Salud San Antonio! An evidence-based cancer prevention program among Latinas

Salud San Antonio! Promoting Breast, Cervical and Colorectal Cancer among Latinas partners with four San Antonio, Texas, community health groups and uses promotoras (community health workers) to deliver a cancer education and outreach program to increase screening rates and knowledge of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer among Latinas living in 10 zip codes on the city's West and South sides. City officials have designated these zip codes, with 82% Latinos and a median income of less than $27,000, as high-risk areas for ongoing public health problems. Promotoras conduct outreach and education sessions to educate women on risk factors, screening tests, and benefits of early detection. Knowledge is measured using surveys and eligible women are encouraged to obtain cancer screening at local clinics offering low- or no-cost screening services. Women receive health care navigation support. Final screening status is assessed via self-reports. Promotoras use iPads from Apple Inc. and cell phones to facilitate communication and data collection.

The program's success has led to Salud San Antonio! A Clinical and Health Education Collaborative for Cancer Screening, a comprehensive breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer prevention services program offering: community outreach, clinic in-reach, education, no-cost screening tests, and promotora navigation support for appointment scheduling, screening/diagnostic follow-up, and cancer treatment. The program partners with three community health groups and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and targets men and women. Vouchers for public transportation and gift card incentives are available. Final screening status and cancer diagnosis will be assessed via medical record reviews.