Peer support programming among women at-risk for or surviving breast cancer: Facilitators and barriers to...

Peer support (PS) programs offer care to women at-risk for and surviving breast cancer to improve their quality of life (QoL).

This study evaluated a cancer-focused community-based organization's (CBO) one-on-one and no-cost PS program to identify its uptake and outcomes.

A secondary analysis was conducted among N = 1054 breast cancer previvors and survivors who contacted the CBO for information and support: outcomes were assessed 30 days later. Associations among demographic/clinical factors and the offer, uptake, and outcomes of PS were analyzed.

In this sample, N = 930 women (88.2%) were breast cancer survivors. PS was offered to N = 807 women (76.6%). Logistic regression demonstrated increased odds of being offered PS among those who were younger (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24), with lower household incomes (OR = 1.37), and who found the CBO more beneficial for themselves and their families (e.g. OR = 1.19). Of those offered PS, N = 304 (37.7%) utilized it. PS utilization was more likely among mothers (OR = 1.57), breast cancer previvors (OR = 1.59), and those with lower QoL (OR = 1.18). Women who utilized PS generally reported positive experiences (Mean = 44.4/50): younger age and positive experience were associated with better PS outcome (P's ≤ 0.03). Among women who did not utilize PS, commonly reported challenges included time (17.5%) and discomfort sharing personal information (9.8%). Other barriers (63.9%) analyzed qualitatively referenced lack of need or interest, time constraints, and existing support networks.

PS programming was well-received among the one-third of women who participated, especially younger women and with those lower QoL. Barriers to utilizing PS could be addressed to enhance its reach and impact.