Cancer prevention among urban southwestern American Indian women: Comparison to selected year 2000 national health objectives

PURPOSE: The health issues which have historically faced American Indians a re related to infectious disease, but today many chronic diseases play a la rge role in the health status of this special population. For example, exis ting data indicate that American Indians have the poorest cancer survival o f any group in the U.S. (34% vs. 50% for U.S, Whites). Regular participatio n in cancer screening and lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and alco hol have been found to significantly contribute to cancer risk. However, av ailable information about these behaviors is sparse and suffers from limita tions. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of cancer ris k behaviors and provider recommendation for cancer screening among urban Am erican Indian women. METHODS: A random household cross-sectional survey was administered co 519 adult American Indian women in Phoenix, Arizona. Smoking and weight status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and provider referral were assesse d by self-report. RESULTS: The results indicate that weight (69.6% were overweight) and exces sive alcohol consumption (12.1% reported chronic drinking) were significant health issues in this population. The prevalence of provider referral for smoking cessation (14.9% among ever smokers) and breast as well as cervical cancer screening (30.1% and 55.5%, respectively) were below the 75% level set forth in the Year 2000 Goals. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that increased cancer preven tion and control efforts are needed in this special population to address t he link between diet, weight, and long-term disease prevention. (C) 1999 El sevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.