Factors Influencing Mammography Screening of Chinese American Women

Abstract

Effective strategies for promoting breast cancer screening among Chinese American women should address ways to improve information-seeking behaviors and access to health care. Cultural affiliation and beliefs should be considered when counseling Chinese American women regarding breast cancer screening.

Factors Associated with Mammography Adherence among Married Chinese Women in Yanbian, China

“…Likewise, screening behaviors can be affected by geography, socioeconomic status, and cultural differences (Anothaisintawee et al, 2012). According to an intersectional perspective, ethnic majorities tend to follow the early cancer detection guidelines more closely and have a much easier access to resources than the minorities (Guthrie, 2005;Yu and Wu, 2005;Gomez et al, 2007). Consistent with the prior study, the majority (Chinese) in our study was 2 times more adherent towards going for regular mammography when compared to the Korean Chinese.…”

“…For example, as reported in the study by Wang et al (2009) Chinese women were less interested in going for a mammography because the traditional method of cancer prevention promotes maintaining a balanced diet, using herbs, and exercising as the best approach (Wang et al, 2009). Likewise, diversity in individual and sociocultural environment such as cultural affiliation (Yu and Wu, 2005), lack of health services (Yu and Wu, 2005;Gomez et al, 2007;Gao et al, 2012), low perceived awareness (Yu and Wu, 2005;Gomez et al, 2007;Lee-Lin et al, 2007), or low educational level (Lee-Lin et al, 2007), fatalistic attitude (Charkazi et al, 2013), and low perceived risk of breast cancer (Kim et al, 2011) were found to affect the attendance on screenings. Using the Health Belief Model (HBM), screening practices are one of the health promotion behaviors (Lee-Lin et al, 2008;Kim et al, 2011;Charkazi et al, 2013).…”

“…In China, the government adopted a variety of health-related policies to reconcile the majority and minorities. However, despite governmental support, the minorities are still facing a lower education level and have poorer access to health related information due to language barriers and cultural differentiations (Yu and Wu, 2005;Jiang et al, 2006;MAO et al, 2007;. On the other hand, the population of Korean Chinese has decreased in size and their education level has risen.…”

“…In comparison to Western countries, breast cancer incidence and mortality rates have been rising due to the lack of awareness and access to health care amenities for cancer screening services (Yu and Wu, 2005;Jemal et al, 2011;Ma et al, 2012). Despite of the incidence rate among Western countries have been increasing in 1980s and 1990s due to routinely use of mammography (Jemal et al, 2011) but the death rate have been decreasing over the past 25 years due to improved early treatment.…”

“…For early detection of breast cancer, regular screening via mammography is a highly recommended health practice and is found to be a cost-effective approach all over the world (Yu and Wu, 2005;Woo et al, 2007;Wong et al, 2012). While the evidence gathered on the potential negative effects of mammography has been on RESEARCH ARTICLE…”