Knowledge Assessment and Screening Barriers for Breast Cancer in the Arab American Community [17M]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy afflicting women, with an estimated 1 out in 8 U.S. women diagnosed during their lifetime. Screening for breast cancer can reduce mortality through early cancer detection. Lack of knowledge is an important barrier leading to low screening rates. Given that the Arab American population has grown approximately 47% since 2000, this study was designed to assess breast cancer knowledge and screening barriers in an Arab American community. METHODS: Following (Not Regulated/Exempt) determination by the Institutional Review Board (Michigan) a survey was distributed through ACCESS, Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, in Dearborn, MI. RESULTS: 175 Arab American adults participated in the study: 100 healthy women, 50 breast cancer women survivors and 25 healthy men. Deficiencies were noted in knowledge around cancer presentation and racial and ethnic differences in relative risk of disease. 72% of healthy women had a high level of knowledge, compared to 58% in survivors and 48% in men. Additionally we noted that 56% of healthy women controls over the age of 40 have not had a screening mammogram in the past 2 years with leading causes being: lack of health insurance, absence of family history and absence of symptoms. CONCLUSION: With the growing presence of Arabs in American communities, it is important that local physicians are aware in their medical knowledge gap to better serve this population. This study highlights some of these deficiencies especially the failure to adequately educate patients and their families while they are going through treatment.

Prevalence, Perceived Benefits, and Perceived Barriers Regarding Breast Cancer Screening Among Three Arab American Women Subgroups

“…Ayyash et al (2018) found that 56% of the study participants (n = 175) had a mammogram in the past 2 years. Lack of insurance, absence of symptoms, and family history were reported as barriers to BC screening in AAW, in additon to lack of knowledge, fear of being diagnosed with cancer, fear of possible discomfort in the BC screening procedures, lack of doctor's recommendations, and embarrassment (Arab American Institute, n.d.; Arshad, Williams, Mabiso, Dey, & Soliman, 2011;Ayash et al, 2011;Ayyash et al, 2018;Kawar, 2013;Padela et al, 2015;Schwartz, Fakhouri, Bartoces, Monsur, & Younis, 2008;.…”

“…Since Arab American Women (AAW) have traditionally been classified as White, they have been combined with other non-Hispanic Whites and nonmultiracial groups in survey data; therefore, their unique health status is masked. Although the AA population has been growing in number, Arab immigrants were identified to have had fewer tests for cancer early detection; Arab women in the United States have been recognized as an ethnic group that needs future research to promote their participation in BC screening (Ayyash et al, 2018;Kawar, 2013;Salman, 2012). Ayyash et al (2018) found that 56% of the study participants (n = 175) had a mammogram in the past 2 years.…”

“…Although the AA population has been growing in number, Arab immigrants were identified to have had fewer tests for cancer early detection; Arab women in the United States have been recognized as an ethnic group that needs future research to promote their participation in BC screening (Ayyash et al, 2018;Kawar, 2013;Salman, 2012). Ayyash et al (2018) found that 56% of the study participants (n = 175) had a mammogram in the past 2 years. Lack of insurance, absence of symptoms, and family history were reported as barriers to BC screening in AAW, in additon to lack of knowledge, fear of being diagnosed with cancer, fear of possible discomfort in the BC screening procedures, lack of doctor's recommendations, and embarrassment (Arab American Institute, n.d.; Arshad, Williams, Mabiso, Dey, & Soliman, 2011;Ayash et al, 2011;Ayyash et al, 2018;Kawar, 2013;Padela et al, 2015;Schwartz, Fakhouri, Bartoces, Monsur, & Younis, 2008;.…”

Cultural Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening in Arab Women

“…This may be attributed to the acculturation factor since length of stay and integrating into the Western culture provide women an opportunity to become more familiar and knowledgeable about breast cancer screening (Badr et al 2018;Padela et al 2015). Additionally, living longer in an advanced country, such as the United States, may increase proficiency in English which provides an opportunity for these women to navigate and access healthcare services more easily (Ayyash et al 2018). Acculturation, length of stay, and English proficiency were found to be significant variables in managing health in Arab women living in the Western world (Ayyash et al 2018).…”

“…Additionally, living longer in an advanced country, such as the United States, may increase proficiency in English which provides an opportunity for these women to navigate and access healthcare services more easily (Ayyash et al 2018). Acculturation, length of stay, and English proficiency were found to be significant variables in managing health in Arab women living in the Western world (Ayyash et al 2018).…”