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Cancer Survivors' Experiences With Six Months of Community Health Worker Health‐Related Social Needs Support: A Qualitative Analysis of Perceived Impact

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cancer survivors face persistent social, emotional, and practical challenges that can worsen health and quality of life. These unmet needs disproportionately affect Black cancer survivors and contribute to inequitable outcomes. AIMS: This qualitative study explores the experiences and preferences of Black cancer survivors participating in a community health worker (CHW) supported intervention to assess and address health-related social needs (HRSNs). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants enrolled in a 6-month CHW intervention in the United States to assess and address social needs. A mix of inductive and deductive coding was used within a constructivist framework to identify themes aligning with Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) social support and quality of life (QOL) domains. RESULTS: Thirty interviews were conducted. Most participants were female (n = 22), had breast cancer (n = 14), and experienced social needs (n = 22). Participants described significant emotional, practical, and financial challenges during survivorship. Participants commonly cited that CHWs provided significant emotional support, as well as food and transportation referrals. Over half of participants reported increased awareness and self-efficacy in navigating community resources. Most participants reported improvements in quality of life, particularly with enhanced emotional well-being and instrumental support, that were vital to their daily functioning. CONCLUSION: Consistent, monthly phone-based CHW support improved emotional well-being, self-efficacy, and overall quality of life. Future research should explore the impact of interventions on psychometrically validated quality of life measures and receipt of appropriate survivorship care.

Source: Psycho-Oncology

DOI: 10.1002/pon.70649

Authors: Arianna Milicia, Marjanna Smith, Jessica Rivera Rivera, Mandi L. Pratt‐Chapman, Kimberly Davis, Hannah Arem

Institutions: MedStar Health Research Institute, MedStar Health, George Washington University, Georgetown University

Language: English

Topic: Cancer survivorship and care

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,940