Abstract
Pain is a common symptom among cancer survivors, yet is rarely talked about by American Indians. Understanding the reasons for reduced communication by American Indian cancer survivors is important for healthcare providers, family members, and others providing treatment and support for cancer symptoms. Thirteen focus groups with Southwest American Indian adult cancer survivors were audiotaped and transcribed as part of a randomized intervention to remove barriers to cancer symptom management. Constant comparative methods were employed in the data analysis, topic categories were grouped for comparison, and final assessment followed Grounded Theory methods. Findings were categorized into two major groupings: communication with family members and communication with health care providers. Within these two groupings, three themes emerged to describe cancer pain experiences and communication barriers: (1) We don’t talk about it, (2) Respect for healthcare providers; and (3) Culturally prohibitive topics on death and pain experiences. Not talking about their cancer diagnosis and cancer-related pain leaves many American Indian cancer survivors without much-needed social support, contributing to reduced treatment compliance and access to healthcare. Findings have implications for educational interventions and quality of life improvement for American Indian and other underrepresented communities.
Highlights
Understanding the communication patterns of American Indian cancer survivors is important for the mitigation and control of cancer-related symptoms
This study revealed culturally-bound communication restrictions between American Indian cancer survivors and their family
Pain in cancer survivors is a common yet rarely talked about symptom amongst American Indians
Summary
Understanding the communication patterns of American Indian cancer survivors is important for the mitigation and control of cancer-related symptoms. With knowledge of the communication styles of American Indian cancer survivors, healthcare providers may better mitigate and treat cancer-related pain. Cancer pain can be managed to a degree, it is not always managed effectively or on a timely basis [2]. Pain management is traditionally under the care of the medical provider, who can provide a medley of pharmaceuticals. Regardless of modality, patient-provider communication is essential for effective pain management. Support from family and loved ones is instrumental, as supportive care entails numerous tasks central to health and treatment, such as transportation and monitoring of medication. Strong patient-provider and patient-family communication is critical to long-term survivorship
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