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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Arlene E. Calvo, PhD(c), MPH, CHES, Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Community and Family Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, 813-974-6605, calvoae@hotmail.com
Hispanic women have the highest mortality rates due to cervical cancer than any other group of women, both in Latin America and within the U.S. This high mortality rate is often attributed to seeking screening services and treatment at advanced stages of cervical cancer, which can be treated when found early. In Panama, malignant tumors account for 14% of the leading causes of death. Invasive cervical cancer occupies the first place of cancer-related morbidity in Panama, with age-adjusted incidence rate of 72 per 100,000. This is considered to be among the highest recorded incidences of cervical cancer in the world. As with any other Latin American Country, Panama presents structural factors that might deter women from screening. However, access to care has been addressed by universal coverage, and free or low-cost screening. It is hypothesized that sociocultural factors might play a stronger role in deterring women from screening practices. Preliminary data in the form of natural groups were collected in a rapid appraisal technique to help guide the main research, which consisted of in-depth semi-structured interviews among at-risk women. From a health education perspective, promotion of Pap tests in the population might help decrease the incidence of cervical cancer. In addition, social and structural factors that deter women from seeking screening services are strong determinants of health practices. The information gathered from this study can be applied twofold: to develop health education interventions and to understand cultural practices associated with cervical cancer among Hispanic and Latino populations in Latin America and in the United States.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Hispanic
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.