Racial Differences in Information Needs During and After Cancer Treatment: a Nationwide, Longitudinal Survey by the University of Rochester Cancer Center National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program

Department

Oncology and Hematology

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Cancer Education

Abstract

Before treatment, cancer patients need information about side effects and prognosis, while after treatment they need information to transition to survivorship. Research documenting these needs is limited, especially among racial and ethnic minorities. This study evaluated cancer patients' needs according to race both before and after treatment. We compared white (n = 904) to black (n = 52) patients receiving treatment at 17 National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) sites on their cancer-related concerns and need for information before and after cancer treatment. Two-sample t test and chi-squared analyses were used to assess group differences. Compared to white patients, black patients reported significantly higher concerns about diet (44.3 vs. 25.4 %,) and exercise (40.4 vs. 19.7 %,) during the course of treatment. Compared to whites, blacks also had significantly higher concern about treatment-related issues (white vs. black mean, 25.52 vs. 31.78), self-image issues (7.03 vs. 8.60), family-related issues (10.44 vs. 12.84), and financial concerns (6.42 vs. 8.90, all p < 0.05). Blacks, compared to whites, also had significantly greater post-treatment information needs regarding follow-up tests (8.17 vs. 9.44), stress management (4.12 vs. 4.89), and handling stigma after cancer treatment (4.21 vs. 4.89) [all p < 0.05]. Pre-treatment concerns and post-treatment information needs differed by race, with black patients reporting greater information needs and concerns. In clinical practice, tailored approaches may work particularly well in addressing the needs and concerns of black patients.

First Page

95

Last Page

101

DOI

10.1007/s13187-016-1038-x

Volume

33

Issue

1

Publication Date

2-1-2018

Publisher

Lawrence Erlbaum Associates

Medical Subject Headings

Adult; African Americans; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cancer Survivors; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Information Seeking Behavior; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; National Cancer Institute (U.S.); Neoplasms; New York; Prognosis; United States; Whites; Young Adult

Comments

See full list of authors at journal website.

PubMed ID

27097806

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