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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 4/2007

01-10-2007 | Original Paper

Breast Cancer among Immigrants: A Systematic Review and New Research Directions

Authors: Valentina A. Andreeva, Jennifer B. Unger, Mary Ann Pentz

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 4/2007

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Abstract

This paper highlights the relationship between migration and female breast cancer. A comprehensive review aimed at identifying risk and protective factors that cut across races and ethnicities was performed. A total of 79 studies (1971–2005) from 16 countries were reviewed. The findings are consistent with existing knowledge about the importance of potentially modifiable environmental and behavioral determinants of risk, acting both pre- and post-migration. While the acculturation-based risk transition model is strong, it is not always supported. As a new direction for migrant studies, we extrapolate the review findings to the experience of Eastern European (EE) immigrants. Health data on this population, typically characterized by low health motivation and passive receipt of preventive efforts, are largely unavailable. Based on relevant theory, empirical and qualitative studies, two breast cancer prevention models for the EE immigrant population are proposed and the need for future research using ethnically disaggregated data is discussed.
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Metadata
Title
Breast Cancer among Immigrants: A Systematic Review and New Research Directions
Authors
Valentina A. Andreeva
Jennifer B. Unger
Mary Ann Pentz
Publication date
01-10-2007
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 4/2007
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-007-9037-y

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