Breast cancer early detection among Chinese women in the Philadelphia area

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among Chinese American women. Previous studies identified disparities in breast cancer screening between Asian and Caucasian women. This study describes breast cancer awareness, attitudes, and knowledge, as well as barriers and facilitators of early detection among Chinese women in Philadelphia. Methods: A cross-sectional, translated survey was conducted among a convenience sample of 111 Chinese women from the greater Philadelphia area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to describe participant experiences and attitudes, and Pearson correlation coefficients, chi-square tests, and multiple regressions were used to identify significant predictors of breast cancer screenings. Results: Of respondents, 53.2% had ever performed breast self-examination (BSE). Among women aged ≥40, 53.6% had ever had clinical breast examination (CBE), and 71.1% had ever had mammogram. Knowledge (p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (p = 0.001) predicted BSE ever performance. Having a doctor as information source of CBE (p = 0.001) and belief in family history as a risk factor of breast cancer (p = 0.002) were significant predictors of having ever had a CBE. Having a doctor as information source of mammogram (p = 0.002) was the only significant predictor of having ever had mammogram screening. Conclusions: This study laid a foundation for developing culturally sensitive breast cancer education and screening programs for Chinese women in the Philadelphia area. Recommendations include a call for physician education to improve breast cancer screening rates in this population.