Reprinted by the permission of the American Cancer Society, Inc. from www.cancer.org. All rights reserved.

NY Researcher Receives Largest Grant Ever

Deborah Erwin remembers accompanying her mom when she canvassed her Arkansas neighborhood for the American Cancer Society. Today, that girl is a cancer researcher who was recently awarded $1.8 million from the Society for her work.

Dr. Erwin is a medical anthropologist and director of health disparities at Roswell Park Cancer Institute’s Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences Program. She is investigating an innovative intervention model—“Esperanza y Vida” (Hope and Life)—to reach Latinas and increase breast and cervical cancer screening.

“Latinas in the United States have higher death rates from breast and cervical cancers than Anglo women,” according to Dr. Erwin, “However, studies show that much of this difference may be due to screening behaviors. Culturally appropriate interventions can address some of these disparities.”

The “Esperanza y Vida” program will educate both men and women in rural and urban communities through bilingual presentations featuring cancer survivors.

“It is important for women in the study to actually meet cancer survivors so that they realize that cancer is not a death sentence,” said Erwin.

“Latino men who participate will increase their understanding of health issues that affect their families. We want to emphasize the importance of keeping women healthy for the good of the entire family,” said Erwin.

Dr. Erwin’s research will determine whether participants are more likely to obtain breast and cervical screening after attending the program, as well as the impact of intervention on specific demographic and social factors, beliefs, and access issues associated with screening.

Participants in Dr. Erwin’s study are from rural Arkansas and New York City. She is seeking additional funding to include the Western New York Latino population.