JOURNAL OF WOMEN’S HEALTH Volume 15, Number 5, 2006 © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Predictors of Breast Cancer Screening among Immigrant Iranian Women in California MEHRA SHIRAZI, M.S., Ph.D., 1 DONNA CHAMPEAU, Ph.D., 1 and AARON TALEBI, Ph.D. 2 ABSTRACT Objective: This study examined the predictors of age-specific breast cancer screening partic- ipation among immigrant Iranian women aged 30 years and older. Methods: Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of women’s breast cancer screening. The logistic regression results appear as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence in- tervals (CIs). Results: In general, screening rates for clinical breast examinations (CBE) and mammogra- phy among the participants in the current study were higher than levels set in the year 2010 Health Objectives and those reported for women nationally. These findings are inconsistent with previous studies on immigrant women living in the United States. However, the low rate of breast self-examinations (BSE) is consistent with previous findings of other immigrant women breast cancer screening studies. Conclusions: This study is the first of its kind to explore predictors of Iranian immigrant women’s breast cancer screening behaviors. This study provides valuable information to healthcare providers as well as researchers and public health educators. The findings can make a significant difference in designing guidelines for culturally sensitive interventions and educational material to improve breast cancer screening behaviors. 485 INTRODUCTION B REAST CANCER IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), approximately 215,990 in 2004 and 211,240 women in 2005 in the United States will have been diagnosed with invasive breast can- cer. 1 It is estimated that 40,410 women will die from breast cancer in the United States this year. 1 Numerous studies have shown that early detec- tion saves lives and increases a woman’s choice in treatment options. Early detection can identify breast abnormalities that may be cancer in an early stage. The results from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) indicated that although screening use for most groups has in- creased since 1987, no significant improvements have been observed for the groups with greatest needs; therefore, major disparities remain. Mi- nority groups, particularly uninsured individuals and those with no usual source of care are falling further behind. 1–3 Various studies have also dem- onstrated that both breast cancer knowledge and beliefs about breast cancer and its prevention have emerged as important variables in predict- 1 Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. 2 Department of Mathematica Sciences, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon.