Support Group Impressions of Hispanic-American Cancer Patients: Early Findings From the Navigator-Assisted Hypofractionation (NAVAH) Program

Abstract

Objectives: The Hispanic-American population is the nation's second-largest racial/ethnic group and the second most rapidly growing population. Radiation therapy (RT) is an indispensable, highly effective treatment for cancer; therefore, any barriers impairing RT access may yield deleterious consequences for Hispanic-Americans. The Navigator-Assisted Hypofractionation (NAVAH) program was developed to optimize RT access for all cancer patients. A key component of NAVAH is the use of culturally sensitive surveys to assess the impact of patient navigation before and after RT. We present initial findings from a Spanish-language cancer support group comprised of Hispanic-American patients as a baseline before implementation of NAVAH at our institution.

Methods: A previously validated, Spanish-language, culturally sensitive survey was implemented to identify barriers to cancer care among Hispanic Americans. Participants were recruited to complete interviewer-administered surveys between monthly group visits. Surveys assessed several domains, including acceptability, accessibility, accommodation, affordability, and availability.

Results: Eight cancer survivors completed surveys in person. Interviewees reported a positive but variable assessment of the availability, accommodation, and accessibility domains, suggesting that services may adequately meet patients' needs and preferences. However, responses in the acceptability domain reflected a strong perception of disparities and ethnic bias. In addition, feedback in the affordability domain indicates a heightened vulnerability to financial toxicity within this population.

Conclusions: These initial findings from the NAVAH program underscore the persistent challenges faced by Hispanic-American cancer patients, particularly in the realms of perceived discrimination and financial toxicity. These insights emphasize the necessity for culturally sensitive interventions, such as bilingual patient navigation programs, to address and mitigate the multifaceted barriers encountered by Hispanic-American patients. The NAVAH program's approach of incorporating culturally attuned surveys and support mechanisms represents a promising step toward optimizing equity in cancer treatment. Moreover, these early impressions pave the way for further investigation involving patients actively receiving RT.

Keywords: Hispanic ethnicity; cancer; financial toxicity; patient navigation; survivorship.