Cancer Screening Promotion among Filipino Americans: A Systematic Review to Inform Clinical Practice and Research

Written by M. Danet Lapiz-Bluhm & Mara Althea Cabungcal

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr

Abstract

Background: Low cancer screening rates among Asian Americans may contribute to cancer as the leading cause of death in these minority populations. Filipino participants of a patient-centered outcomes research project in California, Hawaii, Texas, New Jersey, and New York reported that cancer is a priority healthcare issue. Early cancer detection through screening significantly influences the timing of cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Objective: This systematic review synthesizes research evidence from interventional studies to promote cancer screening among Filipino Americans.

Methods: Five databases (Scopus, CINAHL, Ovid, Psyclnfo, and PubMed) were searched on July 2020, with a time exclusion of ten years, using the terms: Filipino Americans, can-cer screening, and promotion for relevant research articles. Twelve articles met the criteria and were included.

Results: The studies described colorectal cancer (CRC) and breast cancer screening pro-motion initiatives among Filipino Americans and Asian Americans (including Filipinos). CRC screening promotion studies included the Filipino Health Study in California, CRC2 Study, Lay health educator (LHE) approach, CRC Education Program/Healthy Asian Americans Project, and market-oriented and community-based participatory research ap-proach. Two studies described breast cancer screening promotion among Asian Ameri-cans, i.e., the Michigan breast cancer screening study and the Asian grocery store-based breast cancer education program. Cancer screening promotion studies utilized community engagement strategies such as Filipino coordinators, lay health educators, partnerships with community-based organizations, and Asian grocery stores.

Conclusions: There are limited intervention studies that promote CRC and breast cancer screening among Filipino Americans, highlighting the need for more research. Commu-nity engagement effectively promoted recruitment and participation and could be a poten-tial strategy for sustained cancer screening promotion programs. Future initiatives should consider more research funding and sustainability of programs.

Keywords: Filipino Americans, cancer screening promotion, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, systematic review