Work

Views of Low-Income Women of Color at Increased Risk for Breast Cancer

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Individual risk assessment (IRA) for breast cancer may increase adherence to risk-appropriate screening and prevention measures. However, knowledge gaps exist regarding how best to communicate IRA results and support women at increased risk in future health care decisions, in part because patients conceptualize and make meaning of risk differently from the medical community. Better understanding the views of low-income women of color identified as being at increased risk for breast cancer can inform efforts to conduct IRA in an ethical and respectful manner. We conducted in-depth interviews with 13 low-income African American and Latina women who receive care at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) and had recently learned of their increased risk for breast cancer. These interviews explored their experience of the IRA process, their interpretation of what being at increased risk means, and their reactions to provider recommendations. Eight key themes were identified. We conclude with recommendations for the implementation of IRA for breast cancer in underserved primary care settings.

Source: Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics

DOI: 10.1353/nib.2018.0023

Authors: Emily E. Anderson, Silvia Tejada, Richard B. Warnecke, Kent Hoskins

Institutions: Loyola University Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Center for Research Resources, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences