Barriers and Facilitators to Cancer Screening Among Eastern European Immigrants in the United States: A Systematic Literature Review

Author(s)

• Vera Bratnichenko, University of South Carolina
• Karen Kane McDonnell PhD, RN, FAAN, University of South CarolinaFollow
• Polina Amburg
• Pamela J. Wright PhD, MS, MEd, RN, CEN, University of South CarolinaFollow
• Kesheng Wang PhD, MA, BS, University of South CarolinaFollow

Document Type

Article

Subject Area(s)

Humans; Communication Barriers; Early Detection of Cancer (psychology, statistics & numerical data); Eastern European People (psychology, statistics & numerical data); Emigrants and Immigrants (psychology, statistics & numerical data); Europe, Eastern (ethnology); Health Services Accessibility; Mass Screening (psychology, statistics & numerical data); Neoplasms (diagnosis); United States

Abstract

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Eastern European immigrants in the United States face disproportionately higher cancer mortality because of delayed detection. Understanding the specific barriers and facilitators affecting this population is essential for designing interventions that improve screening uptake and reduce cancer-related morbidity.

LITERATURE SEARCH: A database search identified U.S.-based, peer-reviewed studies focused on Eastern European immigrant adults aged 18 years or older.

DATA EVALUATION: Rayyan software supported article screening and management. Nine studies met inclusion criteria, and key information on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes was extracted.

SYNTHESIS: Many studies grouped Eastern European immigrants with broader immigrant populations, with breast cancer being the most frequently examined condition. Common barriers to screening included fear, language challenges, and lack of health insurance.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Facilitators such as culturally concordant providers, provider recommendations, and community-based outreach enhance screening participation. Interventions to reduce language barriers, mistrust, and limited awareness may be crucial to improving cancer screening rates among Eastern European immigrants.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1188/26.ONF.e26535279

Publication Info

Published in Oncology nursing forum, Volume 53, Issue 2, 2026, pages 45–55-.

APA Citation

Bratnichenko, V., McDonnell, K. K., Amburg, P., Wright, P. J., & Wang, K. (2026). Barriers and facilitators to cancer screening among Eastern European immigrants in the United States: A systematic literature review. Oncology Nursing Forum, 53(2), 45–55. https://doi.org/10.1188/26.ONF.e26535279

Rights

© 2026 by the Oncology Nursing Society. All rights reserved.