Abstract 5293: Have you checked? Disparities in cancer screening practices among minority populations
Authors: Gray Tamryn F. , Cudjoe Joycelyn , Han Hae Ra , Wenzel Jennifer , Thorpe Roland , Murphy Jeanne 
Published: July 2017

Objective: There is a disproportionately higher burden of cancer among racial and ethnic minorities, with the incidence only expected to increase significantly by 2050. These racial differences may be due to the quality of early detection screening among this population. The purpose of this research is to provide case study reports about cancer screening practices among at-risk populations as well as those from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority backgrounds as well as sexual and gender minorities in order to describe disparities in cancer screening practices. These five case studies reveal how racial disparities vary by cancer site. These case studies will share information about current cancer prevalence, current recommendations for cancer prevention, national guidelines about early detection for lung, colorectal, prostate, cervical and breast cancers, as well as discuss ways to reduce cancer health disparities and improve screening practices.

Methods: Data sources for these case studies include research reports, literature review, clinically-based articles, research articles, websites, as well as clinical practice observations and experiences.

Research Summary: These case studies contribute to the growing body of knowledge related to cancer health disparities, with a special emphasis on cancer screening behaviors among underrepresented, at-risk, and racial and ethnic minority backgrounds. Since cancer care is multidisciplinary, these case reports also highlight the role of oncology nurses in helping to lead in educating, promoting, and bringing awareness to cancer screening recommendations and current cancer prevention guidelines for individuals and their families. Nurses recognize that one of the biggest barriers to screening is when individual have unrelated health care priorities that overshadow priorities related to screening, such as food, shelter, and safety. Nurses are also positioned to provide cancer-specific screening guidelines and resources to help individuals implement these recommendations into their daily lives. Improving screening rates among minority populations requires collaborations with the health care systems and the community.

Conclusion: Evidence indicates that there are significant disparities that exist in cancer screening practices among minority populations as well as disproportionately higher cancer mortality rates in these populations. Barriers to screening include lack of access to high-quality health care, lack of health insurance, transportation issues, fear and lack of trust in the health care team, embarrassment, stigma related to sexual orientation or gender identity, discrimination in quality care and treatment, as well as lack of awareness about screening recommendations. Recognition of barriers to screening among minority populations is critical to developing targeted interventions that promote adherence and decrease risks of cancer-related mortality.

Citation Format: Tamryn F. Gray, Joycelyn Cudjoe, Hae Ra Han, Jennifer Wenzel, Roland Thorpe, Jeanne Murphy. Have you checked? Disparities in cancer screening practices among minority populations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5293. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5293