Schover, L.R., Jenkins, R., Sui, D., Adams, J.H., Marion, M.S., & Jackson, K.E. (2006). Randomized trial of peer counseling on reproductive health in African American breast cancer survivors. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 24, 1620–1626.

The study evaluated a peer counseling program to improve sexual function, increase knowledge about reproductive health, and decrease menopausal symptoms and infertility-related distress for African American breast cancer survivors.

Participants were randomly assigned to immediate counseling or a three-month waitlist. Three peer counselors conducted a three-session intervention using a detailed workbook

The study enrolled  a convenience sample of 60 African American women MD Anderson Center.

The study used the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Menopause Symptom Checklist.

Women had fewer problems with hot flashes with counseling. Knowledge of reproductive issues improved significantly from baseline to three-month follow-up (p < .0001), as did emotional distress (p < .0047), and menopause symptoms (p < .0128). Sexually dysfunctional women became less distressed (p < .0167).

This was a small convenience sample, and there was a short follow-up time (3 months). Hot flashes were not the primary focus of the study.