Highlights
- •YA CABCSs experienced culture- and age-specific challenges and strengths.
- •YA CABCSs described the importance of interpersonal relationships.
- •YA CABCSs need financial, career, psychological, and peer support.
- •Nurses should respond with culturally-appropriate support and resources for YA CABCSs.
Abstract
Purpose
Immigrant young adults of cancer survivors face unique challenges but their unmet
needs are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges
and strengths of immigrant young adult Chinese American breast cancer survivors.
Method
Descriptive phenomenology using a qualitative research approach was employed in this
study. Expressive writing was used to explore the experiences of 15 young adult Chinese
American immigrant breast cancer survivors. Thematic analysis was conducted to gain
an understanding of the lived experiences of young adult Chinese American breast cancer
survivors.
Results
On average, participants had been diagnosed at 37 years (ranging from 32 to 39) and
living in the USA for 12 years. Participants' writings revealed their challenges during and after treatment (major theme), including difficulty accepting having cancer at a young age, financial difficulties, self-blame, inadequate family support, uncertainty about their futures, and worries about their children and infertility (sub-themes). Participants’ strengths and coping strategies (major theme) included physical recovery and positive self-perception, family as motivation for survival, and support from family and friends (sub-themes). Post-traumatic growth (major theme) included shifting life priorities and enjoying life and self-transcendence (i.e., forgiving and helping others) (sub-themes).
Conclusions
The overarching topic found across the major themes in the young adult Chinese American
breast cancer survivors’ essays was the importance of interpersonal relationships,
especially with family and children. Healthcare providers should respond with culturally
appropriate support, referrals, and resources based on these findings.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 04, 2022
Accepted:
December 3,
2022
Received in revised form:
November 22,
2022
Received:
July 20,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
