scholarly journals “You Can Breast Health Club” Empowering Healthy Women of Myanmar to Enhance Breast Cancer Awareness and Take Action

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 126s-126s
Author(s):  
Y. Shwe Yee Soe ◽  
Z.N. Win ◽  
T. Aung ◽  
T. Win ◽  
Y.Y. Htun
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Education ◽  
Breast Health ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Healthy Women ◽  
Health Club ◽  
Breast Cancer Education ◽  
Breast Cancer Awareness

Background and context: Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospital (PHSH), the only Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospital in Myanmar, is committed to provide comprehensive breast health services through “You Can Breast Health Club” in accordance with its vision; international quality, reach, scale and compassion. A free of charge membership-based club led by a dedicated medical oncology team that includes health care personnel, family members of breast cancer patients and healthy women of all walks of life. Aim: To promote awareness and take action on breast health and breast cancer so as to empower women to commit to lifelong breast health. Strategy/Tactics: The club executed its strategy through three pillars: 1) hospital-based comprehensive breast cancer care services, 2) community-based breast cancer education programs and 3) partnership with local and international organizations. The theme is “You can prevent the preventable; you can check for early detection; you can survive with effective treatment” with an aim to encourage women to play an active role in their own health. Program/Policy process: As part of a comprehensive approach to breast health, “one stop” hospital-based program provides breast health education on basic breast health and breast cancer facts, teaching breast self-exam, personal risk assessment and advise on risk reduction and to make healthy life choices. Interdisciplinary breast clinic provides clinical breast exam, state-of-the art breast imaging, diagnostic evaluation, referral for surgical and treatment options and patient family education. A training-of-trainers workshop on breast health was conducted for the hospital staff to facilitate program participants in turn to educate other club members and women in the local community. The club was launched in October Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign held in October 2017 at PHSH. As a strategic partnership supported Shwe Yaung Hnin Si Cancer Foundation to host the World Cancer Day 2018 Community Cancer Awareness campaign held in Yangon. Outcomes: The number of club members increased to (282) within five months. Among the members, (204) women are from the community including family members of breast cancer patients, office staff, industry workers, and housewives reflecting the various socioeconomic status. The outcome was encouraging given that 60% of members are below the age of 40. What was learned: Community outreach breast cancer education programs combined with access to hospital-based services at affordable prices enhanced interest in club membership. The hospital-based strategy readily provides healthy women the facilities for early diagnosis and prompt access to quality care without any delays. Partnership with other advocacy groups accelerated the club process.

Effects of an Art-Based Curriculum on Clinical Trials Attitudes and Breast Cancer Prevention Knowledge

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 664-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia M. Herman ◽  
Linda K. Larkey
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Cancer Education ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Breast Health ◽  
Breast Cancer Education ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The U.S

Although Latinos now comprise the largest minority in the U.S. population, they continue to be seriously underrepresented in clinical trials. A nonrandomized controlled study of an innovative community-developed clinical trial and breast cancer education program targeting Latinas tested whether use of an art-based curriculum could increase willingness to enroll in six clinical trial scenarios and increase breast health and clinical trial knowledge. The art-based curriculum resulted in a larger increase in stated willingness to enroll across all clinical trial scenarios, and the difference was statistically significant ( p < .05) in three. Breast health and clinical trials knowledge increased similarly and significantly for both groups. The results of this study show promise for the use of a community-developed art-based curriculum in the Latina population to increase willingness to enroll in clinical trials.

scholarly journals PINK RIBBON AND PINKTOBER

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Sofia Shehzad
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Atomic Energy Commission ◽  
Scientific Progress ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
National Breast ◽  
Breast Cancer Awareness

The month of October comes with a familiar sight of ‘pink ribbon’ display and events organized in this context, globally. While this is an integral part of the international calendar in the developed world, developing countries like Pakistan attach little importance to promotion of this concept brand. One of the reasons for this apathy is a lack understanding amongst the social circles and general population about what the pink ribbon advocates. This editorial is meant to highlight the true spirit and importance of this symbol.  A ‘pink ribbon’ is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness with the month of October referred to as ‘pinktober’ chosen as the breast cancer awareness month in many countries over the world. Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst the female gender with more than one million women worldwide diagnosed with the disease every year. The WHO in its global health estimate reported 508000 deaths in women worldwide from this disease in the year 20111.More than 58% of deaths from breast cancer are known to occur in less developed countries2, which sets aside the misconception that the disease is a problem of the more affluent class. Early detection of breast cancer with its favorable impact on morbidity and mortality associated with the disease is now established as the cornerstone of management3.  Against the backdrop of the magnitude and impact of this condition there is a dire need for creating awareness about the symptoms and treatment of the disease as well as promoting research and facilities leading to early detection, multimodality treatment and support for those suffering from the disease.  Pink ribbon as a concept brand allows a platform to achieve these goals by raising money and encouraging scientific progress. The first known use of Pink Ribbon dates back to 1991 when it was handed out by the Susan G Koman foundation to participants of a New York city race for breast cancer survivors and adopted as an official symbol in 19924. Buying, wearing, displaying or sponsoring pink ribbon is a sign of support for women health. Thousands of pink ribbon products are advertised and sold each year with part of the earnings spent in promoting breast cancer awareness and funding research.  The month of October as the national breast cancer awareness month (NBCAM) was started in 1985 by the American Cancer Society and pharmaceutical company Astra Zeneca. The organization behind NBCAM is keen on promoting mammography as a screening tool for early detection of breast cancer. Running, walking and riding besides observing pink dress day and pink hijab day form the essence of events organized globally as fundraisers under this banner.  The campaign for helping breast cancer patients is not limited to diagnosis and treatment only. Addressing the burden of physical, social and psychological stigma associated with the disease is as important as the initial steps in management. The term She-ro, derived from hero is sometimes used to refer to those suffering from the disease. After treatment, the she-ro regains her femininity by using breast reconstruction, prosthetic devices, wigs, cosmetics, and clothing to present an aesthetically appealingappearance5.Breast cancer culture, or pink ribbon culture, refers to steps taken in public to effectively address different aspects of the disease.  It supports the efforts of the doctors, promotes diagnostic modalities such as mammograms and various treatment options on offer for breast cancer patients.  Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer in Asia. One out of every nine women is at the risk of breast cancer making the Pakistani women most susceptible to the disease after the non Arab Israeli women6. Studies have shown that a significant number of young women make the afore-mentioned list. Therefore, Pink Ribbon has reading-prc-Iterature been running Youth Awareness Program in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC) since 2012. This program not only educates the young women about the importance of self-examination and screening modalities like ultrasound scan and mammograms but also through their interaction with members of their family and society makes them conscious of the disease and advocating regular check-ups. Benefit is also derived from established women groups and Lady Health workers who are in contact with the population in far-flung areas of the country, in spreading awareness to the grass root level.  In collaboration with Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission hospitals, Pink ribbon has launched a free nationwide Breast Cancer screening program and is working on building a dedicated Breast Cancer Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan.  Realizing the disease burden and the health, social and financial implications of breast cancer it is imperative that Pink Ribbon as a source of Breast Cancer awareness is propagated in the society and an all out moral and material support be extended to the organizations working under this banner. 

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Downstaging Practices and Breast Health Messaging Preferences Among a Community Sample of Urban and Rural Ugandan Women

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Scheel ◽  
Yamile Molina ◽  
Donald L. Patrick ◽  
Benjamin O. Anderson ◽  
Gertrude Nakigudde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Cancer Education ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Breast Health ◽  
Breast Cancer Education ◽  
Regular Source ◽  
Source Of Care ◽  
Self Examination ◽  
Health Messaging

Purpose Among a community sample of Ugandan women, we provide information about breast cancer downstaging practices (breast self-examination, clinical breast examination [CBE]) and breast health messaging preferences across sociodemographic, health care access, and prior breast cancer exposure factors. Methods Convenience-based sampling was conducted to recruit Ugandan women age 25 years and older to assess breast cancer downstaging practices as well as breast health messaging preferences to present early for a CBE in the theoretical scenario of self-detection of a palpable lump (breast health messaging preferences). Results The 401 Ugandan women who participated in this survey were mostly poor with less than a primary school education. Of these women, 27% had engaged in breast self-examination, and 15% had undergone a CBE. Greater breast cancer downstaging practices were associated with an urban location, higher education, having a health center as a regular source of care, and receiving breast cancer education ( P < .05). Women indicated a greater breast health messaging preference from their provider (66%). This preference was associated with a rural location, having a health center as a regular source of care, and receiving breast cancer education ( P < .05). Conclusion Most Ugandan women do not participate in breast cancer downstaging practices despite receipt of breast cancer education. However, such education increases downstaging practices and preference for messaging from their providers. Therefore, efforts to downstage breast cancer in Uganda should simultaneously raise awareness in providers and support improved education efforts in the community.

Variations in breast cancer awareness among urban Tanzanian women.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e12561-e12561
Author(s):  
Emma Perry Morse ◽  
Bertha Maegga ◽  
Getrud Joseph ◽  
Susan Miesfeldt
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Education ◽  
Dar Es Salaam ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Breast Cancer Awareness ◽  
District Hospitals

e12561 Background: Nearly 70% of the 7.6 million cancer deaths occur annually in developing countries like Tanzania, with breast cancer being among the most common causes of cancer mortality. Although data are incomplete, late-stage disease is believed to limit breast cancer control in Tanzania, with delayed diagnosis linked to low levels of breast cancer awareness among women. The goal of this study was to explore awareness of this disease among low-income women accessing routine medical care from three district hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: This survey-based study examined participants' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding breast cancer causes, risk factors, symptoms, early detection measures, treatment, and preferred education sources. Sociodemographic variations in knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and treatments were assessed. Results: Two hundred and twenty-five women, ages 18-55 years, participated. Over half (52%) reported a primary school education or less; 69.9% were married; 26.2% were unemployed. The average monthly household income was just below the Dar es Salaam mean. Ninety-eight percent were aware of breast cancer; 22% knew someone with a history of breast cancer. Among the 126 women who heard of breast self exam, 25% and 34% practiced it regularly and occasionally, respectively; 41% never practiced it. Only 6.2% had regular clinical breast exams. A minority knew of mammography (32%); <2% had undergone a mammogram. Of the items listed, respondents correctly identified symptoms (51%), risk factors (31%), and treatments (51%). Data reflecting sociodemographic variations in knowledge will be shown. Preferred sources of breast cancer educational materials included group sessions, television or radio programs, and meetings with breast cancer survivors. Conclusions: This work provides valuable insight into preferred sources of breast cancer education among Tanzanian women.

scholarly journals Improving Breast Health Literacy Through an Innovative Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Using the Know Your Lemons (KYL) Materials in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 36s-36s
Author(s):  
T. Islam ◽  
T.T. Su ◽  
S. Musthaffa ◽  
N. Abdullah Din ◽  
Z. Rahman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
University Education ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Breast Health ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Breast Cancer Awareness

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in Malaysia but has the worst survival in the Asia Pacific region. Main drivers identified in previous research include late-stage disease at presentation, poor adherence to treatment and sociocultural barriers. Factors affecting late presentations include lack of awareness on basic symptoms of BC and poor access to early detection. Although BC awareness campaigns have been done, Hadi et al., showed low BC awareness among university students in Malaysia. This is an evaluation of the “Show You Care, Be Aware” campaign that was done in University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur in October 2017. The campaign was carried out using KYL materials through use of posters, awareness booths and public forums. The materials contain information on the normal breast, 12 symptoms of BC, information on breast self examination (BSE), screening and diagnostic (detection) pathways in Malay and English language. Aim: To evaluate the campaign effect on breast health literacy. Methods: A quasi-experimental research was conducted. The KYL materials were forward and backward translated by 2 native bilingual individuals. The context and content of the translation was ensured to be accurate and fitted into the KYL design. A total of 679 participants participated in the study. A self-designed questionnaire was used to assess effectiveness of the materials. Educational intervention sessions were provided in the form of KYL materials (leaflets, posters and banners) displayed in awareness booths in the campus. Discussion on leaflets and questions and answers, and practical demonstrations of BSE dummy were done. The questionnaire was administered through face to face interview. The data were analyzed via SPSS 20; descriptive and Wilcoxon matched paired signed rank test was performed. Results: 72% (n=492) of our participants were Malay, 19% (n=119) Chinese and 10% (n=68) Indians and others. Majority of our participants were female (94.2%), age 30 or below (61%), single (62.9%), had college or university education (85.7%). Most of our participants, 96.2% stated that the language used in the KYL materials were clear and understandable; 95.3% thought materials were attractive and 89.2% found them acceptable in Malaysian culture. 52.7% preferred Malay materials, 40.4% English and 6.5% in both Malay and English. The materials improved perceived knowledge on the process of detecting BC (96.5%). 92.8% agreed or strongly agreed that they felt more confident in recognizing the symptoms of BC themselves. There was an increase in self reported knowledge of BC; mean scores before and after exposure to KYL materials were 2.83 versus 4.30 respectively ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Health education using KYL materials promoted breast cancer awareness, confidence in detecting symptoms and knowing processes of diagnosis among urban and educated Malaysians. Future research in lower educated and rural communities in Malaysia is warranted.

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Awareness in Myanmar: Results of a Hospital-based Study in Mandalay

2021 ◽  
pp. 210-215
Author(s):  
Myo Khin ◽  
San Shwe ◽  
Khin May Oo ◽  
Le-Le Win
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Breast Health ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breast Cancer Awareness ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Breast Shape ◽  
Breast Lumps ◽  
Self Examination

Background: Although breast cancer is an important health problem in Myanmar, awareness of breast health has not been widely described. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out to explore awareness of early signs and risk factors of breast cancer among outpatient attendees at the Mandalay Central Women Hospital. Results: A total of 402 respondents with mean age of 31.4±9.0 years participated in the study. More than half of the respondents (65.9%) were aware of breast lumps as a breast cancer sign. Nearly half (42% to 48.7%) of the respondents were aware of the various risk factors of breast cancer. Although 54.1% had heard of breast self-examination, only 25.3% had knowledge of mammograms. Older women (age 49 years or more) had significantly better awareness of two early breast cancer signs; change of breast shape (54.1% vs 39.9%) and discharge from nipple (49.2% vs 33.4%). Those with less than high school education had significantly lower awareness of the following signs of breast cancer; thickening of the breast skin (39.3 % vs 20.45%), dimpling of the breast skin (43.2% vs 24.6%), change of breast shape (52.5% vs 35.2%), and discharge from nipple (44.9% vs 31.9%). They also displayed significantly lower awareness of risk factors of breast cancer. Conclusion: Among the study respondents, only one third had heard of self-breast examination and only a few (10%) examined both breasts regularly. Greater awareness of breast health and breast cancer screening should be imparted to promote breast health among women in Myanmar.

Providing information and support on all aspects of breast health and breast cancer in Ireland

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 10766-10766
Author(s):  
N. Fitzgibbon ◽  
A. Langtry
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
Breast Health ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Cancer Society ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
National Breast

10766 In 2001 the Irish Cancer Society launched Action Breast Cancer (ABC) to provide breast cancer information and support. ABC’s services are free, confidential and accessible and include a national helpline, patient education, one-to-one support, health promotion, research, advocacy, and professional support. Over the last five years, we have been continually developing our services to the public, at the heart of which is the Freefone Helpline (1800 30 90 40). The Helpline is staffed by specialist cancer nurses who offer information, support, and appropriate referral for women who are concerned about breast health, women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, their families and carers, and healthcare professionals. In order to meet the need for clear, concise information, we are continually producing and updating literature and supporting materials. This includes a series of factsheets on all aspect of a breast cancer diagnosis including the different aspects of living with the disease. In January 2005, we launched a programme to address the unique needs of younger women with breast cancer. Services include conferences for younger women, a specialist nurse, and the selection and training of younger Reach to Recovery volunteers. Professional support is also a key element of ABC’s service. Most recently we have developed a workshop for nurses working in oncology to improve communication with breast cancer patients around sexuality. ABC’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign takes place in October. A high profile advertising campaign and a nationwide roadshow are just two of the many mediums used to target Irish women in order to make them breast aware for life. Throughout the year, ABC is constantly seeking to raise awareness in communities and workplaces across the country by organising presentations about breast awareness, screening and early detection. Now that we have firmly established ourselves as the leading provider of breast cancer information and support, we have started to significantly develop our advocacy programme, and we are currently working on ensuring that the national breast screening programme will be fully rolled out by the end of 2007. We are also undertaking major nationwide research into the provision, supply and fitting of breast prostheses. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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