ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5655

RTT - Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO 2024

47% of respondents identified as Black Caribbean and 15% as mixed Black Caribbean/White, with 77% overall identifying as from a black background, 14% from an Asian background and 21% from a mixed background.

While 94% of respondents consider a holistic approach to medical care is important, only 56% felt they received enough support from their healthcare team during treatment.

74% of women who use a softie, prosthetic or nipple were not offered one to match their skin tone.

87% of women reported suffering from long term side effects including skin pigmentation.

Only just over half (55%) of those who attended cancer support groups felt able to relate to others in the group, or the group leaders. This may be explained in part by the fact that only 31% of respondents were able to find women of colour to relate to when diagnosed and only 4% of respondents see women of colour represented in the media talking about breast cancer.

Although 97% of participants shared their diagnosis with friends and family, there were examples of detrimental comments:

‘Stress has caused your cancer’

‘Don’t take the chemo it’ll kill you’

‘You’re too young to be diagnosed with cancer’

Conclusion: