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Purpose/Objectives: To review the literature relevant to understanding culturally informed oncology research, particularly as it relates to health-related quality of life.
Data Sources: Published articles and books.
Data Synthesis: A cultural perspective to the prevailing theory and research methods used in oncology research with respect to quality of life is imperative. A multidimensional and practical framework can be applied to increase cultural competence in research by addressing the purpose of the research, theoretical framework, and methodologic approaches.
Conclusions: Culturally competent, multicultural research will help the scientific community better comprehend disparities that exist in health-related quality of life so that benefits can be experienced by all patients.
Implications for Nursing: Nursing practice and research must continue its leadership role to infuse cultural competence and reduce disparities in the healthcare system.
Cancer is the second-leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world as well as in some developing countries (World Health Organization, 2003). In 2005, more than 1.3 million people were diagnosed with cancer and approximately 9.8 million were living with a history of the disease in the United States (American Cancer Society, 2005). However, cancer outcomes are not equal across racial and ethnic groups. People of color bear an unequal burden of cancer (Hayes & Smedley, 1999), and although the most common cancer sites are the same for women (breast, colon, and lung) and men (prostate, colon, and lung) of all ethnic groups, the outcomes are not (American Cancer Society) (see Table 1). Cancer can be deadly, but it often is curable if diagnosed and treated in early stages. The five-year survival rates for all racial and ethnic groups for breast, prostate, and colon cancers are 88%, 99%, and 63%, respectively; however, the overall survival rates are lowest for African Americans, American Indians, and Latino Americans (American Cancer Society). Advances in treatment and increases in survival rates have generated significant research regarding the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of cancer survivors, yet these studies only recently have begun to focus on the need for culturally competent research, with the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) providing much of the leadership. This new direction is mandated by demography, disparity, and equity.
The demographic makeup of the United States is becoming increasingly diverse. In 2000, 35.3 million...