Exploring culturally responsive cancer care through the experiences of Black and African American participants in the Mind Over Matter program

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: To examine the relevance, acceptability, appropriateness, and needed refinement of Mind Over Matter (MOM), a five-week group intervention integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mind-body approaches, among Black and African American women cancer survivors. DESIGN/RESEARCH APPROACH: Qualitative component of a mixed-methods evaluation. METHODS/METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH: Fourteen participants (mean age 57.7 years) engaged in three post-intervention focus groups (50 to 120 min each) offered from April to June 2024. De-identified transcripts were analyzed with Braun and Clarke reflexive thematic analysis; a multidisciplinary team included a patient advocate. RESULTS: Participants valued culturally safe connection with other Black and African American women, representation, and coping gains. Racial concordance among participants enhanced comfort. Suggested refinements included attention to the historical and cultural concerns faced by Black and African American women in the healthcare system, more repetition, oncology terminology supports, and earlier, sustained clinical referrals. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: MOM was acceptable and applicable. Cultural fit seemed amplified by shared identity and group cohesion. IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS OR POLICY: Offer culturally concordant skills groups and embed referral pathways across survivorship care to reduce inequities.Trial RegistrationNCT06168825.