scholarly journals Bending the Cost Curve of Cancer Care Awareness and Campaigns Through Volunteers

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 248s-248s
Author(s):  
R.C.W. Chidebe ◽  
T.C. Orjiakor ◽  
N. Okoro ◽  
S.A. Dantsoho ◽  
E.J. Nwagboso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Young People ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Policy Change ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Late Diagnosis ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Cost Curve ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Volunteer Program

Background and context: Nigeria has been rated the 1st nation in Africa and 5th in the world with highest cervical cancer deaths with >26 women dying daily. Breast cancer incidence is higher with 90 new cases per 100,000 women annually in some western countries, compared with 30 per 100,000 in some African countries. In contrast, breast cancer deaths are almost identical, at about 15 per 100,000, which clearly points that late diagnosis and much poorer survival in Africa. Late diagnosis of cancer is possibly encouraged due to low awareness and sporadic screenings across Nigeria. To mitigate this system-wide gap, huge resources are required from the government, corporate organizations and nonprofits engaged in cancer awareness and programs. For a nonprofit with limited resources, volunteers became the most significant resource to create the needed policy change, public awareness and fundraising for cancer patients. In 2013, Project PINK BLUE started as a personal community development service of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in Nigeria with as little as 5 volunteers whom organized the first community awareness program that mobilized 168 women in Kabusa community in Abuja. By 2018, Project PINK BLUE has 501 volunteers across Nigeria and Cameroon. With impact awareness events engaging thousands of people and raising supports for cancer patients while advocating for policy change. Aim: To share how the use volunteers has propelled the nonprofit organization to reach millions in <5 years while spending less on human resource compared with her impact. Strategy/Tactics: Project PINK BLUE designed a volunteer program that provides young people the platform to learn, network, grow and cultivate opportunities for themselves. The organization engage volunteers base on projects and activities all year round. Program/Policy process: The program's policy for volunteers is strictly on nonpayment; several young people have used the volunteer program to gain employment opportunities, meet amazing friends, achieve their dream and most importantly touch lives. Outcomes: Our statistics showed that we have 277 volunteers with Bachelors of Science, 63 with Masters degree, 20 in high school, 14 with higher national diploma, 13 with OND and 114 others. 40% of the volunteers have basic knowledge of cancer, 45.7% intermediate and 14.3% advanced knowledge. 87% of the volunteers responded to be available for cancer awareness activities, 10.9% were undecided and <2% responded no. What was learned: Qualitative responses showed that the volunteers needed to be more engaged in series of cancer activities.

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. 

The effect of cancer awareness month campaigns on internet search volume and incidence of cancer diagnoses.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e17512-e17512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wade T. Swenson ◽  
John M. Lindblom ◽  
John Reber
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
The United States ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Internet Search ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Awareness Campaign ◽  
Search Volume

e17512 Background: Cancer awareness month campaigns are a health promotion tool used to increase public awareness about a specific cancer, its prevention, and treatment. Cancer awareness month campaigns could be most impactful in promoting awareness of cancers for which established screening guidelines exist. Currently, the United States Preventive Task Force endorses screening the general population for colon, cervical and breast cancers. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of campaigns by identifying internet search volume and monthly cancer diagnoses. Methods: GoogleTrends was utilized to identify the relative monthly volume of search terms from 2004 to 2009 as a proxy for public awareness. Search trends for“breast cancer”, “colon cancer”, and “cervical cancer” were analyzed and an average monthly search volume index (SVI) was determined. Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result (SEER) data was analyzed during the same time period. These data were compared using Pearson's correlation coefficient and the chi square test for seasonality. The monthly trends were compared to corresponding cancer awareness month campaigns (breast cancer-October, colon cancer-March, cervical cancer-January). Results: Internet search volume was highest for colon cancer and breast cancer in the respective cancer awareness campaign months. The frequencies of breast cancer and colon cancer diagnoseswere not significantly higher in the respective cancer awareness months. Cervical cancer search volume and cancer diagnoses did not correlate with awareness campaign months. Search volume and cancer diagnoses were not well correlated for breast cancer (r=0.089) or cervical cancer (r=0.228); however, they were significantly correlated for colon cancer (r=0.386; p-value=0.0008). Conclusions: Cancer awareness month campaigns appear to raise public awareness as estimated by internet search volume for breast cancer and colon cancer. Cervical cancer awareness month campaigns do not have the same effect. There is no significant correlation between cancer awareness campaign months and cancer diagnosis incidence for either breast cancer or cervical cancer, whereas there is a significant correlation for colon cancer.

scholarly journals Impact of breast cancer awareness month on detection of breast cancer in a private hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 619-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Onder Karabay ◽  
Mustafa Hasbahceci ◽  
Huseyin Kadioglu
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Breast Imaging ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Percutaneous Biopsy ◽  
Histopathological Analysis ◽  
Data Systems ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Breast Cancer Awareness

Objective Breast cancer awareness month increases public awareness in association with increased rates of screening and new diagnoses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of breast cancer awareness month on primary diagnosis of breast cancer. Methods Asymptomatic women with the intention of breast cancer screening were included. The non-BCAM (Breast cancer awareness month) group were screened from February to September 2016 and the BCAM group during October 2016. Ultrasound and mammography were performed in all women and in those aged ≥ 40 years, respectively. A BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting And Data Systems) score of ≥4 and solid palpable masses without features suggestive of malignancy and/or the physician’s preference were regarded as indications for histopathological analysis. Requirement for histopathological analysis and detection of breast cancer were identified as the main variables. Results There were 198 women with a mean age of 49.3 ± 9.5 years. Sixty-nine and 129 women were in the non-BCAM and BCAM groups, respectively. Percutaneous biopsy was performed in seven (10.1%) and three patients (2.3%) in the non-BCAM and BCAM groups, respectively ( P = 0.035). Pathological examinations were benign. Conclusion Although public awareness campaigns lead to increased rates of screening, they may lose their impact on detecting breast cancer because of widespread use of routine screening programs.

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Awareness and Barriers to Early Presentation in the Gaza-Strip: A Cross-Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Mohamedraed Elshami ◽  
Hanan Abu Kmeil ◽  
Maymona Abu-Jazar ◽  
Ibtisam Mahfouz ◽  
Dina Ashour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Early Presentation ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Breast Cancer Awareness

Purpose Timely detection of breast cancer (BC) is important to reduce its related deaths. Hence, high awareness of its symptoms and risk factors is required. This study aimed to assess the awareness level of BC among females in Gaza. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was performed during September and October 2017 in Gaza, Palestine. Stratified sampling was used to recruit patients from four hospitals and seven high schools. The validated Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM) was used to assess confidence and behavior in relation to breast changes, awareness of BC symptoms and risk factors, barriers to seek medical help, and knowledge of BC screening. Women (age ≥ 18 years) visiting or admitted to any of the four hospitals, and female adolescents (age 15 to 17 years) in any of the seven schools, were recruited for face-to-face interviews to complete the BCAM. Results Of 3,055 women approached, 2,774 participants completed the BCAM questionnaire (response rate, 90.8%); 1,588 (57.2%) were adults, and 1,186 (42.8%) were adolescents. Of these, 1,781 (64.2%) rarely (or never) checked their breasts, and 909 (32.8%) were not confident to notice changes. In total, 1,675 (60.4%) were aware of the availability of BC screening programs. The overall mean ± standard deviation score for awareness of BC symptoms was 5.9 ± 2.9 of 11, and that of risk factors 7.5 ± 3.1 of 16. Feeling scared was the most reported barrier to seeking advice reported among women (n = 802; 50.2%), whereas feeling embarrassed was the most reported in adolescents (n = 745; 62.8%). Conclusion Awareness of BC symptoms, risk factors, and screening programs is suboptimal in Gaza. Educational interventions are necessary to increase public awareness of BC and to train local female breast surgeons to address barriers to early detection.

Heroes or criminals: discursive representation of cancer patients in health awareness advertisements

2019 ◽  
pp. 147035721988752
Author(s):  
Janet Ho
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Semantic Annotation ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Physical Threat ◽  
Threat Appeals

This article compares the use of metaphors in breast and lung cancer awareness advertisements in order to examine the positioning and identity construction of the respective cancer patients. A semantic annotation software tool was used to identify the overuse of semantic fields in each corpus of cancer awareness advertisements and multimodal metaphors were identified following the protocols of Bounegru and Forceville’s (2011) article, ‘Metaphors in editorial cartoons representing global financial crisis’, Forceville’s (2009) essay, ‘Non-verbal and multimodal metaphor in a cognitivist framework: Agendas for research’ and Pérez-Sobrino’s (2017) book, Multimodal Metaphor and Metonymy in Advertising. Findings showed that breast cancer awareness advertisements deployed more positive words than did the lung cancer awareness advertisements and they used a wide range of source domains such as WILD ANIMALS and FIGHTERS, showing the creative representation of deeply entrenched conventional metaphors as well as the use of humour and euphemism. On the other hand, lung cancer awareness advertisements were much less metaphorical and mostly sought to persuade people to quit smoking. The metaphorical use of military weapons showed that ‘shockvertising’ was recurrent in lung cancer awareness advertisements. The present study argues that both types of advertisements partially present the facts of breast cancer and lung cancer, and the guilt-loading of smokers in the lung cancer awareness advertisements invisibly transformed the physical threat appeals into social threat appeals.

scholarly journals Community Empowerment through the Cervical and Breast Cancer Early Detection Program with the Formation of Srikandi Cadres (Early Cancer Awareness) in Kangean Islands, Sumenep Regency

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-142
Author(s):  
Ika Mustika ◽  
Esti Tyastirin ◽  
Moch. Irfan Hadi ◽  
Irul Hidayati
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Community Service ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Community Empowerment ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
Cancer Early Detection ◽  
Detection Program

Cervical cancer and breast cancer are two types of cancer that often occur in women and contribute to a high mortality rate. However, there are still many people who do not know about the early detection of cervical cancer and breast cancer to prevent diseases. This community service aims to make people aware of the dangers of breast and cervical cancer. The subjects of this community service program assistance were women in Arjasa sub-district, Kangean Islands, Sumenep Regency. The method used in community service is Community-based Research (CBR) to develop early detection programs for non-communicable diseases of breast cancer and cervical cancer. Research findings showed 91.1% of respondents did not know about early detection of IVA test. The results of the IVA screening test on 90 respondents, there is one respondent with a definite IVA pre-cancerous lesion. SRIKANDI (Sadar Kanker Sejak Dini) Cadre was formed to increase public awareness. Srikandi's cadre provisioned with knowledge about cervical and breast cancer, equipped with pocketbooks and given training on breast self-examination (BSE). They invited the public to increase awareness of cervical and breast cancer by conducting IVA tests and being able to do breast self-examinations to reduce the incidence of cervical and breast cancer.

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