Differences in predictors of cervical and breast cancer screening by screening need in uninsured Latina women

BACKGROUND. Latina women experience higher mortality for cervical cancer and lower 5-year survival for breast cancer than non-Latina White women. Adherence with screening recommendations can increase chances of survival, yet the factors that influence screening behaviors in uninsured women are not well documented. METHODS. Uninsured Latina women (N = 467) recruited in four US cities participated in the study. Logistic regression was used to model adherence to recommendations by screening type (cervical or breast cancer) and screening need (needs to obtain initial screening, overdue for rescreening, up-to-date with rescreening). RESULTS. Predictors differed by type of screening and screening need. Women who reported exposure to cancer education were more likely to have had a mammogram and to be up-to-date with Pap smear screening than women without such exposure. Women who were younger, had more than a sixth grade education, and/or had children were more likely to have had a Pap smear. Older women who had been in the US the longest were more likely to be overdue for a Pap smear. Women with incomes $5000 to $7000 were more likely to have obtained a mammogram. Regional differences were found with respect to mammography screening and maintenance behaviors. CONCLUSIONS. Exposure to cancer education is an important predictor of screenings among uninsured urban Latina women. The potential of creating educational interventions that can increase screening rates among women who evidence health disparities is encouraging. Recruitment strategies to reach women in need of screenings are provided.