Grant: Project Grant - PA: Health and Official Languages in Minority Communities

Among the challenges faced by cancer patients is the need for emotional, psychological and social support. Hospitals are starting to address these needs by providing special services. Questions remain, however, about how well such services meet the needs of patients, and what barriers can get in the way. In Quebec, language can be a barrier to accessing healthcare, especially among the minority of English speakers. Our research focuses on the needs of oral cancer patients, who often face considerably difficulties in coping with the debilitating consequences of the disease, such as disfiguration, or difficulty eating in public. Using a series of three research projects, we will follow the progress of English- and French-speaking oral cancer survivors navigating recovery: from screening for referral to support services, to patients' distress, their perceptions of their needs, their understanding of what help is available, and what might make the system better. We will use data analysis of screening and referrals, as well as interviews with patients and their caregivers, to understand the situation holistically. By the end of our research program, we aim to propose tailored solutions to address barriers to access for both language groups in Quebec.