Effectiveness of a breast cancer screening program among non-adherent women in Puerto Rico: A community-based participatory research effort of the Puerto Rico CEAL Community Outreach and Engagement Group

Authors: Norangelys Solis-Torres; Karelys Canales-Birriel; Nashaly Saldana-Santiago; Alondra Mercado-Andino; Christian Rivera-Catala; Cecilia Marino-Nieto; Hector Contreras-Mora; Cynthia Perez; Vivian Colon-Lopez

Breast cancer is a major health issue for women in Puerto Rico. This study tested whether community health workers (CHWs) could help more women get breast cancer screenings. From December 2023 to June 2024, women aged 50–74 who were overdue for a mammogram were given either information about cancer screening or general health advice. CHWs followed up to see if the women scheduled a screening. Women who got the cancer information were slightly more likely to plan a screening, but the difference wasn’t strong enough to be sure it wasn’t by chance. More research with larger groups is needed to better understand the impact of CHWs in encouraging cancer screenings.