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Cancer risks and prevention practices among Vietnamese refugees
C N Jenkins1, S J McPhee, J A Bird
1Department of Medicine, University of California, School of Medicine, San Francisco 94143-0320.
The Western Journal of Medicine
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Many Vietnamese adults in the US lack cancer prevention knowledge, with low awareness of cancer, smoking risks, and hepatitis B. Targeted education and screening are crucial for this growing population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Vietnamese refugees represent a rapidly growing minority group in the US.
- There is a significant knowledge gap regarding cancer prevention and risk factors within this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the health knowledge and practices of Vietnamese adults concerning cancer prevention.
- To identify specific risk factors and barriers to cancer screening in this community.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 215 Vietnamese adults in the San Francisco Bay Area was surveyed.
- Data collected included awareness of cancer, risk factors (smoking, diet), and screening practices.
Main Results:
- 13% had never heard of cancer; 27% unaware smoking causes cancer; 28% believed cancer is contagious.
- 48% unaware of hepatitis B, despite its link to endemic liver cancer.
- High smoking rates (56% of men), binge drinking (35% of men), and poor diet reported.
- Low cancer screening rates: Papanicolaou test (32%), breast exam (28%), mammogram (83%) never performed by eligible women.
Conclusions:
- Significant deficits in cancer knowledge and low screening rates exist among Vietnamese adults in the US.
- Smoking cessation, cancer education, and screening programs are urgently needed.
- Addressing socioeconomic factors like poverty and limited English proficiency is vital for improving health outcomes.