Arab American communities in California lack comprehensive health studies and targeted health programs, leaving critical gaps in addressing their unique needs. Arab American women face heightened risks of breast cancer due to various factors. To address these risks, we propose a one-year pilot study in collaboration with Holistic Underground, Communities Upwards, and PIRE-CA.

Building on our prior smoking cessation initiatives, this study will help participants monitor indoor air quality, revealing potential tobacco smoke exposure even in non-smoking households. We will also assess environments where women feel comfortable or uncomfortable engaging in physical activity and work to improve these spaces. Advocacy efforts will include engaging apartment managers to promote smoke-free living and working with municipal authorities to ensure culturally inclusive recreation centers. Additionally, we will partner with advocacy groups to support these efforts.

Beyond data collection, our study will empower participants to use personal experiences as evidence, strengthening health leadership skills and confidence. A rigorous evaluation process will assess program effectiveness, guiding the development of a broader community initiative focused on breast cancer prevention for Arab American women in California.