Trends in Cancer Screening Among Hispanic and White, Article Critique Example

An article by Zhou et.al (2010) considers how Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White women respond to the need for cancer screenings, based upon education and guidance in this area. It is important for women to take these screenings seriously, and to be educated by healthcare providers to ensure that they recognize the importance of these screenings on a regular basis (Zhou et.al, 2010). Since Hispanic women are more commonly diagnosed with several forms of cancer, they must obtain the knowledge that is necessary to commit to these screenings; however, this knowledge must be in a format that overrides language barriers and is easy to understand (Zhou et.al, 2010). This article considers how women respond to the need for important cancer screenings that could impact their lives in a positive manner, particularly if early detection is achieved.

This article addresses the importance of this issue in great detail, and describes both sides of the argument rather effectively. It does appear, however, that the author made some assumptions regarding women and screening rates across different cultures which were not accurate, based upon existing knowledge regarding cultural and language barriers. Nonetheless, the study results indicate otherwise, as White Non-Hispanic women screening rates showed a higher decline than expected (Zhou et.al, 2010). This does not necessarily demonstrate a significant bias, but it does provide evidence that many women, regardless of race, culture, and other barriers, may not obtain these important cancer screenings in a timely manner.

Due to the diverse nature of the modern healthcare system, it is important to recognize some of the most critical beliefs and assumptions that are made regarding women’s health issues and their willingness to commit to routine and preventative screenings for various forms of cancer. At the same time, cultural diversity also leads to complex circumstances in educating women regarding cancer screenings because of language barriers and other cultural differences (Campinha-Bacote, 2003). The article by Zhou et.al (2010) reflects some of these cultural differences rather well, as it considers how Hispanic women might benefit from Spanish-speaking campaigns and messages regarding cancer screenings that are directed at them. Nonetheless, although the article is comprised of significant statistical data, it does not necessarily address some of the specific barriers to screenings for Hispanic women, such as socioeconomic status and access to these services (University of Washington, 2011). Therefore, the article is weak in that it could provide additional literature-based support regarding the barriers associated with these screenings, as well as what steps are required to ensure that Hispanic women understand the risks when cancer screenings are not obtained.

The article provides information that is common knowledge regarding the lack of education of many Hispanic women in regards to cancer screenings. However, it does not delve into the higher risks associated with women who have these screenings either too late or not at all, and subsequent mortality rates (Larkey et.al, 2012). Therefore, Zhou would benefit from writing a follow-up article to expand upon existing points and to improve knowledge in regards to the importance of these cancer screenings for this population (Larkey et.al, 2012). From the perspective of Zhou and company, this article is a positive step in the right direction in regards to improving awareness and knowledge in regards to cancer screenings for White and Hispanic women. The screening gaps that persist within this population are problematic, and they reflect a series of challenges that are difficult to overcome without a greater level of attention and awareness of these disparities. Therefore, it is important for the author to expand upon existing points with additional insights, and in particular, the issues associated with education and knowledge regarding cancer screenings for this important population group.

References

Campinha-Bacote, J. (2003). Many faces: addressing diversity in health care. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 8(1), retrieved from

http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Volume82003/No1Jan2003/AddressingDiversityinHealthCare.html

Larkey, L.K., Herman, P.M., Roe, D.J., Garcia, F., Lopez, A.M., Gonzalez, J., Perera, P.N., and Saboda, K. (2012). A cancer screening intervention for underserved Latina women by lay educators. Journal of Women’s Health, 21(5): 557-566.

University of Washington (2011). Module #2: Latina women’s health issues: Part I. Retrieved from http://faculty.washington.edu/dacosta/HHP/module2/breastca.html

Zhou, J., Enewold, L., Peoples, G.E., Clifton, G.T., Potter, J.F., Stojadinovic, A., and Zhu, K. (2010). Trends in cancer screening among Hispanic and White Non-Hispanic women, 2000-2005. Journal of Women’s Health, 19(12): 2167-2174.