title: Understanding the breast cancer experience of Latina women.
abstract: Qualitative interviews were used to investigate the impact of breast cancer among Latina survivors. The findings revealed that Latina survivors were optimistic about their health, utilized cultural and religious recovery practices; and seemed to accept their diagnosis, fears and suffering as part of their personal journey. The survivors' narrative identified spirituality as central to their recovery and coping. Extended family and friends were the primary sources of support. Common issues were the impact of cancer on medical care problems, work concerns, the meaning of cancer, family well-being, emotional well-being, body image, and sexual health. Latina survivors, particularly those who are poor and speak limited English, often have inadequate insurance, receive unsatisfactory medical care, and experience poor physician-patient communication and relationship. These problems are directly related to health-care system factors as well as socio-ecological and language issues. In addition, many Latina survivors have inadequate resources and inaccurate beliefs that may affect their health care (e.g., delay, lack of follow-up), and overall quality of life. Results will inform a quantitative study with a larger sample of Latina breast cancer survivors.
authors.affiliation: Center of Community Alliance for Research and Education (CARE), Division of Population Sciences, City of Hope Cancer Center, CA 91010-3000, USA. kashing@coh.org
authors.forename: Kimlin T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Ashing-Giwa
authors.forename: Geraldine V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Padilla
authors.forename: Dianne E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Bohórquez
authors.forename: Judith S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Tejero
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garcia
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D032882:Comprehension / Q000502:physiology*; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups / Q000379:methods; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D029181:Spirituality; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D013637:Tape Recording / Q000379:methods