Project Title: The Impact of Breast Cancer on the Hispanic Family

Abstract:

Although there has been considerable research on the psychosocial impact of breast cancer on patients themselves, and even on their support groups, little attention has been focused on the experience of patients’ families. The purpose of this study is to assess the psychosocial impact of breast cancer on the families of 50 Hispanic breast cancer patients. Analyzing the data cross-sectionally with reference to patient medical status (including stage of disease, time since diagnosis, state of treatment) will enable us to begin mapping the stages that families go through in the process of living with an individual suffering from breast cancer. The project will collect baseline data on psychosocial and spiritual quality of life (QoL) issues and concerns among the families of Hispanic breast cancer patients referred by local organizations (ABCF, ACS, SAA, SGKBCF – see Collaborators below) and Dr. Miller’s clinic, and assess change in family psychosocial and spiritual QoL status as related to patient QoL measures, patient medical status (including stage of disease and time since diagnosis), and family demographics. Results from this pilot study will allow us to learn about issues impacting quality of life issues that affect Hispanic families and will allow us to develop future longitudinal studies in this area. Study results will provide baseline data enabling more extensive research in the future that will improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families.

PI:

  • Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH, Professor of Medicine and Deputy Director of the Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine

Funding Institution:

San Antonio Cancer Institute

Funding Period:

1 yr. – 2002-2003

Location/Service Area:

San Antonio, TX and surrounding areas

Collaborators/Co-sponsors:

  • Alex R. Miller, MD
  • Sharon Wilks, MD
  • Brad Pollock, PhD
  • Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF)
  • American Cancer Society (ACS)
  • San Antonio Affiliate Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
  • Carmen Boudreau, LSW, Support Group Facilitator, University Hospital Downtown, San Antonio, Texas

Goals:

To identify and assess issues which confront Hispanic families with a breast cancer survivor.

Results:

Study results indicate that interest for genetic testing was high among Hispanic/Latino family members of breast cancer patients and survivors (N=50), 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. Moreover, the greatest impact on family members of Hispanic/Latino breast cancer patients is an increased sense of vulnerability to cancer that dissipates over time.

Potential Impact:

The study will offer insights into the issues faced by Hispanic families with a breast cancer survivor or someone who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Publications:

  • Ramirez AG, Aparicio-Ting FE, San Miguel de Majors S, Miller AR. Interest, awareness, and perceptions of genetic testing among Hispanic family members of breast cancer survivors. Ethnicity & Disease, Spring 2006; 16(2): 398-403.
  • Aparicio-Ting F, and Ramirez AG. Breast and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes and screening practices of Hispanic women diagnosed with cancer. Journal of Cancer Education 2003, Vol. 18, No. 4
  • Ramirez AG, Miller A, Gonzalez M, San Miguel SL, and Aparicio-Ting F. Psychosocial needs of Hispanic families with breast cancer. The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229. San Antonio Cancer Institute, Symposium on Cancer Research in San Antonio, July 12, 2002.
  • Ramirez AG, Miller A, Gonzalez M, San Miguel SL, Aparicio-Ting F, and Pascua C. Knowledge, attitudes, and interest in genetic testing among Hispanic family members of breast cancer patients and survivors. The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229. AACR Frontiers in Cancer Research in Boston, MA, October 14-18, 2002.
  • Ramirez AG, Miller A, Gonzalez M, San Miguel SL, Aparicio-Ting F, and Pascua C. A pilot study comparing the psychosocial needs of Hispanic families of breast cancer patients and survivors. The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229. San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in San Antonio, Texas, December 11-14, 2002.