Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic women living in the United States. The incidence and mortality of breast cancer are higher among Hispanic women compared to White women.  Although the incidence is relatively low in Hispanic women, breast cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage which limits treatment options and leads to poorer outcomes.

Mammography rates in the U.S. are lower for Hispanic women than for non-Hispanic white women. Latinos are less likely to get mammograms due to a combination of factors including language barriers, limited access to healthcare, lack of health insurance, cultural beliefs about modesty, fear of the procedure, lower socioeconomic status, and sometimes a lack of knowledge about the importance of breast cancer screening, making it difficult to navigate the healthcare system and schedule appointments.

The Community Outreach and Engagement team at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health has been working to change that through the Campeonas (Champions) Against Breast Cancer Program.  The first class took place in 2023 and has continued to grow, it will now be offered monthly starting this month.

The Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement team includes Kim Hamilton, program coordinator, Jessica Santos-Martinez, administrative program coordinator and Rosa Agosto, community health worker.  The team is facilitating the Campeonas training  that prepares women, through a peer group program to encourage early detection through annual screening.

By sharing their own experiences of being screened for breast cancer, “Campeonas” encourage their female friends and family members over the age of 40 to get mammograms.

“Our mission at the cancer center is to promote breast cancer awareness and advocacy, empowering lives with knowledge, support, and hope. The Campeonas/Champions program helps us bring this mission to life,” says Santos-Martinex

Deneen DelMastro was a participant in the recent class held this past September.  She met Agosto, at the Connecticut Breast Health Initiatives Annual Race in the Park.  The information that Agosto shared with DelMastro encouraged her to participate. While her life personally has not been affected by breast cancer, she feels it is important to volunteer for these opportunities.

“It’s very impactful to me to meet someone who has overcome breast cancer and are now thriving,” says DelMastro. “There are so many women who would never been part of my life had they not survived breast cancer.”

The program is held at UConn Health now, but future classes will also be offered in the community.  The curriculum is four hours long and includes training about barriers to mammography, misconceptions, importance of screenings and myths and facts.  It also includes role playing and now that DelMastro has been out in the community spreading the word, appreciates the opportunity and would even include more.

“This program prepared a foundation of what we are trying to do here in the Cancer Center to reach those who may have barriers to being screened and help them,” says Hamilton.

“I learned so much about the services UConn Health offers that I had not known including screenings and programs for those who don’t have insurance,” says DelMastro.

Following the program, participants contact friends and family and those they know in the community to have a comfortable discussion about breast cancer screening with a trusted source.  The Campeonas stay in touch with the breast cancer team and encourage their peers to make an appointment with UConn Health for a mammogram. Since the last program, they have already received several referrals from the group, including one member’s daughter.

DelMastro herself has spoke with several people and even a co-worker who is turning 40 to encourage her to start getting mammograms.

“It’s people like Rosa, Kim and Jess who are out in the community raising awareness, that makes a difference,” says DelMastro.

The program is for women 40 or older, who have had a mammogram in the past two years and are committed to encourage their friends and family to get their annual mammograms.  The program is free to participate, and participants can earn up to $50 in gift cards.

DelMastro is enjoying her participation and being a Campeona and recommends it to others who are interested in making a difference.

The next Campeonas/Champion workshop will be held on October 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carole & Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Outpatient Pavilion at UConn Health. Registration is required as a light breakfast and lunch will be served. For more information about becoming a Campeona or to register for the next class, contact Rosa Agosto at 860-679-1694 or roagosto@uchc.edu.