Abstract IA22: Understanding the unique experience among Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Little is known about the psychosocial barriers among immigrant Chinese American breast cancer survivors. The aim of the present study was to explore the psychosocial needs and challenges of Chinese American immigrant breast cancer survivors, and to develop and test culturally sensitive interventions to overcome these challenges. Methods: Study one used the expressive writing approach to explore the experiences among Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors. The participants were recruited through community-based organizations in Southern California, most of whom were diagnosed at Stages I and II (33% and 48%, respectively). Participants, on average, had been living in the USA for 19 years. Participants were asked to write three 20-minute essays related to their experience with breast cancer (in 3 weeks). Participants' writings were coded with line-by-line analysis, and categories and themes were generated. Study two used the expressive writing approach as an intervention among this population. Results: Study one found that emotion suppression, perceived stigma about being a breast cancer survivor, and concerns about fulfilling multiple roles were reflected in the writings. Participants indicated their reluctance to disclose cancer diagnosis to family and friends and mentioned barriers of communicating with their husbands. Participants felt unfamiliar with the health care system and encountered language barriers. On the other hand, post-traumatic growth was also reflected in the writings. Study two found that expressive writing intervention facilitated post-traumatic growth and increased quality of life among this population. Conclusions: Counseling services addressing concerns about stigma and communication among family members may benefit patients' adjustments. Tailor-made information in Chinese about diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer and health insurance in the USA as well as interventions to facilitate finding benefits and to reduce stress and stigma may also help patients go through the course of recovery. Citation Format: Qian Lu, Qiao Chu, Krystal Warmoth, Nelson Young, Lucy Young, Alice Loh, Carol Wang. Understanding the unique experience among Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr IA22.