Meeting The Needs Of Breast Cancer Survivors In Alaska: Survivors' And Healthcare Providers' Perspectives

Abstract

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the state of Alaska and female breast cancer ranks second highest for incidence and mortality compared to all other cancers. Due to high incidence rates of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year and a growing number of survivors, it is important to examine the unmet needs of breast cancer survivors living in Alaska. The purpose of this study was to gather data about the needs of Alaskan breast cancer survivors across the continuum of breast cancer care. Study goals were accomplished via an explanatory mixed methods research design involving three distinct phases; namely, a quantitative, qualitative, and application phase. In the quantitative phase, the study drew upon an existing needs assessment dataset collected from breast cancer survivors living in Alaska to identify and bring awareness to the physical, psychological, and daily living challenges secondary to diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. Augmenting secondary data analyses of this dataset, key informant interviews were used to elicit information from healthcare providers about their perception of breast cancer survivors' needs and how to meet these needs in Alaska. Results based on the survey responses from 309 breast cancer survivors and interviews with 31 healthcare providers revealed key barriers and services gaps along with ways to improve services for Alaskan breast cancer survivors. Broad recommendations based on all data included: 1) addressing service gaps and improving communication; 2) meeting psychosocial needs; 3) attending to needs specific to rural breast cancer survivors; 4) improving coordination of care; and 5) implementing established survivorship care plan(s) within Alaska's healthcare system. Many challenges and obstacles identified by interviewees are beyond individual providers' control and need to be addressed not only as independent practice issues, but as larger medical education and healthcare systems issues. Given these realities and findings, the study concludes with recommendations aimed toward providers serving the oncology community, hospital groups, and other key community stakeholders with the goal of providing comprehensive medical and support services to breast cancer survivors living in Alaska.