Successfully Seeking Ways to Help Spanish-speakers Who Have Breast Cancer

News from the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program

Contact:
Lyn Dobrin, 516-997-8545

August 10, 2021

We Speak Spanish Here

Successfully Seeking Ways to Help Spanish-speakers Who Have Breast Cancer 

With five bilingual Spanish speaking staff and two bilingual hotline volunteers, the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program is meeting its mandate to help all New Yorkers with breast cancer concerns. Here is what two Spanish-speaking members of a support group say about the help they have received: 

Domi F, 45-year-old native of El Salvador, diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in April, 2020. Domi has not been able to return to work due to aggressive medical treatment: “Through the support group, I have learned that by speaking with others, we can feel better. I appreciate learning from others and taking time for me. The program has also helped me financially. I have been able to apply for grants that have helped me with my rent and expenses.”

Vida A, 52-year-old native of Honduras, residing in Queens with her 14-year old daughter. Vida underwent a lateral mastectomy at NUMC and is currently in active chemo treatment: “I was diagnosed with HER2 cancer, and my world changed overnight; I did not know what to do. Amid the anguish, pain, loneliness and confusion came an unexpected call from the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program. From that moment on, I have had emotional support, personal attention, accompaniment, and financial support. We meet to share, laugh, cry and tell each other about our experiences.”

In 1980, during a time when people were afraid to say the word “cancer” let alone “breast cancer” a group of women, who wanted to support each other after their mastectomies, joined the first post-mastectomy group at the School of Social Work at Adelphi University, located in Garden City, NY.  The group later developed the statewide hotline to provide hope and guidance to anyone affected by the disease. Today, it is oldest breast cancer hotline in the country. 

Nassau and Suffolk counties have the highest breast cancer incidence rate than the entire state. African American and Hispanic women often experience more late-stage and aggressive diagnoses and have lower survival rates. As a response, in the late 1990’s, the Adelphi staff brought together a coalition of community organizations and leaders, naming it Sisters United in Health or “Las Hermanas en la Salud” as the program is known in the Latinx community. Sisters has been integral in supporting medically underserved communities with education and access to care to eliminate breast health disparities. 

“Last year the pandemic changed the way we interface with Spanish speakers,” says Angelica Medina, Sisters’ Bilingual Outreach Coordinator. Previously face-to-face outreach has been the cornerstone of the Sisters initiative, forming partnerships with CBO’s to develop and attend community events, as well as providing educational presentations in different community groups, libraries, adult education programs, ESL classes, and more. “When the pandemic began and we had to adhere to the social distancing guidelines, we quickly adapted and made changes to the way we reach under-served communities,” says Medina. Now Sisters offers workshops virtually through platforms with partners. “Something good that has come out of this,” she says, “is the new collaborations with agencies or programs in areas that in the past we would have difficulties reaching such as Eastern Long Island–East Hampton– and the Bronx.”

The work of the bilingual social staff shifted as well during the pandemic. People had a multitude of concerns and questions about the virus.  There were also myths and misinformation circulating, especially in the Latinx community, and difficulty accessing reliable sources of information in Spanish, tailored for those with lower health literacy and that is culturally appropriate.   

 “We also developed workshops and educational forums on other topics where we have identified information gaps among under-served populations throughout this pandemic,” says bilingual social worker Adriana Valencia. These include stress management, self-care, nutrition, among others which are offered in English and Spanish.

The support group, “Nuestro Bienestar” seeks to focus on the impact of breast cancer diagnosis on the overall well-being of members, how to navigate the social support of spouses, family members, friends, and community, as well as building a network of support with others with a shared experience. The group also seeks to provide participants a space to share questions and information on the impact of treatment on members’ well-being. Many of our new diagnosed clients shared that there was a lack of information in their native language from providers regarding side effects of treatment, body image, in addition to helpful tips to cope with cancer. 

The bilingual staff is working to increase its scope through Facebook and has conducted research on the best ways to reach its priority populations. The program now connects with women via WhatsApp, offering this option during workshops or community meetings.  Women text or send voice threads asking general questions, inquiring about resources and screening appointments.  “It has been a wonderful tool to connect and facilitate communication,” says Medina. 

End