Preventive intervention with low-income female co-survivors of cancer: “Un Abrazo Para La Familia”

“I realized my head was not reacting normally. It's like a deep depression, a lot of pressure.” This report from a woman whose sister had breast cancer was among qualitative data which informed the development and evaluation of a free service, “Un Abrazo Para La Familia,” [A Hug for the Family] offered through the El Rio Community Health Center Wellness Program for Hispanic breast cancer survivors and their families in Tucson, Arizona. Initial research found that low-income co-survivors of cancer reported cancer-related stress and needed cancer information: “Having information gives one power.” Developed in partnership with the University of Arizona's Center of Excellence in Women's Health, the Abrazo program offers three classes in Spanish or English. Our goals included 1) bringing evidence-based cancer information into the homes and natural gathering places of low-income Hispanic co-survivors of cancer and 2) addressing the identified needs as part of a trauma-informed interventions. The classes provided the opportunity to learn skills in coping with cancer and caregiving, help understanding depression, information about the risks of breast cancer, and emotional support. During our first year, 63 families were served. The classes were delivered by a trained promotora, in partnership with professional counselor experienced in community mental health. In terms of ethnicity, 99% of participants were Hispanic and 75% were low income. Evaluation results showed statistically significant improvement in cancer knowledge and in self-confidence related to cancer knowledge. Implications of the Abrazo experience for developing community-level preventive interventions will be discussed.