Abstract A90: Reducing colorectal cancer risk among Chinese Americans

Abstract

Abstract Colorectal cancer rates are increasing among Chinese Americans, and this trend seems to be reflected among Chinese Americans in Texas. Data from the Texas Cancer Registry indicates that colorectal cancer is among the top three most frequently reported cancers among Chinese Americans. Case control studies among Chinese Americans in other parts of the U.S. suggest that risk factors for colorectal cancer may include high body mass index, inadequate physical activity, low fruit and vegetable consumption, high saturated fat consumption, longer exposure to high fat diet, low fiber diet and tobacco use. The Asian American Health Needs Assessment (AsANA) study collected self reported risk factor data from over 400 Chinese and 400 Vietnamese randomly selected households in the Greater Houston area. The data showed that among Chinese Americans in Houston, 62% reported no leisure time physical activity, 19% were obese, and that as years in the US increased, the percent of Chinese with less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day increased from 41% to almost 80%. Approximately 34% of Chinese adult males smoked cigarettes as compared to the Texas rate of 20%. The AsANA data also showed that only 25% of the Chinese respondents 50 years and older had had colorectal cancer screening as compared to 53% of Texas adults. Research is needed to identify cultural and access barriers to early detection and screening for colorectal cancer among Chinese Americans in Texas. In addition, culturally tailored educational programs and lifestyle interventions should be developed to educate this population on how to modify behaviors to reduce colorectal cancer risk. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A90.