Asian Oncol Nurs.  2012 Jun;12(2):175-185. 10.5388/aon.2012.12.2.175.

Experiences of Korean-American Women with High Risk Hereditary Breast Cancer

• Choi KS
• Jun M
• Anderson G

• KMID: 2269524
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2012.12.2.175

Abstract

PURPOSE
This micro-ethnographic study aimed to understand coping experiences of Korean-American (K-A) women after diagnosis with breast cancer due to a hereditary gene mutation.
METHODS
Participatory observation and in-depth interviews were performed at one breast cancer screening center in Southern California, in 2005 with eleven first generation K-A immigrant women. All transcribed interviews and field notes were analyzed using ethnographic methodology.
RESULTS
K-A women's experience varied based on acculturation risk factors including: limited English speaking ability; disrupted family relationships, individualistic family values, or intergenerational communication barriers; lack of Korean speaking nurses; and Korean physicians' who lacked knowledge about hereditary breast cancer risk. These risk factors led to isolation, loneliness, lack of emotional and social support. In comparison to Korean homeland women in a similar medical situation, these K-A immigrants felt disconnected from the healthcare system, family support and social resources which increased their struggling and impeded coping during their survivorship journey. These women were not able to access self-support groups, nor the valuable resources of nurse navigator programs.
CONCLUSION
Professional oncology associations for nurses and physicians have a moral obligation to support and promote knowledge of hereditary cancer risk and self-help groups for non-native speaking immigrants.

Keyword

Korean Americans; Acculturation; Breast Neoplasms; Loneliness; Self-Help Groups

MeSH Terms

Acculturation
Asian Americans
Breast
Breast Neoplasms
California
Delivery of Health Care
Emigrants and Immigrants
Family Relations
Female
Humans
Loneliness
Mass Screening
Moral Obligations
Risk Factors
Self-Help Groups
Survival Rate

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Experience of Korean-American women who have high risk factor of hereditary breast cancer.

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