Abstract P1-09-06: The effect of Hispanic nativity and ethnicity on mammography use through the Avon breast health outreach program
Authors: Gates-Ferris K , Senter L , Aliaga M , Hurlbert M , Ricci C 
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Although Hispanic women have lower rates of breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW), breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women . Some studies suggest that Hispanic women have lower rates of breast cancer screening compared to NHW women, primarily due to lack of health insurance and socioeconomic disadvantages . This study aims to understand the demographic characteristics of Hispanic women in the U.S. who access and utilize the Avon Breast Health Outreach Program (BHOP), and how Hispanic women's mammography history differs by nativity. Avon BHOP supports community-based organizations to conduct education and outreach to over 50,000 low-income and uninsured women each year, linking them to routine breast cancer screening and care.

Methods

This study analyzed 2014 Client Intake Forms (CIF) for all women aged 40 and older, who were served by BHOP for the first time (∼16,000 women). Descriptive analysis was conducted to summarize their demographic and breast health information, comparing Hispanics with NHW. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between ethnicity and nativity and having a mammogram in the last two years. Lastly, a sub-analysis among foreign-born (FB) Hispanics only was conducted to assess how the length of time living in the U.S. (number of years) impacts the likelihood of having a mammogram in the last two years.

Results

Of the first time clients served through BHOP in 2014, 10.4% were US-born Hispanics, 45.2% were FB-Hispanics, and 44.4% were NHW. The majority of FB-Hispanic women were from Mexico (66.2%). FB-Hispanics are less likely to have insurance as compared to US-born Hispanic women (19.7% vs. 39.3%), and less likely to have a high school degree (34.3% vs. 44.8%). After controlling for demographic and socioeconomic variables, FB-Hispanics had significantly greater odds of having a mammogram in the past two years compared to US-born Hispanics (OR=1.6, 95% CI, 1.3-1.9), and NHW women (OR=1.4, 95% CI, 1.2-1.6). FB-Hispanics living in the U.S. for 5+ years had a 1.7 greater odds of having a mammogram in the past 2 years, as compared to recent immigrants living in the U.S. for less than one year (OR=1.7 ;95% CI, 1.1 – 2.7).

Discussion

In 2014, the percentage of BHOP Hispanic women aged 40+, reporting a mammogram in the last two years (41.1%) was lower than the overall U.S. Hispanic rate (61.4%) , suggesting confirmation that BHOP serves vulnerable and underserved populations, as it aims to do. This study also demonstrates how screening behaviors differ among Hispanic women served through BHOP, with FB-Hispanics having higher mammography utilization rates as compared to their US-born counterparts, with variation seen by the number of years living in the U.S. In conclusion, it is critical to view Hispanics as a heterogeneous group in order to best address their clinical needs. Specifically, the results point to how U.S.-born Hispanic BHOP clients may be at particularly high risk for low breast cancer screening.

Citation Format: Gates-Ferris K, Senter L, Aliaga M, Hurlbert M, Ricci C. The effect of Hispanic nativity and ethnicity on mammography use through the Avon breast health outreach program. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-09-06.