A Population Health Equity Approach Reveals Persisting Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Screening in New York City South Asian Communities

• DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01707-3
• Publication Date: 2020-02-14T19:03:17Z
• Authors: Shilpa Patel; Julie Kranick; Sharon Manne; Krina Shah; Victoria Raveis; Joseph Ravenell; Stella Yi; Simona Kwon; Nadia Islam
• Keywords: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Population Health; 4. Education; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Asian People; Humans; New York City; Colorectal Neoplasms; 10. No inequality; Early Detection of Cancer

To assess colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among South Asians (SAs) and explore the challenges and facilitators to CRC screening among SA subgroups in New York City (NYC). Fifty-one semi-structured in-depth interviews and surveys were conducted among SA immigrants in NYC. Qualitative results suggested challenges to CRC screening were related to socio-cultural factors, such as a lack of knowledge on CRC and CRC screening, and structural factors, such as cost and language. A physician referral was the most cited facilitator to CRC screening. Participants reported culturally and linguistically adapted education and information on CRC and CRC screening would help to overcome noted challenges. Our findings support the development of targeted, linguistically and culturally adapted campaigns for this population that facilitate access to health systems and leverage natural community assets and social support systems.