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Rates and Sociodemographic Correlates of Cancer Screening Among South Asians

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Abstract

Although the third largest Asian subgroup in the U.S., South Asians have rarely been included in cancer research. The purpose of this study was to assess rates and correlates of cancer screening in a community sample of South Asians. This study was a collaboration between the UCLA School of Public Health and South Asian Network (SAN), a social service organization in Southern California. Data were collected from 344 adults including a substantial portion of immigrants and individuals with low income and education. Few participants received screening within guidelines for colorectal (25%), breast (34%), cervical (57%) and prostate cancer (10%). Health insurance, younger age and increased length of stay in the U.S. predicted a higher likelihood of cancer screening. Women were significantly less likely to have received colorectal cancer screening compared to men. These results will guide SAN’s program planning efforts. Future interventions should focus on increasing cancer screening in this population.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for the study was provided by a grant from UCLA Center for Community Partnerships. The grant was provided to South Asian Network. Dr. Roshan Bastani served as the academic partner for the project. We would like to express our appreciation to the staff of South Asian Network, all of the community members that served as interviewers, and our study participants. We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of Ms. Punam Parikh and Ms. Lilit Aladadyan who served as project coordinators during the data collection phase, Ms. Minal Patel who was involved in preliminary analyses of study data, and Ms. Cindy Chang who provided statistical guidance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Services, School of Public Health and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Beth A. Glenn, Neetu Chawla & Roshan Bastani

  2. 650 Charles Young Dr. South, A2-125 CHS, Box 956900, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-6900, USA

    Beth A. Glenn, Neetu Chawla & Roshan Bastani

  3. South Asian Network, Artesia, CA, 90701, USA

    Zul Surani

  4. Cancer Information Service-California Region’s Southern California Partnership Program Office, 1450 Biggy St., Room G501, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA

    Zul Surani

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  1. Beth A. Glenn
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Correspondence to Beth A. Glenn.

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Glenn, B.A., Chawla, N., Surani, Z. et al. Rates and Sociodemographic Correlates of Cancer Screening Among South Asians. J Community Health 34, 113–121 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-008-9129-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-008-9129-1

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