Cancer is a somewhat tricky topic to address within the Hmong community. In the traditional Hmong view of illness, an individual must be feeling sick in order to seek treatment, but during the early stages of cancer, when the disease is most easily treated, there are generally very little signs of something being wrong. Because of this belief, people in the Hmong community do not seek out preventative care measures, such as screenings. The more modest Hmong culture also makes screenings for women like cervical and breast exams seem inappropriate, and these two types of cancers are some of the largest problems within the community. To add on top of these cultural beliefs, linguistic barriers also make it difficult for Hmong people to seek medical assistance. Many older generation Hmong speak very little English and there are very few medical professionals who speak Hmong, which means that they either need a translator or, the easier option, simply do not go.
Sparks, Shannon, et al. Commentary: Utilizing Community-Engaged Approaches to Investigate and Address Hmong Women’s Cancer
Disparities. Hmong Studies Journal, www.hmongstudies.org/SparksetalHSJ15.pdf.
Disparities. Hmong Studies Journal, www.hmongstudies.org/SparksetalHSJ15.pdf.