Promoting cancer screening for Asian American populations

Background: Cancer screening rates remain low for Asian populations and vary by ethnicity and age.

Objective: The goal of this study was to provide in-depth qualitative information for identifying mechanisms to promote cancer screening.

Methods: Eight focus groups were conducted (n=103), four with Chinese Americans (two cities) and two each with Koreans and Vietnamese. One moderator with a translator conducted each group using a standardized guide. Inter-coder reliability of 48.98% of the text resulted in 95.22% agreement prior to recoding for consensus.

Results: Responses about colorectal (CRC), breast and cervical cancer screening, and Hepatitis B screening indicated that participants had a basic interest in and knowledge of screening guidelines. However, they encountered numerous screening barriers, including transportation, lack of time, costs, insurance, “feeling well”, fears of finding something, discomfort (CRC) and language. Attending community workshops, wanting to live longer to see children/grandchildren grow up, having symptoms, and trusting medical providers' advice promoted screening. Some described specifics of testing (when to start screening and procedures) and new information (Hepatitis B screening and transmission) had misinformation. Vietnamese groups reported lowest knowledge levels. Participants suggested reaching Asians by working with respected organizations and offering workshops with motivational speakers or cancer survivors.

Conclusions: Information about changes in screening guidelines needs to be better disseminated. With increasing cancer risk factors in these diverse, fast growing populations, public health efforts to promote screening and prevention are urgent. Addressing cancer health disparities depends on better reaching Asian populations.