ABSTRACT
Objective: Little is known regarding cancer prevention behaviors among South Asians who have immigrated to the United States. This chapter synthesizes 48current research regarding South Asian Americans (SAAs) and their behaviors as they relate to cancer prevention and control. The objective of this chapter is to review current literature within the last decade regarding cancer risk, cancer prevention and screening, and related resources for SAAs.
Key Findings: Cancer rates among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are generally lower than those in other racial and ethnic subgroups. Despite gains in research among SAAs, little research has been conducted on a large scale that targets this population. On the basis of the limited available research, cancer incidence rates among South Asians who have immigrated to the United States have been steadily increasing over time. This includes many common cancers such as colorectal, prostate, thyroid, pancreas, lung, and breast cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. SAAs have higher incidence rates compared to their counterparts in India, with breast cancer in women being the most prevalent type of cancer. There is limited information available on the extent of cancer education and awareness programs that target SAAs. Considerable gains, however, have been made in the past decade with regard to community outreach and research involving SAAs.
Recommendations: More epidemiologic research is needed to better understand trends within subgroups of Asians and SAAs in order to better serve the community. Disaggregated data are needed to understand the differences between subgroups within the SAA population. Further research is also needed to understand cancer survivorship and treatment among this group of immigrants. Community-based initiatives that involve key stakeholders in conducting proper evaluation of existing and future programs can help to reduce gaps in cancer prevention and survivorship resources for the SAA community.
