The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72722

Theresa Ann Wynn, PhD, UAB School of Medicine -Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 11th Avenue South, Room 118, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-934-6892, twynn@dopm.uab.edu and Charmaine Williams, Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Avenue South, Suite 516, Birmingham, AL 35205.

In light of scientific discoveries, promising breakthroughs, and emerging technologies in the area of breast and cervical cancer research, African American women continue to have higher death rates from breast cancer than their Caucasian counterparts. Similarly, the same findings hold true for cervical cancer deaths among African American women. To thwart the escalation of deaths, there is a need for innovative, community-based programs that reach those most in need of breast and cervical cancer screening services: the medically underserved, low-income, older, minority women in Alabama.

In an effort to raise awareness about the necessity of breast and cervical cancer screening, this presentation will describe the efforts employed to collaborate and partner with informal social networks (i.e., beauty salons) that exists within the African American community. Additionally, this presentation will describe the protocol utilized to identify, recruit, and train beauticians as lay health agents of change. The findings from this project can enable researchers, health professionals and community workers to transform community conditions and systems so that a supportive environment exists to increase breast and cervical cancer awareness and screening among beauticians and their clientele.

Learning Objectives:

"At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Discuss the importance of using non-traditional venues (e.g., salons)to educate women about cancer and encourage their participation in cancer prevention and control efforts.
• Identify three primary strategies beauticians employed to educate their clientele about cancer and encourage their participation in cancer prevention and control efforts.
• Articulate the procedure used to train local beauticians as health agents of change.

Keywords: Cancer Prevention, Community Health Advisor

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.