After Ringing the Bell: Receptivity of and Preferences for Healthy Behaviors in African American Dyads Surviving Lung Cancer

Purpose: To explore receptivity of and preferences for risk-reducing health behavior changes among African American survivors of early-stage lung cancer and their family members.

Participants & Setting: 26 African American non-small cell lung cancer survivor–family member dyads were recruited from two cancer programs in the southeastern United States.

Methodologic Approach: Social cognitive theory principles guided the design and implementation of focus groups. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and thematic analysis was used to interpret the transcripts from the focus groups.

Findings: The following four themes were identified: (a) rethinking recovery and identifying information oversights; (b) needing compassion, hope, and understanding; (c) living longer with lingering symptoms; and (d) being willing and able to compromise and change.

Implications for Nursing: Participants emphasized the need for improved provider communication. Pragmatic communication interventions for providers, survivors, and family members may facilitate behavior change and improve outcomes among underserved populations.