Abstract A42: Breast and cervical cancer screening adherence among Latina women living in South Texas: Results from the Esperanza y Vida (Hope and Life) intervention

Abstract

Abstract PURPOSE The evidence-based Esperanza y Vida [EyV] (Hope and Life) program was developed to increase awareness of screening methods among Latinas living in South Texas and explore social and contextual influences that may contribute to disproportionate breast cancer (BC) and high cervical cancer (CC) incidence. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics of participants, including religion and church attendance, within the larger EyV study, who reported barriers to BC and CC screening. METHODS Lay health advisors were trained to deliver the program to promote BC and CC awareness and screening. Participants (N=227) completed questionnaires that assessed knowledge, screening adherence: breast self-exam [BSE], clinical breast exam [CBE], mammography, Papanicolaou (pap) test, and health beliefs about BC and CC and were contacted for follow-up to assess screening and offer assistance in obtaining exams. RESULTS There was no association among Latinas who participated in BSE (N=118, chi-squared=8.978, p=.344), CBE (N=119, chi-squared=1.875, p=.392), and mammogram (N=98, chi-squared=8.978, p=.344) in the past 12-months and church attendance. Latinas that received a pelvic exam (N=109) and pap test (N=139) did so as part of their yearly exam. The most prevalent barriers (N=62) to screening adherence were cost (N=45) and lack of adequate health insurance (N=44). Eligible Latinas (N=174) that reported barriers to breast exams in the past 12-months believed 1) healthcare professionals felt neutral (p=.099) and 2) their friends not interested (p=.055) in screening Hispanic/Latinas for BC and CC, 3) weekly church attendance (p=.071) and 4) no education (p=.097). Eligible Latinas (N=175) that reported barriers to pap testing in the past 12-months believed 1) healthcare professionals felt not interested (p=.248) and 2) their friends either not interested (p=.092) or neutral (p=.126) in screening Hispanic/Latinas for BC and CC, 3) weekly church attendance (p=.161) and 4) age (p=.014) were factors. CONCLUSIONS These findings have implications for further culturally-tailored BC and CC education, screening interventions and patient navigation. Additional exploration of the influence of healthcare professionals and social networks in screening behaviors among this population is warranted. Citation Format: Jameisha B. Brown, Thelma C. Hurd, Thankham S. Sunil. Breast and cervical cancer screening adherence among Latina women living in South Texas: Results from the Esperanza y Vida (Hope and Life) intervention. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A42.