Cervix and breast cancer incidence in immigrant Caribbean women.

Abstract

Cervix and breast cancer incidence in 1978-82 was computed for immigrant and United States-born Black women in Brooklyn, New York. Compared to the national SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) rates, US-born and Haitian women had high rates of invasive cervical cancer, while Englishspeaking Caribbean immigrants had an average rate. However, while US-born women had an average rate of carcinoma in situ of the cervix, both immigrant groups had low rates. Both immigrant groups had low rates of breast cancer, whereas US-born Black women had an average rate. (Am J Public Health 1990; 80:722-724.)

Influence of Nativity Status on Breast Cancer Risk Among US Black Women

“…In contrast, the impact of nativity on breast cancer incidence and mortality also has been explored. 3,[21][22][23][24][25] Specifically, studies focusing on nativity and incidence of breast cancer concluded that U.S.-blacks have higher incidence rates compared to foreign blacks. 23 Moreover, breast cancer mortality studies indicated that foreign-born blacks fair better than U.S.-born blacks, and that foreign-born blacks have similar mortality rates as whites.…”

“…3,[21][22][23][24][25] Specifically, studies focusing on nativity and incidence of breast cancer concluded that U.S.-blacks have higher incidence rates compared to foreign blacks. 23 Moreover, breast cancer mortality studies indicated that foreign-born blacks fair better than U.S.-born blacks, and that foreign-born blacks have similar mortality rates as whites. 26 However, neither of these studies explored the role of breast cancer risk factors on the observed difference in incidence and mortality according to nativity status.…”

“…23,26 The lower incidence in breast cancer among immigrant women is not unique to black women. Studies involving Asian immigrant women have reported increased incidence of breast cancer with westernization, each new generation that is born in the U.S.…”

Cancer Screening and Haitian Immigrants: The Primary Care Provider Factor

“…Consedine et al found that Haitian men reported significantly lower prostate cancer screening compared with U.S. born whites [3]. Haitian women have been found to be less likely to utilize breast cancer screening [4,5], and have lower Papanicolaou (Pap) test screening rates than native-born Black and Latina peers [6], and a higher incidence of invasive cervical cancer than U.S.-born black women [7]. Regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic status, increasing cancer screening results in early detection of many cancer types, lowers incidence of late stage cancer diagnosis, and improves cancer outcomes, considerably enhancing survival rates [8].…”

Race/ethnicity and the 2000 census: recommendations for African American and other black populations in the United States

“…One study showed that US-born Black women and Haitian women had higher rates of cervical cancer than West Indian women, but both West Indian and Haitian immigrant women had lower rates of breast cancer than US-born Black women. 17 Similarly, national data from the Commonwealth Minority Health Survey indicated that Blacks of Caribbean ancestry had higher levels of stress, especially financial stress, and higher levels of psychological symptoms than US-born Blacks. 18 Given the relatively small number of Caribbean immigrants in the sample, these data have important limitations; however, they highlight the importance of paying attention to the diversity of the Black population.…”