Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among all women in the US and the second leading cause of cancer death (DeSantis, Ma, Gaudet Newman, et al, 2019). Black women in the US are less likely to survive breast cancer with death rates 40% higher than White women (DeSantis, Ma, Gaudet Newman, et al, 2019; DeSantis, Fedewa, Goding Sauer et al, 2016). Black women younger than age 40 have the lowest survival rate of all groups, representing an ongoing and significant health disparity (Sheppard, Llanos et al, 2013).Background/Objective: To explore the experience of Black breast cancer patients. Methods: 25 African American breast cancer survivors ages 41-79 participated in a qualitative study. Age at diagnosis ranged from 31-70 years, with mean survival time since diagnosis ranging from 3 months to 24 years. Women participated in a semi-structured interview format. These studies were guided by the following primary research question: What are the risk and protective factors for African American women with breast cancer? Results: Interview data was analyzed using qualitative software NVIVO and coded for recurrent themes reported. African American cancer survivors drew on inner resources including spirituality, cognitive reframing, personal agency, and racial socialization. Coping resources in their environment included relational supports, medical resources, financial resources, and engaging in community health education and mentoring other survivors. African American cancer survivors reported individual and environmental risks in the categories of emotional distress, help-seeking barriers, medical mistrust and cultural silence about cancer. Younger women reported greater distress regarding relational and caregiving strain, negative impact on social network and functioning, and distress related to body image and fertility concerns.
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