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Juntos en la Salud: Cancer Prevention/Screening for Latinas [ACS]

Linda Larkey, PhD, MA

The aim of this project is to compare and refine two methods of implementing a community health advisor, or “Promotora” program designed to improve breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening and primary prevention behaviors among a population of underserved, primarily Hispanic women, aged 18 and over.  The two theory-based interventions will be implemented through clinics, community-based organizations, and physician offices in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona (urban, and surrounding rural areas).  Each participating site will be matched for similar characteristics and randomized to either the Usual Care (UC) intervention group using individual contact for education, or the Social Support Group (SSG) fostering ongoing social support expected to endure beyond the term of the intervention. Main effects will be measured for any one cancer screening that is initially out of compliance with American Cancer Society recommendations. Outcomes to be assessed include: improving rates of mammography, Pap tests, FOBT and sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy, increasing physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption, and decreasing household tobacco use.  For both interventions, Promotoras will be trained to educate Hispanic women about primary prevention and screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer using culturally appropriate materials and curriculum standardized across arms of the study.