Improving Communication and Adherence in Black Breast Cancer Survivors (Sisters Informing Sisters)

Improving Communication and Adherence in Black Breast Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this study is to test an evidence-based intervention designed to increase adherence to systemic therapy in Black women compared to enhanced usual care.

Black women continue to experience worse breast cancer outcomes, which may be due to inadequate adherence to systemic therapies that can be improved via patient-centered communication. We developed and piloted the Sisters Informing SistersSM (SIS) intervention (survivor-led skill-building sessions and culturally tailored materials to activate Black breast cancer survivors in their medical encounters) and obtained promising findings. This project will compare in a two-arm RCT the impact of SIS vs. enhanced usual care (treatment recommendation summary form) on patient-centered communication and systemic treatment adherence; SIS tools may be integrated within existing clinical and support services.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-identify as Black
• Newly diagnosed (~4 weeks post-definitive surgery and prior to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy or endocrine therapy) patients (stage I-III)
• Eligible for chemotherapy or endocrine therapy according to NCCN guidelines, but have not initiated systemic therapy
• Ability to read and speak English
• Ability to provide meaningful consent as determined by trained study personnel and/or a member of the patient's care team
• No prior cancer treatment (other than skin cancer) in the two years preceding enrollment
• Physicians Must be a license doctor of study patient(s)
• Ability to speak English