Social risk factors screening preferences among breast and prostate cancer survivors: A qualitative study

This project aimed to understand the experiences and preferences for social risk factor screening among racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse cancer survivors in the Washington, DC, region.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with English, Spanish, and Amharic-speaking breast and prostate cancer survivors. Data were inductively coded to identify themes, and differences by race and preferred language were evaluated.

Twenty-two interviews in English (n = 14), Spanish (n = 7), and Amharic (n = 1) among participants who identified as Black (n = 8), White (n = 5), Asian (n = 1), Other (n = 6), and multiracial (n = 2) were completed. Participants reported unresolved needs during treatment including transportation, healthful food, mental health care, financial help, and employment assistance. COVID-19 exacerbated many needs. Most participants did not recall discussing needs with oncology teams, but all participants were open to having these conversations.

This research reveals that cancer survivors might benefit from culturally appropriate strategies that address social needs.