Accept me for myself: African American women's issues after breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the personal issues and concerns of African American women who are breast cancer survivors.


METHODS
Exploratory.


METHODS
Southeastern United States; urban community.


METHODS
A total of 24 women were recruited from churches and the community; 16 women participated in focus groups.


METHODS
Two focus group sessions were held in a community library. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes that described issues the women had to deal with after treatment for breast cancer.


METHODS
Women's perceptions of the impact breast cancer had placed on their personal lives, including sexuality.


RESULTS
Five themes emerged-body appearance, social support, health activism, menopause, and learning to live with a chronic illness.


CONCLUSIONS
African American women have concerns that are similar to, but different from, those of Caucasian women. Further research is needed to identify culturally appropriate care.


CONCLUSIONS
Assess the effects of treatment on women's personal lives. Know where women can purchase prostheses that match their skin tones. Refer minority women to support groups specifically designed for them.
Wilmoth
M C
MC
Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA. mcwilmot@email.uncc.edu
Sanders
L D
LD
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D019529:Sexuality; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support; D015144:Southeastern United States