Explanatory models for cancer among African-American women at two Atlanta neighborhood health centers: The implications for a cancer screening program

Abstract

This paper examines cultural models for breast and cervical cancer among low-income African-American women over 40, in order to better understand how those models might affect cancer screening behavior. The study is part of The Community-Based Cancer Screening Project, which is sponsored by Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, and the American Cancer Society. The Screening Project attempts to increase the use of mammography, clinical and self-examination of the breast, and cervical Pap smear among women aged 40 or older in a predominantly African-American, low-income, low educational level population that is currently underserved by any screening activities.