Grant: Planning Grants

Population based cancer screening programs typically do not address the multiple barriers to cancer screening that are experienced by immigrant populations such as primary language other than English, misperceptions of cancer risk, fear of harm from tests, and lack of regular contact with the health system. This shortcoming inadvertently contributes to inequities in cancer screening among immigrant populations and in Canada there is evidence that these patterns of inequity among South Asians can continue after many years of residency. Cancer screening programs with the goal to reduce inequities must incorporate strategies to address barriers that are relevant for specific populations and contexts. Concept mapping methods have been used for a wide range of program planning purposes. The proposed study will use concept mapping to engage members of public health agencies, primary care providers, South Asian community service groups, and South Asian residents (i.e. from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), hereafter referred to as the community, in the Peel Region of Ontario to identify barriers to cancer screening for South Asians in this context. Findings from this study will be used to inform a future research proposal, the goal of which will be to develop a program to promote equity in screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers among South Asians residing in Peel. Specific Aims: 1.Obtain a community generated list of the barriers to use of mammography, pap tests, and fecal occult blood tests for South Asians residing in Peel. 2.Assess the relative importance of each barrier and the relative feasibility of addressing each barrier within a 3-5 year period, overall and among subgroups (South Asian residents, South Asian community service groups, primary care providers, public health agency), primary language, gender. 3.Engage representatives from the community to validate findings and interpret concept maps.