Breast and cervical cancer screening in Hispanic women: a literature review using the health belief model

Abstract

The aim of this study was to review published studies that examined factors influencing breast and cervical cancer screening behavior in Hispanic women, using the Health Belief Model (HBM). MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases and manual search were used to identify articles. Cancer screening barriers common among Hispanic women include fear of cancer, fatalistic views on cancer, linguistic barriers, and culturally based embarrassment. In addition, Hispanic women commonly feel less susceptible to cancer, which is an important reason for their lack of screening. Positive cues to undergo screening include physician recommendation, community outreach programs with the use of Hispanic lay health leaders, Spanish print material, and use of culturally specific media. Critical review of the literature using the theoretical framework of the Health Belief Model identified several culturally specific factors influencing cancer screening uptake and compliance among Hispanic women. Future interventions need to be culturally sensitive and competent.

Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer Screening Amongst Women of Reproductive Age from Yucatan, Mexico

“…It would be of importance to analyse these cases to determine whether if the barrier for screening is indeed lack of interest or priority, or if it is merely a reflect of a perceived low susceptibility, seriousness or benefits. This situation have been described elsewhere, as it has been shown that Hispanic women commonly feel less susceptible to cancer; and perceive Pap smears as an unnecessary or diagnostic procedure rather than a preventive practice (Austin et al, 2002;Flores and Bencomo, 2009).…”

“…A review performed to identify factors influencing participation on screening amongst Hispanic women, showed that the most common barriers are fear of cancer, embarrassment and language barriers (Austin et al, 2002;Wall et al, 2010). Other reports have also described fear and shame amongst the barriers for screening (Byrd et al, 2004).…”

“…A high percentage reported knowledge on HPV (55%); a possibility is that they were exposed to information through television and other massive media because of the high promotion of the HPV vaccine during this project. Hispanic women have been described as more receptive to media messages than other ethnic groups (Austin et al, 2002) and therefore an increase of promotion of the NCCSP on massive media should be considered.…”

Turkish Social Attitudes towards to Cancer Prevention: a Health Belief Model Study

“…In our study, it is glad to see that the rate of people with the thought of taking physical examination and tests are not a sin is quite high for a country like Turkey, which is an Islamic one. Other studies found that women preferred to be examined by female doctors (Boyer et al, 2001;Austin et al, 2002;Wackerbarth et al, 2005;Johnson et al, 2008). The half of the people stated that cancer is a case that comes from Allah.…”

Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Korean Cancer Survivors Who Return to the Workplace

“…In the early 1990s, the majority of cancer patients did not survive and the onset of cancer was considered a death sentence (Benowitz, 1999;Austin et al, 2002;Moser et al, 2013). Simultaneously, the number of cancer patients gradually increased due to the aging population, which prompted many studies of the prevention and treatment of cancer (Niu et al, 2014).…”