Peer Navigator Education in Improving Survivorship Care in African American 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