Understanding breast cancer screening behaviors of Korean American women in sociocultural contexts

Soc Work Health Care. 2017 Jan;56(1):45-63. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2016.1244138. Epub 2016 Oct 25.

Abstract

This study examines the breast cancer screening behaviors of Korean American women focusing on their cultural beliefs and access to health care. A total of 111 Korean American women participated in the cross-sectional survey research. Korean American women who felt embarrassed about breast cancer screenings were less likely to have received clinical breast exams or mammograms. Implications to culturally competent social work practice in promoting their breast cancer screening behaviors are discussed.

Keywords: Asian immigrants; Korean Americans; breast cancer screening; culture; health care; women.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asian / psychology*
  • Asian / statistics & numerical data
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Early Detection of Cancer / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening / psychology*
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires