title: A community intervention: AMBER: Arab American breast cancer education and referral program.
abstract: Although the number of Arab Americans is growing in the United States, there is very little data available on this population's cancer incidence and screening practices. Moreover, there are few interventions addressing their unique needs. This study aims to determine effective strategies for increasing breast cancer screening in at-risk underserved Arab American women. AMBER utilizes a community based participatory approach to conduct formative research and program interventions, including culturally appropriate Arabic language breast cancer education, screening coordination, and cultural competency training for healthcare professionals in New York City. In 2 years, 597 women were educated, 189 underserved women were identified as being in need of assistance, 68 were screened, one new case of breast cancer was detected, and four active cases in need of follow-up reconnected with care. The AMBER model is an important intervention for breast cancer screening and care in the underserved Arab American community.
authors.affiliation: NYU School of Medicine, NYU Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10016, USA. cdayash@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ayash
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Axelrod
authors.forename: Sana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nejmeh-Khoury
authors.forename: Arwa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aziz
authors.forename: Afrah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yusr
authors.forename: Francesca M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Gany
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology*; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D008877:Middle East / Q000208:ethnology; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D012017:Referral and Consultation