Integrative Review of the Supportive Care Needs of Asian and Caucasian Women with Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Women with breast cancer report numerous supportive care needs throughout the illness trajectory, including informational, psychological, physical, and daily living challenges. Whilst information about the prevalence and predictors of supportive care needs is essential to guide service planning, little is known about how such needs differ around the world. An integrative review of research published since 2012 was undertaken to examine the supportive care/unmet needs of women with breast cancer from Asian or Caucasian origins. Of the 23 articles identified, results suggest that Asian women report higher levels of health system and information needs, whereas Caucasian women report higher psychological needs. Unmet needs may be predicted by age, marital status, symptom distress, depression or anxiety, and care satisfaction, regardless of Asian/Caucasian status. Future cross-cultural research employing longitudinal designs and/or examining intervention efficacy to address unmet needs is warranted.