Cervical cancer among young Vietnamese American women: incidence, risk factors, and early detection.

Abstract

Objectives: This paper has three objectives: 1) to review the problem of cervical cancer in Vietnamese American women; 2) to identify the gaps in the published literature regarding this problem in young Vietnamese American women; and 3) to gain a better understanding of their health behavior in order to address an important health concern for this population in the future.

Methods: Published literature about the health status of Vietnamese American women was reviewed.

Results: Little has been published about the health of Young Vietnamese American women (are 18-30), the age group at highest risk for Hepatitis B infection. Also, it is unclear why they do not have regular Pap screenings.

Conclusions: A greater understanding of this population's high-risk behaviors, such as sexual and smoking behaviors, must be reached. More research is needed on the impact of acculturation and their knowledge and understanding of screening. Educational approaches targeting risky behaviors and the need for screening must be developed. Implementation of effective health education and disease prevention strategies are needed.