Supporting Latina Breast Health with Community-based Navigation

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Community Health

Background:

• Latina women in Philadelphia experience higher breast cancer risks and significant healthcare access barriers.
• Community-based navigation programs were initiated in 2005 to address these breast health needs.
• The Naveguemos con Salud (NCS) Breast Health Partnership Project (2010-2013) provided education and navigation services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how past program experiences and current needs assessments can guide future community-clinical linkage.
• To inform the development of improved community-based navigation strategies for Latina women.
• To enhance access to breast cancer screening and a continuum of care for this population.

Main Methods:

• Review of lessons learned from a community-based navigation program (2005-2013).
• Analysis of findings from a 2017 survey assessing current breast health needs among Latinas in Philadelphia.
• Exploration of strategies for future community-clinical linkage and navigation.

Main Results:

• Past programs demonstrated the need for culturally tailored breast health awareness and navigation.
• Current needs assessment highlights ongoing barriers to clinical breast exams and mammograms.
• Community-based navigation is a critical component for improving screening adherence.

Conclusions:

• Integrating lessons from past programs with current needs is essential for effective interventions.
• Future efforts should focus on strengthening community-clinical linkages to support breast cancer screening.
• Sustained community-based navigation is vital for improving breast health outcomes for Latinas.