Cancer screening gaps among refugees and immigrants in Syracuse New York

Abstract

Abstract Background Cancer screening rates in refugee and immigrant populations are lower than the U.S.-born population. Interventions to ameliorate the disparity in cancer screening are needed. Methods A retrospective review of N = 1083 patient charts was conducted to evaluate cancer screening rates for refugees and immigrants at an academic adult medicine clinic from June to December 2021. Language was used as a proxy for foreign-born status and a complete review of the electronic medical record conducted by a trained clinical team confirmed immigrant status and determined up-to-date cancer screening status. Descriptive statistics examined demographic factors and whether screenings for cervical, breast, colon, lung, and hepatocellular cancer were up-to-date with nationally accepted guidelines. Results Among eligible women, 63.0% of participants were up to date on cervical cancer screening, and 71.4% were up to date on breast cancer screening. 52.4% of those eligible for colon cancer screening, 23.1% of those eligible for lung cancer screening, and 25.0% of those eligible for hepatocellular cancer screening were up to date based on recommended screening guidelines. Discussion The purpose of this study is to present baseline data from a non-English speaking refugee and immigrant primary care population at an academic medical institution. Identifying the gaps in cancer screening provides an opportunity to design meaningful clinic and community-based interventions for providers and health systems to improve health equity for patients.