Breast cancer education program based in Asian grocery stores

Abstract

Culturally and linguistically compatible university students were trained as community health educators to provide breast cancer education and screening information to shoppers at Asian grocery stores. Information about early detection of breast cancer was shared with 8,877 women, who reported speaking 40 different languages. Baseline surveys were completed by 1,202 women; 779 took part in the follow-up survey. The survey questions assessed baseline knowledge, attitudes, and screening behaviors regarding breast cancer, tested the efficacy of the intervention, and sought barriers to accessing screening services. Screening adherence at baseline was low, but reported screening compliance had increased by follow-up. This study confirms the cost-effectiveness of student health educators and Asian grocery store sites as venues to reach the diverse age, ethnic, and socioeconomic segments of the Asian community, while demonstrating the community's receptiveness to the dissemination of health information and introducing bilingual students to health education and research careers.