AMBER- Arab American Breast Cancer Education and Referral Program

New York City is the U.S. city with the largest Arab American immigrant population. Despite their growing numbers, the Arab American population receives very little attention from the public health community. There is evidence that the primary barriers to cancer services usage are transportation, lack of knowledge, and language barriers. Other studies published concerning health care access barriers experienced by Arab American immigrants had similar findings, indicating that lack of acculturation, language barriers, societal stigma against Arabs, concerns about confidentiality, and lack of public health related knowledge impede health care access and services utilization. Additionally, the aftermath of September 11th damaged previously established trust between Arab American immigrants and government agencies, often causing Arab American immigrants to stay away from any public service, including health care that appears to be connected to the U.S. government. In response, NYU Cancer Institute and the Center for Immigrant Health started AMBER to increase the utilization of breast cancer risk reducing strategies and early detection services for Arab American women in Brooklyn and Queens, through culturally appropriate breast cancer education and screening coordination. Project activities include Arabic language health education, navigation services, and cultural competency training for healthcare professionals. Key to the success of this project has been the collaborations with religious institutions, community-based organizations and community leaders. This program increases the likelihood that culturally appropriate information will be accepted, an increased number of Arab American women will be screened for breast cancer, and that patients will be treated appropriately and respectfully.