Culturally focused Breast Cancer Interventions for Filipino Women in Hawaii: APRNs Educate their Communities

DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC15.127

Authors: Pamela Miyashiro and Patricia M. Burrell

Abstract:

Problem: There are 900 new cases of breast cancer in Hawaii, of which the majority diagnosed with breast cancer are Hawaiian and Filipino women. Filipino women account for 62.1{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} for breast cancer screening. The uniqueness of the Filipino in Hawaii is that they maintain their cultures and languages. Language other than English spoken at home is 51.5{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465}. Aim: A program was designed to remove cultural, linguistic, and transportation barriers for breast cancer screening for Filipino women in Waipahu. Information about beliefs and practices focused on breast cancer and its’ prevention was also sought. Methodology: Educational materials in the three major dialects spoken in Hawaii and clinical breast services were provided by an advanced practice nurse candidate who was fluent in the three dialects (Ilocano, Tagalog,and Visayan). IRB approval was obtained and the project/study was supported by the Komen Grant Foundation. The participants received a qustionnaire about their experiences and beliefs about breast cancer. They received services and education and then filled out a post-questionnaire. This paper addresses their pre-services knowledge, beliefs and practices. Results: Seventy percent spoke Visayan, 20{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} spoke Tagalog, and 10{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} spoke Ilocano. Fifty percent had no prior knowledge about cancer and the purpose of screening in the Philippines. Twenty percent believed that any form of injury to the breast lead to cancer and 30{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} had no informtion. Eighty seven percent were aware of breast cancer screening services while living in Hawaii.

Keywords: breast cancer, cultural focus, Filipino women, Hawaii Problems in the Filipnio Community