Jennifer Tsui, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, AANCART, 722 W. 168th Sreet, 7th Floor, Rm 732, Dept of Epidemiology, New York, NY 10032, (212) 305-9079, jt2140@columbia.edu and Nadia Islam, AANCART, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., 7th FL, Room 732, Dept. of Epidemiology, New York City, NY 10032.

Background and Purpose: Studies indicate that Asian Americans (AA) underutilize cancer screenings even though cancer is the leading cause of death in AAs ages 25-44. Few studies have closely examined the cancer screening behavior of AAs in New York City (NYC). The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between access to healthcare and cancer screening behavior among NYC's AA population. Methods: Analysis was performed on data from the NYC Department of Health 2002 Community Health Survey, the first survey of its kind to collect community level data in various languages. Data was collected from 9674 participants based on a random digit dialing method, including a sample of 529 AAs. Results: Access to care factors display significant relationships with AAs' cancer screening rates. AAs without a primary care provider are less likely to receive a sigmoidoscopy (OR=0.39), mammography (OR= 0.23), or pap smear (OR= 0.32).Compared to AAs with private insurance, uninsured AAs are less likely to receive a sigmoidoscopy (OR= 0.19), mammography (OR= 0.16), or pap smear (OR= 0.61); AAs with Medicaid are less likely to receive a pap smear (OR=0.620), but more likely to receive a mammogram (OR=9.99); AAs with Medicare are less likely to receive a mammography (OR=0.41), but more likely to receive a pap smear (OR=1.41). Conclusions: Results from this study will aid in developing culturally appropriate cancer screening services for AAs in NYC. These results indicate that policy initiatives aimed at developing community-based health programs should target AAs with low access to care.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to

• Identify the cancer screening behavior of Asian Americans living in New York City.
• Recognize demographic predictors that influence cancer screening practices among Asian Americans living in New York City.
• Apply understanding of data presented to effectively promote cancer awareness and education within the Asian American community
• Develop appropriate cancer prevention programs that meet the needs of this population.

Keywords: Asian Americans, Cancer Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.