Cancer Screening Rates, Disparities by Immigration Status, and Predictors of Cancer Screening Among Black Women With...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) exhibit elevated risks for screenable cancers.
• Among women, breast, colorectal, lung, and cervical cancers are most prevalent.
• This study focuses on cancer screening rates in Black women living with HIV, examining disparities related to immigration status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess breast, colorectal, lung, and cervical cancer screening rates among Black women with HIV.
• To identify disparities in screening rates based on immigration status (US-born vs. non-US-born).
• To explore factors influencing cancer screening in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 604 women living with HIV was analyzed.
• Cancer screening rates were examined across four major cancer types.
• Generalized linear mixed models were employed to analyze screening rates and predictors by country of origin.

Main Results:

• Overall cancer screening rates were low across all examined categories.
• Non-US-born women (NUSBW) demonstrated lower screening rates for all four cancers compared to US-born women (USBW).
• Key predictors for screening included years living with HIV and viral suppression status.

Conclusions:

• Black women with HIV, particularly immigrant subgroups, face significant barriers to cancer screening.
• Disparities in screening access highlight the need for culturally competent interventions.
• Targeted outreach and education are essential to improve cancer screening uptake in this vulnerable population.