Are you a woman diagnosed with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic? This study is being conducted to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the cancer care received by women diagnosed with breast cancer and their quality of life. Research will inform future interventions able to sustain effective and equitable models of cancer care delivery.  

This study is being conducted by Dr. Chiara Acquati and Dr. Lorraine Reitzel at the University of Houston. With cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic as a result of delayed or suboptimal care; however, for racial and ethnic minority women diagnosed with breast cancer, modifications of treatment regimens and the psychosocial issues documented as a result of the pandemic may exacerbate the existing disproportionate burden of the disease. 

This project is funded by the National Cancer Institute, and it has been reviewed by the University of Houston Institutional Review Board.  This study is open to women who self-identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latina, or White/Caucasian, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer (stage I – III) in January 2020 or later, currently receiving care. 

Participation involves completing an online survey assessing experiences of care and psychosocial questionnaires. Those who complete it will receive a $30 Amazon gift card. Additionally, women in the study are invited to participate in an online interview, at a time of their convenience, to explore their decisions and experiences of care in greater depth. The interview will last between 45 to 90 minutes. Participants who express their interest and complete the interview will receive an additional $60 Amazon gift card as a thank you for their time.

 Please email or call Dr. Chiara Acquati (cacquati@central.uh.edu; 713-743-4343) with any questions. This project has been reviewed by the University of Houston Institutional Review Board, which can be reached at 713-743-9204. The study is funded by the National Cancer Institute.