Culturally Tailored Educational and Support Program to Increase Quality of Life Among Korean Breast Cancer Survivors

Behavioral Intervention to Reduce Breast Cancer Disparity Among Underserved Koreans

The objective of the TOGETHER (Together Overcome and Get Empowered Through Health Education and Relationships) program was to examine the effectiveness of one of the first linguistically and culturally tailored intervention programs to increase quality of life among Korean American breast cancer survivors.

This study employed a randomized trial design, consisting of a standard and enhanced intervention group. Participants attended seven weekly sessions and one follow-up session that lasted for about 2 hours each. All sessions were conducted by two Korean female bilingual licensed clinical psychologists.

The specific aims of this study were to: (1) Implement and evaluate the effects of tailored intervention on perceived stress, coping and quality of life among Korean American breast cancer survivors; and (2) Conduct a process evaluation to assess the feasibility and fidelity of the intervention, which will provide data that can inform the development of future interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Living in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or the Washington D.C. metropolitan area
• Have been diagnosed with breast cancer
• Have had surgery, completed treatment within the last two years, or still receiving adjuvant therapies

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to understand Korean