Promoting colorectal cancer screening among Haitian Americans

Authors

• Steven S. Coughlin, University of Massachusetts at Lowell
• Erica I. Lubetkin, CUNY School of MedicineFollow
• Jennifer L. Hay, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
• Renald Raphael, Haitian American Public Health Initiatives
• Selina A. Smith, Medical College of Georgia

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2015

Abstract

Background

Few studies have examined colorectal cancer screening among Haitian Americans, although striking disparities in colorectal cancer screening and mortality are well-documented among U.S. Blacks. Race, socioeconomic status, and place of birth are factors associated with colorectal cancer incidence and mortality patterns.

Methods

In this article, we summarize published studies on colorectal cancer screening among Haitian Americans, identified through bibliographic searches in PubMed and CINAHL through August 2015, and offer recommendations for further research.

Results

Only one qualitative study and three quantitative surveys have examined colorectal cancer screening among Haitian Americans. A qualitative study found important differences in perceptions of the curability of colorectal cancer, preventive practices, and preferred sources of information among Haitian Americans and other ethnic subgroups of U.S. Blacks. Awareness of colorectal cancer screening tests, risk perception, healthcare provider recommendation, and self-reported use of screening are suboptimal among Haitian Americans and other subgroups. In preliminary quantitative studies, Haitian immigrants have been found to have lower colorectal cancer screening rates than other groups such as African Americans.

Conclusions

Culturally appropriate educational interventions are needed to encourage Haitian American adults aged ≥ 50 years to undergo screening for colorectal cancer and to ensure that they are well informed about the value of healthy eating and physical activity.

Comments

This article was originally published in Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association, available at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4725319/ 

Recommended Citation

Coughlin, Steven S.; Lubetkin, Erica I.; Hay, Jennifer L.; Raphael, Renald; and Smith, Selina A., "Promoting colorectal cancer screening among Haitian Americans" (2015). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cm_pubs/27