Increasing breast and cervical cancer knowledge in the COVID-19 pandemic in the health system

ABSTRACT

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that for the month of In April 2020, screening tests for breast cancer decreased by 87% and for cervical cancer by 84% compared to the previous 5year averages for that month. In response to this finding, the Puerto Rico Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Program (PR-BCCPEDP) in collaboration with the insurer Triple S-Salud, implemented a virtual educational intervention and/or face-to-face for breast and cervical cancer in the health centers where Triple-S Salud insurer provides services. The purpose of this initiative was aimed at strengthen knowledge in the early detection of breast and cervical cancer, increase the use of screening tests in the population of interest, and increase the reach of women who do not have health insurance who can qualify for the Program. Methodology: The PRBCCPEDP entered into a collaborative agreement with the insurer Triple-S Salud to implement an educational intervention for breast and cervical cancer in 12 primary health centers around the island. In the period from October to December 2020, 12 health educators from the Triple-S Salud insurer carried out 131 educational activities with the participation of 875 participants. The educational activities were carried out in person through educational flip charts and virtually using an educational PowerPoint on both types of cancer. The educational materials included topics related to breast and cervical cancer such as statistics, risk factors, signs and symptoms, early detection guidelines, myths and facts, and barriers to not having early detection tests. Result(s) The educational intervention in breast and cervical cancer obtained the following results: A total of 875 participated in the intervention, where 100% were women, with an average age of 50 years and the majority (97%) had coverage from the government health plan. The towns with the most registered participants were Bayamon with 18% and Mayaguez with 16% respectively. The virtual form was the most used by the participants (58%) compared to the face-to-face form. Regarding screening tests for breast and cervical cancer, of 75 women who had overdue the breast cancer guidelines, 20% had a mammogram after the intervention. Similarly, 142 women had overdue the cervical cancer guidelines, and 22.6% were carried out the tests after the intervention. Other hand, of the women, referred to the PR-BCCPEDP, 3% indicated not having health insurance, of which 29.6% were recruited and cared for by the Program. Conclusion(s) Despite security restrictions as a result of the pandemic, collaborations with a health system helped reach a greater number of women to provide education and awareness about breast and cervical cancer. In addition, it can be inferred that the virtual form allowed for increasing the scope of participation in times of pandemic. Lastly, I also helped reach women without health insurance who were recruited into the Program.