This project will increase the number of women living in frontier, rural, and border areas of Texas who are diagnosed with earlier stages of cancer. Women in these areas are less likely than their urban counterparts to have had a mammogram or Papanicolau (Pap) test within the past two years. Screening and diagnostic services tend to be “disconnected,” and not easy to locate or access in rural Texas, especially for underserved and older women.

This project has a coordinated approach to screening, diagnosis, and referrals for treatment of breast and cervical cancer for rural Texas women. Women, with a focus on those who are uninsured and over 65 years of age, in 49 frontier, rural and borde...

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This project will increase the number of women living in frontier, rural, and border areas of Texas who are diagnosed with earlier stages of cancer. Women in these areas are less likely than their urban counterparts to have had a mammogram or Papanicolau (Pap) test within the past two years. Screening and diagnostic services tend to be “disconnected,” and not easy to locate or access in rural Texas, especially for underserved and older women.

This project has a coordinated approach to screening, diagnosis, and referrals for treatment of breast and cervical cancer for rural Texas women. Women, with a focus on those who are uninsured and over 65 years of age, in 49 frontier, rural and border counties will be offered education, services and transportation to breast and cervical screening and diagnostic services. If cancer is found, they will be offered assistance finding and paying for treatment.

The continuum of service will begin with an education program, Friend to Friend (FTF), a Research Tested Intervention Program (RTIP). At the FTF events, a local physician, or other provider, will strongly advise undergoing these tests. A discussion group follows where trained volunteer leaders help women address fears and barriers. The Project SAFe (Screening Adherence Follow-Up) protocol, another RTIP, will be integrated into the discussion group script to increase impact. The process will be supported by four patient navigators (PN) and five health specialists (two share a position) based in five regional AgriLife Extension Centers.

Prior to each FTF event, a directory of suggested clinical screening and diagnostic services will be compiled for distribution at the FTF event. Sub-contracts will be signed with selected sources of screening and diagnostic services. Eligible women will be referred to Breast and Cervical Screening contractors, whenever possible. The service providers will attend FTF events to link with women and make appointments.

We will contract with the University of Texas Center for Social Work Research to provide both quantitative and qualitative strategies to improve the quality, effectiveness and sustainability of this program, thereby increasing the rate of early detection of breast and cervical cancer. Our sustainable, coordinated system of care will be built on the established, highly effective, and respected outreach expertise of Texas AgriLife Extension county Family and Consumer Science agents. Extension is well positioned to support this program with expertise at many levels and an infrastructure capable of delivering that expertise within frontier, rural and border areas of Texas far into the future.

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