Cultural and linguistic isolation : the breast cancer experience of Chinese-Australian women : a qualitative study

Objectives: Although breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Chinese-Australian women, information on their experience is limited. This paper explores Chinese-Australian women's perceptions of the meaning and experience of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Twenty-three Chinese Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer participated in the study. Data was collected using three focus groups, with interviews conducted in either Cantonese or Mandarin in Sydney. Following transcription and translation, interview data was analysed by content analysis. Results: Culturally specific values, beliefs and language barriers played a significant role in shaping the women's breast cancer experiences and their response to the diagnosis. Of note these women found the experience isolating and distressing, factors that were compounded by the lack of culturally sensitive resources and information. Conclusions: In providing information for Chinese-Australian women with breast cancer, culture, language and migration experience need to be taken into account.