Experiences and perspectives of ethnocultural breast cancer survivors in the interior region of British Columbia: A descriptive cross-sectional approach

Abstract

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canadian ethnocultural survivors. There is little information on the psychosocial impact of experiences and perspectives among ethnocultural survivors. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the experiences and perspectives of ethnocultural breast cancer survivors in the interior region of British Columbia. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional approach was used. A research ethics board approval was obtained. A purposive sample of 115 ethnocultural breast cancer survivors was recruited in the interior region from August 2020 to March 2021. Written and verbal consent was obtained from the participants who completed a survey questionnaire. ResultsPatient engagement in care and total satisfaction scores were significantly associated with younger age, higher schooling, living a marital life, being employed, having extended health benefits, having a family history of breast cancer, decreased number of years with the first breast cancer diagnosis, and lesser severity of symptom distress. Participants of a younger age expressed receiving better consultation and advice from health care practitioners for cancer treatment-related distress, building patient-physician communication, relationship and trust. ConclusionA deeper understanding the cancer-related experiences of ethnocultural breast cancer survivors lies in its importance of integrating return to work, health benefits and extended insurance policies within the framework of cancer supportive care. This research lays a foundation for future work to develop specific supportive care interventions that reduce psychosocial distress, improve work productivity and longevity leading to better quality of life.