Selina Huang
Research Mentor: Tsu-Yin Wu
Mentor Department: Eastern Michigan University Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Stud, Other
Author(s): Selina Huang, Tsu-Yin Wu
Session: Session 6 (3:00 PM – 3:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 8
Abstract
Access to basic healthcare and preventive education remains a pressing concern among Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines, particularly among Aeta communities who often reside in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). According to the Department of Health (DOH), communities in GIDAs experience limited access to health facilities, preventive screening programs, and consistent medical services, resulting in delayed consultation and increased vulnerability to preventable diseases (DOH, 2022). The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) likewise emphasizes that Indigenous communities continue to face structural barriers in accessing culturally appropriate and affordable healthcare services (NCIP Annual Report, 2023). This project addresses these disparities by providing culturally relevant education and promoting early detection for breast cancer in Barangay Maamot, San Jose, Tarlac of Philippines. The overall goals of this project are to: 1) Provide accessible breast health education and awareness to residents of Barangay Maamot. 2) Promote early detection practices through proper breast self-examination education. 3) Provide basic medical consultations. 4) Encourage preventive healthcare and proper referral to local health centers. This study highlights the importance of breast cancer control efforts in low-resource settings. Developing and delivering effective education programs that raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage screening are key steps in reducing the burden of breast cancer among women in the Philippines and other low- to middle-income countries in South Asia. Beyond community impact, this UROP study contributes to the broader field of public health by generating insight into the effectiveness of culturally tailored, community-based interventions in low-resource settings. By collecting and analyzing data from participants and volunteers, this study will help evaluate how education-based outreach influences health knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors. These findings can inform future global health initiatives and support the development of scalable models for breast cancer early detection in underserved populations.
