P5-16-03: The Breast Cancer Novela, Se Valiente…Son Tus Senos, an Innovative Tool To Educate Latina Women about Breast Cancer.
Authors: I Febus-Sampayo, R Mota, A Yaker
Journal: Cancer Research (2011)

Abstract Background The Hispanic population is the fastest growing population and largest minority group in the United States. Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among latina women in part because they are more frequently diagnosed at a later stage than non-Hispanic whites. Critical information about early detection, diagnosis and treatment options is often inaccessible due to cultural and language barriers. There is a need to reach the Hispanic community in new and compelling ways. The purpose of this initiative was to reach diverse Spanish speaking communities, particularly in New York City, with information about breast health and breast cancer that was culturally-sensitive, language appropriate, scientifically and medically accurate and, most importantly, relevant to the lives of the people in the community. Methods: Latina breast cancer survivors and non-survivors from diverse Hispanic communities were identified and three 8 person focus groups, two for non-survivors and one for survivors, were organized to explore breast cancer-related issues relevant to these communities. The women's personal stories and common issues and experiences as well as medical information reviewed by a medical advisory group, formed the basis for the development of a breast cancer novela. The novela is a popular Spanish-language comic book style publication widely distributed in the Hispanic communities. The breast cancer novela used the real life stories of the women to address barriers to accessing health care and empower women in Hispanic communities. A distribution plan was developed and a curriculum created for inperson educational seminars at community organizations. Surveys prior to and following the educational intervention were conducted. Results: We distributed over 25,000 novelas in Spanish to 478 sites within New York City and to 89 other sites throughout the U.S. We printed and distributed 2500 copies of an English version of the novela at the request of health providers. Attendees at a launch event helped identify distribution sites and educational seminar venues. Peer facilitators conducted these seminars, with the novela as the primary communication tool. The content of the workshops included information about breast health, risk, early detection, myths and realities about a diagnosis, managing relationships, survivorship and resources. To date, 17 seminars have been conducted and attended by more than 330 attendees. Results of the surveys as well as detailed information describing the distribution sites of the novela and feedback we received about its impact, will be presented at SABCS Discussion: Se Valiente… Son Tus Senos, is an innovative educational tool that conveys information about breast health, breast cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship that is personal, relevant, compelling and accessible. The breast cancer novela serves as a vehicle to change information levels and increase women's knowledge and to provide health providers with insights that enable them to treat members of Spanish-speaking communities in a culturally competent manner. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-16-03.