Developing and evaluating a Spanish TEL-MED message on breast cancer

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Communication
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• Breast cancer disproportionately affects women, with disparities in screening and information access among Hispanic populations.
• Older Latinas often prefer Spanish-language resources and may face barriers to accessing health information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a Spanish-language TEL-MED message on breast cancer for older Latinas in Delaware.
• To assess the effectiveness of this targeted health communication strategy in improving breast cancer awareness and screening access.

Main Methods:

• A focus group of Latino professionals and American Cancer Society volunteers informed the message content.
• A 1-minute, 45-second Spanish TEL-MED message was created, addressing symptoms, prevention, mammograms, and low-cost screening options.
• Pamphlets and a press release were used for promotion through community organizations and churches.

Main Results:

• The Spanish breast cancer message was highly requested, being called 58% as often as the English version and 193% more than a Spanish epilepsy tape.
• Call volume peaked after promotional activities, indicating successful outreach.
• Evaluation suggests the TEL-MED message is an innovative and effective method for reaching older Latina women.

Conclusions:

• Spanish TEL-MED messages can significantly augment breast cancer education for older Latinas.
• Combining TEL-MED with mass media campaigns positively impacts Spanish-speaking users' engagement with health information.
• Targeted, culturally relevant health communication strategies are crucial for addressing health disparities.