Breast cancer in African Americans: from patient to survivor

The purpose of this synthesis is to explore the experience of the transition from cancer patient to survivor in African Americans with breast cancer, addressing the risk/ protective factors that have an influence on successful transition using the social ecological model.

The investigator searched CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycInfo databases. Articles were assessed for content addressing risk and protective factors of transition in African American breast cancer survivorship. Eleven research articles were obtained and synthesized.

Risk and protective factors exist at all levels of the social ecological model. Emotional issues are prevalent after the cessation of cancer treatment, enhanced by the lack of social support in this population. Spirituality was shown to be present in many levels as a protective factor during this period.

The entrance to survivorship represents a time of increased stressors and subsequent coping. Through careful identification of influencing factors, health care providers can develop strategies to attenuate the emotional distress and negative complications of the transition specific to this vulnerable population. Illuminating the experiences of African American women during this transition period provides insight into the interventional needs during and after the cessation of breast cancer treatment.