M. D. Anderson expands peer counseling program for African-American breast cancer...( ttitudes about sexuality wariness abou...),Health

There is very little information about African-American survivorship and sexuality, which the study aims to address. And according to Karen Jackson, founder and national president of Sisters Network® Inc., an organization with 35 affiliate chapters in cities throughout the nation, with the volume of calls already coming in, enrollment for the program will not be a problem.

"The enthusiasm and high level of involvement of the women in this study breaks down the prevailing perception that African-American women are unavailable or unwilling to participate in clinical trials a falsehood that could have negative effects on important future research initiatives," says Jackson, who selects potential peer counselors for the program. "We are committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact of breast cancer on the African-American community, and we are extremely pleased to continue this valuable partnership with M. D. Anderson as we search for greater understanding and answers."

SPIRIT participants must be African-American breast cancer survivors who are not on active treatment other than hormonal medications, and were diagnosed at least a year prior to participating in the study. Half of the women will attend three sessions with a trained peer counselor, who is also an African-American breast cancer survivor. The other participants will receive the SPIRIT workbook with health information and the option to talk with their counselor by phone for up to half an hour. The study will find out whether more personal contact with the counselor adds significantly to the positive results of the program. The sessions focus on 1) reducing hot flashes and increasing postmenopausal health through relaxation, stress management and healthy habits, 2) enhancing sexual communication and
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Contact: Stephanie Hughes Koenig
steph.hughes@gabbe.com
212-220-4444
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
1-Oct-2003