Cancer in Western Australian Indian families : concerns and coping strategies

Discussion with families of Indian clients with cancer living in Western Australia and their anecdotal reports of stress related to care lead to the development of this descriptive, qualitative study. In particular, the study addresses the concerns of Western Australian families of Indian clients with cancer and the coping strategies they employed. Six family members participated in face-to-face interviews. Content analysis revealed a four-phase process that family members described in response to the cancer diagnosis: initial reactions, immediate concerns, ongoing concerns, and coping strategies used. Culturally-specific observations and recommendations are offered for nursing practice and further research.