Cancer risk factors among Southeast Asian American residents of the US Central Gulf Coast

This study profiles aggregate-specific cancer risk factors of Southeast Asian Americans residing along the Central Gulf Coast in the United States. An investigator-designed cross-sectional survey was conducted with 332 volunteer Southeast Asian community residents aged 18 years and above. Aggregate-specific cancer risk factors include high prevalence of hepatitis, high smoking and drinking rates in men, extended ultraviolet light exposure without protection, low colorectal and prostate cancer screening rates, and knowledge deficits of cancer and cancer screenings. Based on the study findings, progress toward the targets of the Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan: 2001-2005 is evaluated and compared to available national data. Implications for public health nursing practice and future research are also addressed. In particular, the study findings underscore the importance of developing culturally tailored interventions to reduce cancer risk factors in this underserved Asian American population.