Research institute for nurse scientists responds to the challenge to expand and strengthen research focused on breast cancer in African American women

Abstract

In an era where scientifically derived ‘evidence’ is used as a basis for nursing practice, it is imperative that nurses have a breadth of knowledge relative to the fundamentals of nursing science; knowledge of the current standards of nursing and medical practice; and knowledge of the characteristics, needs, concerns, and challenges of diverse consumer and patient population groups. Yet, while a significant body of ‘evidence’ that describes the experiences and needs of African American women across the breast care continuum has been generated, research suggests that there is a need to expand and strengthen this body of science. This report presents an overview of a decade of research focused on breast cancer among African American women and describes an initiative funded by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to expand and strengthen nursing science that aims to reduce and/or eliminate excess breast cancer morbidity and mortality among African American women. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.