Tongan perceptions of cancer.

Background: There is little published information about cancer-related knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors of Tongans in the United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate answers to the following questions: What is cancer? What causes cancer? And what can you do to prevent cancer?

Methods: We completed face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 48 self-reported Tongans (16 men and 32 women) over the age of 18 years, selected through non-probability purposive sampling with help from Tongan community-based organizations. The questions regarded demographic characteristics, and cancer-related knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviors.

Legacy of the Pacific Islander cancer control network.

The groundwork for the Pacific Islander cancer control network (PICCN) began in the early 1990s with a study of the cancer control needs of American Samoans. The necessity for similar studies among other Pacific Islander populations led to the development of PICCN. The project's principal objectives were to increase cancer awareness and to enhance cancer control research among American Samoans, Tongans, and Chamorros.

Addressing the cancer control needs of Pacific Islanders: experience of the Pacific Islander Cancer Control Network.

Purpose: This paper describes the accomplishments of the Pacific Islander Cancer Control Network (PICCN). PICCN's objectives fall under two broad categories: increasing cancer awareness and enhancing cancer control research among Samoans, Tongans, and Chamorros.

Methods: PICCN established an infrastructure for addressing the goals that include the University of California, Irvine; the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center; and community-based organizations (CBOs) in areas where large numbers of Pacific Islanders live.

Influence of beliefs about cervical cancer etiology on Pap smear use among Latina immigrants.

Objective: To assess Latina immigrants' beliefs about the role of sexual activities in cervical cancer etiology and the impact of the beliefs on Papanicolaou (Pap) smear use. Previous research has found that Latinas, particularly immigrants, believe that cervical cancer is related to 'unwise' sexual activities; however, their beliefs about the nature of the relationship are unclear.

Design: We conducted semi-structured face-to-face interviews with a non-probability purposive sample of 20 Mexican immigrant women who resided in Orange County, California regarding their beliefs about risk factors for cervical cancer and Pap smear use.

Impact of U.S. citizenship status on cancer screening among immigrant women.

Objectives: We evaluated the relationship between U.S. citizenship status and the receipt of Pap smears and mammograms among immigrant women in California.

Exploring beliefs about cancer among American Samoans: focus group findings.

Objective: To evaluate answers to the following questions among American Samoans: What is cancer? What causes cancer? And what can you do to prevent cancer?

Design: Focus groups (four with women and four with men).

Settings: Pago Pago and the Manu'a islands, American Samoa; Honolulu, Hawaii; Los Angeles, California.

Participants: 80 self-reported Samoan men and women over the age of 18 years, selected through non-probability purposive sampling with help from Samoan community-based organizations.