History of Cancer, Beliefs, and Tobacco use among immigrant Asian Indians in the United States

Asian Indians comprise the 3rd largest and one of the fastest growing Asian American racial/ethnic groups. The “First-ever Summit Stressing Preventing Cancer among Asian Americans” highlighted the need for research to identify behaviors and beliefs that are common among Asians; many Asian Indians integrate religion with the practice of Ayruveda (herbal medicine). The purpose of this study is to identify tobacco use, cancer screening, self-reported personal and family history of cancer, and cancer beliefs among immigrant Asian Indians in the U.S. The sample comprised of 1677 randomly selected Asian Indians from seven US cities (Houston, Phoenix, DC, Boston, San Diego, Edison, and Parsippany). Mean age was 46 years. The majority of respondents were male, married, college educated, and lived in the US for 17 years. Use of tobacco products was generally low (7%). Of those who used tobacco, the most common forms were either chewing tobacco (48%) or cigarettes (63%). Twenty-one percent of respondents reported family history of cancer. Self-reported health (physical and mental) was good to excellent with diet and exercise rated as very important. Age appropriate cancer screening practices indicated many did not meet the recommended levels. Beliefs varied greatly with the majority of respondents responding positively and had knowledge of cancer risk factors; there was no significant difference in cancer beliefs by gender. Although, results showed respondents had a lower tobacco use, positive knowledge and belief of cancer, screenings for cancer (e.g., colorectal & prostrate) needs to be improved in this highly educated ethnic group.