The Impact of Breast Cancer on the Hispanic Family
Little research has focused on the experience of breast cancer patients’ families, so the purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial impact of cancer on the families of 50 Hispanic breast cancer patients. The study collected baseline data on psychosocial and spiritual quality of life issues and concerns among the families of Hispanic breast cancer patients referred by local groups or clinics. It also assessed any changes in those data related to quality of life measures, patient medical status and family demographics.
Principle Investigators
Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH IHPR, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (at Baylor College of Medicine for this project)Collaborations
Sharon Wilks, MD Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) American Cancer Society (ACS) Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Antonio affiliate Carmen Boudreau, LSW, Support Group Facilitator, University Hospital Downtown, San AntonioLocation
San Antonio, Texas, and surrounding areasConclusions
The study indicated that the greatest impact on family members of Hispanic/Latina breast cancer patients is an increased sense of vulnerability to cancer that dissipates over time. Also, interest for genetic testing was high among Hispanic/Latino family members of patients and survivors, yet knowledge levels appear to be very low. Hispanic/Latino family members of breast cancer patients and survivors need to be educated about genetic testing, including its benefits, risks and limitations, and the implications of the results. The data collected in this study allowed researchers to start mapping the stages that families go through in the process of living with an individual suffering from breast cancer, enabling a new avenue for developing longitudinal future studies to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families.