Colorectal cancer screening in Vietnamese Americans

Background. Rates of colorectal cancer screening in Vietnamese Americans are lower than those in non-Hispanic Whites. In this article, we describe rates of colorectal screening, identify determinants, and recommend educational strategies to improve screening. Methods. A cross-sectional sample of 867 Vietnamese aged 50 to 74 years drawn from a sampling frame of individuals in the Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, California, and Harris County, Texas, area telephone directories with Vietnamese surnames were interviewed in 2004. Results. Colorectal screening recognition, receipt, currency, and intention rates were low. Conclusions. Although the screening rates are low, Vietnamese are receptive to screening if providers recommend it.