Abstract
National data on Asian Americans indicate that compared to other groups in the US, cancer incidence and prevalence is relatively lower (Miller, Kolonel et al. 1996; American Cancer Society 2006). However, when the data is examined further based on specific Asian subgroups and for specific cancers, Asian Americans bear a disproportionate burden for cancers of infectious origin, such as cervical, liver, and stomach cancer (Chen 2005). Furthermore, Asian Americans are also experiencing increasing rates of cancers associated with “Westernization,” such as breast and prostate cancer (Kolonel, Yoshizawa et al. 1988; Whittemore, Kolonel et al. 1995; Ziegler, Hoover et al. 1996). Early detection and screening are among the frontline strategies in cancer control, yet Asian American and Pacific Islanders have the lowest cancer screening rates of all ethnic groups in the US (American Cancer Society 2006). The Asian American Health Needs Assessment (AsANA) project was designed to collect data on the rapidly growing Asian American community in the Greater Houston area. The AsANA project included a telephone survey to over 800 randomly selected households in the Chinese and Vietnamese communities, two of the largest Asian American subgroups in Texas. Included in the telephone interview were questions regarding cancer screening practices. This article describes the reported screening practices among the surveyed populations and discusses the implications for developing targeted programs that can address cancer screening disparities in this community.
Highlights
Asian Americans are the only racial/ethnic population to experience cancer as the leading cause of death
This clearly suggests that culturally appropriate cancer education and screening program may be effective in increasing cancer screening rates among Asian Americans
Programs developed to educate Asian women about breast cancer and facilitate access to breast cancer screening have been successful in increasing mammography screening (Rezai, Nguyen et al, 2003)
Summary
Asian Americans are the only racial/ethnic population to experience cancer as the leading cause of death It is the second leading cause of death for other racial and ethnic groups (National Center for Health Statistics 2003; Chen 2005; James, Thomas et al 2007). Cancer is number one killer for API males and female combined, (all ages, 25-44,45-64), API females, (all ages, 25-44, 45-64) and API males (2544,45-64) (National Center for Health Statistics 2003; California Endowment 2007). Their cancer burden is described as unusual and unnecessary (Chen, 2005). Cancer disparities among Asians have been characterized as unnecessary, since early detection and screening is available for many of these cancers, but a large percentage do not participate in these preventive health practices (Chen, 2005)
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