Using Community Assets to Select and Adapt Evidence Based Strategies: A Lay Health Advisor Program to Increase Breast Cancer Screening in Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nepali Communities

South Asians are the second largest Asian population with high numbers of linguistically isolated and limited English proficient community members. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in this population and screening rates in comparison to other populations are significantly lower (34% for eligible women in Los Angeles). Very few effective, tailored and culturally appropriate interventions exist that can impact this disparity. In order to ensure that underserved and immigrant women benefit from mammography screening equally, Saath USA leveraged social and cultural capital to select and adapt evidence-based strategies from The Community Guide which resulted in improved breast cancer knowledge and screening (50% increase). The intervention incorporated the use of lay health advisors, small media, one-on-one outreach and reminder cards, all recommended by The Community Guide. These strategies adapted with significant input from lay health advisors and technical assistance from USC Norris Patient Education and Outreach Center have resulted in an effective program for this community. Details of the program selected, significant role of lay health advisors in the adaptation process and evaluation results will be discussed.