Breast and cervical cancer screening among Hispanic subgroups in the USA: estimates from the National Health Interview Survey 2008, 2010, and 2013

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined patterns in mammography and Pap test use across and within subpopulations of Hispanic women. Methods: Based on data from the National Health Interview Survey (2008, 2010, and 2013), we estimated the proportion of Hispanic women reporting testing for breast and cervical cancer for specific subgroups. We examined test use by demographic characteristics using Chi-square tests. Results: Overall, the proportion of women aged 50–74 years who reported a mammogram within the past 2 years did not differ significantly across Hispanic subgroups. Among publically and uninsured women, however, proportions of mammography utilization varied significantly across Hispanic subgroups. The proportion of women aged 21–65 years who received a Pap test within the past 3 years differed significantly across Hispanic subgroups. Conclusions: Among subgroups of Hispanic women, patterns in mammography and Pap test use vary by insurance status, length of US residency, and type of screening. Certain subgroups of Hispanic women may benefit from culturally tailored efforts to promote breast and cervical cancer screening.