Factors influencing breast cancer screening and risk assessment among young African American women: An integrative review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose This integrative review was conducted to examine factors that influence mammography screening and use of cancer genetic services among younger African American women at increased risk for developing breast cancer. Data sources Research articles were identified using PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Cochrane library to find studies published from 2003 to 2013. Conclusions Findings from this review indicate that while younger African American women receive mammograms more often than the general population, they are not being referred for genetic testing when appropriate. This is a major concern because African American women tend to experience more aggressive forms of breast cancer at an earlier age than the general population; it is imperative that they undergo genetic testing for optimal management of their breast cancer risk. Implications for practice Nurse practitioners have a significant role in breast cancer screening and genetic testing of at‐risk women, particularly in identifying and referring young women for testing. Further communication efforts are needed to improve young women's knowledge of breast cancer risk and the benefits of genetic testing. Reducing barriers to breast healthcare services requires nursing efforts that focus on populations at greatest risk for poor health outcomes.

Factors associated with breast cancer screening participation among women in mainland China: a systematic review

“…A lack of medical insurance has been found to be a barrier to breast cancer screening participation in recent reviews10 14 39; however, evidence regarding medical insurance as a predictor of breast cancer screening participation was weak in this review, due to inconsistent findings among the different studies. This could be explained by urban–rural disparities in medical insurance 40.…”

Precision Health and Nursing: Seeing the Familiar in the Foreign

“…Application of genomic research has the capacity to profoundly influence health outcomes, but care must be taken to ensure that all individuals have access to the benefits, and information is communicated in an ethical, culturally sensitive way (Williams, Katapodi, et al, 2016). Populations at higher risk of genetic disease are less likely to use services for a variety of reasons and are underrepresented in current genomic research (Allen, 2018;Jones et al, 2015). A review of the literature about breast cancer screening and risk assessment for young African American women found that there were opportunities for (a) increased research into the genetics of breast cancer in this population as little is known, (b) increased understanding of patient decision making regarding genetic testing as there is reluctance to participate, and (c) increased awareness of populationspecific risk factors and poor outcomes as patients were not being referred for genetic testing even though it is indicated (Jones et al, 2015).…”

“…Populations at higher risk of genetic disease are less likely to use services for a variety of reasons and are underrepresented in current genomic research (Allen, 2018;Jones et al, 2015). A review of the literature about breast cancer screening and risk assessment for young African American women found that there were opportunities for (a) increased research into the genetics of breast cancer in this population as little is known, (b) increased understanding of patient decision making regarding genetic testing as there is reluctance to participate, and (c) increased awareness of populationspecific risk factors and poor outcomes as patients were not being referred for genetic testing even though it is indicated (Jones et al, 2015). Li et al (2016) found that parents considering genome-wide sequencing for their child needed more information and more psychosocial support than was provided.…”

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“…Benefits from clinical genetic and genomic discoveries may be especially inaccessible to healthcare consumers who have limited education and financial resources, live in areas where it is difficult to access genetic specialists, or belong to underserved populations who experience healthcare disparities (Jones, Katapodi, & Lockhart, 2015;Katapodi, Northouse, Milliron, Liu, & Merajver, 2013). The promise of scientific advancement that promotes health for everyone, as articulated in the Precision Medicine Initiative, includes the premise that patients and those who interact with the healthcare system not only will benefit from scientific advances but will also have the opportunity to form true partnerships with the scientific community to engage in research and shape agendas.…”