September 3, 1999
Washington, DC. -- The Cancer Research Foundation of America, a nonprofit health foundation dedicated to the prevention of cancer through research and education, has release "Por Su Salud y Por Su Familia", "For Your Health, For Your Family," an innovative Spanish-language video aimed at teaching breast and cervical health to Hispanic women.
For the first time, the video uses a soap opera format to tell the story of Rosa, a married mother of two young children, who discovers a lump in her breast and is afraid to go to the doctor or tell anyone. Eventually Rosa shares her fear with her mother and a friend, and then, after much deliberation, sees her doctor. A mammogram confirms that everything is all right and the video then demonstrates the clinical breast exam, breast self-exam, mammography and pelvic exam.
Why use a soap opera to educate? Research conducted at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston found that Hispanic women name Spanish-language soap operas as their entertainment vehicle of choice.
"Hispanic women have lower incidence rates of breast cancer, but they have lower five-year survival rates because by the time they see a doctor their cancer is very advance," said Dr. Elmer Huerta, Cancer Research Foundation of America board member and cancer prevention expert who appears in the video. "This video will teach Hispanic women that early detection is a reality, is easy to do, and it can help them and their families. This is one step forward in the process of providing health education for Latino people."
"Por Su Salud y Por Su Familia", ideal for use in community health centers and in small group settings, will be distributed nationally and is available for purchase for $10 through the Foundation.
For additional information you can contact the Cancer Research Foundation through their web site at www.preventcancer.org
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