Social risk factors screening preferences among breast and prostate cancer survivors: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: This project aimed to understand the experiences and preferences for social risk factor screening among racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse cancer survivors in the Washington, DC, region. 

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with English, Spanish, and Amharic-speaking breast and prostate cancer survivors. Data were inductively coded to identify themes, and differences by race and preferred language were evaluated. 

FINDINGS: Twenty-two interviews in English (n = 14), Spanish (n = 7), and Amharic (n = 1) among participants who identified as Black (n = 8), White (n = 5), Asian (n = 1), Other (n = 6), and multiracial (n = 2) were completed. Participants reported unresolved needs during treatment including transportation, healthful food, mental health care, financial help, and employment assistance. COVID-19 exacerbated many needs. Most participants did not recall discussing needs with oncology teams, but all participants were open to having these conversations. 

CONCLUSION(S): This research reveals that cancer survivors might benefit from culturally appropriate strategies that address social needs.