New Web site to help Spanish-speaking breast cancer patients

Many underserved populations face challenges in navigating the medical system, and a language barrier can further the sense of isolation for those facing serious illness. To help address this problem, a comprehensive new Web site for Spanish-speaking breast cancer patients and their families has been launched by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Center of Excellence in Cancer Communications Research, funded by the National Cancer Institute.

The new Spanish-language site, called “Conviviendo con el Cancer de Seno,” is a cultural and linguistic translation of an existing online resource called the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS) “Living with Breast Cancer” program, which has consistently improved outcomes for English-speaking breast cancer patients in previous research, particularly for the underserved. The translation was conducted by a multinational team from Mexico, Argentina and Venezuela, with expert guidance from the Dane County Latino Health Council. Additional Latina-specific content was provided by national partners including The National Latino Cancer Research Network and the Center for Patient Partnerships.

“To the best of our knowledge, this new site is the most comprehensive and culturally relevant resource on the Web for Latinas with breast cancer,” says Susana Torres-Corona, project manager. “The site offers an extensive database of original content, and it also serves as an information clearinghouse linking directly to other high-quality educational materials in Spanish for Latinas created by trusted sources such as the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.”

According to Bret Shaw, lead investigator for the project, the site was created to more effectively serve the needs of Spanish-speaking breast cancer patients because Hispanics are both the largest minority group in the United States and also the fastest-growing segment of the population. Additionally, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women, and five-year survival rates are lower than those in other ethnic groups.

“By adding Spanish-speaking women to other underserved demographic groups already benefiting from our program, we anticipate reduced health information disparities between Spanish-speaking breast cancer patients and other demographic groups as well as improved quality of life for Latina breast cancer patients and their families,” says Shaw.

Funding for the project was made available by the Ira and Ineva Baldwin Endowment. The site is open to the public.

The Center of Excellence in Cancer Communications Research was funded in June 2003 by a grant of $10 million from the National Cancer Institute to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families, particularly those from underserved populations.