Immigrant assimilation and profiles of breast cancer screening behaviors among U.S. immigrant women

Breast cancer screening among Hispanic and non‐Hispanic White women by birthplace in the Sister Study

“…Compared to US‐born non‐Hispanic/Latina White women, US‐born Hispanic/Latina women were less likely to have received their most recent screening in the past 2 years and foreign‐born Hispanic/Latina women were less likely to have ever received breast cancer screening in their lifetime. These findings are consistent with documented disparities in access to screening among minority ethnic groups and foreign‐born women 11,23 . Goel et al 24 .…”

“…This is of particular importance as preventive health behaviors of foreign‐born women can be impacted by the disruptive process of migration and further affected by acculturation once in the United States. 11 , 16 Previous research has similarly found associations between family history and screening habits. For instance, several studies have reported that women with first‐degree family history of breast cancer are more likely to be up to date with mammography screening guidelines than those with no family history.…”

“…These findings are consistent with documented disparities in access to screening among minority ethnic groups and foreign-born women. 11,23 Goel et al 24 additionally found foreign birth to be associated with lower rates of cancer screening among Hispanics/Latinos. Although we did not analyze the effects of birthplace on screening in a Hispanic/Latina subpopulation, we found distinct screening disparities in foreign-and US-born Hispanic/ Latina women when compared to US-born non-Hispanic/ Latina White women.…”

“…These findings are consistent with documented disparities in access to screening among minority ethnic groups and foreign‐born women. 11 , 23 Goel et al . 24 additionally found foreign birth to be associated with lower rates of cancer screening among Hispanics/Latinos.…”

“… 11 Once in the United States, foreign‐born and immigrant women face financial, linguistic, cultural, and logistical barriers to seeking and affording care, including breast cancer screenings. 11 , 12 , 13 Additionally, acculturation, the process through which individuals adopt the societal norms, values, and practices of a new host culture, can lead to both positive and negative effects on health. 14 , 15 Immigrants to the United States generally engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors at lower rates than their native‐born counterparts.…”