Wide racial/ethnic variations in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment exist for US women. MIC-Women's Health Services provides maternity care and family planning services to almost 25,000 women in some of the most underserved areas of NYC, primarily low-income minority women (64% are foreign born). As part of a needs assessment project, the breast cancer health needs of clients at three MIC centers were assessed. We investigated knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening, access to screening, risk factors, and causes of breast cancer. During the summer of 1999, 594 waiting-room interviews were successfully completed in Astoria (Queens), Harlem (Manhattan), and Bushwick (Brooklyn); only 13 women refused to participate and only 8 interviews were interrupted by service needs. The average age of the women was 28 years; over 94% of the interviews were conducted in Spanish. Over one-half of the sample had been coming to MIC for over one year and almost two thirds (62%) had no other regular place to go for health care. Preliminary analysis shows differences among the three largest subgroups (Dominican, Mexican, Ecuadorian) as to whether they had heard of breast self exams (BSE) (89%, 70%, 69%, respectively), been taught how to perform BSE (81%, 65%, 70%), and BSE performance and frequency. There are also differences in knowledge about clinical exams, mammograms, and perceived risk for developing breast cancer as well as misinformation about the causes. Data will guide the development of culturally and linguistically appropriate education/outreach interventions.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the variations in knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening that exist among Latinas in NYC. 2. Identify factors that contribute to a successful needs assessment. 3. Describe how the respondents express their risk for developing breast cancer
Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening, Latinas
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Director of Research and Evaluation Unit at MHRA