Exploring distress amongst Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors

Xuanyue Zhang presenting her PhD research to our Kura Tāpuhi/School of Nursing colleagues

Congratulations to Xuanyue Zhang who recently passed her PhD Confirmation Review with flying colours! As part of the Confirmation review process Xuanyue presented her proposed research entitled ‘Psychosocial distress among post-treatment Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors in New Zealand: a mixed-methods study’. Her presentation was really well received with attendees excited about the potential of this project to shed light on a very under-researched topic.

Xuanyue’s research will consist of two phases and will examine the levels, determinants and experiences of psychosocial distress among post‑treatment Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors in New Zealand, with particular attention to social support, acculturative stress, and access to psychosocial care. Xuanyue has also completed an integrative review in her first year which examined Psychosocial outcomes among post-treatment Chinese immigrant women with breast cancer, which has been submitted for publication and is currently under review.

Xuanyue’s lead supervisor is Dr Deborah Raphael, who is supported by Dr Rosemary Frey, A/Professor Jackie Robinson and Professor Merryn Gott.