One of the nation's largest African-American women's breast cancer advocacy organizations is teaming up with researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center on a new research study to improve quality of life for African-American breast cancer survivors.

The Houston chapter of Sisters Network, Inc., is collaborating with M. D. Anderson's Department of Behavioral Science and the Center for Research on Minority Health to evaluate a new program called Sisters Peer Counseling In Reproductive Health after Treatment (SPIRIT). The National Cancer Institute is funding SPIRIT, a one-year pilot project.

The researchers are enrolling 142 African-American breast cancer survivors in a free peer-counseling program to address concerns many women feel following treatment, including coping with menopausal symptoms, sexuality, infertility, and breast cancer risk among family members.

"Although research shows that minority women may have more problems with menopausal symptoms, sexuality and infertility, they are less likely to use specialized medical services that could help," said Anderson's Dr. Leslie R. Schover, the principal investigator for the study. She noted that SPIRIT is one of the first studies to address ethnic influences on reproductive health after breast cancer.

Women participating in SPIRIT attend three sessions with a trained peer counselor, all of whom are African-American breast cancer survivors. Counselors undergo a 20-hour training program at M. D. Anderson, as well as receive weekly supervision by M. D. Anderson faculty.

The sessions focus on 1) reducing hot flashes and increasing postmenopausal health through relaxation, stress management and healthy habits; 2) enhancing sexual communication and desire; 3) coping with infertility or concerns about healthy pregnancy after breast cancer; and 4) understanding genetic cancer risk issues for family members.

"There is very little information about African-American survivorship and sexuality," said Karen Jackson, an eight-year breast cancer survivor and founder of the national Sisters Network. "This program is right on time and very necessary."

SPIRIT participants must be African-American breast cancer survivors who were diagnosed at least one year ago, have completed treatment and are disease-free. More information can be obtained by calling 713-745-4274.

SOURCE:
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (http://www.mdanderson.org)