Implementation of culturally competent and peer-driven counseling to increase breast and cervical cancer screening in the Gulf Coast region of Alabama

Abstract

Objective: In Alabama, women have been shown to have mortality from breast cancer higher than the U.S. average, and black women are twice as likely as white women to die from cervical cancer. Despite the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (ABCCEDP) providing free screenings to eligible women, screening rates have remained unchanged in recent years. This project seeks to demonstrate that provision of peer support may address cultural and health literacy needs for cancer prevention education, increase motivation for screening attendance, and improve cancer screening adherence.