The North Carolina Breast Cancer Screening Program (NC-BCSP) was developed in 1993 to address racial disparities in breast cancer mortality. The primary intervention strategy is a network of Lay Health Advisors (LHAs) which spans five rural, medically-underserved counties in eastern NC where breast cancer is a particular burden for African American women. LHAs are older, African American women who are locally respected and trusted. These qualities and their commitment to health promotion bind the LHAs into a cohesive network of "sisters," despite their differences in age, education and income. Together, LHAs' extensive social networks and local reputations are a valuable resource for promoting mammography and breaking the pervasive silence that surrounds breast cancer in their communities.
Increased mammography screening rates resulting from NC-BCSP's intervention are not the only positive outcome of LHA efforts. The silence around breast cancer, now broken, opens avenues for discussions about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of other diseases formerly undisclosed. LHAs now feel a shared responsibility for the health and well-being of their community, and are interested in broadening their advising skills from breast cancer to other health concerns among women and men of all ages. LHAs suggest that their communities' communication channels for accessing health information and care have been strengthened in the years since NC-BCSP's inception.
An LHA will describe the work she has done and will continue to do "to make a difference," as well as NC-BCSP's contribution to increased breast cancer screening and community competence.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Lay Health Workers, Cancer Screening
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.