UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: Sowing the Seeds of Health is a theory-based and culturally-relevant program to train lay health promoters (LHP) to disseminate health information and facilitate health care access among Latino immigrants in Alabama. LHPs receive extensive training on knowledge (e.g., breast cancer) and skills (e.g., communication) and develop their own action plan – breast/cervical cancer early detection. Studies have shown that Latina immigrants display lower frequency of Pap Smears (Paps) and mammograms than U.S.-born Latinas, and lack of transportation, money, health insurance, childcare, and language are the primary barriers. If we eliminate these structural barriers, would Latina immigrants attend cancer screenings? Methods: LHPs organized educational luncheons to promote breast/cervical cancer early detection, and participants were given the opportunity to receive low-cost Paps and free mammograms. Childcare, interpreters, and transportation were provided; women who attended their Paps and/or mammograms received a $10 gift certificate. Results: Out of 257 low-income Latina immigrants who attended the luncheons, 198 expressed interest in having a Pap, 77.3% attended their appointments; 68 women 40 years of age and older expressed interest in having a mammogram, 77.9% attended the appointments. Education was significantly associated with attendance to Paps and mammograms. Frequency of past Paps/mammograms, length of time in the U.S., marital status, employment status, having children, and getting regular medical care were not associated with attending their Pap/mammograms. Results show that appropriate training of trusted community volunteers can have a major impact in cancer prevention efforts among Latina immigrants. Program development and implementation and lessons learned will be discussed.