Psychological Adjustment of Latina Women with Breast Cancer: Institutional and Psychosocial Factors

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting Hispanic (Latina) women (American Cancer Society, 2007). Among Latinas, this cancer is more likely to be diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease, resulting in a lower 5-year survivorship rate of 76% for Latina women compared with 85% for non-Hispanic White women (Gilliland, Hunt, & Key, 1998; Li, Malone, & Daling, 2003; National Cancer Institute, 2002). This trend is concerning, particularly because the number of Latina survivors is expected to increase due to a growing population, improvements in screening practices, increased early detection, and advances in treatment options.

Dr. Lydia Buki is in the process of writing three manuscripts on this topic. The first paper reports on a study of women diagnosed twice and their specific challenges, a topic on which there are no published studies. The second manuscript reports on women’s perceptions of their social support needs, and contrasts these perceptions with reports of services provided by organizations offering support to this population. Preliminary data show that of 40 organizations which provide mental health services to Latina survivors, 77% reported moderate to unprecedented growth in demand for their services in the past several years, and 80% reported a perception that survivors’ needs are not adequately met. The third manuscript addresses the process of attitude change that women undergo as a result of their experience battling a potentially fatal disease. These studies build on previous research showing that many women feel the risks of breast cancer screening outweigh the benefits (Buki, Borrayo, Feigal, & Carrillo, 2004; Borrayo, Buki, & Feigal, 2005), which may help explain lower rates of mammography screening and rescreening in this population. She hopes that by conducting these studies and raising awareness about these critical issues impacting Latina women, policy changes can be made to ameliorate health disparities and enhance the mental health outcomes of this neglected population.