Breast Cancer Knowledge, Attitude and Screening Behaviors Among Hispanics in South Texas Colonias

This study examines breast cancer knowledge, attitudes and screening behaviors of Hispanic women living in the South Texas colonias of Maverick and Val Verde Counties. We used the Health Belief Model to analyze the effects of HBM constructs on clinical breast exam (CBE) and mammogram screening. Using a multistage systematic sampling approach we interviewed women living within these colonias. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict CBE and mammography screening behaviors. The results indicate that knowledge, susceptibility, barriers and source of health information were statistically significant in predicting CBE among these women. In addition, background variables such as marital status and health insurance were also significant in predicting CBE. Findings further indicate that source of health information, barriers, and health insurance significantly predicts mammography screening behaviors. Results suggest that for women living in colonias along the South Texas Border socio-demographic variables play a significant role in CBE and mammography utilization.     

Community Empowerment Partners (CEPs): A Breast Health Education Program for African-American Women

Peer educators have been shown to provide effective interventions in breast cancer screening. Few studies have compared the effects of peer education on breast cancer knowledge among peer educators and the community members who are subsequently reached through the peer education. Further, little is known as to whether those who received the education then go on to educate others in the community. The purpose of this study is to address those gaps. Using a pre- and post-test study design, we trained peer educators, provided the educators with resources to train community members, and assessed changes in knowledge. We sought to train ten educators and recommended each train ten community members in breast cancer knowledge and screening strategies. A total of 14 peer educators were trained, who subsequently trained a total of 121 community members, of whom 94 were African American women. Peer educators and community members, showed comparable increases in knowledge. Community members who were educated also increased intention to discuss breast cancer and breast cancer screening with their family, friends, and acquaintances. Our study suggests that it is feasible to train peer educators to increase knowledge among community members to the same level that they themselves experience when trained. Further, community members are interested in sharing information learned related to how much they learn from peer educators.     

Heterogeneity in Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Practices Among Female Hispanic Immigrants in the United States

This study examined differences in cervical and breast cancer (CC and BC) screening among a heterogeneous group of Hispanic women. Data from 247 women (mean age = 38.7 ± 13.3) from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and countries throughout Central and South America regarding participation in Pap smears, mammography, clinical breast exam (CBE) and breast self-exams (BSE), CC and BC knowledge, and acculturation were analyzed. Differences in CBE and BSE screening behaviors were found based on country of origin (P < .01). However, after adjusting for the independent variables, only acculturation and knowledge remained significant correlates to BSE and CBE (P < .01). Dominican women had higher BC knowledge scores (P < .01) adhered most to BC screening guidelines. Heterogeneity in BC and CC screening was found among Hispanic sub-groups and suggests that health promotion programs should be tailored appropriately, particularly among recent immigrants.     

Influence of Health Care, Cost, and Culture on Breast Cancer Screening: Issues Facing Urban American Indian Women

Background. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American Indian women. Southwestern American Indian women are more likely to have distant spread of the disease, and 5-year survival from breast cancer is poor in comparison to U.S. whites. Mortality from breast cancer could be reduced by more than 30% in American Indian women if current recommendations for screening were followed.Methods. A random household cross-sectional survey was conducted among 519 adult American Indian women in Phoenix, Arizona. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of recent clinical breast examination and mammogram among those women aged 40 years and older.Results. Just more than half (53.0%) of the women surveyed reported they had received a clinical breast examination in the last year, and 35.7% indicated they had received a mammogram in the last 2 years. Access to care, knowledge of the examinations, and health beliefs were positively associated with breast cancer screening in the multivariate analyses.Conclusions. The cancer screening rates observed in urban American Indian women are far below current national estimates and Healthy People 2000 Objectives. This study confirms the limited access of urban Indians to preventive health services, and supports a role for cancer education in improving screening participation in this special population.     

Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Screening Practices Among Iranian Immigrant Women in Toronto

Breast cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Canada. Secondary prevention through screening may enable early identification and treatment, but this is suboptimal among all Canadian women, particularly minority immigrant women. This cross-sectional exploratory study assessed breast health knowledge and practices among Iranian immigrant women residing in Toronto. Our sample included 50 adult women with no history of breast cancer. Results showed that, overall, participants had limited knowledge of breast cancer and screening practices. More than two-thirds had low knowledge scores; 22% did not know that the risk of breast cancer increases with age; about 50% did not know the recommended time interval for screening mammography; 72% did not know how frequently to undergo a clinical breast examination. Length of stay in Canada was associated with self-reported breast health practices. These findings highlight the need to educate Iranian immigrants about the role of screening to promote early identification of breast cancer in the absence of symptoms. Culturally sensitive educational materials should be developed to address their specific needs. Healthcare providers should also be educated about how to communicate breast health information effectively to immigrant women. Opportunistic teaching during each health encounter should be encouraged and reinforced.     

Knowledge,Attitudes and Practices of Breast Cancer Screening Among Women in Jordan

Enhancing breast cancer screening in developing countries is pivotal in improving women's health. We aimed at describing knowledge of and perceived reasons for performing breast cancer screening. We interviewed 1,549 population-based randomly selected women. We found that women share limited knowledge about breast cancer screening. Few women performed screening for early detection purposes. The influence of physicians was the main reason for performing mammography. Prevalence of breast cancer screening might be enhanced by integrating screening into other medical services. Health agencies need to invite women for screening and educate them regarding the importance of screening in the absence of symptoms.     

Mexican Immigrant Male Knowledge and Support Toward Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening

Background We conducted a focus group study to assess the influence of partner communication on breast and cervical cancer screening and the perceived existing and potential support from male partners in participating in cancer screening. Secondarily, Mexican male and female views on health care and cancer were explored. Methods Seven focus groups (two female-only, three male-only, and two couples) were conducted in Spanish. Results Findings suggest that knowledge about cervical cancer was significantly less than knowledge about breast cancer among both men and women. Barriers to cancer screening included language barriers, lack of health insurance, and lack of awareness of the need for screening. Male partners expressed willingness to support their female partners in cancer screening activities. Conclusion Cervical cancer education is desperately needed, including education on the availability of free and low cost screening services. Education efforts should include the male community members, especially as the males perceive themselves as responsible for the financial burden of care.     

Screening Mammography and Late-Stage Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND: Among 50- to 69-year-old women, randomized clinical trials show breast cancer mortality reductions from screening mammography. However, few studies examine the long-term health effects and outcomes from screening mammography in community practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate one approach for determining the effectiveness of screening mammography, as it is practiced in community settings, and to measure the prevalence of prior screening mammography among women with incident breast cancer. METHODS: This study was a population-based survey of the general community. Participants were 406 women with breast cancer diagnosed in 1993. The main outcome measure was breast cancer, late stage at diagnosis or fatal within 2 to 3 years of diagnosis. RESULTS: Sixty-four (57.7%) of 111 women with late-stage and 123 (42.1%) of 292 women with early-stage breast cancer did not have a screening mammogram in the 4 calendar years (1989-1992) before diagnosis. Relative to women with early-stage breast cancer, mammography nonuse in 1989-1992 was significantly more frequent among women with late-stage breast cancer (age-adjusted odds ratio 2.3, 95% confidence interval 1.3-4.3). Prior mammography was particularly infrequent among 42 women with breast cancer incident in 1993 and fatal before January 1996. CONCLUSIONS: Prior mammography among women with late-stage or fatal breast cancer was relatively infrequent. Late-stage or fatal breast cancer lacking prior mammography constitutes a missed public health opportunity. Also, this population-based study showed the expected association between prior mammography and late-stage or fatal breast cancer. These results are consistent with the effective practice of mammography in a community setting. The results illustrate and validate a public health approach that uses prior mammography histories among women with incident breast cancer to evaluate mammography penetration and quality in defined communities.     

Breast and cervical cancer screening in Hispanic women: a literature review using the health belief model.

The aim of this study was to review published studies that examined factors influencing breast and cervical cancer screening behavior in Hispanic women, using the Health Belief Model (HBM). MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases and manual search were used to identify articles. Cancer screening barriers common among Hispanic women include fear of cancer, fatalistic views on cancer, linguistic barriers, and culturally based embarrassment. In addition, Hispanic women commonly feel less susceptible to cancer, which is an important reason for their lack of screening. Positive cues to undergo screening include physician recommendation, community outreach programs with the use of Hispanic lay health leaders, Spanish print material, and use of culturally specific media. Critical review of the literature using the theoretical framework of the Health Belief Model identified several culturally specific factors influencing cancer screening uptake and compliance among Hispanic women. Future interventions need to be culturally sensitive and competent.     

绵阳市涪城区女性乳腺癌相关知识及态度初步分析

目的了解涪城区妇女乳腺癌相关知识及态度情况。方法通过问卷调查了解居住在绵阳市涪城区3年以上的35～69岁妇女的乳腺癌相关知识及态度,采用描述性统计分析描述相关指标的数量特征及分布规律。结果 84.3%的妇女的乳腺癌知识得分达到合格,不同文化程度和不同收入水平妇女乳腺癌知识得分之间差异有统计学意义,文化程度和收入程度越高者知识得分越高;绝大多数妇女愿意主动定期参加乳腺癌健康体检,91.9%的社区妇女认为有必要对乳腺癌的预防措施进行宣传。结论乳腺癌宣传教育和早期筛查对预防乳腺癌意义重大,加强对低文化程度和低收入水平者乳腺癌知识的宣传教育,多方面多渠道的进行宣传,提高妇女对乳腺癌防治的认知水平。     

Cancer Prevention Strategies Among California Farmworkers: Preliminary Findings

Abstract: This study was conducted to identify barriers to cancer prevention and evaluate the effectiveness of a cancer prevention project to increase screening for cervical and breast cancer among Spanish-speaking farmworkers in California's Central Valley. Bilingual health educators met with farmworker communities near Merced and Modesto, CA, to determine barriers that prevented women from seeking screening for breast and cervical cancer. Using information from focus groups and health fairs, a targeted outreach protocol was developed that will eventually enroll 2,500 farmworkers in a cancer education and screening program. Participants received a presentation in Spanish on breast and cervical cancer that included a pretest and post-test to assess increases in knowledge. Clients were encouraged to attend Golden Valley Health Centers Inc. (GVHC) to receive free breast and cervical cancer screenings. Vouchers, redeemable for modest personal hygiene gifts by clients, were tracked to assess prevention behavior when appointments were kept at GVHC.
Sixty farmworkers attended focus groups and 363 attended health fairs to provide input to the cancer prevention program. As of December 1,1995,1,732 female farmworkers were enrolled in an outreach program designed to increase knowledge and promote cancer screening. Data from pretests and post-tests indicated a statistically significant increase in knowledge about cancer and its prevention among participants. Furthermore, 317 participants redeemed vouchers for cancer screenings at GVHC.
Active community collaboration and culturally appropriate intervention strategies, employed in conjunction with clinical services, can be successful in increasing cancer prevention awareness and screenings among female farmworkers.     

Hispanic women's breast and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes, and screening behaviors

PURPOSE: This study examined breast and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes, and screening behaviors among different Hispanic populations in the United States. DESIGN: Data were collected from a random digit dial telephone survey of 8903 Hispanic adults from eight U.S. sites. Across sites, the average response rate was 83%. SETTING: Data were collected as part of the baseline assessment in a national Hispanic cancer control and prevention intervention study. SUBJECTS: Analysis was restricted to 2239 Hispanic women age 40 and older who were self-identified as either Central American (n = 174), Cuban (n = 279), Mexican American (n = 1550), or Puerto Rican (n = 236). MEASURES: A bilingual survey instrument was used to solicit information on age, education, income, health insurance coverage, language use, U.S.-born status, knowledge of screening guidelines, attitudes toward cancer, and screening participation. Differences in knowledge and attitudes across Hispanic groups were assessed by either chi-square tests or analysis of variance. Logistic regression models assessed the influence of knowledge and attitudes on screening participation. RESULTS: The level of knowledge of guidelines ranged from 58.3% (Mexican Americans) to 71.8% (Cubans) for mammography, and from 41.1% (Puerto Ricans) to 55.6% (Cubans) for Pap smear among the different Hispanic populations. Attitudes also varied, with Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans having more negative or fatalistic views of cancer than Cuban or Central Americans. Knowledge was significantly related to age, education, income, language preference, and recent screening history. Overall, attitudes were not predictive of mammography and Pap smear behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Factors related to mammography and Pap smear screening vary among the different Hispanic populations. Limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the study, self-reported measures of screening, and the limited assessment of attitudes. The data and diversity of Hispanic groups reinforce the position that ethno-regional characteristics should be clarified and addressed in cancer screening promotion efforts. The practical relationships among knowledge, attitudes, and cancer screening are not altogether clear and require further research.     

江苏省开展宫颈癌/乳腺癌筛查地区技术人员调查效果评价

目的：对江苏基层计划生育服务机构技术人员的情况进行调查,评价在基层计划生育服务机构中开展宫颈癌/乳腺癌筛查服务的可行性和可操作性。方法：选择江苏省11个计划生育服务机构（3个市级和8个县级）作为项目点,对项目点的所有技术服务人员进行问卷调查。结果：被调查的11个计划生育服务机构均已开展宫颈癌/乳腺癌筛查服务。市、县两级技术人员学历和技术职称间比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;但市、县两级技术人员专业工作年限比较差异无统计学意义（P=0.053）。技术人员获得两癌防治知识的途径主要为培训,县级计划生育服务机构人员对“乳腺癌筛查措施”和“宫颈癌危险因素”知识点掌握的情况略差（P〈0.05）。结论：在人力资源的整体素质上,市级计划生育服务的技术人员要强于县级。市、县两级技术人员有关两癌筛查的相关知识水平还有待提高。通过对江苏计划生育服务机构技术人员的调查,认为对开展宫颈癌检查有一定筛查基础,筛查及早诊、早治效果明显,但对乳腺癌筛查人员需进行规范化培训,加强相关人员的知识更新和技术指导,增加筛查设备经费投入,提高筛查水平,同时对妇女进行宫颈癌、乳腺癌联合筛查优于单项目筛查。筛查体系和技术队伍的建设是基层妇女保健服务的保证。     

Factors Associated with Breast Cancer Screening in Asian Indian Women in Metro-Detroit

Few studies have examined social factors related to breast cancer screening in Asian Indian women in the Midwestern US. This cross-sectional, community-based survey utilized constructs of the Health Belief Model to examine factors associated with breast cancer screening among Asian Indian women in metropolitan Detroit, Michigan. Of the 160 participants, 63.8% reported receiving both a clinical breast exam and mammogram within the past 2 years. Women were more likely to screen for breast cancer if they had a college education, lived in the US for more years, perceived that breast cancer screening is useful in detecting breast cancer early, agreed that mammography was important, and received a recommendation by a healthcare provider to get a mammogram. These findings highlight the need for further research on regional differences in breast cancer screening knowledge, behaviors and predictors among Asian Pacific Islanders subgroups such as Asian Indian women who recently immigrated to the US.     

Breast and cervical cancer screening practices among Hispanic women in the United States and Puerto Rico, 1998-1999

BACKGROUND: Results from recent studies suggest that Hispanic women in the United States may underuse cancer screening tests and face important barriers to screening. METHODS: We examined the breast and cervical cancer screening practices of Hispanic women in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico from 1998 through 1999 by using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. RESULTS: About 68.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 66.3 to 70.1%) of 7,253 women in this sample aged 40 years or older had received a mammogram in the past 2 years. About 81.4% (95% CI = 80.3 to 82.5%) of 12,350 women aged 18 years or older who had not undergone a hysterectomy had received a Papanicolaou test in the past 3 years. Women with lower incomes and those with less education were less likely to be screened. Women who had seen a physician in the past year and those with health insurance coverage were much more likely to have been screened. For example, among those Hispanic women aged 40 years or older who had any health insurance coverage (n = 6,063), 72.7% (95% CI 70.7-74.6%) had had a mammogram in the past 2 years compared with only 54.8% (95% CI 48.7-61.0%) of women without health insurance coverage (n = 1,184). CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the need for continued efforts to ensure that Hispanic women who are medically underserved have access to cancer screening services.     

Breast Cancer Knowledge and Screening Behaviors of the Female Teachers

Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer in women. The objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge about risk factors for breast cancer and screening behaviors among 468 female teachers who work in Sivas, Turkey. In this cross-sectional survey, a self-administered, structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Up to one-half (52.4%) of the teachers thought that they had enough knowledge about breast cancer. The sources of that information were television (59.0%), newspapers (48.9%), and health professionals (24.1%); 58.5% of the teachers had a sufficient knowledge level about breast cancer risk factors. The most frequently reported risk factor was family history of breast cancer (94.9%), followed by getting older, high fat diet and having a first child at a late age (68.6%, 51.7%, and 45.1%, respectively). No significant differences were found in knowledge by age groups, having breast-related complaints, teaching experience, or marital status. Among the teachers, 43.9% had performed breast self-examination; yet only 10.5% of them performed it monthly. Only 22.3% of the teachers reported having at least one clinical breast-examination. Among the 136 women over the age of forty years, only 37.5% had had at least one mammogram. A significant association was noted between level of knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and use of breast self-examination. Also, being married and having breast-related complaints were significantly related to practicing clinical breast-examination and mammography. This study revealed a relatively low awareness about the knowledge and practice of screening methods among teachers. The relatively low rates of breast self-examination, clinical breast-examination, and mammography practiced by this group of teachers are of concern and suggest that increased awareness of these methods, their value, and how they should be conducted is needed.     

Asian-Islamic Women and Breast Cancer Screening: A Socio-Cultural Analysis

ABSTRACT

This article explores religious and socio-cultural issues relevant to breast cancer screening practices among older immigrant Asian-Islamic women in the U.S. Some of the Islamic tenets that facilitate breast cancer screening include cleanliness, prevention and individual responsibility in health promotion, diet and eating habits, and exercise, and those that hinder screening practice include gender and modesty considerations and patriarchal marital beliefs. Socio-cultural barriers include patient-physician communication and beliefs about cancer and cancer prevention. Recommendations to increase knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening within a religious and socio-cultural context are provided.     

Breast Cancer Screening in Rural Populations: A Pilot Study

This report describes the development and implementation of a pilot intervention project designed to determine the economic, logistic, behavioral, and attitudinal variables that influence rural women's participation in a community-based breast cancer screening program. This paper reports on survey responses of women who registered for this pilot breast cancer screening program. It includes information on all women who registered for the project--both those who received breast cancer screening and those who did not. The study is a pilot intervention project, the overall goal of which was to develop a network of community providers, organizations, and volunteers to facilitate breast cancer screening among rural women. Of the 159 women registered for this pilot program, 101 (63.5%) were screened (receiving both a clinical breast examination and mammogram). The attitudes of women surveyed through the project confirm the importance of a physician recommendation for breast cancer screening. More than 90 percent of both the screened and unscreened groups of women stated that a doctor's recommendation to have breast cancer screening is important. Further, nearly 42 percent of the unscreened group had never had a physician recommend breast cancer screening. Despite existing barriers to screening, this pilot study demonstrated that health care professionals and regional organizations that have not traditionally been associated with delivering health care in this particular community setting can successfully work together to implement breast cancer screening programs.     

Las Mujeres Saludables: Reaching Latinas for Breast, Cervical and Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Screening

Community health advisors have effectively promoted breast and cervical cancer prevention and screening among low-income Latina women. Specific elements of such programs, such as enhanced social support, may explain successes. Promotion of colorectal cancer screening has been less studied. Promotoras de Salud (i.e., Latina health advisors) implemented a 12-week program among women recruited from community-based organizations. The program educated 366 Latinas in breast, cervical and colorectal cancer prevention and screening and emphasized social support among class members. Pre-and post-intervention assessments demonstrated significant increases for fruit and vegetable consumption (3.05 to 3.60 servings/day), and physical activity (65.15 to 122.40 minutes/week). Of women previously non-compliant, 39 percent, 31 percent and 4 percent received Pap tests, mammography, and fecal occult blood test (FOBT), respectively. A culturally aligned education program using community health advisors and emphasizing social support among participants may improve prevention and selected screening behaviors, but more intensive interventions may be required for colorectal cancer screening compliance. Supported by a grant from St. Luke’s Charitable Health Trust, Phoenix, Arizona.