Background: Health literacy, defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information (Ratzan & Parker, 2002), is positively associated with an array of health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that promote or hinder health literacy development in women with breast cancer to inform clinical practice and the development of future interventions. 

Methods: This mixed-methods study will include two groups of participants: 50 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer initiating adjuvant treatment for the first time, and 5-10 health care professionals who work with this population. Patients will complete a series of quantitative questionnaires pre- and post-treatment as well as two qualitative interviews, one at the outset and another at the completion of treatment. Data collection is being conducted in Spanish or English based on participants’ preference. Data from health care professionals is being collected at a single time point via a semi-structured individual interview, followed by a series of quantitative questionnaires. Qualitative data is being analyzed using a grounded theory approach. 

Preliminary Results: Data has been collected from 5 patients and 4 providers. Preliminary analyses for the first set of qualitative interviews with healthcare providers revealed the following major themes: (a) process for educating patients, (b) patient–provider relationship, (c) pursuing survivor identity, and (d) social support. At the Showcase, we will present these themes along with prominent subthemes including quotes from participants. Potential implications of the study will be discussed.