Stephen F. Austin State University

Encouragement from a significant other may make a significant difference in any woman’s willingness to undergo an annual breast exam, but for women from Mexico living in the United States, that encouragement may be especially important.

Stephen F. Austin State University faculty members are trying to determine why many Latinas living in the United States don’t receive screenings for breast cancer and what might improve their willingness to undergo the exams. Dr. Linda Calvacca, associate professor of nursing at SFA, has teamed with community leaders and the School of Social Work to complete the research. The research is supported by a $250,000 grant from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Hispanic women are much more likely to die from breast cancer, and they are in the sociocultural group least likely to undergo screening, Calvacca said.

“Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Latinas, yet reports of recent practices show that they are not following current recommendations for breast cancer screening,” Calvacca said. “There have been studies that have focused on factors that motivate women to seek breast screening, but only a few have focused on rural Hispanic women.”

According to Calvacca, cultural beliefs and attitudes have been shown to contribute to the low level of breast cancer screening reported for Latinas, who may believe that pain would indicate the need for an exam, or that cancer is caused by trauma to tissue or some form of abuse. Research also has shown that many Hispanic women of Mexican descent may feel embarrassment about a breast exam and may feel disloyal to their husbands when they go to the doctor. However, support from others may increase their willingness to have an exam.

“Latina immigrants tend to rely more on family than friends for support, but they may be isolated from their extended family,” Calvacca explained. “So, a partner’s support may be essential in providing the motivation needed for seeking an exam.”

The sample will include at least 100 Latinas and their partners and will last for three years.

“The main objective of the study is to determine how working with both partners might change a woman’s subsequent attitude, her motivation to participate in breast cancer screening, and her behavior,” Calvacca said.

Brief educational sessions will occur after evening English language classes offered by the Hope outreach ministry of First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches.

“Volunteer teachers work with approximately 200 immigrants every week at the church,” Calvacca said. “They have a big following, a wealth of supplies and an established curriculum.”

Also collaborating in the effort and providing translation assistance is Hacer, a local organization for Latino immigrants.

Participants will receive clinical breast examinations and mammography from local clinics following American Cancer Society guidelines.

“The study also will serve as a model for partnership programs designed to serve immigrant groups in rural areas,” Calvacca said. “The partnership between a state university, a faith-based immigrant outreach program and an agency that serves as a recognized leader of a sociocultural group could serve as a model that can be replicated nationwide by other communities to facilitate improvements for all residents.”