Does language pose a problem in terms of getting information out to women about breast cancer and screening?
Yes. Particularly older Hispanic women prefer their information in Spanish or in a bilingual format. They’re just more receptive to receiving this kind of sensitive information in Spanish. And often, women are afraid that they won’t understand their doctors, or that the doctors will talk too fast. They are concerned that they won’t be able to explain what they are feeling. We need health providers to understand that it is important to allow Hispanic women to tell their stories and listen, preferably in Spanish. And if the doctors are speaking in English and it is not the patients’ first language, they could talk a little bit slower. I’ve heard women say, “I was told I had breast cancer. Before I knew it the doctor was out the door and I couldn’t really understand what he had said.” What are some of the barriers to getting good breast cancer treatment? It often comes down to cost, or lack of insurance. A lot of times when women are told that they have breast cancer, they will try altern
