Cancer Screening in California: Racial and Ethnic Disparities Persist

Publication Date: September 2003

Publisher: UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

Author(s): Susan H. Babey; Ninez A. Ponce; David A. Etzioni; Benjamin A. Spencer

Research Area: Health

Keywords: disease; Native Americans; Racial Disparities

Type: Brief

Coverage: California

Abstract:

This policy brief reports on cancer screening in California based on data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2001), the largest state-level health survey in the nation. It examines screening rates for cervical, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer among whites, Latinos, Asians, African Americans, American Indian/Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders. The study also reports on disparities by race and ethnicity in lower-income and higher-income groups and among nonelderly Californians covered by Medi-Cal.

The policy brief recommends steps that should be taken toward educating people of the appropriate age and gender. It also stresses the importance of overcoming barriers by providing culturally sensitive and language-appropriate materials and interventions. This policy brief is based on a report titled "Cancer Screening in California: Findings from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey." The full report will be available soon.