Recorded presentation

Sora Park Tanjasiri, DrPH, MPH¹, Lola Sablan-Santos², and Lourdes Quitugua². (1) Kinesiology and Health Sciences, California State University, Fullerton, PO Box 6870, Fullerton, CA 92834-6870, 714-278-4592, stanjasir@fullerton.edu, (2) Guam Communications Network, Inc., 4201 Long Beach Blvd, Suite 218, Long Beach, CA 90807

While breast cancer remains the most common cancer site for Pacific Islander women, information on prevention and early detection is very limited. In an earlier study, we documented that breast cancer is the leading site of cancer incidence for Chamorros (indigenous people from Guam and the Mariana Islands) in California, but screening rates fall far short of recommended national guidelines. The goal of the Chamorro Breast Cancer Research Project “Guahu I Suruhana” is to increase breast cancer screening rates in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The project is a 3-year collaborative study between three community-based organizations and one university, and involves both intervention (Los Angeles and Orange counties) and comparison (Northern California bay area) sites. Preliminary analyses of baseline data indicated needs with regards to regular screening (58% for CBE, 55% for mammography), knowledge of risks, signs and symptoms, and attitudes towards survivability. The project trained six Chamorro women who are at the center of their informal social networks to become educators. Using social settings (e.g., fiestas, family celebrations, community events) these women educated their peers about the importance of breast cancer prevention and early detection. Materials developed included brochures, posters, a breast cancer survivors quilt, a bingo game, and a kotut bag with tools to promote breast self examination. Evaluation tools included both a KAB survey and a social network-based survey that measured diffusion of breast cancer screening information within women’s social networks. Results will be presented that assess the impact of the community-based intervention on breast cancer screening for women in the intervention vs. comparison communities.

Learning Objectives:

• increase breast cancer screening rates in Los Angeles and Orange counties

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation