Associations between experiences of discrimination and quality of life in Black breast cancer survivors

Background

Racial discrimination has been associated with decreased health-related quality of life (QOL) in the general population; however, its impact on QOL in cancer survivors is unclear. This study aims to examine how experiences of discrimination (EOD) impact QOL in breast cancer survivors and whether these associations vary by individual- and structural-level factors.

Methods

The association of EOD assessed at baseline (∼12 months post-diagnosis) was assessed in the Women’s Circle of Health Follow-up Study, a population-based longitudinal cohort study of Black breast cancer survivors in New Jersey. QOL was assessed at follow-up (∼24 months postdiagnosis) using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast (FACT-B). Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for confounders assessed the association of EOD (none, low, high) with QOL. We also examined statistical interaction by individual-level factors (coping and spirituality) and structural-level factors (neighborhood socioeconomic status and residential segregation).

Results

Of 216 study participants, 74% reported experiencing discrimination. In fully adjusted models, women with high EOD had lower overall QOL (no discrimination, mean FACT-B: 114.8; 95% CI, 107.9–121.7; high discrimination, mean FACT-B: 101.1; 95% CI, 94.2–108.0). Although no evidence was observed of statistically significant interaction, women with high spirituality had better overall QOL, regardless of EOD (high spirituality/low discrimination: 128.2; 95% CI, 121.9–134.5; high spirituality/high discrimination: 115.4; 95% CI, 108.5–122.3; low spirituality/no discrimination: 103.5; 95% CI, 93.8–113.2).

Conclusions

Among Black breast cancer survivors, discrimination was associated with poorer QOL. Spirituality may mitigate the harmful effects, as women with high spirituality, even in the context of high discrimination, reported higher QOL.