Differences in Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among U.S. Women by Nativity and Family History

Introduction: System-level factors such as poor access to health services can help explain differential uptake in breast and cervical cancer screening between U.S.- and foreign-born women. However, few studies have explored the roles of family history and perceived risk of these cancers on screening rates. To address these gaps, this study investigates whether a family history of cancer, perceived risk, and system-level factors independently and additively predict differential screening rates of breast and cervical cancer between U.S.-born and foreign-born women living in the U.S.

Methods: Data were analyzed in 2019 from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to test whether there were differences in breast and cervical cancer screening within and between the 2 groups and whether family history of cancer and perceived risk of breast cancer were predictors of uptake.

Results: The sample comprised women aged 21-74 years (n=14,047). The mean age of the sample was 45.5 (SD=14.8 years). The majority of the women were U.S.-born (77.5%). U.S.- and foreign-born women had more mammograms and Pap tests with a usual source of care (p<0.001) and insurance (p<0.001). Healthcare access and utilization factors were also predictive for both groups of women. Data analyses were conducted in 2019.

Conclusions: These findings are consistent with previous work. Access and healthcare utilization were associated with screening uptake. However, differences in risk perception, family history of breast and cervical cancers, and screening uptake were found between U.S.- and foreign-born women.