Applying the PEN-3 cultural model to explore and improve cancer survivorship in Black and Latinx people in the US.

BACKGROUND

Culture is important as it influences how survivors navigate micro (e.g. interpersonal relationships, social networks) and macro systems (e.g. healthcare system, society) in their everyday lives. This study applied a sociocultural lens, using the PEN-3 cultural model, to explore experiences of Black and Latinx cancer survivors and their families with the aim of identifying recommendations to improve cancer survivorship experience.

METHODS

We used qualitative descriptive design. A total of 17 (4 men and 13 women) cancer survivors 50 years or older (Mean age = 63.9 years) were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Afterwards, we conducted six focus group discussions (three Latinx and three Black groups) with a total of 33 caregivers of cancer survivors (Mean age = 63 years). All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a hybrid of inductive-deductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified from the analysis: Two of the themes were labeled using the PEN-3 cultural model categories; (1) relationships and expectations influencing survivorship experience, (2) cultural empowerment and cancer survivorship. The third theme represents the improvement recommendations provided by the participants; (3) recommendations for improving survivorship.

DISCUSSION: The findings of this study will add to a body of knowledge on using a cultural lens to deepen our understanding cancer survivorship inequities and may inform culturally tailored cancer survivorship interventions in Black and Latinx communities.