Influences on breast cancer screening behaviors in Tamil immigrant women 50 years old and over

Objective. To investigate, using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical f ramework, the incentives and barriers to breast cancer screening in a recen t immigrant group, older Tamil women from Sri Lanka. Method. Tamil women who had had a mammogram and Tamil women who had never h ad a mammogram were compared on the following variables: socio-demographics , personal risk estimates for breast cancer, risk-reduction expectancies, b eliefs and knowledge about breast cancer and screening recommendations, and acculturation. Results. Groups differed significantly in terms of education, years living in North America, acculturation, and beliefs/knowledge about breast cancer. When education and acculturation were controlled, perceived barriers to ma mmography were most predictive of mammography utilization. Discussion. Results are discussed with a view to developing culture-appropr iate educational campaigns.