Hispanics are the largest, fastest growing, and youngest minority population in the United States. To explore the unique experiences of Hispanic cancer survivors and their caregivers who live on the Arizona-Sonora border, AzCPCRN researchers initiated the Vida Plena study in 2020 in partnership with Mariposa Community Health Center. Vida Plena - meaning full life - used a two-part mixed-methods approach to understand the nuance and depth of patient experiences and collected data using semi-structured interviews and Photovoice. From September-November 2020, cancer survivors and their caregivers were interviewed through Zoom and were asked questions related to cancer survivorship and lifestyle behaviors. From August-October 2021, cancer survivors participated in a Photovoice project, a qualitative method typically used in community-based participatory research. Through photography, cancer survivors showcased their lifestyle and experiences, followed by a summary or reflection of each photo's meaning. Data from the Vida Plena study will inform future programs and intervention research.
Perhaps one of the greatest victories of the Vida Plena study was fostering a community of support and advocacy for cancer survivors in Nogales. One study participant, Carina, reflects on the importance of breast cancer prevention, including self-exams and mammograms, through a YouTube video (see below). To read more about Vida Plena, read La Estrella's article here.
For more information about AzCPCRN, please contact Rosi Vogel, Senior Program Coordinator, at rosimvogel@arizona.edu.
