Researchers have examined “cancer fatalism” (the belief that cancer is predetermined, beyond individual control, and necessarily fatal) as a major barrier to breast cancer screening among Latinas. The authors examine perceptions of breast cancer, its causes, and experiences with screening among Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Mexican, and Bolivian immigrant women in Washington, DC. Two salient themes emerged: (a) perceptions of breast cancer causes and breast cancer screening; and (b) structural factors are the real barriers to breast cancer screening. Findings demonstrate participants’ awareness and motivation to get screened and elucidate structural barriers that are obscured by the discourse of fatalism and hinder breast cancer screening. © 2015, Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

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education cultural anthropology Cultural Diversity mass screening human epidemiology middle aged District of Columbia statistics and numerical data Central America Early Detection of Cancer ethnology Mexico United States Humans Breast Neoplasms migrant Mammography psychology Emigrants and Immigrants female Socioeconomic Factors socioeconomics Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice adult utilization patient attitude Patient Acceptance of Health Care Bolivia Physical Examination attitude to health health care delivery Health Services Accessibility early diagnosis