Dr. Susan Love is something of a legend in the world of breast cancer research and advocacy. (She also happens to be a lesbian mom.) Her Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation launched the “Army of Women” in October 2008 with the goal of recruiting one million women of all ages and ethnicities, including those who have never had breast cancer as well as breast cancer survivors, to participate in a variety of research studies. (Here’s my 2009 interview with Dr. Love about her then-new Army.) Now, her Army is seeking more lesbians and bisexual women.
The Army of Women is teaming with Ulrike Boehmer, Ph.D, at the Boston University School of Public Health for the “Variations in Health Needs of Breast Cancer Survivors Study.” A publicist from Dr. Love’s Foundation tells me, “Boehmer and her research team are looking to interview 600 lesbian or bisexual women nationwide who have had breast cancer or are currently dealing with the disease to understand the well-being and quality of life of these women. The information will be gathered through simple phone interviews and used to develop programs and services that can specifically address these women’s quality of life.”
If you’re interested, read the full details after the jump.
Lesbian and Bisexual Women in the US Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Needed!
It is widely known that a breast cancer diagnosis can have far reaching effects both socially and emotionally. Less well understood are the ways in which a breast cancer diagnosis impacts the well-being and quality of life of women who have historically been underserved by the medical community. Lesbian and bisexual women are one of these underserved populations, and little research has been done to assess their health and well-being as women with breast cancer. Identifying their unique needs by asking some questions in a survey will help researchers to develop culturally appropriate programs for these women.
The researchers are interested in hearing from all lesbian and bisexual women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis. They have a particular interest in women who have metastatic disease, recurrent disease, or an additional invasive cancer diagnosis, or are currently undergoing cancer treatment. If you have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer, please read on to learn more about what’s involved and who can participate.
If this study isn’t a right fit for you, but you know someone who might be interested in participating, please pass it on! Forwarding our information to friends and family is just as important as participating in a study.
What’s the study about?
The information gained from this research about the well-being and quality of life of lesbian and bisexual women with breast cancer will be used to develop programs and services designed to reduce health disparities. After the research team enrolls the lesbian and bisexual women, they will enroll heterosexual women to take part in the phone survey.
What’s involved?
If you choose to join this study, you will be asked to take part in a phone survey that will last approximately 45 minutes. Questions about your health, medical history, demographics, and sexual orientation will be asked. Six hundred women are needed for this study.
Who is conducting the study?
Ulrike Boehmer, PhD, at the Boston University School of Public Health in collaboration with Brown University.
Where?
Anywhere in the United States.
Who can participate?
You can sign up for the Variations in the Health Needs of Breast Cancer Survivors Study if:
- You identify as lesbian, bisexual, or as a woman who partners with women
AND
You have been diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in your life
After you RSVP, the researchers will ask you additional questions to be sure that this study is a right fit for you.