Cancer Screening

Refugee Health Domestic Guidance

At a glance

The domestic medical screening guidance is for state public health departments and healthcare providers in the United States who conduct the initial medical screening for refugees. These screenings usually occur 30-90 days after the refugee arrives in the United States. This guidance aims to promote and improve refugee health, prevent disease, and familiarize refugees with the U.S. healthcare system.

Overview

Refugees in the United States (U.S.) experience significantly lower rates of cancer screening, compared to the general population12. Additionally, many newcomers, including refugees, experience elevated risks from environmental exposures as well as from infection-attributable cancers based on their country or region of origin2. Unique cancer risks and disparities in rates of screening for cancer support a nuanced approach to cancer screening for newcomer populations. As cancer screening in the U.S. is based on patient age, providers should confirm the individual refugee’s biological age, which may differ from the age on their immigration documents. Special considerations for U.S. Preventive Services Task Force3 cancer screening recommendations in immigrants, and an approach to addressing cancer risks unique among certain immigrant groups, have been published2. Some refugees may be eligible for free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Eligibility criteria differs by state or territory.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
  1. Hallowell BD, Endeshaw M, McKenna MT, Senkomago V, Razzaghi H, Saraiya M. Cancer mortality rates among US and foreign-born individuals: United States 2005-2014. Prev Med. 2019 Sep;126:105755. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.105755. Epub 2019 Jun 18. PMID: 31220510; PMCID: PMC7745713. Available at Cancer mortality rates among US and foreign-born individuals: United States 2005–2014 – (Elsevier)
  2. Walker PF, Settgast A, DeSilva MB. Cancer Screening in Refugees and Immigrants: A Global Perspective. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2022 May 9;106(6):1593–600. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0692. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35533696; PMCID: PMC9209943. Available at Cancer Screening in Refugees and Immigrants: A Global Perspective – PMC (nih.gov)
  3. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/