Breast cancer screening among Hmong women in California

Background. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women in the United States. Hmong women are among those at the highest risk for health problems, due to high rates of poverty, language isolation, and cultural barriers. Method. One-on-one survey interviews were completed with 201 Hmong women aged 20 years and older in Fresno, Long Beach, Orange County, and San Diego to determine their breast cancer screening behaviors-breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography. Results. Overall, 51% of all respondents had ever performed BSE. Among respondents aged 40 or older, 52% had ever had a CBE and only 30% had ever had mammography. Discussion. Significant correlates of CBE and mammography screening are presented, and implications of findings for research and education are discussed.