A Breast Health Research Champion training program was developed
targeting self-identified community breast health advocates from a predominantly
African American community with a significant breast cancer mortality disparity.
Twelve individuals completed the program that provided training in breast cancer
risk and screening, breast cancer research, biospecimen in cancer research, and
human research subject protection. The training emphasized four key messages to
be disseminated to the community. Trainees hosted a minimum of two social
chats with individuals from their social networks, and
functioned as community researchers, acquiring consent and gathering follow-up
data from attendees. Trainees reached 199 individuals from their social
networks, and chats were diverse in the venue selected, mode of
message transmission, and the audience reached. Post/pre questionnaire data from
attendees at the chats showed significant improvement in
knowledge, attitudes and intended behaviors as it relates to breast cancer
screening, clinical research and biospecimen in research. Forty percent of
attendees provided 4 week follow-up information. Of respondents eligible for
mammography, 38% had taken action to be screened, and 86% of
respondents had spoken about the information to someone else in their social
network. Trainees expressed feelings of empowerment after completing the
project, “feeling like the expert,” and all trainees were
surprised at the enthusiastic response from attendees of their chats. Trainees
continued to disseminate the information learned from the training program
during the six months following the training, reaching an additional 786
individuals in the community.
This paper presents the findings from town hall meetings held with community residents and focus groups with healthcare providers. A total of five town halls (N=139) were conducted. Four were conducted in English and a fifth was conducted in Spanish to obtain the input of the local Hispanic community. Surveys were provided to town hall participants to assess their perceptions of cancer and screening as well as their cancer screening behaviors. Participants were asked questions designed to determine local gaps and needs in health and cancer care, and their attitudes regarding breast cancer resources, education, treatment and clinical trials. Additionally, four focus groups (N=45) were held with a wide range of providers to obtain their perspectives on barriers to breast cancer screening, local cancer prevention and care, and clinical trials. Results indicate gaps in local resources and support services, particularly in terms of education and integrated care.
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