Cultural Sensitivity and Health Education: Essential Components to the Success of the Early Detection Cancer Screening Program for Latinas at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Abstract

Over 13 years, the Celebremos la Vida (CLV) program has offered free breast examinations, mammograms, and cervical cancer screenings to uninsured Latinas residing in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. The CLV program aims to educate participants on the importance of breast self-examination and regular cancer screening for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer.

Population-based cancer screening programmes in low-income and middle-income countries: regional consultation of the International Cancer Screening Network in India

“…27 In addition to operational efficiency, community health workers and navigators are best positioned to understand the unique cultural context of the patient, which is an essential competency in any screening programme. 28 Screening programme managers are central to building and maintaining efficient programme implementation. Oncologists with excellent management experience in LMICs are needed to treat individuals diagnosed with the disease.…”

Outcomes of a structured education intervention for Latinas concerning breast cancer and mammography

“…Several community outreach initiatives and programmes throughout the USA have already established the effectiveness of improving breast cancer awareness and mammography screening among Latinas through culturally competent breast health education classes (Colón-Otero et al, 2014;Erwin et al, 2010;Jandorf et al, 2012;Larkey et al, 2012;Makariou-Pikis et al, 2014;Sudarsan et al, 2011;White et al, 2012). Breast education classes directed towards Spanishspeaking women have typically been conducted in their native language and held at community event locations or health fairs or in faith-based organisations (Colón-Otero et al, 2014;Erwin et al, 2010;Jandorf et al, 2012;Makariou-Pikis et al, 2014;White et al, 2012). Educational classes have less often been held in the more comfortable or supportive environment of the homes of the subjects.…”