Primary care physicians' cancer screening recommendation practices and perceptions of cancer risk of Asian Americans

Abstract

Asian Americans experience disproportionate incidence and mortality rates of certain cancers, compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Primary care physicians are a critical source for cancer screening recommendations and play a significant role in increasing cancer screening of their patients. This study assessed primary care physicians' perceptions of cancer risk in Asians and screening recommendation practices. Primary care physicians practicing in New Jersey and New York City (n=100) completed a 30-question survey on medical practice characteristics, Asian patient communication, cancer screening guidelines, and Asian cancer risk. Liver cancer and stomach cancer were perceived as higher cancer risks among Asian Americans than among the general population, and breast and prostate cancer were perceived as lower risks. Physicians are integral public health liaisons who can be both influential and resourceful toward educating Asian Americans about specific cancer awareness and screening information.

Figure 1. Frequency (Total Selected) of Organizational Cancer Screening Guidelines Followed.<

br>Note: Total exceeds sample size because of multiple selections

Figure 2. Percent of Physician Perceptions of Asian Cancer Risk Compared to the General Population, by Cancer Type

note: total percentages may not equal to 100% due to rounding