Researchers from the UCLA CHPR and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC) share findings from a study they conducted that looks at barriers to metastatic breast cancer care in California. Join AJ Scheitler, EdD, director of stakeholder relations at UCLA CHPR, and Beth Glenn, PhD, co-director for community outreach and engagement at UCLA JCCC, as they take a deeper look at three crucial aspects ─ referrals to clinical trials, removing hurdles in health insurance requirements, and access to palliative care ─ and propose possible solutions for system or policy changes that can improve care for metastatic breast cancer patients.

The study, which was conducted in early 2020, collected insights from several sources, including patients, caregivers, research, and a social media Twitter chat, covering a variety of perspectives on the barriers that women face as well as potential solutions to improve care. Interview responses and narrative data led to the discovery of barriers, from high costs of care to lack of support services.