This paper describes the development and implementation of a Hmong Cervical Cancer Intervention Program utilizing a patient navigation model to raise cervical cancer awareness for Hmong women through educational workshops and to assist Hmong women in obtaining a Pap test. 

This study is the first that the authors are aware of that has attempted to systematically examine factors associated with cervical cancer screening (Pap testing) among Hmong women and follow these same women longitudinally with an intervention plan to increase their screening rates. This is also the first study to implement a patient navigation program for Hmong women in seeking early cancer screening. It is difficult for each Hmong woman to proceed through the ideal routine of obtaining a primary physician referral to a gynecologist for a Pap test or for a woman to request a Pap test, due to language and cultural barriers and a lack of knowledge about early cancer screenings.

Out of 402 women who participated in a baseline survey, the Patient Navigation Program was able to enroll 109 participants who had not had a Pap test in the past 3 years and had never had a Pap test. Through utilization of outreach, an awareness campaign and patient navigation support, at least 38 percent of 109 participants obtained a Pap test. 

Overall, 21 workshops and 43 outreach activities were conducted by the Hmong Women’s Heritage Association, leading to 63 percent of those enrolled in the Patient Navigation Program who could be contacted to obtain a Pap test.​