Cuidaremos: The HECO Approach to Breast Self-Examination

Abstract

Breast Self Examination (BSE) is not practiced by most Latina women. In an attempt to increase BSE practice a health education-community organization strategy was developed and implemented utilizing Latina opinion leaders in the production of a film and training of their friends and neighbors. During the project more than a thousand women participated. A sample survey indicated significant increases in BSE practice. Cuidaremos demonstrated the willingness and ability of Latina women to participate in and foster non-traditional health screening behaviors.