Cancer prevention and screening among South Asian women: Utilization of a culturally and linguistically appropriate health education strategy

Data from the California Registry shows that breast cancer is the most detected cancer among South Asian (SA) women, comprising 38.5% of all cancer diagnoses. Among all types of cancers, breast cancer ranked as the leading cause of mortality among this population comprising 23.5% of all deaths, and 30% to 40% of breast cancers diagnosed among SAs were late-stage. An evidence based health education strategy, funded by the Los Angeles Affiliate of Susan G. Komen, was implemented by Saath USA to increase awareness of breast cancer risks, benefits of early detection, and available breast health services among low-income, SA women, age 40 and over. Methods included the use of a culturally and linguistically appropriate photonovella adapted for SAs, outreach by trained lay health advisors (LHAs) and the use of motivational interviewing (MI) techniques to move them along the ‘stages of change' towards obtaining a mammography screening. MI techniques have been used to manage a variety of health behaviors and focus on reinforcing ‘change talk'. Preliminary follow-up data indicates that at least 20 women were in the “precontemplation” stage prior to viewing the photonovella. After the MI session, at least 75% indicated that getting a mammogram was important and indicated that they would go for screening. Among these women, 75% had identified barriers (language, transportation, etc) from making or keeping screening appointments. LHAs helped women navigate these barriers. Preliminary results indicate that utilizing a culturally and linguistically tailored health education strategy is effective in increasing screening rates among at-risk SA women.