Increasing Cancer Screening for Latinas: Examining the Impact of Health Messages and Navigation in a Cluster-Randomized Study

Objectives Interventions are needed to reduce disparities in breast and cervical cancer (BCC) for Latinas in the USA. This study compares screening adherence between two educational outreach messages followed by navigation support to increase BCC screening for Latinas. Methods A cluster-randomized study (by group) of 1,333 diverse Latinas in Arkansas, Buffalo, and New York City (2007–2009) attending group educational programs on cancer or diabetes screening was conducted. Screening adherence by each program type was analyzed at 2 months followed by analysis of navigation support for non-adherent women at 8 months. Results Participation in educational programs alone significantly increased mammography (O.R. = 2.16), clinical breast exams (O.R. = 2.14), and Pap tests (O.R. = 2.14) from baseline to 2 months with no significant differences by message type. Screening further increased with the addition of navigation. Conclusions Specific health messaging may not be as critical to increasing BCC screening behaviors as cultural- and language-specific outreach into the community disseminating resources about accessing services. Moreover, the addition of navigation services and, potentially, the time lapse between follow-up intervals, significantly increased screening regardless of country of birth, documentation status, insurance status, or geographic location.