Survivorship: a qualitative investigation of Latinas diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Latinas experience high rates of cervical cancer (CCA) in the U.S. This health-related quality of life (HRQOL) qualitative study was conducted with key informant and focus groups (N = 26). The results indicate that overall Latinas experience persistent concerns: Physical challenges including pain, and bladder, bowel, and sexual health problems; medical care barriers (e.g., difficulties accessing quality care, poor patient-physician relationship); functional issues including employment difficulties; and personal concerns including family and relationship burdens. Spiritual, familial, and cultural factors promote coping and well-being but may delay care seeking. In summary, Latinas diagnosed with CCA face a burdensome survivorship experience. Increases in medical and psychosocial services are greatly needed for Latinas to improve cancer outcomes including HRQOL.
Ashing-Giwa
Kimlin T
KT
CARE, Division of Population Sciences, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010-3000, USA. Kashing@coh.org
Padilla
Geraldine V
GV
Bohórquez
Dianne E
DE
Tejero
Judith S
JS
Garcia
Manuela
M
Meyers
Eva A
EA
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*