United States-Mexico border Latinas: Breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and early detection practices

Introduction: Evidence suggests Latinas residing along the US-Mexico border face higher breast cancer mortality rates compared to Latinas in the interior of either country. The purpose of this study was to investigate breast cancer early detection practices of US-Mexico border Latinas, by assessing the levels of breast cancer knowledge, attitudes and use of preventive screening methods.

Methods: For this binational cross-sectional study, 265 participants completed an interviewer administered questionnaire that obtained information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, family history, and screening practices. Differences between Mexican (n=128) and US Latina (n=137) participants were assessed by Pearson's c², Fischer's Exact test, t-tests, and multivariate regression analyses.

Results: US Latinas had significantly increased odds of having ever received a mammogram/ breast ultrasound (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.81) and clinical breast exam (OR = 2.98) compared to their Mexican counterparts. Mexican women had a significantly greater proportion of high knowledge levels (54.8%) compared to US Latinas (45.2%; p<0.05). Nationality, age, education, and insurance status were significantly associated with breast cancer screening use.

Conclusion: Despite having higher levels of breast cancer knowledge than US Latinas, Mexican women along the US-Mexico border are not receiving the recommended breast cancer screening procedures. While US border Latinas had higher breast cancer screening levels than their Mexican counterparts, these levels are lower than those seen among the general US Latina population. Our findings underscore the lack of access to breast cancer prevention services and emphasize the need to develop strategies for improving access and participation in breast cancer screening.