Abstract
Although innovative and impactful interventions are necessary for the primary prevention of breast cancer, the factors influencing program adoption, implementation, and sustainment are key, yet remain poorly understood. Insufficient attention has been paid to the primary prevention of breast cancer in state and national cancer plans, limiting the impact of evidence-based interventions on population health. This commentary highlights the state of primary prevention of breast cancer and gaps in the current literature. As a way to enhance the reach and adoption of cancer prevention policies and programs, the utility of dissemination and implementation (D&I) science is highlighted. Examples of how D&I could be applied to study policies and programs for chronic disease prevention are described, in addition to needs for future research. Through application of D&I science and a strong focus on health equity, a clearer understanding of contextual factors influencing the success of prevention programs will be achieved, ultimately impacting population health.
Highlights
Primary prevention of breast cancer is a significant public health concern [1]
We present a brief summary of the literature regarding primary prevention of breast cancer, identifying gaps in the literature and avenues for innovation
A strength of dissemination and implementation (D&I) is the emphasis on a stakeholder-driven approach in all facets of the research process through soliciting the needs and interests of those tasked with implementation and can be integrated as part of community-based participatory research (CBPR) [58]
Summary
Primary prevention of breast cancer is a significant public health concern [1]. Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer for adults in the United States (USA), with 250,000 women diagnosed every year [2]. Numerous strategies have been recommended to reduce the risk for breast cancer (i.e., reducing alcohol consumption, increasing physical activity, healthy diet) [11], but such behaviors are encapsulated by multiple environmental/contextual issues, such as structural inequalities, physical environment, food security, policies concerning air and water safety, and chemical use [6,12,13]. Such factors influence an individual’s ability to adopt health-promoting habits, hindering their protective impact on prevalence risk [14]. We introduce potential opportunities for dissemination and implementation (D&I) science as a means to enhance our understanding of the linkages (and gaps) between policy, research, and practice, providing a pragmatic lens through which to frame current and future intervention work
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