Abstract 4440: From gray to pink: Helping older adults with breast cancer understand and utilize the health care system in the real world

Abstract

Abstract Background: Breast cancer education programs while abundant tend to focus on young and middle age women. However, the median age of breast cancer diagnosis is 61 years of age. With increasing debate on when to begin mammography, the risk of being diagnosed at a later age also increases. As the senior breast cancer survivor and at-risk population continues to grow, their need to be educated regarding breast cancer and other health and legal-related issues of aging is key to reducing risk, finding breast cancer early, and improving the quality of life for survivors. This pilot program was designed to educate seniors about breast cancer in relation to healthy aging and nutrition, elder law, patient advocacy, and occupational and physical therapy. The intent is to improve senior confidence and knowledge pertaining to these issues in order to create a sustainable population of seniors that can help themselves and each other. Methods and Materials: Two senior centers located in Northwest Ohio agreed to host the four individual workshops of From Gray to Pink during September and October 2011, respectively. Senior breast cancer survivors (age ≤ 60), their family and friends, and women at risk were welcome to attend. The workshops covered breast cancer and issues related to diet, aging, elder law, patient advocacy and navigation, and physical therapy and occupational therapy. Participant knowledge and confidence were assessed using pre- and post-surveys and the Student's paired t-test was used to compare mean pre- and post-test knowledge and confidence scores. Results: Among the 25 total participants, there were statistically significant differences between pre- and post-test knowledge for the aging and nutrition (p = 0.01), elder law (p < 0.01), physical and occupational therapy (p = 0.03) workshops. Conclusion: Senior breast cancer survivors and those at risk scored higher in both topic knowledge and confidence on post-surveys compared to pre-surveys. This pilot study has provided sufficient data to apply for funding to bring this program to additional rural Ohio counties. While improvements in confidence were not statistically significant, most participants did have the same level of or greater confidence following each workshop. Given the aging of our population and increasing health care costs and needs, breast cancer education for seniors at risk and senior survivors is crucial. The knowledge and confidence gained by seniors can be shared among all to provide an ever-growing network of people who can educate and help each other improve their quality of life. Further implementation will help in determining if this educational methodology may be useful in other parts of the country for seniors who have or are at risk for breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4440. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4440