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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ithara Phlong, BA and Julie Bawa, MPH. Asian American Cancer Program, Asian American Health Initiative, 1335 Piccard Dr., Rockville, MD 20850, 240-777-1409, ithara.phlong@montgomerycountymd.gov

Asian Americans have one of the lowest cancer screening rates than any other minority groups; as a result cancer continues to impact this community disproportionably. Numerous factors impede cancer screening including the lack of awareness, language and cultural barriers, and most importantly the lack of culturally tailored programs to promote the importance of early detection. The Asian American Health Initiative under the Montgomery County Dept. of HHS in Maryland created the Asian American Cancer Program (AACP) to increase awareness about cancers through education and by providing free screenings the County's uninsured Asian American residents. In order to outreach to a diverse Asian American community, AACP utilizes a combination of strategies: 1. Partnerships with Asian American community based organizations through the Mini-Grant's program; 2. The recruitment and training of lay health promoters; 3. Health fairs in the communities; 4. Asian language media campaigns; 5. Patient navigation / Case Management; 6. Development of culturally and linguistically competent education materials. Results from July 2002 through October 2005, AACP has accomplished the following: 1. 5996 Asian Americans were educated in cancer education; 2. 1034 eligible clients were referred for breast, cervical and colorectal screenings; 3. 222 colonoscopies; 4. 408 Mammograms; 5. 210 Pap tests. To successfully outreach to the Asian American community and reduce cancer disparity in this diverse population, culturally tailored programs should be developed to address the unique needs and strengths of the targeted Asian American community.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify most common barriers to cancer screening for Asian Americans in Montgomery County, Maryland.
• Discuss the challenges in providing cancer education to a diverse Asian American community.
• Learn that a combination of strategies is needed to successfully outreach into the Asian American community.

Keywords: Asian Americans, Cancer Prevention

Related Web page: www.AAHIinfo.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered