Abstract: Research has suggested that women who are older, have lower incomes, or are minority have lower rates of recommended breast cancer screening behavior. Older women often do not understand that age is a significant risk factor. Lack of accurate knowledge, is the biggest barrier that older, low income and minority women face. A regional Collaborative is attempting to address health disparities by improving knowledge about preventive breast and cervical health through an innovative health education and outreach program modeled after in-home “tupperware parties.”The program recruits Lay Health Educators to provide a comprehensive, culturally sensitive education program in order to impact women's screening behavior. The “parties” provide a safe forum for Lay Health Educators to disseminate information on breast and cervical health. Women have the opportunity to discuss breast and cervical health issues, barriers to service, and information about available resources. The parties also reinforce the correct information that women may already possess, and provide an arena for peer support. The program is offered in a moderate size, predominantly Caucasian, Connecticut community. Prior to offering this program, local data indicated that over 11% (7,900) of women aged 40 and older in this community have incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and compliance with recommended clinical breast examinations and mammogram screening was 61%. Program development and data on participant knowledge and behavior collected from our ongoing evaluation will be presented.
Learning Objectives: 1. Articulate the barriers to compliance with recommended cancer screenings. 2. Describe lessons learned by project team on a community based program. 3. Apply a small group, in-home model with lay health educators for community health education
Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening, Lay Health Workers
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: East of the River Breast and Cervical Cancer Outreach Initiative
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.