Abstract PO-252: Exploratory study of cervical cancer screening among Latinas in a remote agricultural community
Authors: Tsai Meng-Han , Cabral Daramola N. 
Published: December 2020

Background: Cancer is the leading cause of death among Latinos. Compared to non- Hispanic Whites, Latinos are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stages of disease and to experience poorer outcomes and quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. Latino women (Latinas) have among the highest cervical cancer incidence rates. Overall, the cervical cancer incidence rate among US Latinas is about 44% higher than among non-Hispanic Whites. Low rates of screening and poor adherence to recommended follow-up after an abnormal test are thought to contribute to the higher cervical cancer mortality rates among Latinas. The lack of timely cancer screening negates the benefits otherwise afforded by early detection of cancer.

Limitations in the research contributes to our lack of understanding of the potential web of factors that likely influences cervical cancer screening in Latinas. Purpose: This study aimed to identify and describe potential modifiable factors in the participants that would explain the lack of cervical cancer screening utilization.

Methods: In this exploratory study, we recruited Latinas in Monterey County who received primary care in a local community clinic from January 2014 to December 2018. We conducted 7 in-depth interviews to identify the stages of change, health behaviors, health beliefs, perceptions of cancer risk, and self-efficacy to complete recommended cancer screening. All interviews were conducted in Spanish and were audio-recorded. The transcripts were translated from Spanish to English for analysis. Preliminary Findings: The mean age of participants was 52.0 years (SD, 13.7; range, 29-63 years) and all were of Mexican origin. The predictors of cancer screening were identified through the analysis of the transcripts. The lack of income to see a doctor, lack of insurance, lack of knowledge about cancer prevention and risk, and the absence of primary care utilization in their native country, created barriers to cervical cancer screening. Healthy foodways, positive outlook on life, and attending Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) classes facilitated cancer screening use. Religion and cultural factors expressed as “male machismo”, as well as the use of home remedies, and having family support mediated cancer screening behaviors.

Conclusion: This exploratory study informs the direction for future intervention research that ultimately can increase community knowledge of the benefits afforded by cancer early detection and timely treatment. Such interventions may result in an increase in cervical cancer screening rates in Latinas.

Citation Format: Meng-Han Tsai, Daramola N. Cabral. Exploratory study of cervical cancer screening among Latinas in a remote agricultural community [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-252.