Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Nursing, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.
Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.
Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2023 Feb;62:102253. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102253. Epub 2022 Dec 5.
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.
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.
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).
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.
癌症幸存者的移民青年面临着独特的挑战，但他们未满足的需求尚未得到充分理解。本研究的目的是确定移民年轻成年期华裔美国乳腺癌幸存者面临的挑战和优势。
本研究采用描述性现象学，使用定性研究方法。表达性写作被用来探索 15 名年轻成年期华裔美国乳腺癌幸存者的经历。主题分析用于了解年轻成年期华裔美国乳腺癌幸存者的生活经历。
平均而言，参与者在 37 岁时被诊断（年龄范围为 32 至 39 岁），并在美国生活了 12 年。参与者的文章揭示了他们在治疗期间和之后面临的挑战（主要主题），包括难以接受年轻时患有癌症、经济困难、自责、家庭支持不足、对未来的不确定性、对子女和不孕不育的担忧（子主题）。参与者的优势和应对策略（主要主题）包括身体康复和积极的自我认知、家庭是生存的动力、以及来自家人和朋友的支持（子主题）。创伤后成长（主要主题）包括改变生活优先事项、享受生活和自我超越（即原谅和帮助他人）（子主题）。
年轻成年期华裔美国乳腺癌幸存者文章中的主要主题跨越的总体主题是人际关系的重要性，特别是与家人和孩子的关系。医疗保健提供者应根据这些发现，提供文化上适当的支持、转介和资源。
