Open Access, Peer-reviewed
pISSN 2287-2434
eISSN 2287-447X
    Asian Oncol Nurs. 2012 Jun;12(2):175-185. Korean.
    Published online Jun 30, 2012.
    https://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2012.12.2.175
    © 2012 Korean Oncology Nursing Society
    Original Article

    Experiences of Korean-American Women with High Risk Hereditary Breast Cancer

    Kyung Sook Choi,1 Myunghee Jun,2 and Gwen Anderson3
      • 1Department of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea.
      • 2Department of Nursing, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Korea & University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA.
      • 3School of Nursing, San Diego State University & VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, USA.
    • Address reprint requests to: Jun, Myunghee. Department of Nursing, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon 300-716, Korea. Tel: +82-10-7164-4652, Fax: +82-42-280-2785, Email: jun7710@dju.kr
    Received May 08, 2012; Accepted June 02, 2012.

    Abstract

    Purpose

    This micro-ethnographic study aimed to understand coping experiences of Korean-American (K-A) women after diagnosis with breast cancer due to a hereditary gene mutation.

    Methods

    Participatory observation and in-depth interviews were performed at one breast cancer screening center in Southern California, in 2005 with eleven first generation K-A immigrant women. All transcribed interviews and field notes were analyzed using ethnographic methodology.

    Results

    K-A women's experience varied based on acculturation risk factors including: limited English speaking ability; disrupted family relationships, individualistic family values, or intergenerational communication barriers; lack of Korean speaking nurses; and Korean physicians' who lacked knowledge about hereditary breast cancer risk. These risk factors led to isolation, loneliness, lack of emotional and social support. In comparison to Korean homeland women in a similar medical situation, these K-A immigrants felt disconnected from the healthcare system, family support and social resources which increased their struggling and impeded coping during their survivorship journey. These women were not able to access self-support groups, nor the valuable resources of nurse navigator programs.

    Conclusion

    Professional oncology associations for nurses and physicians have a moral obligation to support and promote knowledge of hereditary cancer risk and self-help groups for non-native speaking immigrants.

    Keywords
    Korean Americans; Acculturation; Breast Neoplasms; Loneliness; Self-Help Groups

    Figures

    Fig. 1
    Experience of Korean-American women who have high risk factor of hereditary breast cancer.

    Tables

    Table 1
    Interview Data Supporting the Concept 'Searching for a Reassurance which are Mentally Connected to Going through Their Loneliness'

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    MeSH Terms
    Acculturation
    Asian Americans
    Breast
    Breast Neoplasms
    California
    Delivery of Health Care
    Emigrants and Immigrants
    Family Relations
    Female
    Humans
    Loneliness
    Mass Screening
    Moral Obligations
    Risk Factors
    Self-Help Groups
    Survival Rate
    Metrics
    Share
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