Cancer Screening Practices of Bangladeshi Women Living in the United States

Screening practices for breast and cervical cancer are underutilized by women from many immigrant groups. To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to assess knowledge and practice associated with breast and cervical screening among Bangladeshi women in the United States. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices of screening among of Bangladeshi women living in US. Study utilized 36-item survey instrument on a convenience sample of 97 women aged 35 years or older with no prior history of breast or cervical cancer. The average age of participants was 45 (range 35-69); 77% had attended at least some college and 57% were employed. Only 22% visited the health care professionals in last 1-2 years and hypertension was the most commonly (25%) reported chronic health problem in this population. Only 53% had a mammogram and 61% had a pap smear in their life time. The average correct knowledge score about breast cancer was 4.23 out of possible 11(range 0-10). Physicians were the most common source of information about breast and cervical cancer. Older age was a predictor of breast cancer screening practice [OR: 1.13; 95%CI(1.01-1.25)] and better education was a predictor of Pap smear practice [OR: 3.77, 95%CI(1.26-11.29)]. Similar to previous studies our analysis found a positive relationship between time in US and screening practices but are not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Educational efforts among this group of well-educated immigrant women are needed to improve use of preventive screening tests for breast and cervical cancer.