The Lived Experiences of Middle Eastern Immigrant Women During Their Cancer Survivorship Journey: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

The number of Middle Eastern immigrant women (MEIW) living in Canada has significantly increased. However, this group of women is underrepresented in health research and there is a gap in knowledge of their cancer survivorship experiences in Canada. This phenomenological qualitative approach was employed to uncover the meaning of the lived experiences of MEIW during their cancer survivorship journey (CSJ). Data were collected through unstructured interviews and one written description from three MEIW. The participants' perspectives of cancer risk factors were believed to be the cause of their cancer, and their CSJ was fear-inducing and anxiety-provoking. There appears to be similar and homogenous lived experiences among the participants. Participants showed that their own cancer survivorship experiences were shaped by mutual contributions from different factors and circumstances. Importantly, when they talked about their experiences, they related their personal, familial, cultural and immigrational, gender, economics, social support, self-image, and other associated factors that contributed to their illness and wellness. Healthcare professionals need to identify immigrant women's unmet needs of support and psychosocial responses during their CSJ. Language-specific and culturally competent cancer-care intervention programs need development within the Canadian healthcare system.