Coping With Breast Cancer: Reflections From Chinese American, Korean American, and Mexican American Women

Objective: The present study identified and compared the coping strategies of Chinese American, Korean American, and Mexican American breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods: Six focus groups were conducted with Chinese American (n = 21), Korean American (n = 11), and Mexican American (n = 9) BCS. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated for thematic content analysis of coping experiences and strategies. Results: Women reported the use of 8 coping strategies (religious/spiritual, benefit finding, fatalism, optimism, fighting spirit, information seeking, denial, and self-distraction). Among Chinese American BCS, benefit finding was the most referenced coping strategy, whereas religious/spiritual coping was most frequently reported among Korean American and Mexican American BCS. Denial and self-distraction were the least cited strategies. Conclusions: Survivors draw upon new found inner strength to successfully integrate their cancer experience into their lives. Coping models must consider the diversity of cancer survivors and the variability in coping strategies among cultural ethnic minority BCS.