Prevention is Key: Empowering Minority Communities Through Health Screenings
April 8, 2024
Categories: Cancer, Community Health, Digestive Health, Men's Health, Women's Health
April is National Minority Health Month. This is a time to raise awareness of the gaps in health care faced by minority groups. For many, poverty, limited access to quality healthcare services, lack of insurance, discrimination, cultural barriers and unequal distribution of resources all affect the health outcomes of minority individuals and communities. Race and gender can also influence a person’s likelihood of cancer, diseases and other health concerns.
An annual visit with your primary care doctor is a good first step when it comes to maintaining overall health and wellbeing. The care you receive may change as you age, but this a good first step when creating a health care plan of action. “We’re not going to do a lot of screening tests for a young otherwise healthy man, but women have different needs because of reproductive health, and screening recommendations depend on family history and demographics, too. Establishing care with a primary care doctor and discussing what’s best for you is the most helpful,” said Dr. Jasperse.
For example, many women in the United States do not meet the guidelines set for routine breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings. In a study by the CDC, it was found that across all three of these cancer screening types, women facing economic barriers such as poverty had a lower probably of meeting these preventive screening guidelines. Not having health insurance or avoiding medical care because of cost are also consistent factors. (Benavidez GA, Zgodic A, Zahnd WE, Eberth JM., 2021) Trinity Health Michigan aids those groups who are typically underserved or facing challenges receiving care. Across the state, there have been several initiatives to improve access to screening tests especially for those with the most barriers:
Breast Cancer Screening
Trinity Health offers a mobile mammography unity that travels to various sites, targeting those West Michigan areas with the lowest screening rates. The bus is equipped with high quality 3-D, plus two changing rooms and a reception waiting area. In just one year, at the Trinity Health Medical Group, Primary Care - Clinica Santa Maria, there was a 15% increase in screenings for Spanish speaking patients and at least one new cancer was found in early stages.
Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
Trinity Health Michigan has introduced RetinaVue cameras at several clinic locations that serve minority populations. This can screen for retinopathy while a patient is visiting for Diabetes and Endocrinology care. Since this new technology has been made available, dozens of patients have been screened.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Our lab locations have made it very easy for patients to self-collect a sample at home and send in for screening.
“I’m definitely a believer in prevention. Finding and treating something early is way easier than waiting until it’s showing up in everyday life. That said, more is not always better and all screenings should be targeted based on risks and benefits,” said David Jasperse, Trinity Health Medical Group, Primary Care - Clinica Santa Maria. Trinity Health Medical Group, Clínica Santa María provides primary health care available to the underserved, homeless, migrants and uninsured throughout the community. The clinic is staffed by eight providers and several specialists including gynecology and obstetrics specialists.
There are no language barriers at Clínica Santa María, all staff are bilingual. The language a person speaks can also impact their access to health care. For example, even though Spanish is spoken by over 10% of residents of Kent County, many offices still have no Spanish phone line, Dr. Jasperse said. This communication barrier can deter residents from scheduling an appointment or voicing concerns about their health.
Don’t have a primary care doctor or an annual appointment scheduled?
Find a Trinity Health Michigan doctor that fits your needs. Language assistance and interpreter services in over 50 languages are available.
SOURCES: Benavidez GA, Zgodic A, Zahnd WE, Eberth JM. (2021, April 15). Disparities in meeting USPSTF breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening guidelines among women in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
