Exploring quality of life impact on cancer screening in Black subgroups
Abstract
Background
Black individuals in United States have the poorest outcomes in cancer and receipt of cancer screening.
Purposes
This study seeks to describe cancer screening among Black subgroups, especially considering the influence on quality of life (QOL).
Methods
Data from the African Cancer Prevention Project of Philadelphia (CAP3) were analyzed to examine differences among Black subgroups for QOL variables and cancer screening. Descriptive analysis and Fisher’s exact test were conducted.
Results
The overall sample included 294 participants (177 African Americans, 34 US immigrants from Africa, and 83 US immigrants from Afro-Caribbean) ranging from 21 to 88 years old. Significant differences were found in various cancer screenings, such as Caribbean immigrant female participants receiving cervical cancer screening, African Americans receiving breast cancer screening, and US immigrants from Africa receiving colorectal cancer screening.
Conclusions
Quality-of-life factors varied across the 3 Black subgroups and varied by cancer screening site. QOL factors have a significant impact on cancer screening. More culturally tailored cancer prevention interventions should be developed for the self-reported Black population.