Early Stage or Curable Cancer Diagnoses in Minorities: A Journey of Survivors

For some individuals, a routine checkup with the family physician may turn into a life-changing diagnosis. As of today, there are over 1,918,030 new estimated cancer cases that will be revealed in 2022. Due to significant technological advancements in the medical field, there have been increased amounts of screening measurements taken to improve the chances of catching cancer in its early stages. While various modes of cancer treatment should be accessible to individuals from all walks of life, previous studies have demonstrated that minorities, as well as other individuals from underrepresented communities, do not receive the same level of care in comparison to their non-minority counterparts who also receive cancer treatment. Often times, cancer experiences from underrepresented patients are overlooked; however, it is essential that each of their journeys is properly explored. Due to this disconnect and a lack of extensive research, my study aims to understand the experiences of underrepresented individuals with early-stage curable cancer diagnoses. To explore this issue, we decided to conduct thirty additional interviews. We want our sample to specifically focus on underrepresented minorities and men, who were under represented in the first data collection. This study is analyzed using a modified grounded theories approach of looking for common themes and finding the connections of how they fit together. Expected results presume differences in oncology experiences within minority patients due to possible cultural differences, varying educational statuses, access to care, as well as possible disparities and personal preconceived biases; however, there is a presumed common ground of sympathy due to a level of empathy and respect for those battling this disease. Keywords: cancer, curable, diagnosis, early stage, health disparities, minorities, oncology, psychology, screening, underrepresented communitie