Abstract P1-10-13: Mexican American Men and Female Cancer Screening: Is the TexasMexico Border Different?
Authors: Hurd TC , Mika V , Sunil T , Moore FI. 
Published: April 2011

Background Husband/partner support is a major determinant of breast/cervical cancer screening in Hispanic women and may adversely affect these rates in south Texas border communities. The Esperanza y Vida/Life Skills project is a pilot, community based, breast/cervical cancer education, screening, and treatment program for Hispanic women and men. The current study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KAB) about breast/cervical cancer screening among Mexican American men in 3 border communities.

Methods Semi-structured, bilingual interviews were conducted in male focus groups held in Laredo, Eagle Pass and Nueces County Texas. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed, coded and content analysis used to identify themes across codes. Each participant completed a bilingual survey of beast/cervical cancer KAB.

Results 27 male participants median age 59y (range 26-91y; age distribution &lt;50-29%, 50-69 37%, 70+-33%) were recruited by our community partners. 85.2% had lived at their current residence &gt;2y. 56% had less than a high school education and 14.8% had no education. Annual household income was less than $10,000 in 59% and 63% were unemployed. Bumping/bruising and touching the breast were believed to increase breast cancer risk in 41% and 33% of men respectively. While 55.5% correctly identified family history as a breast cancer risk factor only 25.9% identified age.

Only 11/27 (42.6%) associated advancing age with an increased likelihood of cervical cancer. Clinical breast exam and Pap testing frequency were correctly identified by 51.8% and 41% of men respectively. Qualitatively, men feared cancer and were likely to have a fatalistic view of it. They expressed some knowledge of breast and cervical cancer, but also had questions and concerns about it. Performance of screening exams by male providers did not pose a barrier but the men preferred that female nurses be present during sensitive exams. They did not express any jealousy or negative feelings towards having their wives screened by males. The men recognized the importance of cancer screening and actively supported screening in their spouses. Screening and early detection were important to keep the family together as was support for women who had cancer. Men felt it was important for them to ‘push’ their wives to get screened. They expressed concern about limited community resources for cancer information and mainly identified clinics, physicians and hospitals as primary cancer information resources. The men identified a need for more primary care physicians who had cancer screening service access. They were embarrassed about teaching their daughters about breast and cervical cancer screening and felt that was more of the mother's role. Conclusions Men in Texas-Mexico border communities were willing to openly discuss breast and cervical cancer. They recognized the importance of cancer screening, family education/awareness and actively support screening in their spouses. Male providers did not pose a barrier to cancer screening for Mexican men. The men have some knowledge, but would benefit from additional information and resources within their communities. Addressing cultural barriers, knowledge issues and access will be helpful in these communities.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-10-13.