Accept me for myself: African American women's issues after breast cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To identify the personal issues and concerns of African American women who are breast cancer survivors.

DESIGN: Exploratory.

SETTING: Southeastern United States; urban community.

SAMPLE: A total of 24 women were recruited from churches and the community; 16 women participated in focus groups.

METHODS: Two focus group sessions were held in a community library. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes that described issues the women had to deal with after treatment for breast cancer.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLE: Women's perceptions of the impact breast cancer had placed on their personal lives, including sexuality.

FINDINGS: Five themes emerged-body appearance, social support, health activism, menopause, and learning to live with a chronic illness.

CONCLUSIONS: African American women have concerns that are similar to, but different from, those of Caucasian women. Further research is needed to identify culturally appropriate care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Assess the effects of treatment on women's personal lives. Know where women can purchase prostheses that match their skin tones. Refer minority women to support groups specifically designed for them.