Beliefs and practices regarding cancer and breast health in an indigenous and a mestizo community in Ecuador

Breast cancer is a significant public health problem in Latin American with increasing incidence and mortality rates. A lack of community-based, culturally appropriate breast health educational programs is one significant barrier to addressing this health problem. Te Apoyamos, a project (2008-2009) funded by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, created this needed program in two communities in Ecuador. The Pontifica Universidad Catolica del Ecuador and the University of Portland collaborated on the project. One major project goal was to design and implement a community-based breast health program for indigenous women in a rural community (Las Balvinas) and poor mestiza women in a marginalized, urban community (Atucucho). The program included focus groups conducted in both communities to understand knowledge, beliefs and practices related to cancer and breast health. Information from the focus groups was incorporated into educational methods used by trained community women to deliver a breast health program to residents of their respective communities. In addition, community health fairs were held and breast health messages were delivered through the media. Currently, networks of volunteer lay promoters are being developed to sustain the program. This presentation will address the six focus groups conducted in the two communities and the application of the results to the development of the breast health educational program. The presentation will include the identified common themes, different themes between the communities, the unique histories and descriptions of the two communities, lessons learned, and the significance of this experience for other community cancer programs.