Family as a bridge to improve meaning in Latinx individuals coping with cancer Journal Article


Authors: Torres-Blasco, N.; Costas-Muñiz, R.; Zamore, C.; Porter, L.; Claros, M.; Bernal, G.; Shen, M. J.; Breitbart, W.; Rosario, L.; Peña-Vargas, C.; Castro-Figueroa, E. M.
Article Title: Family as a bridge to improve meaning in Latinx individuals coping with cancer
Abstract: Background: Family and meaning-making resources are culturally congruent and help support Latinx coping with cancer. Objectives: To explore Latinx advanced cancer patients' perspectives on the role of family and meaning/purpose in adjustment to advanced cancer. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted. In-depth interviews were performed and transcripts were analyzed using the method from applied thematic analysis. Setting/Subject: Participants were patients with any advanced cancer diagnosis, recruited from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York; Lincoln Medical Center (LMC), New York; and Ponce Health Science University (PHSU), Puerto Rico. Measurements: Sociodemographic and semistructured interview. Results: N = 24 in-depth interviews were completed by Latinx advanced cancer patients (Stage III and IV). When evaluating patients' perspectives on the role of family and meaning/purpose in adjustment to advanced cancer, the team generated three categories: (1) family support, (2) family communication, and (3) include support for the family. Many patients reported the importance of family as a source of meaning and social support in the process of cancer diagnosis and treatment. They also reported communication as central to process information and planning. Also, participants describe their desire to incorporate family members into therapy and for encouraging them to seek counseling. Conclusions: Results highlight the need to include syntonic cultural values such as family and meaning for Latinx individuals coping with advanced cancer in psychological interventions. © Torres-Blasco Normarie et al., 2022; Published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2022.
Keywords: family; cancer; latinx
Journal Title: Palliative Medicine Reports
Volume: 3
ISSN: 2689-2820
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc  
Date Published: 2022-01-01
Start Page: 186
End Page: 193
Language: English
DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2022.0035
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC9531875
PUBMED: 36203712
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 November 2022 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. William S Breitbart
    505 Breitbart
  2. Maria Claros
    13 Claros
  3. Carolina Zamore
    7 Zamore