Fatalism and cancer knowledge among a sample of highly-acculturated Latinas: Implications for communication strategies

Background: Fatalistic attitudes about cancer are associated with decreased likelihood of knowing about cancer risk factors and engaging in prevention and screening . Research with less-acculturated, high-poverty immigrant samples, suggests Latinas are especially likely hold fatalistic beliefs. This study examined knowledge about cancer and the extent to which fatalistic beliefs are held by a national sample of highly-acculturated Latinas. Data: Latinas (N=715) recruited through national online panel maintained by SurveySamplingInternational (SSI). Results: Sample was diverse in age (mean=38.5 years,SD=5.6), education (33% had high school or less; 42.9% had some college), income (58% household incomes $25,000-$74,999), country of origin (Mexico: 43%), and generational status (1st: 28%;2nd: 37%). Three-quarters of respondents (79%) agreed/strongly agreed with the statement, “There's not much you can do to reduce your chances of getting cancer.” One-third agreed/strongly agreed with three other fatalistic beliefs about cancer causes. Knowledge of common cancer risk factors varied: Fewer than half (46%) knew physical activity recommendations; two-thirds (66%) knew that HPV causes cervical cancer; and just over two-thirds (71%) knew eating 5-10 fruits and vegetables daily was recommended for health. Conclusion: Fatalism is present among highly-acculturated Latinas, and knowledge about cancer risk factors is lacking. Fatalistic beliefs are paradoxically associated with cancer knowledge. Opportunities for tailored communications to improve health behaviors and research to understand causes/effects of these findings discussed in context of a growing body of research about how to communicate health information to more-acculturated Latinos who are not reached by traditional Spanish outreach, yet may not identify with general-market messages.