Exploring Cancer Experiences and Community Health Concerns Among Asian Americans in St. Louis: A Formative Study to Guide Photovoice Implementation

TL;DR

This study explores cancer-related experiences and health concerns among Asian Americans in St. Louis to guide community health efforts.

Contribution

The study identifies cultural and financial barriers to cancer care among Asian Americans using expressive writing and thematic analysis.

Findings

Cancer stigma is linked to beliefs that lifestyle choices cause cancer.

Traditional medicine preferences are influenced by generational and cultural beliefs.

Financial cost and lack of translation services hinder cancer care access.

Abstract

•Expressive writing guided Asian Americans’ engagement in a photovoice study.•Participants described that cancer stigma is rooted in individual blame for cancer.•Preference for traditional medicine was influenced by generational beliefs.•Financial cost and lack of translation services were key barriers to cancer care.

Expressive writing guided Asian Americans’ engagement in a photovoice study.

Participants described that cancer stigma is rooted in individual blame for cancer.

Preference for traditional medicine was influenced by generational beliefs.

Financial cost and lack of translation services were key barriers to cancer care.

The objective of this study was to identify preliminary community concerns for cancer prevention and care among Asian Americans in the St. Louis metropolitan region.

The authors used phenomenological theory to conduct an expressive writing study among Asian Americans who had a family or personal history of cancer or served as a cancer survivor’s caregiver. Participants handwrote essays about their experiences and perceptions of cancer. Three research team members coded the essays and generated themes using thematic analysis.

Nineteen individuals participated in the study. The authors identified 3 primary themes. First, cancer stigma was associated with the belief that lifestyle choices are the primary determinants of cancer. Second, preference for traditional medicine was influenced by different generational and cultural beliefs about how to treat cancer. Finally, the primary barriers to access to cancer care were financial cost and lack of language translation services.

The authors identified several barriers to cancer prevention and care among Asian Americans, a population underrepresented in the St. Louis metropolitan region. These findings will guide participants’ engagement in a photovoice study aimed at improving community health.