Cervical Cancer Screening Outreach Among Low Income, Immigrant, and Minority Communities in Los Angeles County

Abstract

High cervical cancer mortality rates continue to be a significant problem in some sectors of the population. This study analyzes the success of the Los Angeles County Office of Women's Health free cervical cancer screening program in overcoming barriers that inhibit at-risk women (e.g., low income, immigrant, Hispanic, and Asian Pacific Islander women) from getting screened. The researchers assess the effectiveness of their two major outreach strategies—community outreach and mass media appeals—in mobilizing different groups of women. The study also identifies barriers to access that contribute to no show behavior on the part of women who had scheduled screening appointments.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their appreciation to the Los Angeles County Office of Women' s Health for their assistance. They also would like to thank Kimberly Terrill, Adrianna Maestas, Lucille Acquaye-Baddo, Ladan Ask, Tanya Corbin, Renata Dodson, and Moana Vercoe for their research assistance. Financial support for this project was provided by the G.E. Bradshaw Foundation.