Stress and quality of life in African American cancer survivors

Abstract

The quality of life (QOL) of cancer survivors must be investigated as we learn about the risks and protective factors associated with cancer survival. Little research has included African American cancer survivors, and this group could be more or less vulnerable to the added stress of cancer. By virtue of the greater stress burden imposed by minority status, lower socioeconomic status, and other social/ cultural factors, African Americans may be at increased risk for poor QOL and poor health outcomes. Alternatively, they may be protected from some of these negative outcomes. We propose a model to better understand the unique sociocultural features that influence QOL for certain cancer sites where racial disparities are well established. A comprehensive knowledge of QOL among these survivors will guide future research and facilitate the development of interventions to improve QOL, possibly reducing observed health disparities.