Adapting evidence based cancer education programs for use at the community level: The case of breast cancer awareness among Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian women

Saath USA a community based NGO, in collaboration with the University of Southern California’s Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Komen for the Cure, an Orange County California based foundation was successful in improving knowledge, changing attitudes and increasing breast cancer screening among immigrant Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women in Los Angeles. Proven strategies from the CDC’s Community Guide (http://www.thecommunityguide.org ) to increase knowledge and screening for breast cancer were used and adapted to fit this audience. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in this population and most are diagnosed at late stages. Very few effective programs exist for South Asians and hence mammography screening rates tend to be low. In order to ensure South Asian women benefit equally, Saath USA bridged this gap by adapting existing evidence based strategies made appropriate for Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women. This presentation will review the process of selecting appropriate strategies, their adaptation for use at a community level and resulting impact. On-line tools and resources useful in this process will be shared. Processes, methods and tools for garnering community input that can help shape a program and make relevant will be reviewed. Saath USA used proven methods such as small media (print materials), reminder messages and lay health advisors to impact awareness and screening. Future plans for local and international replication/dissemination will also be outlined.