Poster

Cancer prevention disparities among subpopulations contribute to poorer quality of life and increased mortality. A lack of knowledge about risk factors for cervical cancer and HPV, as well as misunderstandings and cultural beliefs contribute to cancer disparities in various ethnic subpopulations. This poster session will address the need for more accurate and consistent media coverage of the HPV vaccine and its relation to cancer prevention. Issues regarding policy and the potential influence policy changes could have on the HPV vaccine and cancer prevention are also discussed. This session also addresses the barriers many subpopulations of women face in relation to adhering to breast health screening guidelines and the potential strategies to help providers eliminate these barriers among Somali women and women with disabilities. Insurance considerations and the barriers faced by the uninsured and the middle-aged population are presented.

Session Objectives: 1. Identify factors related to the perceived risk of cervical cancer and the benefits of vaccination. 2. List barriers and beliefs that may contribute to a lack of vaccination in the Latina population. 3. Identify potential policy and program related strategies to address the cancer prevention disparities discussed. 4. Understand the role of qualitative research methods in creating culturally appropriate cancer prevention programs.