Open AccessRacial Differences in the Influence of Health Care System Factors on Informal Support for Cancer Care Among Black and White Breast and Lung Cancer Survivors
Author(s) -
Katrina Ellis,
Kristin Z. Black,
Stephanie Baker,
Carol Cothern,
Ken Davis,
Kay Doost,
Christina Goestch,
Ida Griesemer,
Fatima Guerrab,
Alexandra F. Lightfoot,
Neda Padilla,
Cleo A. Samuel,
Jennifer Schaal,
Christina Yongue,
Eugenia Eng
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
family and community health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.464
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1550-5057
pISSN - 0160-6379
DOI - 10.1097/fch.0000000000000264
Subject(s) - social support , breast cancer , focus group , health care , medicine , gerontology , lung cancer , cancer , qualitative research , white (mutation) , randomized controlled trial , community based participatory research , health equity , family medicine , participatory action research , psychology , nursing , public health , social psychology , oncology , sociology , political science , social science , biochemistry , chemistry , anthropology , law , gene
This retrospective, secondary qualitative analysis investigates whether health system factors influence social support among Black and white breast and lung cancer survivors and racial differences in support. These data come from race- and cancer-stratified focus groups (n = 6) and interviews (n = 2) to inform a randomized controlled trial utilizing antiracism and community-based participatory research approaches. Findings indicate social support was helpful for overcoming treatment-related challenges, including symptom management and patient-provider communication; racial differences in support needs and provision were noted. Resources within individual support networks reflect broader sociostructural factors. Reliance on family/friends to fill gaps in cancer care may exacerbate racial disparities.