Cancer diagnosis experience: Voices of Southwest American indians

A cancer diagnosis can greatly change the lives of patients and their families. This paper reports on the experiences of American Indians as they received their cancer diagnosis. A study testing a cancer symptom management intervention among Southwest American Indians recruited 171 cancer survivors and caregivers into a series of Talking Circle focus groups at 5 intervention sites. Sessions were audio-recorded and analyzed using Grounded Theory-based methods. Findings report on common themes that emerged as cancer survivors and their family members/caregivers recount experiences of learning about the cancer diagnosis. Themes that emerged were: 1) confusion about the diagnosis; 2) lack of effective communication with providers at diagnosis; 3) patients relied on family support to cope with and communicate with others about the diagnosis; and 4) fear of negative outcomes and uncertainty about the future. Southwest American Indians receiving a cancer diagnosis found it was an overwhelming experience that was complicated by uncertainty and low-levels of knowledge about the disease. Adequate patient-provider communication during the diagnosis coupled with family support is important in order to cope with the cancer diagnosis. The provision of adequate information for informed decision-making helps to diminish the fears and misconceptions that can make a cancer diagnosis a foreboding ordeal for individuals.