New Study Benefits African-American Breast Cancer Survivors

One of the nation’s largest African-American women’s breast cancer advocacy organizations is teaming with researchers at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center to conduct a new research study aimed at improving quality of life for African-American breast cancer survivors.

The Houston affiliate chapter of Sisters Network Inc. is collaborating with M.D. Anderson’s department of behavioral science and the Center for Research on Minority Health to evaluate a new program, called Sisters Peer Counseling in Reproductive Health after Treatment, known as SPIRIT. The National Cancer Institute is funding SPIRIT, a one-year pilot project.

Researchers are enrolling 142 African-American breast cancer survivors in a free peer-counseling program to address concerns many women feel following treatment, including coping with menopausal symptoms, sexuality, infertility and breast cancer risk among family members.

"Although research shows that minority women may have more problems with menopausal symptoms, sexuality and infertility, they are less likely to use specialized medical services that could help," says Dr. Leslie R. Schover, principal investigator for the study and associate professor of behavioral science at M.D. Anderson.

SPIRIT is one of the first studies to address ethnic influences on reproductive health after breast cancer, according to researchers and advocates. Researchers hope to improve quality of life for African-American breast cancer survivors.

"There is very little information about African-American survivorship and sexuality, and we are delighted to be a partner in trying to find answers," says Karen Jackson, founder and national president of Sisters Network, an organization with 35 affiliate chapters in cities throughout the nation. "We are committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact of breast cancer on the African-American community," she says.

Women participating in SPIRIT attend three sessions with a trained peer counselor, all of whom are African-American breast cancer survivors. Counselors undergo a 20-hour training program at M.D. Anderson, as well as receive weekly supervision by M.D. Anderson faculty. The sessions focus on reducing hot flashes and increasing postmenopausal health through relaxation, stress management and healthy habits; enhancing sexual communication and desire; coping with infertility or concerns about healthy pregnancy after breast cancer; and understanding genetic cancer risk issues for family members.

SPIRIT participants must be African-American breast cancer survivors who were diagnosed at least one year ago, have completed treatment and are disease-free.

"This program is right on time and very necessary," says Jackson, an eight-year breast cancer survivor. "We are proud that several of our Sisters Network members are serving as SPIRIT peer counselors."

For more information or to enroll in SPIRIT, call (713) 745-4274 or visit http://www.mdanderson.org/sisters.

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