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Assessing Racial Differences in Psychological Distress and Problem Items among Breast Cancer Survivors at Adjuvant
Fariha Tariq1, Teletia Taylor2, Dustin Bastaich3
1Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
Clinical Breast Cancer
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Black and White breast cancer survivors experience similar high distress and problem items when starting adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET). Further research should develop targeted interventions for these common issues.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychosocial Oncology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) is a standard treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
- Understanding distress and problem items experienced by survivors during AET is crucial for supportive care.
- Racial disparities in cancer survivorship outcomes warrant investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate racial differences in distress and problem items among Black and White breast cancer survivors initiating AET.
- To identify specific challenges faced by diverse survivor populations during AET.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Women's Hormonal Initiation and Persistence study.
- Utilized the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Distress Thermometer and 36-item problem list.
- Employed logistic regression and chi-squared tests to compare distress and problem items by race.
Main Results:
- No significant racial differences in distress or specific problem items were found between Black and White survivors.
- Over half of all participants (52%) reported high distress.
- Common issues included sleep problems, fatigue, worry, dry/itchy skin, and pain.
Conclusions:
- Breast cancer survivors, regardless of race, report substantial distress and physical problems upon starting AET.
- Interventions should be developed to address specific problem items impacting survivors on AET.
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