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

ABSTRACTBackground: 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 ...