Pilot study: The influence of cultural components on breast cancer patients’ perceptions of their support systems

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was (a) to examine the influence of cultural components on Japanese, Indian, and American breast cancer patients’ (BCP) perception of their immediate support systems and (b) to identify their preferences for and perception of their immediate support systems. This pilot study was intended to lay the groundwork for a follow‐up in‐depth study of these issues. The study focused on Japanese BCP's perception of their immediate support systems and reported the findings of a pilot study conducted on Indian and American BCPs. The cultural focus of the study by necessity involves a description of some of the general characteristics of the 3 cultures. This study was based on a questionnaire that contained objective as well as open‐ended items. Participants were interviewed either face‐to‐face or by telephone. The responses of the participants were interpreted by using a descriptive design. The findings supported the contention that cultural factors do affect BCPs’ perception of their immediate support systems.

Key words:

• breast cancer patients
• cultural components
• cultures
• Japan, India, and the United States
• perceptions
• support systems