Assessing environmental & social factors influencing breast cancer prevention in Latina farmworkers
Description: Breast cancer is an urgent public health issue that affects Latina farmworkers, particularly when examining deaths rates and stage of diagnosis. There are multiple factors in the development of cancer including mutations and family history, behavioral, occupational, and environmental factors. Latina farmworkers may be at higher risk of developing breast cancer due to their exposure to pesticides and various social factors such low socioeconomic status, non-English preference, and mistrust with providers, which have been associated with cancer. However, more information is needed to better understand Latina farmworkers’ exposure to various cancer-related chemicals and a deeper understanding of the various factors influencing their ability to engage in breast cancer screening. Here, we propose a study to measure the direct exposure to multiple chemicals linked to cancer along with their knowledge, attitudes, current facilitators, and barriers surrounding breast cancer screening and the strategies to address these barriers among Latina farmworkers in Imperial Valley, California. Our team will evaluate many environmental carcinogens utilizing new analytical tools and assess knowledge/attitudes surrounding breast cancer using surveys. In addition, we will conduct interviews on facilitators and barriers to breast screening among various participants, and probe on potential strategies for addressing those barriers. This study will provide initial evidence needed to develop interventions to reduce exposures linked to cancer among Latina farmworkers and to improve their access to breast cancer screening. The results of this study will support health equity within breast cancer prevention among a particularly marginalized population.
Amount: $234,600
Funding type: grant
Funder scheme: Innovative, Developmental, and Exploratory Award (IDEA)
Start date: 2023-08-01
End date: 2025-10-31
Investigator: Nicolas Lopez-Galvez
Institution: San Diego State University
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: B29IB6799
OpenAlex ID: G3597821