Tzu-I Tsai, MPH¹, Donald Morisky, ScD², Marjorie Kagawa-Singer, RN, MN, PhD¹, and Kimlin T. Ashing-Giwa, PhD³. (1) School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, CHS 26-070, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, 310-6147796, titsai@ucla.edu, (2) Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, CHS 26-070, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, (3) Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Center for Culture and Health, UCLA, 760 Westwood Plaza, Box 62, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Breast cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. By ethnicity, Asian American women are the only ethnic group for whom breast cancer is the number one cause of mortality. Psychological well-being has been viewed as a major domain for determining a cancer patient's life satisfaction, and researchers recognize that culture shapes both the meaning of breast cancer as well as the style of acceptable social and psychological adaptation. Yet little empirical research has been conducted for the Asian cultural population regarding survivorship and quality of life. According to 2000 Census data, Chinese-Americans are the largest Asian-American cultural group in the U.S., making up 25% of total Asian-American population or 0.9% of total population in the U.S. Corresponding to a rapid increase in breast cancer incidence among Asian-Americans, it may be projected that the incidence of breast cancer in the Chinese-American population will also continue to increase. However, there is a lack of research and information on Chinese cultural group. The purpose of this study is to examine the family and ecological determinants most strongly associated with breast cancer experiences and adjustments among Anglo-American and Chinese-American breast cancer survivors in the Los Angeles area. In the family environment domain, family relationship, supports and resources will be addressed. The doctor-patient relationship and communication, social network, and living environment are key factors used to investigate the ecological impact on breast cancer experiences and adjustments among Anglo-Americans and Chinese-Americans.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to

• Identify family factors influencing breast cancer experiences among Anglo-Americans and Chinese-Americans.
• Identify ecological attributes influencing breast cancer experiences among Anglo-Americans and Chinese-Americans.
• Discuss the similarities and differences of health-related quality of life among breast cancer survivors between Anglo- and Chinese- cultural groups.
• Understand the potential policy implications and interventions related to health outcomes and survivorships among Anglo and Chinese women with breast cancer.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Quality of Life

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.