Randomized controlled trial of Nuevo Amanecer: a peer-delivered stress management intervention for Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer.

Background: Latinas with breast cancer suffer symptom and psychosocial health disparities. Effective interventions have not been developed for or tested in this population.

Purpose: We describe community-based participatory research methods used to develop and implement the Nuevo Amanecer program, a culturally tailored, peer-delivered cognitive-behavioral stress management intervention for low-income Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer, and unique considerations in implementing a randomized controlled trial to test the program in community settings.

Barriers to seeking cancer information among Spanish-speaking cancer survivors.

Background: Hispanics face barriers in seeking cancer information from sources such as the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service. Their cancer screening rates are lower than those for whites.

Methods: Three focus groups were conducted with 40 Spanish-speaking cancer survivors.

Use of cancer support groups among Latina breast cancer survivors.

Introduction: Although Latina women diagnosed with breast cancer may be at greater risk of psychosocial morbidity compared to white women, few utilize support services such as support groups. Reasons for this under-use among Latinas are unknown.

Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey examined the association of predisposing, enabling, and need factors with use of cancer support groups among 330 Latina breast cancer survivors recruited from a population-based tumor registry in counties with Spanish language support groups.

Developing a culturally competent peer support intervention for Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer.

Little research exists on the need for, barriers to, and acceptability and effectiveness of psychosocial support services among Latinas with breast cancer, despite their increased risks of psychosocial distress. This formative research study identifies barriers to and benefits and components of an effective peer support counselor intervention for Spanish-speaking Latinas recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Analysis was based on interviews of 89 Latino cancer patients referred to psychosocial services; 29 Spanish-speaking survivors of breast cancer; and 17 culturally competent advocates for Latinos with cancer.