Racial and ethnic differences in post-traumatic stress trajectories in breast cancer survivors

Purpose: To describe differences in post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms over time among racial and ethnic minoritized breast cancer survivors (BCS) with comorbid diabetes. Design: In a multisite longitudinal study, post-traumatic stress was evaluated at baseline, 6 and 12 months through self-reported questionnaires (Impact of Events Scale-Revised [IES-R]). Participants: One hundred and seventy-eight post-treatment BCS with diabetes were recruited from three tertiary medical centers. Findings: Relative to non-Hispanic White women, minoritized women reported higher total IES-R scores at all time points. In the adjusted model, Latina women reported persistently higher IES-R total scores and Latina, and ‘Other’ women reported higher avoidance scores. Conclusions: Minoritized BCS with comorbid diabetes report higher rates of cancer related PTS that persist over 12 months. Implications for Psychosocial Providers: Post diagnosis PTS evaluation and support is important in survivorship and primary care practices. Linkage to socially and culturally sensitive community support may be warranted.