Supporting wellness after cancer treatment for women from Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic backgrounds: a qualitative study of healthcare provider views

Introduction: Over one million Australians live with a cancer diagnosis, with nearly a quarter speaking a language other than English. Cancer survivors from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds often face significant unmet needs during survivorship, including navigating the healthcare system and accessing culturally appropriate support. For example, Chinese- and Vietnamese-speaking survivors report physical and psychosocial impacts, compounded by limited availability and access to tailored information on symptom management and recurrence prevention. This study aimed to explore healthcare providers’ perspectives on designing supportive care programs for women cancer survivors from Vietnamese, Arabic, and Chinese-speaking backgrounds, focusing on culturally appropriate content, delivery formats, and barriers and facilitators to engagement. Method: Thirteen healthcare providers experienced in cancer survivorship and supportive care for CALD women participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from healthcare settings in Western Sydney, a culturally diverse region, using purposive sampling to ensure diverse professional perspectives. Interviews were guided by an advisory committee, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo. Results: Three key areas were identified: program content, delivery preferences, and barriers/enablers. A holistic approach addressing physical, emotional, and social dimensions was recommended, incorporating culturally tailored guidance on diet, exercise, and mindfulness. Non-hospital, community-based settings were favored for accessibility and comfort, with a stepped-care model offering varying levels of support based on individual needs. Challenges included language barriers, privacy concerns, and logistical issues, while facilitators encompassed culturally sensitive outreach, community partnerships, and bilingual facilitators. Participants emphasized the importance of low-cost programs with flexible delivery formats. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights from healthcare providers on the design of culturally and linguistically tailored supportive care programs for women cancer survivors from Vietnamese-, Arabic-, and Chinese-speaking backgrounds. Providers emphasized the importance of a holistic approach addressing physical, emotional, and social needs, with delivery in accessible, community-based settings. Key recommendations included culturally sensitive outreach, bilingual facilitators, and flexible, low-cost program options to overcome barriers such as language, privacy concerns, and logistical challenges. These programs have the potential to advance health equity by improving survivorship experiences and outcomes for culturally diverse women.