ASPO Abstracts
Experiences of Younger Asian American Women with Metastatic Cancer
Category: Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research
Conference Year: 2023
Abstract Body:
Background: Younger women with metastatic cancer remain an understudied population. Unique challenges may occur for women of Asian heritage, especially if a cancer diagnosis is stigmatized, misunderstood, and/or not discussed openly in their community. The experiences of younger Asian-heritage women and their social contexts need to be better understood to develop adequate survivorship care plans and resources. Method: Thematic analysis was used to examine ten semi-structured interviews with Asian-heritage women diagnosed with metastatic solid cancer prior to age 50 in the U.S. Results: Women (8 Chinese Americans, 1 Korean American, 1 Vietnamese American) were, on average, 40 years old (SD=6.24) when diagnosed with metastatic cancer (8 breast, 1 lung, 1 pancreatic; 8 de novo, 2 recurrent). Five were foreign-born, having immigrated during adolescence or young adulthood (M Age=17.00, SD=11.75). Three of the women are mothers. Preliminary themes describe the women facing the unexpected with having metastatic cancer at a younger age; information/support gaps due to not knowing other younger women; others forgetting about their metastatic cancer because they look normal; new priorities of reducing stress or caring for family; and a dearth of psychosocial support for self and loved ones. Notable circumstances specific to cultural factors and an immigrant background were: intergenerational gaps with parents in beliefs about cancer, styles of communication, and preferences for disclosure; communication gaps in receiving healthcare despite speaking English; language barriers with parents/relatives when describing their health condition; and geographic barriers preventing sharing their diagnosis with family living abroad. One woman described significant challenges during late pregnancy, having received their metastatic cancer diagnosis right before giving birth. Conclusion: More awareness about younger women with metastatic cancer is needed, especially the experiences of women from diverse cultural backgrounds. Accessible and tailored psychosocial support is sparse for younger Asian American/immigrant women with metastatic cancer and their families.
Keywords: Asian American, Metastatic, Early-onset, Women, Culture