Ranjita Misra, PhD, CHES, Health&Kinesiology Department, Texas A&M University, 4243 TAMU, 158P Read Building, College Station, TX 77843-4243, 979-845-8726, misra@hlkn.tamu.edu and Susan Vadaparampil, PhD, MPH, Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, National Cancer Insitute, 6120 Executive Boulevard, Suite T-41, Bethesda, MD 20892.

Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) are considered to be a healthy population and at low risk for cancer. However, baseline data on cancer rates as well as prevention practices among many API subgroups are lacking. As part of a national study, this study examines cancer beliefs, prevention, and screening practices among a randomly selected Asian Indians (n=585; 36% females, 64% males) in Houston, Phoenix, and Washington DC. Data was obtained via telephone interviews (response rate=31%). On average, respondents were 48 years of age (SD+13) and have lived in the U.S. for 18 years (SD+11). Beliefs regarding cancer showed a majority believed cancer can run in the family (60%), certain foods can cause cancer (54%), individuals can have cancer without knowing it (87%), all adults should have regular screenings for cancer (86%), cancer can be cured (89%), and cancer can be prevented (71%). Some believed cancer is contagious (5%), that getting cancer is in your own control (30%), worried about getting cancer (31%), and thought cancer is a topic that shouldn’t be discussed (6%). Prevalence of obesity (7%), smoking (8%), and alcohol consumption (3%) was low. However, physical inactivity was high (52%) and 20 - 35% did not meet the Food Guide Pyramid’s guidelines for daily intake of fruits, vegetables, grains, and fat/cholesterol. Cancer screening practices for sigmoidoscopy, FOBT, digital rectal exam, papsmear, and mammogram failed to meet recommendations of leading health agencies. Our results provide evidence for increased education about cancer prevention and screening practices among the Asian Indian population.

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