Sisters Peer Counseling in Reproductive Issues After Treatment (SPIRIT)

BACKGROUND: African American breast cancer survivors may be at high risk for reproductive health problems, including menopause symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and distress about cancer‐related infertility. The authors partnered with Sisters Network Inc. to create the Sisters Peer Counseling in Reproductive Issues After Treatment (SPIRIT) program, a culturally sensitive intervention program that combined a written workbook and peer counseling. METHODS: Three hundred women were randomized to receive either the workbook plus 3 in‐person sessions with a trained peer counselor or the workbook plus ≤30 minutes of telephone counseling to be initiated by the participant. Questionnaires at baseline, post‐treatment, and at 6‐month and 12‐month follow‐up assessed emotional distress, sexual function, relationship satisfaction, spirituality, menopause symptoms, and knowledge. Satisfaction with the program and the use of medical care also were assessed. RESULTS: Both groups of women improved significantly in knowledge, decreased in distress, and had decreased hot flashes. Sexually active women had improved sexual function at 6‐month follow‐up but not at 1 year. However, peer counseling had little incremental benefit over the telephone counseling. CONCLUSIONS: The SPIRIT program was rated very useful by 66% of women. Outcomes justify continued use of the workbook and further research to optimize the impact of peer counseling. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society. African American breast cancer survivors were randomized to receive either a workbook that promoted reproductive health plus up to 30 minutes of telephone counseling or the workbook with 3 sessions of face‐to‐face peer counseling. Both groups improved by 1‐year follow‐up in knowledge, distress, and hot flashes.