Development of a cancer camp for adult Spanish-speaking survivors: lessons learned from Camp Alegria.

BACKGROUND: The serious psychosocial and emotional side effects of cancer and its treatment negatively affect the lives of breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Camp Alegria, in 2005, was the first oncology camp offered to Latina breast cancer survivors. This 3-day camp (N = 58 women) provided a culturally and linguistically relevant program that empowered Spanish-speaking women diagnosed with breast cancer and gave them an opportunity to gain support from other cancer survivors facing similar challenges. RESULTS: Process evaluation results illustrate high satisfaction with the overall program, format, educational and recreational activities. CONCLUSION: This paper describes the camp development, experiences, and lessons learned.