Development of a cancer camp for adult Spanish-speaking survivors: lessons learned from Camp Alegria

Dinorah Martinez; Claudia X Aguado Loi; Melba M Martinez; Alma E Flores; Cathy D Meade

doi:10.1080/08858190701818234

Development of a cancer camp for adult Spanish-speaking survivors: lessons learned from Camp Alegria

J Cancer Educ. 2008 Jan-Mar;23(1):4-9. doi: 10.1080/08858190701818234.

Authors

Dinorah Martinez¹, Claudia X Aguado Loi, Melba M Martinez, Alma E Flores, Cathy D Meade

Affiliation

¹ H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA. [email protected]

PMID: 18444040
DOI: 10.1080/08858190701818234

Abstract

Background: The serious psychosocial and emotional side effects of cancer and its treatment negatively affect the lives of breast cancer survivors.

Methods: Camp Alegria, in 2005, was the first oncology camp offered to Latina breast cancer survivors. This 3-day camp (N = 58 women) provided a culturally and linguistically relevant program that empowered Spanish-speaking women diagnosed with breast cancer and gave them an opportunity to gain support from other cancer survivors facing similar challenges.

Results: Process evaluation results illustrate high satisfaction with the overall program, format, educational and recreational activities.

Conclusion: This paper describes the camp development, experiences, and lessons learned.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Breast Neoplasms / ethnology
Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
Camping*
Culture*
Educational Status
Female
Florida
Hispanic or Latino*
Humans
Language*
Patient Education as Topic / methods*
Patient Satisfaction
Pilot Projects
Survivors / psychology*
United States