Survivor Stories: Impact on Cancer Patients' Quality of Life and Follow-up

• Determine to what extent African American breast cancer survivor stories affect various aspects of QOL, including depressed mood and concern about recurrence, among African American breast cancer patients following primary treatment. [ Time Frame: Outcome measures are assessed at five time points: baseline, one month following primary treatment surgery, 6 months, one year, and two years post surgery. ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• Determine whether and to what extent African American breast cancer survivor stories affect African American breast cancer patients' adherence to recommended surveillance mammography and prescribed hormone therapy [ Time Frame: Outcome measures are assessed at five time points: baseline, one month following primary treatment surgery, 6 months, one year, and two years post surgery. ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

Disparities in incidence and mortality between African Americans and Caucasians for a number of cancers have been well documented. This study builds on previous work in St. Louis to overcome barriers to access to breast screening, identifying and addressing factors associated with access to care once diagnosed, and factors contributing to delay in diagnosis and completion of therapy. African American breast cancer patients randomly assigned to the intervention arm of the trial will have access to the Survivor Stories Tablet, a tablet computer, on which they will browse an archive of 1-3 minute videotaped survivor stories about five topics: coping, relationships, experiences with the health care system, follow-up care, and quality of life (QOL) living with breast cancer. Patients will have the tablet for two weeks after enrollment in the study, and again at 6 and 12 months. Patients in the control arm will receive usual care.