Chinese American Immigrant Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Experiences with Post-Treatment Care

This study examined the experiences of Chinese American immigrant breast cancer survivors with post-treatment breast cancer care and surveillance in New York City. As part of a mixed methods approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 Chinese American immigrant breast cancer survivors treated in a public hospital setting regarding their final breast cancer treatment visit, perceived risk of breast cancer recurrence, and experiences with social and family networks following the completion of treatment. Several salient and shared themes emerged from the interviews including two areas of particular concern regarding the transition from the treatment to post-treatment setting: survivors’ lack of access to information regarding post-treatment cancer surveillance and resources for psychosocial and health system support. Findings provide insight into the complex ways in which health system and sociocultural factors intersect and shape Chinese American immigrant women’s experiences with post-treatment care and point to the importance of patient-centered information exchange. Oncology treatment specialists should take into consideration specific sociocultural factors and contexts, including communication and available social support of their patients, in the practice of post-treatment care for Chinese American immigrant breast cancer survivors