Breast Cancer and the Environment: Reaching Multicultural Communities; Advocates Mentoring Advocates

Addressing the unequal burden of environmental risks to health in communities of color is an important goal of environmental health scientists and advocates. The Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP) is a long term initiative studying how early life exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals may increase a woman's risk for breast cancer. Breast cancer mortality rates among African American women are higher than Caucasian women; there are higher rates of diagnosis among women at younger ages. Lower incomes and low health literacy in many African American communities represent challenges to reach women with information about breast cancer and the environment that they can act upon. This article describes a peer led breast cancer and the environment training program with and for African American women in New York City designed by BCERP investigators and their community partners. The program used the expertise of "seasoned" breast cancer advocates/mentors to help women from the Witness Project of Harlem, a faith-based breast and cervical cancer education program, develop and deliver messages on breast cancer and the environment to their communities. The program emphasized environmental exposures in the home - personal care products, household cleaning products, plastics, and pesticides. Learning about safer, affordable alternatives to reduce exposure was an important focus. Twelve women from the Witness Project of Harlem were trained. Based on that foundation, community presentations, tailored to the cultural styles, language, and education of women in Harlem and other New York City communities, were delivered. Results demonstrate interest in environmental health and significant increases in knowledge.