin Oncol 27(36):6172–6179
Aziz N, Rowland J (2002) Cancer survivorship research among ethnic minority and medically underserved groups. Oncol Nurs Forum 29(5):789–801
Lythcott N, Green B, Brown Z (2003) The perspectives of African-American breast cancer survivor-advocates. Cancer 97(1 Supplement):324–328
Hamilton J et al (2009) Development of the ways of helping questionnaire: a measure of preferred coping strategies for older African American cancer survivors. Res Nurs Heal 32(3):243–259
Yang R, Cheung MC, Franceschi D et al (2009) African-American and low-socioeconomic status patients have a worse prognosis for invasive ductal and lobular breast carcinoma: do screening criteria need to change? J Am Coll Surg 208(5):853–870
Beesley V et al (2008) Unmet needs of gynaecological cancer survivors: implications for developing community support services. Psychooncology 17(4):392–400
Odoms-Young A, Zenk S, Manson M (2009) Measuring food availability and access in African-American communities. Am J Prev Med 36(4S):S145–S150
Israel B et al (2006) Engaging urban residents in assessing neighborhood environments and their implications for health. J Urban Health: Bull New York Acad Med 83(3):523–539
Jencks C, Mayer S (1990) The social consequences of growing up in a poor neighborhood. In: Lynn L, McGeary M (eds) Inner-city poverty in the United States. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, pp 111–186
Andersen R et al (2002) Access to medical care for low-income persons: how do communities make a difference? Med Care Res Rev 59(4):384–411
Raja S et al (2009) Leveraging neighborhood-scale change for policy program reform in Buffalo, New York. Am J Prev Med 37:S352–S360
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mosavel, M., Sanders, K. Needs of Low-Income African American Cancer Survivors: Multifaceted and Practical. J Canc Educ 26, 717–723 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0253-8
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0253-8