Cancer Prevention in Indigenous Communities from Guatemala: A Needs Assessment Study.
Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
|January 8, 2021
Summary
Indigenous populations in Guatemala show healthy behaviors but lack cancer screening access. Urgent cancer prevention strategies are needed to address low screening rates and prevent future incidence.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Public Health
- Cancer Epidemiology
Background:
- Guatemala faces significant challenges in cancer prevention.
- Low cancer screening rates are prevalent, particularly among Indigenous communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate chronic conditions, risk factors, and cancer screening uptake.
- Focus on three Indigenous populations in Southwestern Guatemala.
Main Methods:
- A health needs assessment was conducted.
- Involved 247 adult participants.
Main Results:
- Participants were predominantly female (94.3%), of Mayan descent (95.8%), with limited primary healthcare access (84.2%).
- Near-universal lack of screening for colorectal, breast, prostate, and cervical cancers was observed.
- Despite high rates of healthy behaviors (physical activity, non-smoking), severe dental decay was universal.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists in cancer screening access despite reported healthy behaviors.
- Increased cancer incidence is anticipated without immediate implementation of cancer prevention initiatives.
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