Abstract B037: Network of Embajadoras to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities in the Latino Community (Red de Embajadoras Para reducir Disparidades de Salud del cancer en la comunidad Latina-REPRESENTA)

Abstract REPRESENTA is a community-based initiative aimed at reducing cancer disparities within the Latino community. The program trains bilingual and bicultural community health workers—called Embajadoras—to provide culturally tailored cancer education and resource navigation. We developed thirteen educational modules focused on cancer prevention, treatment, and health equity, and established an Embajadora Resource Hub, a curated directory of local and national medical, social, and cancer-related services. The goal of this hub is to help Embajadoras access trustworthy information and refer breast cancer patients to appropriate medical and social support services. The program also supported the creation of local peer breast cancer groups in medically underserved communities of California’s Northern and Central Valley, each led by an Embajadora. REPRESENTA’s first cohort of 11 Embajadoras completed 80 hours of community health worker certification training along with 17 hours of specialized cancer education. To evaluate the training, we conducted brief surveys before and after each session to measure improvements in cancer knowledge, self-efficacy, expectations, and satisfaction. As part of the practicum, Embajadoras participated in outreach through health fairs, community events, and the management of peer breast cancer groups in eight underserved communities across California’s Northern and Central Valley. Monthly self-reports tracked outreach activities, referrals, and peer group engagements. Feedback was gathered through an Embajadora exit survey and a one-time survey of peer breast cancer groups, complemented by interviews with breast cancer patients and focus groups with Embajadoras. Between 2024 and 2025, the first cohort recruited 131 community members into peer breast cancer groups and facilitated 600 referrals for vital services like health insurance and cancer screening. Post-training assessments showed a marked increase in cancer knowledge among Embajadoras. Moreover, 84% of community members involved in peer support groups rated the program as "Very Useful," highlighting its significance and impact. Interviews with breast cancer patients and survivors from participating sites underscored the value of local peer support groups in improving coping skills, education, and empowerment. Our culturally tailored approach and educational program empowered Embajadoras to advocate for their communities’ health. As trusted community members, Embajadoras played a crucial role in building peer support networks and promoting self-advocacy, which can ultimately lead to better health outcomes and overall well-being in their communities and beyond region. Citation Format: Nanci Chavarria Villa MPH, Angelica Rolon MPH, Iñigo Verduzco Gallo MIDS, MPA, Guadalupe Carvajal MSc, C.G.C., Ana Estrada-Florez Ph.D., April Vang MSc, Sabrina Ojeda, Consuelo Mendoza Hernandez, Benjamin Colorado Mendez, Luis Carvajal-Carmona Ph.D.. Network of Embajadoras to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities in the Latino Community (Red de Embajadoras Para reducir Disparidades de Salud del cancer en la comunidad Latina-REPRESENTA) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B037.