Preventative cancer screening among African and Afro-Caribbean immigrants

Black immigrants will make up one-third of the U.S. Black population by 2060. Despite numerous studies on cancer burdens and cancer screening behaviors in the Black population, very limited information exists on these factors within the Black immigrant population. This study aims to report breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer screening rates among Black immigrants residing in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and to compare cancer screening differences with U.S.-born Blacks.

Participants were asked to complete a survey designed to assess cancer-preventative screening practices among African and Afro-Caribbean immigrants residing in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The study population comprised 105 Black immigrants. Screening for colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers was low. Approximately 70% of Black immigrant men reported never having a colorectal or prostate cancer screening exam. However, Black immigrant women had relatively high rates of breast and cervical cancer screening, 76% and 71%, respectively. When compared to U.S.-born Black Americans, Black immigrants were screened at lower rates for all studied cancers except lung cancer.

Prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer screening rates are remarkably low, especially among Black immigrant men. Black immigrant women have relatively high screening rates for women-specific cancers. This study emphasizes the importance of the need for greater cancer education and prevention strategies within the Black immigrant community.