Breast cancer screening in regional Hispanic populations

Although Hispanics' use of breast cancer screening services has been invest igated, to date there have been no published studies of distinct Hispanic p opulations in different areas of the country. Using the diverse populations and sites involved in the National Hispanic Leadership Initiative on Cance r 'En Accion', this study examines ethno-regional differences in breast can cer screening rates among these groups and explores the correlates of scree ning participation. Data collected through telephone surveys mere analyzed for women 30 years of age and older (n = 2082), After controlling for demog raphic variables traditionally related to breast cancer screening rates, it was found that ethnoregional differences in breast cancer screening practi ces clearly persisted. In addition to traditional demographic factors, othe r variables evidently underlie differences in Hispanics) utilization of bre ast cancer screening services. These variables may be cultural and should b e investigated in future research. Meanwhile, researchers should not refer to the 'Hispanic' population at large without identifying, addressing and c larifying the ethno-regional characteristics of their samples.