When paired with CHWs, who are of Haitian descent and well respected in Little Haiti, self-sampling is a highly acceptable method of cervical screening for Haitian women in this ethnic enclave. This approach addresses critical access barriers, including poverty, language difficulties, and sociocultural concerns about modesty, that may similarly affect Pap smear utilization among other immigrant or medically underserved population sub-groups. Coupled with generally positive reviews of the device, the low rate of insufficient specimens for testing suggests that this device is promising for use in non-clinical settings.

Available evidence suggests that the incidence of leukemia and lymphoma tends to be higher in highly developed regions of the world and among Whites in the United States. Temporal trends in incidence are dynamic and multifactorial; for instance, the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increased around the turn of the century, in part because of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. Most leukemias and lymphomas are sporadic and the specific etiology remains elusive. Still, research shows that these malignancies often develop in the context of genetic abnormalities, immunosuppression, and exposure to risk factors like ionizing radiation, carcinogenic chemicals, and oncogenic viruses. The prognosis varies by subtype, with poorer survival outcomes for acute leukemias among adults, and more favorable outcomes for Hodgkin's lymphoma. At a time when specific prevention efforts targeting these malignancies are nonexistent, there is a great need to ensure equitable access to diagnostic services and treatments worldwide.

The purpose of this study was to examine human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge and vaccine acceptability in a convenience sample of immigrant Hispanic men, many of whom are parents of adolescents. Data on 189 male callers were collected from the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service Spanish-language call center. Most participants were willing to vaccinate their adolescent son (87.5 %) or daughter (78.8 %) against HPV. However, among this sample, awareness of HPV was low and knowledge of key risk factors varied. These findings can help guide the development of culturally informed educational efforts aimed at increasing informed decision-making about HPV vaccination among Hispanic fathers.

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT02121548.

Primary HPV testing via HPV self-sampling may improve cervical cancer screening uptake among transgender men. Future work should pilot this innovative cervical cancer screening method within this population.

No abstract

Background Haitian Immigrant women, the largest growing Black ethnic group in Miami, experience the highest rates of cervical cancer and account for one of the largest populations diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in South Florida. Using community-based participatory research methods, we conducted a pilot study to examine HPV/cervical cancer knowledge and identify intervention preferences among HIV positive Haitian women. Methods Community health workers (CHWs) conducted three focus groups with 21 HIV-positive Haitian women. All sessions were conducted in Haitian Kreyol, digitally recorded, and later interpreted and transcribed into English. The first focus group assessed HPV/Cervical Cancer Knowledge; the second session explored HPV/Cervical Cancer considerations specific to HIV positive women, and the third focus group discussed HPV/Cervical Cancer screening and intervention preferences. Data analysis was guided by a grounded theory approach. Findings Our sample had limited HPV/Cervical Cancer knowledge. Misconceptions about screening, transmission, and treatment were common. Participants felt stigma by providers negatively impacted the care they received and stigma by the community diminished social support. Strong support for culturally-tailored interventions to improve HPV/Cervical Cancer knowledge was expressed. Although no participants had previously participated in research, all were willing to participate in future trials. Conclusions There is critical need for culturally relevant interventions to improve HPV/Cervical Cancer knowledge among HIV-positive Haitian women.

Mailed HPV self-sampling is an effective strategy to increase cervical cancer screening among underserved immigrant and ethnic minority women.