Ethnic differences in psychosocial service use among non-Latina white and Latina breast cancer survivors

Background: This study examined the use of psychosocial services (i.e., social work, psychiatric, psychological, and spiritual/pastoral services) among Latina and Non-Latina white breast cancer survivors.

Methods: Survivors who received treatment in a Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York completed a mailed questionnaire about interest in help for distress, and psychosocial service use. Descriptive and non-parametric statistics were used to explore ethnic differences in use of, and interest in, psychosocial services.

Results: Thirty-three percent of breast cancer survivors reported needing mental health or psychosocial services after their cancer diagnosis (33% Latinas, 34% whites); 34% of survivors discussed with their oncologist or cancer care provider their emotional problems or needs after the diagnosis (30% Latinas, 36% whites). Only 40% of the survivors who reported needing services received a referral for psychosocial services (42% Latinas, 39% whites). Sixty-six percent of survivors who reported needing services had contact with a counselor or mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker) after their diagnosis (57% Latinas, 71% whites), and 61% of those needing services reported receiving psychosocial services (53% Latinas, 67% whites). Whites were significantly more likely than Latinas to have contact with a social worker (33% vs. 17%, respectively) and to receive psychotropic medication (15% vs. 0%, respectively). However, Latinas were significantly more likely to receive spiritual counseling than whites (11% vs. 3%, respectively).

Conclusion: Our study revealed gaps for both groups; however, the gaps differed by group. It is crucial to study and address potential differences in the psychosocial services availability, acceptability, and help-seeking behaviors of ethnically diverse cancer patients and survivors.