Providing Culturally Tailored Breast and Cervical Cancer Programs for Asian American and Pacific Islander Women

Abstract

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women have low breast and cervical cancer (BCC) screening rates compared to other ethnic groups. However, there is a lack of culturally tailored programs designed to promote screening practices within AAPI communities. The CARE Program sought to reduce BCC morbidity and mortality rates among AAPI women by building the capacity of community health centers to deliver effective, culturally and linguistically appropriate screening programs in six different AAPI communities. This paper will (1) provide an overview of the CARE Program, (2) highlight a BCC screening program for a Filipino community in Hawaii, (3) present specific cultural tailoring strategies from the program, and (4) discuss program challenges and propose recommendations for future breast and cervical cancer interventions with Filipino communities in Hawaii.