Program Outcomes from a Novel Outreach Network to Increase Breast Cancer Screening Uptake in Washington, DC

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health
• Cancer Screening

Background:

• Racial and ethnic minority groups experienced significant delays in breast cancer screening following the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Addressing disparities in breast cancer screening access is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot a Neighborhood Health Ambassador (NHA) network to enhance breast cancer screening knowledge and access.
• To improve screening rates among Hispanic/Latina and African immigrant women in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region.

Main Methods:

• Recruited and trained Neighborhood Health Ambassadors (NHAs) as Community Health Workers (CHWs).
• NHAs conducted community outreach and breast cancer screening education.
• Partnered with community organizations to facilitate direct screenings for priority populations.

Main Results:

• 26 NHAs completed training, 19 completed practicum.
• NHAs engaged 2,189 beneficiaries across 108 events within one year.
• Facilitated mammograms for 21 women and covered costs for 102 uninsured women.

Conclusions:

• A grassroots network of CHWs is a feasible and impactful strategy for strengthening breast cancer screening.
• Direct partnerships with community organizations accelerate screening uptake among high-priority groups.