Pacific Peoples' Experiences of Cancer and Its Treatment in Aotearoa New Zealand Through Talanoa: A Qualitative Study of Samoan and Tongan Participants.

PURPOSE

In Aotearoa New Zealand, there are inequitable outcomes for Pacific peoples who experience higher rates of preventable cancers and poorer survival compared with other ethnicities. The aim of this study was to explore Pacific peoples lived experience of cancer and its treatment in the Auckland setting.

METHODS

Data were collected through semistructured interviews (talanoa) with Pacific patients under the Auckland Regional Cancer and Blood Service. A general inductive approach was used to analyze the data. Ethical approval was granted by the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (reference number AH24086).

RESULTS

Thirteen participants of Samoan and Tongan ethnicity were interviewed. Participants had a range of tumor diagnoses and were receiving curative and noncurative treatments. Five key themes were identified, giving insight into beliefs around cancer, struggles faced by patients, and potential areas of priority. These include (1) cancer means death, (2) holistic and collective approach to support, (3) communication and trust, (4) cost in accessing cancer care and treatment, and (5) Pacific representation.

CONCLUSION

This study sheds light on both positive and negative experiences of Pacific peoples living with cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. It highlights gaps in the current model of oncology care for this population, which are multilevel and therefore require a multifaceted approach. It calls for priority toward reducing barriers to access of care and creating a more culturally safe pathway.