Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers: A Review
Author: Coughlin, Steve S.
Date Published: 2002
Women constitute about one in five hired farmworkers in the U.S. Their health may be affected by exposure to unhealthy living and working conditions, by increased exposure to health hazards, by poverty, and by poor utilization of health care and preventive services. About 69% of migrant and seasonal farmworkers were born outside the U.S., mostly in Mexico and central America, and many speak little English. The health concerns of women who are migrant and seasonal farmworkers include breast and cervical cancer; which can be prevented or controlled through routine screening, but cancer incidence and mortality data for migrant farmworkers are sparse. This study reviewed published studies that examined breast and cervical screening in this population. These studies include cross-sectional surveys, health needs assessments, and randomized and non-randomized intervention trials. A review of published studies of cancer screening among women who are migrant and seasonal farmworkers indicates the underutilization of mammograms and Pap tests among this population may stem from their limited awareness of the importance of cancer screening and cultural beliefs. Other barriers include cost, lack of health insurance, lack of transportation and child care difficulties. The extent to which results obtained in selected localities are generalized to other settings is uncertain, but results to date provide important information about possible approaches for increasing cancer among women migrant farmworkers.
Date Published: 2002
Women constitute about one in five hired farmworkers in the U.S. Their health may be affected by exposure to unhealthy living and working conditions, by increased exposure to health hazards, by poverty, and by poor utilization of health care and preventive services. About 69% of migrant and seasonal farmworkers were born outside the U.S., mostly in Mexico and central America, and many speak little English. The health concerns of women who are migrant and seasonal farmworkers include breast and cervical cancer; which can be prevented or controlled through routine screening, but cancer incidence and mortality data for migrant farmworkers are sparse. This study reviewed published studies that examined breast and cervical screening in this population. These studies include cross-sectional surveys, health needs assessments, and randomized and non-randomized intervention trials. A review of published studies of cancer screening among women who are migrant and seasonal farmworkers indicates the underutilization of mammograms and Pap tests among this population may stem from their limited awareness of the importance of cancer screening and cultural beliefs. Other barriers include cost, lack of health insurance, lack of transportation and child care difficulties. The extent to which results obtained in selected localities are generalized to other settings is uncertain, but results to date provide important information about possible approaches for increasing cancer among women migrant farmworkers.
