Recorded presentation

Barbara Powe, PhD, RN¹, Elvan Catherine Daniels, MD², Ramona Finnie, MPH, CHES¹, and Angela Thompson, BA¹. (1) Behavioral Research Center, American Cancer Society, 1599 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-4250, 404-329-7749, barbara.powe@cancer.org, (2) Associate Director for Community-Oriented Primary Care, National Center for Primary Care Center - Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Despite the availability of credible information, there is an abundance of misperceptions about breast cancer. These misperceptions may influence a woman’s screening and treatment decisions and ultimately, breast cancer mortality rates. Nurses must remain at the forefront in providing educationally sound and culturally appropriate information. This descriptive study, guided by the Patient/Provider/System Model, describes perceptions about breast cancer, evaluates breast cancer pamphlets, and identifies sources of cancer information among African American women (N = 93) at community-based primary care centers. Data were collected using the Breast Cancer Perceptions and Knowledge Survey, the Pamphlet Evaluation Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. The average age of the women was 36 years with an average educational level of 13 years and annual incomes around $10,000. Many believed that believed that breast cancer is directly related to breast size and that “love bites” on the breast cause cancer. Few were familiar with the role of diet in breast cancer risk. Pamphlets did not explicitly challenge the misperceptions and the reading level was as high as the 11th grade. About 30% reported getting cancer information from their health care provider. Only 15% had heard of leading cancer/health organizations and programs such as Office of Minority Health, National Cancer Institute, or Relay for Life. Findings suggest that some traditional pamphlets may not be effective in relaying information about breast cancer to these women. More research is needed to identify and implement alternate educational strategies targeting underserved populations. Nurses must take the initiative in many of these efforts.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant should be able to

• Describe selected perceptions about breast cancer;
• Evaluate selected breast cancer related educational materials;
• Identify common sources for information about breast cancer;
• Discuss effective methods to challenge and correct misperceptions about breast cancer

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.

Recorded presentation