Peer Navigator Education in Improving Survivorship Care in African American Breast Cancer Survivors

Sister Survivor: Improving the Survivorship Care of African-American Women With Breast Cancer

This randomized clinical trial studies peer navigator education in improving survivorship care in African American breast cancer survivors. An educational intervention involving peer groups may help to improve the well-being and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer survivors

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To evaluate the ability of peer navigation (PN) to improve understanding of survivorship care planning (SCP) at 6 months.

II. To promote adherence to the SCP schedule of follow-up examinations at 12 months.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To evaluate the effect of PN on change from baseline in medical efficacy, preparedness for life as new survivor, and physical and health related QOL at 6 months.

OUTLINE: PNs are trained on medical issues and resources, and SCP. Participants are then randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms.

ARM I: Participants receive 4 PN sessions tailored to their needs followed by a 6 month booster session and American Cancer Society (ACS) materials.

ARM II: Participants receive ACS materials.

After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 6 and 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• TRIAL SUBJECTS:
• Patient age 18 years or older who self-identifies as African-American
• In early survivorship phase, defined as being 1-12 months post completion of treatment for stage 0-3 breast cancer
• Receiving health care primarily through an health maintenance organization (HMO)
• Patients with metastatic cancer or a second primary cancer, because their medical characteristics (e.g. disease progression) are significantly different
• Breast cancer survivors (BCS) with other major disabling medical, psychiatric, or substance abuse conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, alcohol/tobacco problems) will be excluded
• PEER NAVIGATORS:
• At least 25 years of age who self-identifies as African-American
• Previously participated in any type of research study
• Has at least high school education
• Has been diagnosed with breast cancer, currently in remission or eradicated
• Belongs to a breast cancer support group
• Has a valid driver's license
• Owns an operational vehicle
• Has access to a personal computer with internet access