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Vital Signs

Promoting Breast Health in Three Asian Languages

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), breast cancer rates are on the rise for women of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) descent living in the United States, yet this high-risk population gets mammograms less often than women of other races and ethnicities. In fact, nearly half of all API women age 40 or older have not had mammography screening in the past two years, even though NCI guidelines recommend that women in this age group should get a mammogram every one to two years. Even more disturbing, a recent study by the API Cancer Survivors Network revealed that 34% of Vietnamese women living in California had never had a mammogram.

To help API women, especially those who are immigrants to the U.S., become more aware that early detection and screening can save their lives, the NCI, in cooperation with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has produced a new culturally and linguistically competent brochure about the importance of mammograms. The brochure is available in English and in three Asian languages: Chinese, Vietnamese and Tagalog (a language of the Philippines).

The colorful brochures, which feature culturally appropriate photos and artwork, urge API women 40 and older to “Get a mammogram: Do it for yourself, do it for your family. Take care of your health now so you can be there for your family later.” Using clear, simple language, the text explains breast cancer risk factors, the benefits of mammograms, where to get a mammogram, what happens during a mammogram and how to pay for the test through Medicare coverage or other affordable options. It also encourages women to ask their doctor or nurse to give them a clinical breast exam every year.

Nurses can order free copies of the mammography brochure from NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or online at http://breasthealth.cancer.gov.