Cancer Screening, Knowledge, and Fatalism among Chinese, Korean, and South Asian Residents of New York City

Abstract

Background: Asian New York City residents have the lowest cancer screening uptake across race and ethnicity. Few studies have examined screening differences across Asian ethnic subgroups in New York City. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were analyzed using multivariable logistic and multinomial regression analyses. Differences among Chinese, Korean, and South Asian adults in breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening uptake; breast and colorectal cancer screening knowledge; and cancer fatalism were examined. Associations between breast and colorectal cancer screening knowledge and their uptake were also assessed along with associations between cancer fatalism and breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening uptake. Results: Korean women reported 0.52 times [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.31–0.89] lower odds of Pap test uptake compared with Chinese women; South Asian adults had 0.43 times (95% CI, 0.24–0.79) lower odds of colorectal cancer screening uptake compared with Chinese adults. Korean adults reported 1.80 times (95% CI, 1.26–2.58) higher odds of knowing the correct age to begin having mammograms compared with Chinese adults; South Asian adults had 0.67 times (95% CI, 0.47–0.96) lower odds of knowing the correct age to begin colorectal cancer screening compared with Chinese adults. Korean adults had 0.37 times (95% CI, 0.27–0.53) lower odds of reporting cancer fatalism compared with Chinese adults. Conclusions: Low cancer screening uptake among Asian American adults, low screening knowledge, and high cancer fatalism were found. Cancer screening uptake, knowledge, and fatalism varied by ethnic subgroup. Impact: Findings indicate the need for ethnicity-specific cultural and linguistic tailoring for future cancer screening interventions.