Participation in colorectal cancer screening among Chinese Americans.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and the third most common malignant neoplasm worldwide. Chinese Americans are one of the ethnic minority groups who have the lowest rates of CRC screening. The purpose of this study was to describe CRC screening among less acculturated Chinese Americans and to identify factors associated with CRC screening. METHODS: We performed a review of 383 patients' medical records at a large community health clinic in Seattle's metropolitan area between July 2003 and September 2004. Outcome measurements included receiving fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) in the last 12 months, sigmoidoscopy in the previous 5 years and/or colonoscopy in the past 10 years. Compliance with CRC screening was assessed by documentation in patients' medical records. RESULTS: The overall use of CRC screening per guidelines was 40%. Only 72(19%) patients had their FOBT test in the last 12 months. Eighty one patients (21%) had colonoscopy in the last 10 years and eleven (3%) of the patients had sigmoidoscopy in the last 5 years. Chi-square analyses revealed no significant differences between users and non-users of FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy in terms of age, gender, insurance status or language. DISCUSSION: Participation in CRC screening among less acculturated Chinese Americans was lower than rates derived from previous self-reported surveys. Research of effective preventive programs promoting annual FOBT is vital to increasing the use of CRC screening among this population.

Cervical Cancer Screening in Korean American Women : Findings from Focus Group Interviews / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: Korean American women have twice the rate of cervical cancer than white women and demonstrate low rates in participation in cervical cancer screening. This study was to describe the perceptions about cervical cancer and factors related to cervical cancer screening among Korean American women. METHOD: Focus group methods. RESULT: Five themes emerged. First, knowledge about cervical cancer; misconceptions about cervical cancer, its causes, reproductive anatomy and the treatment Second, perceived meanings of having cervical cancer; most of the women felt that cervical cancer represented a loss of femininity and existential value of womanhood. Third, knowledge about cervical cancer screening ; regular medical check-ups were necessary for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Forth, experiences and perceived meanings of cervical cancer screening; the participants expressed their feelings; embarrassment, fear, shame and shyness. Fifth, practices of cervical cancer screening; various intervals in participating in cervical cancer screening. But they mentioned several deterrents, language, insurance, time constraint, embarrassment, fear of the screening results, misbelief about susceptibility, lack of health prevention behavior, and lack of information written in Korean. CONCLUSION: Results emphasize the critical need for culturally appropriate health education to encourage participation of Korean American women in cervical cancer screening.