Field Placement:  Komen Support Group Project and Families in Good Health Project
Location: Los Angeles, CA and Long Beach, CA
Preceptor: Dr. Marjorie Kagawa-Singer and Lilian Lew
Student Name: Lindsay Gervacio
Year: 2008

My Field Studies experience spanned from July 1, 2008, through November 21, 2008.
                                   
While both projects addressed various aspects of the cancer care continuum, they each differed in their intent and focus. Specifically, the Komen Support Group Project is an ongoing project that underscores issues of cancer survivorship. This project involves identifying the unique social support needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) breast cancer survivors. To note, of the estimated 10.8 million individuals who are current cancer survivors in the United States, approximately 2.4 million are breast cancer survivors. Although research on breast cancer survivorship and social support has been expanding, the majority of empirical studies highlight the experience of Caucasian women. With that said, the Komen Support Group Project shifts the focus of extant research in cancer survivorship by evaluating the social support experience of AAPI women. By evaluating existing and successful support groups that specifically serve AAPI breast cancer survivors, this project intends to develop a support group curriculum that targets certain AAPI communities such as the Filipino population in Los Angeles.

Moreover, the Families in Good Health Project pertains to issues of cancer prevention by examining positive and negative influences on healthy nutrition and physical activity. This project represents a youth-driven community assessment that aims to provide concrete knowledge of the environmental promoters and barriers to healthy nutrition and physical activity in the Central Long Beach area. Through Geographic Information System mapping and Photovoice techniques, youth participants will become effective youth advocates for healthy eating and physical activity at an individual, community and policy level.

The work I have accomplished on both of these projects have proved invaluable in reaching my goals for personal and professional development. I was able to hone my skills set in the following areas: assessment, planning, implementation and computer/information systems. The knowledge I have gained from this Field Studies experience can definitely apply to future post-graduate opportunities.

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