Treatment decision making among chinese women with DCiS
Wong, Sabrina T. Chen, Wei-Ying Bottorff, Joan Lorraine Hislop, T. Gregory
Wong, Sabrina T.
Chen, Wei-Ying
Bottorff, Joan Lorraine
Hislop, T. Gregory
Abstract
One result of the widespread screening mammography is a 200% increase in the rates of breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Treatment decision making among Chinese women diagnosed with DCIS remains understudied. This study examined Chinese-Canadian women's experiences (N = 26): (1) with treatment decision making (mastectomy or breast conserving surgery) and (2) their reflections on the decision-making process. Interviews in Cantonese, Mandarin, or English were transcribed and translated, and a content analysis conducted. Women's treatment decisions reflected a lack of understanding of DCIS, the desire to rid themselves of breast cancer “forever,” and the influence of significant others. English as a second language and use of medical jargon impeded their ability to make informed treatment decisions. Women's reflections on the decision-making process provided insights into how to improve information and support treatment decision making in ways that are accessible to them.
Keywords
Asian, breast cancer, English as a second language, mastectomy, breast reconstruction
Date
2008
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Psychosocial Oncology
Book
Volume
26
Issue
4
Page Range
53-73