Multicultural media outreach: increasing cancer information coverage in minority communities.

Ethnic media can serve as an opportunity for cancer education and outreach to minority communities. The National Cancer Institute developed the Multicultural Media Outreach (MMO) program which utilizes an integrated approach of both traditional and social media to disseminate evidence-based cancer education information for minority communities. The MMO program is the contact point for multicultural media outlets seeking evidence-based cancer information, education materials, minority spokespersons, and news tailored to minority communities affected by cancer health disparities. MMO developed Lifelines®, a cancer education series that addresses cancer prevention, treatment, survivorship, clinical trials, and other cancer-related topics for African American, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, and Alaska Native audiences. Lifelines® content is disseminated through traditional media (radio, print, and television) as well as social media (web, Twitter, YouTube, and RSS feed). This article describes the MMO program and lessons learned to date.

Primary care physicians' cancer screening recommendation practices and perceptions of cancer risk of Asian Americans.

Asian Americans experience disproportionate incidence and mortality rates of certain cancers, compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Primary care physicians are a critical source for cancer screening recommendations and play a significant role in increasing cancer screening of their patients. This study assessed primary care physicians' perceptions of cancer risk in Asians and screening recommendation practices. Primary care physicians practicing in New Jersey and New York City (n=100) completed a 30-question survey on medical practice characteristics, Asian patient communication, cancer screening guidelines, and Asian cancer risk. Liver cancer and stomach cancer were perceived as higher cancer risks among Asian Americans than among the general population, and breast and prostate cancer were perceived as lower risks. Physicians are integral public health liaisons who can be both influential and resourceful toward educating Asian Americans about specific cancer awareness and screening information.

Minority primary care physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on eye health and preferred sources of information.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic disparities exist in the prevalence of certain eye diseases. Minority primary care physicians are in a unique position to help prevent vision loss and blindness, especially among minority populations. METHODS: To measure physicians' knowledge and attitudes regarding eye health and to better understand the facts regarding patient information and counseling concerning eye health and disease, the National Eye Institute included key eye health knowledge, attitude, and practice questions in the 2007 DocStyles Survey, a Web-based survey of primary care physicians about physician perceptions and attitudes concerning communication with patients. RESULTS: A total of 428 minority primary care physicians responded to the survey. Results indicate that minority primary care physicians have favorable attitudes regarding eye health and the role they should play in talking with patients about eye health. Approximately 60% indicated that they could identify patients at higher risk for eye disease; however, only 52% of physicians indicated that they have adequate knowledge to advise their patients on vision health. Regarding information sources, most minority physicians prefer to obtain information about vision and eye health from professional journals, medical Web sites, and continuing medical education. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this research reveal both a need and an opportunity with regard to increasing physician confidence in identifying patients at higher risk for eye disease and advising their patients on eye health.

Promotion of frequent tanning sessions by indoor tanning facilities: two studies.

BACKGROUND: Indoor tanning may increase the risk of melanoma and other health problems. Frequent users of indoor tanning facilities may be at particularly high risk. OBJECTIVE: In study 1 our purpose was to assess the prevalence and nature of indoor tanning advertisements; in study 2 we aimed to assess tanning facility compliance to recommended exposure schedules. METHODS: In study 1, tanning facility advertisements over a 4-month period from 24 San Diego County newspapers were monitored. In study 2, we assessed compliance with recommended exposure schedules via a telephone interview of 60 San Diego County tanning facilities. RESULTS: Approximately 75% of the indoor tanning advertisements promoted unlimited tanning. Only 5% of facilities were in compliance with recommended tanning schedules, and 100% offered "unlimited" tanning packages. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the indoor tanning industry, through pricing incentives that allow frequent sessions, may be promoting overexposure to UVR. Stronger legislation is needed to address this issue.