Nuestra Belleza: The Health and Beauty of the Latina Woman - Ovarian Cancer Beauty Salon Project

Latinas typically are not in a population proven to have a high incidence of ovarian cancer; however, those who are diagnosed experience disproportionately high rates of late stage diagnosis and mortality. In addition, information about risk factors, symptoms and treatment do not permeate barriers that lead to dramatic healthcare disparities. Nuestra Belleza is a salon-based health education initiative in Sunset Park, Brooklyn NY. The aim of the project is to reach Latinas “where-they-are” in order to increase their awareness of risk factors, symptoms, early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer. It is an engaging way to get women to transfer their interest in personal appearance to personal health. Health education includes: playing a video; distributing brochures; and conducting monthly education seminars for three months in three salons. Prior and subsequent to a health education series, surveys are distributed in salons in order to determine changes in ovarian cancer knowledge. Preliminary results show that of 45 women who completed a pre-survey, 60% did not know symptoms of ovarian cancer; 82% did not know risk factors for ovarian cancer and 54% did not know or incorrectly responded that ovarian cancer can be detected by a pap test. From this presentation, the audience will: 1) learn how to implement innovative strategies to reach Latinas and 2) assess empirical evidence for the need to increase Latinas' knowledge regarding the symptoms, risks and detection methods for ovarian cancer. Increasing knowledge may increase the likelihood of early detection, treatment and improved outcomes for this population.