Linguistic and ethnic disparities in breast and cervical cancer screening and health risk behaviors among Latina and Asian American women

Abstract

Purpose: This study intends to (1) describe breast and cervical cancer screening patterns and health risk behaviors for Latina and Asian American women, with consideration for their language, and (2) investigate the impact of health risk behaviors on breast and cervical cancer screenings after controlling for demographic characteristics and language.

Methods: Data derived from the California Health Interview Survey 2007, which was a random-digit-dial population-based survey, were used. Latina (n = 3513) and Asian American (n = 2538) women were included in this study. Breast and cervical cancer screenings were measured by recent mammography and Pap smear examinations, respectively. Physical activity, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI) were measured to assess health risk behaviors.

Results: This study demonstrated that Asian Americans have better outcomes in health risk behaviors in general. However, Latinas were more likely than Asian Americans to receive mammograms and Pap smears. English-speaking Latinas and Asian Americans showed better outcomes in cancer screening and health risk behaviors, but BMI patterns differed based on language. Unhealthy risk behaviors were related to low screening rates, except for BMI and drinking, among Latina women.

Conclusions: The findings reveal unique ethnic and linguistic patterns that are relevant to health risk behaviors and cancer screening and that influence overall health outcomes. These findings suggest that health risk behaviors and cancer screening for ethnic minority populations may be framed by cultural contexts. Intervention strategies designed to promote healthy lifestyles and cancer screening may have greater sustainable benefits.