Using a Culturally Competent Framework to Increase Annual Breast Cancer Screening Rates Among Low-Income Latinas

The Orange County, California, Cancer Detection Partnership is a successful example of a multitiered breast cancer detection program that reaches low-income, underserved women with remarkably high breast cancer screening rates for Latinas. Between July 1999 and June 2001, 65.3 percent of Latinas eligible for free breast cancer screening services were screened by the provider network affiliated with this partnership. This case study provides evidence that culturally competent services are effective. The key elements underlying the effectiveness of this program are a strong foundation of collaboration, commitment to integrate community participation into program decision-making, and innovative implementation strategies developed within a culturally competent framework. These elements have either reduced or eliminated barriers related to infrastructure, socio-cultural issues, and financial concerns that low-income women often face when accessing services. The California Department of Health Services, Cancer Detection Section, designed a model that enables ten regional cancer detection partnerships to prevent and reduce the devastating effects of breast cancer through early detection, diagnosis and treatment by incorporating these and other key elements into their programs. This case study includes discussion and recommendations for program enhancement and future research.