Cancer, the second-leading cause of death in the U.S. and Texas, is expected to become the nation’s top killer within a decade. Despite effective tests to detect cancer early, 40% of breast cancer, 36% of cervical cancer, and 54% of colorectal cancer in Texas are detected at late, less treatable stages, and Latinos typically suffer worse cancer outcomes.

Salud San Antonio! A Clinical and Health Education Collaborative for Cancer Screening, a unique evidence-based cancer prevention services program, led by the Institute for Health Promotion Research at The University of T Health Science Center at San Antonio, will position community health workers (promotoras) at five community health gro...

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Cancer, the second-leading cause of death in the U.S. and Texas, is expected to become the nation’s top killer within a decade. Despite effective tests to detect cancer early, 40% of breast cancer, 36% of cervical cancer, and 54% of colorectal cancer in Texas are detected at late, less treatable stages, and Latinos typically suffer worse cancer outcomes.

Salud San Antonio! A Clinical and Health Education Collaborative for Cancer Screening, a unique evidence-based cancer prevention services program, led by the Institute for Health Promotion Research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, will position community health workers (promotoras) at five community health groups to deliver a cancer education/outreach and clinical services program to increase screening rates and knowledge of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer among Latino men and women in 10 zip codes in San Antonio’s West and South sides. These zip codes are low-income, 82% Latino, and have been identified by local health officials as high-risk areas for health problems.

Promotoras will conduct small group sessions to educate Latinos on risk factors, screening tests, and early detection. Surveys will measure Latinos’ knowledge at the point of identification during outreach and after each small group session. Latinos found to be “rarely or never screened” at community events and via clinics will be referred to CentroMed, our partnering FQHC clinical provider, to obtain no-cost screenings for breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer.

All eligible participants will receive education and navigation support for appointment scheduling, screening and diagnostic testing, follow-up, and referral for treatment (if diagnosed with cancer) and support through treatment. Final screening status and cancer diagnosis will be assessed via medical record reviews.

This study will use iPads, an innovative program tool and mobile tablet device from Apple Inc., and cell phones, to facilitate communication and data collection. All data for participant screening, tracking and survey administration will be entered into a secure online database accessed using the iPad’s WiFi Connection, as the device provides wireless access to e-mail, Internet, calendars, and global positioning systems.

If Salud San Antonio! is successful in increasing knowledge and screening behavior, this model can be exported to other high-risk populations in South Texas and other largely Latinos areas.

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