Understanding the Breast Cancer Experience of Latina Women

• Published in: Journal of psychosocial oncology Vol. 24; no. 3; pp. 19 - 52
• Main Authors: Ashing-Giwa, Kimlin T., Padilla, Geraldine V., Bohorquez, Dianne E., Tejero, Judith S., Garcia, Manuela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Taylor & Francis Group 01.01.2006; Haworth Press; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological - physiology; Adult; Aged; Attitude to Health; Biological and medical sciences; Breast Cancer; Breast Neoplasms - psychology; Cancer; Comprehension - physiology; Culture; Female; Focus Groups - methods; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Health Behavior; Health Problems; Health Services Accessibility; Hispanic Americans; Hispanic Americans - psychology; Humans; Illness and personality; Illness, stress and coping; Interviews; Interviews as Topic - methods; Latin American Cultural Groups; Latina/Hispanic health; Mammary gland diseases; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Oncology; Psychology and medicine; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; psychosocial oncology; Qualitative research; Quality of Life - psychology; Religion and Medicine; Social Support; Socioeconomic Factors; Sociology; Spirituality; Survivor; Survivors - psychology; Tape Recording - methods; Tumors; Well Being; Women; Social environment; Human; Body image; Survivor; psychosocial oncology; Breast cancer; Malignant tumor; Latina/Hispanic health; Latinamerican; Stress; Quality of life; Mammary gland diseases; Physician patient relation; Cultural environment; Family environment; Female; Coping; Hispanic; Psychological well being; Social support
• ISSN: 0734-7332; 1540-7586
• DOI: 10.1300/J077v24n03_02

Qualitative interviews were used to investigate the impact of breast cancer among Latina survivors. The findings revealed that Latina survivors were optimistic about their health, utilized cultural and religious recovery practices; and seemed to accept their diagnosis, fears and suffering as part of their personal journey. The survivors' narrative identified spirituality as central to their recovery and coping. Extended family and friends were the primary sources of support. Common issues were the impact of cancer on medical care problems, work concerns, the meaning of cancer, family well-being, emotional well-being, body image, and sexual health. Latina survivors, particularly those who are poor and speak limited English, often have inadequate insurance, receive unsatisfactory medical care, and experience poor physician-patient communication and relationship. These problems are directly related to health-care system factors as well as socio-ecological and language issues. In addition, many Latina survivors have inadequate resources and inaccurate beliefs that may affect their health care (e.g., delay, lack of follow-up), and overall quality of life. Results will inform a quantitative study with a larger sample of Latina breast cancer survivors.