23903797

PMC4018227

Purpose

Asian Americans have consistently reported poorer communication with physicians compared with non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). This qualitative study sought to elucidate the similarities and differences in communication with physicians between Chinese and NHW breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Forty-four Chinese and 28 NHW women with early-stage breast cancer (stage 0-IIa) from the Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry participated in focus group discussions or individual interviews. We oversampled Chinese women because little is known about their cancer care experiences. In both interview formats, questions explored patients’ experiences and feelings when communicating with physicians about their diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

Results

Physician empathy at the time of diagnosis was important to both ethnic groups; however, during treatment and follow-up care, physicians’ ability to treat cancer and alleviate physical symptoms was a higher priority. NHW and US-born Chinese survivors were more likely to assert their needs, whereas Chinese immigrants accepted physician advice even when it did not alleviate physical problems (e.g., pain). Patients viewed all physicians as the primary source for information about cancer care. Many Chinese immigrants sought additional information from primary care physicians and stressed optimal communication over language concordance.

Conclusions

Physician empathy and precise information were important for cancer patients. Cultural differences such as the Western emphasis on individual autonomy vs. Chinese emphasis on respect and hierarchy can be the basis for the varied approaches to physician communication we observed. Interventions based on cultural understanding can foster more effective communication between immigrant patients and physicians ultimately improving patient outcomes.

CDC Public Access

HHSN261201000140C/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States
CA139408/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States
HHSN261201000035C/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States
U58 DP000807/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United States
R21 CA139408/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States
HHSN261201000035I/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States
HHSN261201000034C/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States
HHSN261201000040C/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States
HHSN261201000040I/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States