Multi-lingual breast health booklet introduced for underserved population of women in GTA

WILLOW BREAST CANCER SUPPORT CANADAJan 19 2010

Today Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada is announcing the availability of a free, multi-lingual booklet providing culturally appropriate information about breast health practices to a diverse and underserved population of women in the GTA.

Be Breast Aware is available in Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Portuguese, Spanish, French and English.

"With a very large and growing population of women from diverse backgrounds in the GTA, there is an increased need for information about breast health practices to be provided in a culturally sensitive language these women can understand," said Virginia Yule, Executive Director of Willow. "That is why this Be Breast Aware booklet is so important. Willow exists to serve anyone affected by breast cancer and provide them with free information and support services."

According to the results of community-based research conducted by Willow, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion, women in the GTA from ethnically diverse backgrounds want information about breast health practices available to them in their mother tongue.

Recognizing that North American research over the past 20 years highlights a correlation between language barriers and lower breast cancer screening rates, Willow conducted focus groups in the GTA with over 45 women of culturally diverse backgrounds, ranging in age from early 20s to late 60s, most of whom were relative newcomers to Canada.

"Providing multi-lingual resources ensures a greater awareness of programs and services that are currently provided by Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada. The Be Breast Aware initiative and new booklets will connect women to life-saving breast screening programs in their own communities and provide them with a breast health resource that helps women make better health choices," says Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion.

"With more than half of the Central West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) representing visible minorities, the value of a publication like the Be Breast Aware booklet is obvious," says Mimi Lowi-Young, CEO, Central West LHIN, which serves residents of Bolton, Brampton, Caledon, Dufferin County, Malton, Orangeville, Rexdale, Shelburne and Woodbridge. "Reaching out to diverse communities to help educate them on good health practices is a crucial part of improving the overall health of our residents, and is why we feel this publication is so valuable."

Be Breast Aware is available for download at www.willow.org and free copies are being distributed through community health centres, community-based organizations supporting newcomers, doctor's offices and Ontario Breast Screening Program affiliated sites across the GTA.