Family communication may enhance cancer knowledge, awareness, and
prevention behaviors among the family members of cancer patients. In Taiwan,
almost one quarter (24.7 %) of all cancer diagnoses among females are attributed
to breast cancer. This study, whose maternal participants are Taiwanese breast
cancer survivors, investigates the potential influence of mother-daughter cancer
communication on their daughters’ cancer prevention attitudes and behaviors.
Methods: The research design employs a concurrent quantitative-dominant mixed
method design in which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and
analyzed at the same time. This study consisted of seven in-depth interviews with
daughters of breast cancer patients/survivors and a survey of eighty daughters
of breast cancer patients/survivors. Results: Results reveal that mother-daughter
relationships and communication were influenced by mothers’ dependency on and
accessibility to their daughters. Additionally, subsequent prevention behaviors by
the daughters were significantly influenced by their mothers’ suggestions/advice.