177430 Role of Social Support and Social Networks in Successful Breast Cancer Survival: The International Dragon-Boater Experience

Monday, October 27, 2008: 10:45 AM

Rebecca J. Donatelle, PhD, CHES , Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Jennifer M. Jabson, MPH, PhD , Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Alexis J. Walker, PhD , Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Verna E. Ourada , Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Donna Champeau, PhD , Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Margaret J. Henning, MS , Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Noriko Toyokawa , Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
The prognosis for breast cancer survival continues to improve, although disparities based on environmental, cultural, social and health systems persist. Several promising studies have demonstrated the powerful influence of selected psychosocial and physical factors on health protective and health maintenance behaviors. Research examining the specific role of social support, social networks and interpersonal communication among breast cancer survivors and the role of these factors in treatment decision-making, treatment adherence, coping, quality of life and perceived outcomes, is limited. Little is known about how specific types of social support, delivered in different settings and with varying populations, serve to facilitate, reinforce and enable positive emotional, mental, and physical behaviors or perceived outcomes among survivors. The primary objective of this study was to survey 2000 breast cancer survivors participating in the Dragon's Abreast Races in Sydney Australia during the summer of 2007 to determine the influence of a highly organized support group in survivor: 1)decision-making about cancer treatment options through informational support, 2)perceived quality of life and coping/adjustment, 3)self-efficacy and perceived control, 3)adherence to breast cancer treatment regimens, 4)changes in lifestyle behaviors, 5)family/other engagement in breast cancer support, 6) hope for the future, and 7) perceived benefits/health outcomes. A secondary objective was to determine what differences, if any, exist among women from different cultures and health care systems and how the unique structure of survivor dragon-boating may affect women's overall breast cancer survivor experience.

Learning Objectives:
1. To discuss potential factors that may act as barriers/supports for breast cancer survivors as they engage in treatment, as well as life post-treatment. 2. To determine whether differences exist among women from different cultures/countries, different diagnoses and treatments, ages, etc., based on selected indications of social support and coping/adjustment post diagnosis. 3. To assess the importance of organized social support and involvement in physically demanding activities in coping/adjustment, compliance with treatment regimens, and perceived outcomes. 4. To analyze key factors that seem to be most important to women’s ability to positively cope with breast cancer and consider strategies to help enable, reinforce and facilitate these coping strategies in intervention programs.

Keywords: Women's Health, Breast Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was the project coordinator and graduate student of the PI for this project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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