A Socio-cultural Perspective on Cancer Control Issues for Asian Americans

PURPOSE: Eighty­five to ninety percent of cancer incidence is attributable to lifestyle choices, such as diet, life habits such as smoking, and environmental factors. Culture is the single force most influential on lifestyles. This paper provides a framework to understand the potential contribution of sociocultural factors to cancer control. METHODS: This literature review of culture and cancer control provides a perspective on Asian American populations. Culture is defined in a manner that enables researchers and practitioners to begin to focus on the fundamental elements of culture that directly influence health behavior. FINDINGS: Only four studies were found that address sociocultural factors in cancer control for Asian Americans. Each of these studies found significant variations in the response to cancer than Euro­American populations. Only mainstream researchers or practitioners, who are knowledgeable enough about Asian American cultures to be sensitive to these differences, would recognize these variations. CONCLUSIONS: The widening disparities in cancer outcomes between Asian- and Euro­Americans challenges the current research and practice paradigms for cancer control. A Cultural Systems Approach would strengthen future studies. This paradigm requires multi­level analyses of individuals and populations within specific contexts in order to identify culturally based strategies to improve practice along the cancer care continuum.