| Rising cancer incidences, high mortality, and poor survival rates among Chinese Americans have become a great disease burden in the U.S. The purposes of this study are to understand the level of health knowledge, attitude and beliefs towards the causes of cancer among Chinese immigrants in New York City, and to identify their barriers in accessing cancer prevention services. A qualitative, exploratory research methodology based on a grounded theory approach was used. Thirty-nine low-income and medically underserved Chinese men and women participated in 4 focus group sessions and 14 in-depth interviews.;Findings revealed that the concept of "prevention" in the Chinese culture was based on holistic views of health and yin-yang balance principles. These beliefs also governed the health behaviors, lifestyle, and daily diet of Chinese immigrants. Many participants in this study misunderstood what actually caused cancer, such as carrying a certain blood type, poor hygiene, or women ignoring their reproductive or natural functions. Ignorance and confusion on risk factors and causes of cancer resulted in them not engaging in appropriate preventive activities. Many reported lack of health insurance, financial difficulties, as well as embarrassment and modesty as barriers to seeking cancer screening. Common system barriers experienced by participants included red tape and bureaucracy in the health care system, provider insensitivity to their concerns, lack of availability in doctor schedule, long waiting time in clinics, and fragmentation of the medical care system.;Analyzing and comparing data across sub-groups of participants based on age, gender, and dialect spoken uncovered similarities as well as disparities among subgroups on health-seeking beliefs, attitude towards cancer, and cancer screening experiences. This study adds to the sparse literature by providing a better understanding on the cultural attitudes and beliefs towards the causes and prevention of cancer, as well as barriers to cancer screening among Chinese immigrants. It also highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and relevancy in the design and implementation of effective breast, cervical, and prostate cancer education and screening programs for this population. |
