Despite increased access to early detection and the availability of more effective therapeutic strategies, African American women continue to experience excess rates of morbidity and mortality from breast cancer. An emerging hypothesis about breast cancer disparities is that social conditions and physiological responses to social stressors influence biological processes that are important to the initiation and progression of disease. This hypothesis is based on data from animal studies which have shown that rats that are exposed to social stressors such as isolation are likely to develop mammary tumors that are histologically and etiologically similar to those that develop among African American women. The HPA axis plays a central role in regulating the physiological stress response; dysregulation of the HPA has been suggested as a mechanism through which social and biological factors contribute to racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes. Many African Americans experience stressful life events and circumstances, including economic, discriminatory, and other stressors. These social factors may contribute to an increased risk of advanced stage disease, but not all African American women who are exposed to adverse social factors develop advanced stage disease and those who have a limited number of psychosocial stressors can develop advanced stage breast cancer, regardless of early detection. This may be because stress reactivity, or one's physiological and psychological responses to a stressor, is highly individualized and dependent on psychological and social determinants as well as genetic factors. But, these biological and psychosocial pathways have not been examined among women at increased risk for disparities. Therefore, this study will characterize stress reactivity and emotional regulation among African American breast cancer survivors and measure the association between these responses and decisions about cancer control and treatment compliance. As part of providing empirical data on biological and psychological pathways that contribute to breast cancer disparities, the investigator's study will identify novel intervention targets that can be used to improve self-management in a population that is at risk for limited cancer control.
Age range
21 Years – 75 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Examine stress reactivity among African American Breast Cancer Survivors utilizing cortisol.
Timeframe: 21 months
Examine stress reactivity among African American Breast Cancer Survivors utilizing vital signs.
Timeframe: 21 months
Examine the association between levels of stress reactivity and stressors as it relates to socioeconomic status, clinical factors, and social stress
Timeframe: 21 months
Examine glucocorticoid sensitivity as a potential predictor of stress reactivity
Timeframe: 21 months
Examine stress reactivity on temporal discounting
Timeframe: 21 months
Determine the extent to which active engagement with a stressor is associated with adherence to dietary recommendations for cancer control
Timeframe: 1 month
Determine the extent to which active engagement with a stressor is associated with adherence to physical activity recommendations for cancer control
Timeframe: 1 month