Cancer Screening Practices Among Chinese and Vietnamese in the Greater Houston Area

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.