Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. While almost a quarter of women diagnosed with breast cancer are 50 or younger, few studies are focused on them. Compared to older women, young women have more difficulty adjusting to the breast cancer diagnosis, report more symptoms of distress and a lower quality of life. This study examined depressive symptoms among an ethnically diverse sample of 331 young women, newly diagnosed with breast cancer. The focus was to determine the relative importance of biological, psychological and social variables as correlates of their level of depression. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that a model combining these variables is more highly correlated with depressive symptoms than using biological, psychological or social variables separately. Single measures including bodily pain, self-esteem, level of emotional support and age had independent effects in the combined regression model. Early intervention may prevent these biopsychosocial symptoms progressing to major depression and, thus, enhance the quality of life.

Little is known about the cultural beliefs and quality of life (QOL) of US-born and foreign-born Chinese women with breast cancer. We conducted individual semistructured qualitative interviews to explore the meaning of QOL, identify beliefs about cancer, and make comparison between US-born and foreign-born survivors. Women in this study identified the stigma of breast cancer that exists in the Asian community. They also described interpersonal support as central to a good QOL. However, when describing QOL, foreign-born Chinese women referred to wealth more frequently, while US-born Chinese women indicated friendship more frequently. The study findings support the need for culturally appropriate interventions that take into consideration the cancer-related beliefs and QOL of breast cancer survivors in the Chinese community.

Although many studies have focused on cancer screening utilization and attitudes, no study has yet been conducted that examines community beliefs toward a cancer diagnosis and some of the beliefs about cancer and cancer patients. While certain types of cancer have been decreasing in the White population, minority populations are more likely to be diagnosed in a later stage and die of cancer. Stigmas caused by a cancer diagnosis and the disease itself may be a contributing factor in late detection and increased mortality. A telephone survey of 798 Chinese immigrants living in San Francisco was conducted. Subjects were asked several questions with established responses regarding their beliefs about cancer. One quarter of the 798 participants still believe cancer is contagious. Many also believe cancer is caused by environmental as well as personal action such as immoral behavior. A logistic regression model indicated that women who are at a low income level and have resided in the United States for an extended period of time are more likely to believe cancer is contagious. Community stigmas toward cancer and cancer survivors will prevent some Chinese immigrants from seeking early diagnosis. Multimedia education efforts that utilize print, television, and radio may provide a point of entry to reach otherwise unreachable individuals. This concerted education effort may help to dispel some of the myths regarding cancer, its treatment, and prognosis. It is hoped this would encourage a healthy dialogue about cancer, thus increasing screening and early detection among Chinese immigrants.

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This study explores beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for pain management among 15 U.S.-born and 15 foreign-born Chinese women with breast cancer. For this investigation, trilingual interviewers conducted individual, face-to-face, qualitative interviews in Cantonese, Mandarin, or English. All study participants lived in San Francisco, and the foreign-born women had resided in the U.S. for 15 years or fewer. Findings indicate that many participants consider CAM a viable method of pain management. However, concerns about affordability and quality of treatment prevent some women from using CAM on a regular basis. Many participants indicated that Western health care providers are poorly equipped to provide CAM to manage the pain resulting from breast cancer treatment. Future research should explore how access to CAM can be improved for poor and uninsured patients with cancer and how alternative approaches to pain management can be integrated more broadly in the U.S. health care system.