A breast cancer screening program in a community hospital.

Breast cancer screening continues to be underutilized in the United States. The National Cancer Institute has set a goal of increasing screening by the year 2000. The American Cancer Society wants to identify programs that target asymptomatic women and economically disadvantaged women. The purpose of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a comprehensive breast cancer screening program for women in a community setting. One case of infiltrating ductal carcinoma was detected from the 144 women who participated in the study. Following the educational component, the post test demonstrated a significant increase (p less than 0.01) in the women's awareness of breast cancer. Additionally, 100% of the women were able to demonstrate breast self examination to an oncology nurse after the educational component of the study. The majority of the women who participated were not economically disadvantaged which sheds new light on the scope of the problem of taking care of the unmet cancer needs of the disadvantaged through outreach programs. However 27% of the women had a household income less than $10,000 with 19% of the women having no insurance and 7% having Medicare/Medicaid. The results of this study could help future programs in bringing breast cancer screening to women in the community setting.

A colorectal cancer prevention, screening, and evaluation program in community black churches.

Colorectal cancer incidence and related mortality are significantly higher in blacks than in whites. The black church has been identified as a means of promoting health issues and intervention programs. The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate a colorectal cancer prevention and screening program in community black churches. A total of 1,488 Coloscreen III kits were distributed, and a telephone survey was conducted to examine the demographic profile, attitudes, and behaviors of those who returned the kit (17.5 percent) compared with those who did not (82.5 percent). The survey revealed that the majority of both returners and nonreturners felt that the test could detect bowel cancer and that early detection could result in cure. The returners were significantly older and less likely to smoke. The low response was attributed primarily to the test's dietary requirements. Both groups reportedly made changes in their lifestyles as a result of the educational component of the program--that is, they increased their fiber intake and decreased their fat intake, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Even with the low response of this study, educational benefits were evident. If colorectal cancer screening programs in community black churches are to be effective, however, diet-related issues must be addressed.