Overcoming Barriers to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Korean American Women

University of California at Berkeley: Center for Family and Community Health

Topics:
Cancer

Researchers from the prevention center surveyed 800 Korean American women in the San Francisco Bay area in 1994, 1997, and 2002 about their general health status, cancer knowledge, sources of health information, barriers to screening, and preventive health practices. Fear, embarrassment, language barriers, and a lack of health insurance are known to discourage Korean American women from being screened for breast and cervical cancer. The information from these surveys helped researchers design culturally appropriate programs to encourage women to participate in breast and cervical cancer screening. Bilingual Korean American women were trained as health counselors, and educational workshops were offered in Korean churches on health care access and breast and cervical cancer screening. Participants in these programs were more likely to undergo mammography screening, but not likely to receive breast examinations or Pap tests. Building on relationships with the community and the programs established, researchers continue to find ways to encourage screening.

 

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