The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42622

Ximena Somoza, MD, MPH, Kansas Cancer Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160-7312, 913-588-4738, xsomoza@kumc.edu and Cheryl Gibson, PhD, School of Medicine, University of Kansas, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160-7830.

Hispanic women nationwide have very poor breast cancer screening rates due largely to low medical insurance rates, and language and cultural barriers. In 1996, the Kansas Cancer Institute of the University of Kansas Medical Center developed a culturally competent outreach program to increase breast and cervical cancer early detection among the growing Hispanic population. In 1997, the Coalition of Hispanic Women Against Cancer was founded as a very dynamic outreach and educational program, and has been implemented and tested throughout the state. Its main purpose is to develop a volunteer community organization capable of sustaining and directing community educational outreach by educating the Hispanic community of Kansas and Missouri. The coalition provides the latest cancer education in a culturally and linguistically competent way, acting as a referral source for medically under-served women for free available cancer screening services. It is also expected to better address the barriers and challenges to access breast and cervical cancer screening for Hispanic women in rural areas. The coalition members also voice their opinions regarding the health needs of the community at different forums and serve on the advisory committee of several organizations. Currently, 51% of clients from the Kansas Breast and Cervical Cancer state-funded program are Hispanics. Results of the program’s impact will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe factors associated with assessing, advising, and assisting in the development of a self-sustained cancer educational community program for Hispanic women.
• List strategies that work in increasing breast cancer screening rates for Hispanics.
• Identify approaches to gaining early involvement and ownership in order to empower community women.

Keywords: Breast Cancer Programs, Community Involvement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.