Assessment of language needs and resource use among Canadian immigrant patients with cancer.

Abstract

77 Background: Canada's foreign-born population is estimated to reach up to 30% by 2036. Immigrants diagnosed with cancer can face poorer cancer outcomes compared to non-immigrants due to language barriers affecting physician-patient communication and non-equivalent interpretation by untrained translators. Reducing this disparity is a growing challenge due to continued high immigration rates. As Canadian data is lacking, we explored the language needs and resource utilization of Canadian cancer patients. Methods: Adult cancer survivors from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre were surveyed in English on their socio-demographics, perceived communication difficulties, and interpreter use. Results: Of 470 patients, 45% were foreign-born; 37% self-identified as immigrants; 78% spoke mostly English at home. Among self-identified immigrants, median age at diagnosis was 60 years, 46% were female, and 59% completed post-secondary education. Top three countries of origin were China (23%), India (10%), and Italy (9%). Although 73% of immigrants reported English as their most comfortable language in which to receive healthcare information, 18% reported difficulties communicating with the doctor in English at a few visits or more, 14% indicated some discomfort communicating with their oncologist in English, and 4% of immigrants felt their cancer care was affected by a language barrier. Twenty-six percent of immigrants required interpretation, with 91% employing family, 7% utilizing professional interpreters, and only 19% have ever used the institutional language services. Conclusions: Although most immigrants identify English as their most comfortable language for healthcare delivery, some still experience communication difficulties with their oncologist during at least a few visits. However, most patients felt comfortable communicating with their oncologists and do not feel their cancer care is affected. Most relied on family members to interpret, while local hospital language resources were largely underutilized. Strategies for promoting professional translation service use may help improve immigrants’ experience, caregivers’ burden, and enhance physicians’ ability to counsel patients directly.