UCLA

Pilipino Americans comprise the second largest Asian American subgroup in the United States and experience the highest rates of breast cancer compared to any other Asian American subgroup for which data is available. However, literature specific to the social support experience of Pilipino American breast cancer survivors is minimal. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, this thesis investigated three areas of the social support experience among Pilipino American breast cancer survivors: (1) How social support is perceived and received; (2) Role of support groups; and (3) Role of religion. One semi-structured focus group interview was conducted with eight participants from the greater Los Angeles area. Emergent themes included sources of support, survivorship, relationships and ways of coping. Participants' discussion surrounding these topics was contextualized by cultural values specific to the Pilipino American population. Thesis findings can inform future projects that build the social support literature on breast cancer survivorship.