A pilot study to define social support among Spanish-speaking women diagnosed with a breast abnormality suspicious for cancer: a brief research report.

This study explored how Latinas diagnosed with a breast abnormality suspicious for cancer define and use social support while undergoing diagnostic follow-up and/or awaiting a definitive diagnosis. Qualitative data was collected and analyzed from 15 telephone interviews with Spanish-speaking women diagnosed with a breast abnormality suspicious for cancer. Findings indicated that social support was perceived as the comfort, caring, and esteem a person receives from others. With respect to family support, half of the participants felt female family members (e.g., daughters, mothers) were more supportive than male family members (e.g., fathers, sons) when discussing their illness. Many participants felt that asking for help from family members, friends, and health professionals was acceptable under medical circumstances and less justifiable under non-medical circumstances. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Latinas diagnosed with a breast abnormality suspicious for breast cancer are more likely to seek support from family members, friends and health professional after a definitive diagnosis has been given. Additional research is needed to assess the impact of social support in increasing adherence to diagnostic follow-up procedures for a breast abnormality.