Exploring the understanding and management of anxiety from cancer in Latino/a older adults and their caregivers.

Authors

Addison D Monroe, Jaime Gilliland, Lisbeth Rubi, Amanda Katzman, Lindsay Lorson, Devon Latney, Andrew Salner, Kelly M McConnell

Published in

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. Volume 34. Issue 9. Sep 02, 2026. Epub Sep 02, 2026.

Abstract

Aging and cancer have profound effects on patient and caregiver anxiety which negatively impacts physical symptoms, treatment engagement and response, and well-being. Despite the high rates of anxiety in Latino/a older adults with cancer (OACs) and their caregivers, large disparities in mental health care access and quality are prevalent in this population. A better understanding of anxiety experiences is needed to inform the development of effective anxiety interventions for this population.
A qualitative study, containing interviews (n = 7) and focus groups (n = 4) with patients and caregivers (N = 18), was employed to investigate the experience and management of anxiety in Latino/a OACs in order to inform tailored anxiety interventions for this population. Interviews were conducted via videoconference or phone, transcribed, coded, cross-checked, and thematically analyzed.
Five themes within the 2 major domains of anxiety experience and anxiety management emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) Navigating the rapid changes associated with diagnosis and treatment for cancer; (2) Living with uncertainty and a loss of control; (3) Perception that anxiety must be incapacitating to benefit from mental health support; (4) Complexity in navigating social support; and (5) Faith as a central coping resource.
Anxiety is common among Latino/a OACs and their caregivers; however, little is known about this population's experience of anxiety. Findings from the present study revealed distinct anxiety experiences, views toward mental health treatment, and coping preferences. Such findings provide a framework which can be utilized to inform effective dyadic anxiety interventions for Latino/a OACs and their caregivers.

PMID:
42681025
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 02 Sep 2026.

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