Mediators of psychosocial well-being for immigrant women living with breast cancer in Canada: a critical ethnography

Abstract

Background: Immigrant women living with breast cancer experience a lack of psychosocial and emotional support, which adds to the complexity of navigating and using health care services in Canada. Aim: To explore the mediators of psychosocial well-being for immigrant women living with breast cancer in Canada. Methods: A critical ethnography was used. The study identified 27 immigrants living with breast cancer, who had been born in a foreign country, migrated to Canada within the past 10 years, and lived in rural communities of British Columbia between August 2021 and March 2022. Institutional research ethics board approval and informed consent were obtained. Results: The findings indicated two significant themes: The immigrant women had limited knowledge, information, and communication and experienced physical, psychological, and emotional distress. Conclusion: There is a significant need for culturally responsive care services for immigrant women living with breast cancer in rural communities. Recommendations include the development of psychosocial oncology, such as integrated counseling and therapies, to reduce cancer-related post-traumatic stress and improve their psychosocial and emotional well-being. Interdisciplinary approaches to psychosocial oncology are particularly crucial for immigrants and rural communities, where women need access to cancer navigation and ongoing support for a better health-related quality of life.