Logo image
Back
Exploring the Immigrant Paradox: Cancer Screening and Length of Stay Among Bangladeshi Adults in Philadelphia
Conference poster   Peer reviewed

Exploring the Immigrant Paradox: Cancer Screening and Length of Stay Among Bangladeshi Adults in Philadelphia

Munjireen Sifat, Mehedy Hasan Raz, Nusayba Chowdhury and Moorin Khan
Annals of behavioral medicine, v 60(Supplement_1), pp S645-S645
01 Apr 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaag012#page=S645
url
https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaag012#page=S645View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

Cancer screening Cancer risk perceptions
Background Cancer screening is essential for early detection, yet many adults remain unscreened due to informational and structural barriers. Duration of stay in the U.S. is sometimes associated with worse health, known as the "Immigrant Paradox." Understanding these patterns among immigrant populations can inform culturally tailored interventions. Purpose To examine the prevalence of never-screened individuals for eligible cancers, identify perceived barriersto screening, and examine correlations of being up-to-date with cancer screening with duration of time lived in the US, among Bangladeshi adults in the greater Philadelphia region of the U.S. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 213 adults (M = 42.8 years; 49.5% female) assessed cancer screening history, barriers, and health behaviors. The research team partnered with the community non-profit Bangladesh Association of Delaware Valley, and outreach occurred at cultural events, mosques, and grocery stores. The self-administered survey, available in English and Bangla, evaluated cancer awareness, screening history, health literacy, and health behaviors. Results Most participants (68.3%) held a bachelor’s degree or higher; 87.8% were immigrants from Bangladesh, with the majority residing in the U.S. for 11–30 years. Among those eligible for screening, gaps were substantial: 11.1% (n = 4/36) of women due for a mammogram had never had one; 47.0% (n = 31/66) had never had a Pap smear. Among eligible men, 62.0% (n = 31/50) had never had a PSA test. For colorectal screening, 46.6% (n = 34/73) had never had a colonoscopy. Healthy behaviors were limited—only 28.1% exercised once or twice weekly, and 3.0% consumed ≥5 servings of fruits/vegetables daily. Common barriers to screening included lack of perceived risk (19.2%, n = 41), uncertainty about needed screenings (15.0%, n = 32), time constraints (9.4%, n = 20), and insurance concerns (6.6%, n = 14). Participants who had been living in the US for over 5 years had significantly higher rates of being up to date on Pap smears; no other screenings showed significant differences. Conclusions Despite high education levels, many Bangladeshi adults remain unscreened for key cancers. Interventions should address perceived risk while reducing logistical barriers. Implications Behavioral medicine strategies tailored to immigrant communities can improve screening adherence and reduce disparities. Disclosures: Microsoft Co-Pilot was used to check grammar

Metrics

1 Record Views

Details

Logo image