Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding breast and cervical cancer screening among Cambodian, Laotian, Thai, and Tongan women

J Cancer Educ. 2010 Dec;25(4):595-601. doi: 10.1007/s13187-010-0082-1.

Abstract

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups have low rates of breast and cervical cancer screening. This study examined knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KABs) regarding breast and cervical cancer on AAPI women. A cross-sectional survey of 1,808 AAPI women was included. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were provided and 55.3%, 68.6%, and 71.9% had received mammograms, clinical breast exam, and Pap smears, respectively. KABs on breast and cervical cancer varied between the four ethnic groups. Understanding the KABs toward cancer screening among AAPI women holds promise for identifying barriers to early detection and could aid in the creation of interventions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Breast Neoplasms / ethnology
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Culture
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening*
  • Middle Aged
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander / psychology*
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander / statistics & numerical data
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / ethnology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / psychology*