Breast Cancer Health Promotion Research Articles

Pharmacists\u2019 knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and barriers toward breast cancer health promotion: a cross-sectional study in the Palestinian territories

BackgroundAmong all cancers, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and the leading cause of mortality among women in developing countries including Palestine. Community pharmacists are trusted and easily accessible healthcare providers who could be engaged in breast cancer health promotion. This study was conducted with the aim of exploring knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and barriers toward breast cancer health promotion among community pharmacists in the Palestinian territories.MethodsThis study was conducted in a cross-sectional design using a questionnaire among community pharmacists. Knowledge of community pharmacists of breast cancer was tested using a 26-item knowledge test. Attitudes and beliefs of the community pharmacists with regard to breast cancer promotion were explored using 14 items. Barrier to breast cancer health promotion were explored using 9 items.ResultsData were collected from 200 community pharmacists. The median knowledge score was 69.2 % with and IQR of 15.2 %. Of the community pharmacists, 67.5 % scored 50 % and above in the knowledge test. Multivariate logistic regression showed that community pharmacists who were female in gender were more likely to score 50 % and above in the knowledge test compared to the community pharmacists who were male in gender (OR = 4.73, 95 % CI of 2.26–9.89). The community pharmacists had positive attitudes toward breast cancer health promotion. There was a significant moderate positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes scores (Spearman’s rho = 0.37, p-value < 0.001). Lack of reimbursement, lack of enough personnel, lack of time, and fear of offending the patients were the main barriers to breast cancer health promotion (percentage of agreement > 60.0 %).ConclusionsThis study shed light on the role of community pharmacists in breast cancer health promotion. Pharmacists had good knowledge of breast cancer and positive attitudes toward promoting the health of patients with breast cancer. Further studies are still needed to determine how to integrate community pharmacists in the team of healthcare providers caring for patients with breast cancer.

Cultural beliefs about breast cancer in Vietnamese women

BackgroundThis study examined factors influencing cultural beliefs associated with later-stage detection of breast cancer and determined what factors influence those cultural beliefs in Vietnamese women residing in a rural Vietnamese community.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 289 women aged 20–64 years from 12 villages using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Cultural beliefs were measured with a 13-item cultural beliefs scale consisting of four domains—characteristics of breast lumps, self-help techniques, faith-based beliefs, and futility of treatment. Data were collected in February 2017 and analyzed using chi-square tests, nonparametric tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and multiple linear regression analyses with SPSS/WIN 24.0 statistical software.ResultsAlthough the total score was relatively low (3.4 out of 13), cultural beliefs that could contribute to later-stage breast cancer were identified. Younger women (β = .15, p = .016) and women with a lower income (β = .21, p < .001) held more erroneous cultural beliefs as compared to their counterparts. Most women believed they would not get breast cancer if they took care of themselves. More than one-third held cultural beliefs about breast lumps, thinking they would need to be painful and/or actively growing to be breast cancer.ConclusionsThe results support the urgent need for education concerning breast cancer health promotion, including breast cancer assessment as well as guidance on evidence-based and up-to-date detection measures to change rural Vietnamese women’s cultural beliefs.

Understanding the community interest of breast cancer in Indonesia: a digital epidemiology study using Google trends

Introduction. Breast cancer was count for 30.5% of all cancers diagnosed in Indonesia. Although preventable, breast cancer is mostly diagnosed in advanced stages and caused leading dead among females. Given the increasing growth of online information seeking behavior, adequate cancer health promotion through virtual setting is needed to tackle the massive increasing burden of breast cancer. Therefore this study aims to explore the community interest in breast cancer using Google Trends. Method. 5 years ( from September 2013 to August 2018) information searches for breast cancer from Google were retrieved in Indonesian language. Data were downloaded at national and sub-region level to examine the pattern and distribution of queries. Results. Sporadic traces of information searches related to breast cancer from Google Trends presented the pattern and distribution of queries. Massive search happened in July 2015 and June 2017 following the died of Indonesian celebrity who suffered from breast cancer. However, the cancer awareness month every October does not impact the number of information searches. Considering the high influence of celebrities, many studies reveal the positive impact of celebrities involvement in health promotion. Celebrity can attract the public attention to health messages and increase the agreement of vaccination and screening for cancer. Thereby, celebrities involvement and availability of qualified breast cancer online information should be increased to win the breast cancer health promotion program in the digital era. Online information related to breast cancer could be disseminated through targetted risk population using Mobile JKN that has been downloaded by 1.5 million members. Conclusion. Google Trends could be potentially used as a novel tool to measure the dynamics of community interest in breast cancer in Indonesia. Therefore, adequate cancer health promotion through a virtual setting is the key to tackling the massive increasing burden of breast cancer in the digital era.

Results of breast and cervical cancer Health Promotion Model for older Turkish women

Introduction: Gynecological cancers are an important cause of morbidity and mortality.Purpose: This study was conducted in an attempt to increase the participation of 60-75 year-old women in early diagnosis of breast and cervical cancer and determine the efficiency of nursing interventions on health promotion and development behaviors.Method and material: The sampling of this experimental study consisted of 50 women in the experimental group and 50 women in the control group. The data collection process involved socio-demographic characteristics information form, Standardized Mini Mental State Test, information form regarding previous behaviors, screening behaviors monitoring form, Health Belief Model Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II-Health Responsibility subscale. Results: The study determined that health perceptions in older women increased the rate of Breast Self-Exam, mammography and Pap-smear test utilization, but that the interventions were not effective in Clinical Breast Examination performance.Conclusion: The nursing interventions, which were performed using group health education based on the Health Belief Model and the Health Promotion Model as well as brochures, film displays, breast models and telephone reminders, had positive effects on the behaviors of early breast and cervical cancer diagnosis in older women.

Erratum to: Breast cancer health promotion in Qatar: a survey of community pharmacists’ interests and needs

Erratum to: Breast cancer health promotion in Qatar: a survey of community pharmacists’ interests and needs

Knowledge, attitudes and barriers towards breast cancer health education among community pharmacists

Objectives The goal of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and perceived barriers among community pharmacists towards breast cancer health promotion. Methods A structured questionnaire was administered to 1000 registered community pharmacists in northern, central and southern regions in Jordan. Key findings Mean score for knowledge of breast cancer among community pharmacists was 8.51 ± 3.04 points out of 15 points, classifying the overall knowledge as acceptable. Five hundred (50%) pharmacists had poor knowledge, while the other half had acceptable level of knowledge for breast cancer. Mean score for pharmacists’ knowledge of breast cancer screening was 3.83 ± 1.61 out of 7 points. Six hundred pharmacists (60%) had poor knowledge, while 400 pharmacists (40%) had satisfactory knowledge of screening guidelines. Pharmacists showed favourable attitude towards involvement in breast cancer education with an average score of 19.8 ± 4.35 out of 28 points. Lack of time was perceived by most pharmacists (63.9%) as a major barrier. Other highly recognised barriers were lack of privacy (57.1%) and lack of proper educational skills (56.2%). Age had no relationship with level of knowledge or attitude among pharmacists; however, a significant correlation exists between pharmacists’ attitude and knowledge of breast cancer. Conclusions Knowledge of breast cancer and its screening were modest among community pharmacists in Jordan. However, views of community pharmacists towards breast cancer health promotion and awareness were positive. Efforts to improve knowledge of community pharmacists in order to be effective educators of the public about breast cancer are highly advocated.

"When We Learn Better, We Do Better": Describing Changes in Empowerment Through Photovoice Among Community Health Advisors in a Breast and Cervical Cancer Health Promotion Program in Mississippi and Alabama.

As change agents in the community, community health advisors (CHAs) are a viable solution to bridge the gap between health service delivery systems and the community. With many CHAs members of the underserved and minority populations they serve, change and empowerment experienced by CHAs should be documented. This phenomenological study describes the empowerment change processes of 30 African American CHAs who participated in focus groups that used photovoice, and were part of a breast and cervical cancer health promotion program in Mississippi and Alabama. Using photos and narratives as primary research methods, these CHAs gave voice to an often-overlooked resource in the improvement of vulnerable populations in the education and promotion of the community’s health.

COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS&amp;rsquo; INVOLVEMENT IN BREAST CANCER HEALTH PROMOTION IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Middle East countries. Despite the continuous efforts to increase the public awareness of breast cancer via campaigns and public screening programs, breast cancer screening rate remains low. The participation of community pharmacists in the communication and dissemination of breast cancer screening information should have a significant positive impact. The objectives of this study were to assess the degree of community pharmacists’ participation in breast cancer health promotion activities in United Arab Emirates (UAE), to evaluate their attitudes towards the involvement in breast cancer health promotion and receiving breast cancer continuous education. The study objectives were addressed in a cross-sectional survey distributed to community pharmacists in Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman Emirates (UAE). The survey measured the extent of community pharmacists’ participation in breast cancer health promotion activities, their interest and comfort in providing breast cancer health promotion, and their perceived barriers for integrating breast cancer health promotion activities into their daily practice. Over a 24-week period, we collected 275 surveys out of 335 pharmacists approached (82% response rate). Ninety-six percent indicated that they never invited healthcare professionals to provide breast cancer education in the pharmacy, 67% said that they never distributed breast cancer educational materials and 47% reported that they never counseled patients about breast cancer. Nevertheless, more than 75% were highly interested in being engaged in breast cancer health promotion activities. In addition, 87% believed that discussing breast cancer awareness with female patients in the pharmacy was beneficial to patients. Yet pharmacists perceived many barriers for integrating breast cancer health promotion into their daily practice including lack of educational materials (87%) and lack of enough time (74%). Moreover, their breast cancer knowledge mean score was 51% with 87% expressing a high interest in receiving breast cancer continuous education. Despite their low participation in breast cancer health promotion, the mainstream of pharmacists was interested in educating patients about breast cancer. However, low breast cancer knowledge and other barriers can prevent actualizing this role.

Knowledge, Perception, Practice and Barriers of Breast Cancer Health Promotion Activities among Community Pharmacists in Two Districts of Selangor State, Malaysia

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women in Malaysia. Despite the campaigns undertaken to raise the awareness of the public regarding breast cancer, breast cancer screening rates are still low in the country. The community pharmacist, as one of the most accessible healthcare practitioners, could play a role in the provision of breast cancer health promotion services to the community. However, there are no documented data regarding the community pharmacists' involvement in breast cancer related health promotion activities. Hence, this study was conducted to examine self-reported knowledge, practice and perception of community pharmacists on provision of breast cancer health promotion services and to investigate the barriers that limit their involvement. This cross-sectional survey conducted between May to September 2010, included a sample of 35 community pharmacists working in the districts of Hulu Langat and Sepang in state of Selangor. A 22-item validated questionnaire that included both closed and Lickert scale questions was used to interview those pharmacists who gave their informed consent to participate in the study. The data was analysed using SPSS. Only 11.3% of the community pharmacists answered all the questions on the knowledge section correctly. The mean overall knowledge of the community pharmacists on risk factors of breast cancer and screening recommendations is 56%. None of the respondents was currently involved in breast cancer health promotion activities. Lack of time (80%), lack of breast cancer educational materials (77.1%) and lack of training (62.9%) were the top three mentioned barriers. Despite these barriers, 94.3% (33) of the community pharmacists agreed that they should be involved in breast cancer health promotion activities. Hence, there is need to equip community pharmacists with necessary training and knowledge to enable them to contribute their share towards prevention and screening of breast cancer.

The Occupational Health and Safety of Flight Attendants

In order to perform safety-critical roles in emergency situations, flight attendants should meet minimum health standards and not be impaired by factors such as fatigue. In addition, the unique occupational and environmental characteristics of flight attendant employment may have consequential occupational health and safety implications, including radiation exposure, cancer, mental ill-health, musculoskeletal injury, reproductive disorders, and symptoms from cabin air contamination. The respective roles of governments and employers in managing these are controversial. A structured literature review was undertaken to identify key themes for promoting a future agenda for flight attendant health and safety. Recommendations include breast cancer health promotion, implementation of Fatigue Risk Management Systems, standardization of data collection on radiation exposure and health outcomes, and more coordinated approaches to occupational health and safety risk management. Research is ongoing into cabin air contamination incidents, cancer, and fatigue as health and safety concerns. Concerns are raised that statutory medical certification for flight attendants will not benefit either flight safety or occupational health.

Breast cancer health promotion in Qatar: a survey of community pharmacists’ interests and needs

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Qatar. Despite the sustained efforts to increase breast cancer public awareness via campaigns and public screening programmes, breast cancer screening rate remains low. The involvement of community pharmacists in the communication and distribution of breast cancer screening information should have a significant positive impact. The objectives of this study were to determine the degree of community pharmacists' involvement in breast cancer health promotion activities in Qatar, to explore their attitudes towards the involvement in breast cancer health promotion, to assess their breast cancer knowledge, to gauge their interest in receiving breast cancer continuous education and to list their perceived barriers for including breast cancer health promotion activities into their daily practice. Community pharmacies in Qatar. The study objectives were addressed in a cross-sectional survey of all community pharmacists in Qatar. The extent of community pharmacists' involvement in breast cancer health promotion activities, the community pharmacists' interest and comfort in providing breast cancer health promotion, their breast cancer knowledge, their interest in receiving breast cancer continuous education, their attitudes and beliefs towards breast cancer health promotion and their perceived barriers for integrating breast cancer heath promotion activities into their daily practice. Over a 12-week period, we collected 195 surveys (60% response rate). Eighty-eight percent indicated that they never invited healthcare professionals to provide breast cancer education in the pharmacy, 78% said that they never distributed breast cancer educational materials, and 58% reported that they never counseled patients about breast cancer. Nevertheless, more than 60% were highly interested in being engaged in breast cancer health promotion activities. In addition, 87% believed that discussing breast cancer awareness with female patients in the pharmacy was beneficial to patients. Yet pharmacists perceived many barriers for integrating breast cancer health promotion into their daily practice including lack of educational materials (79%) and lack of public recognition (61%). Moreover, their breast cancer knowledge mean score was 63% with 77% expressing a high interest in receiving breast cancer continuous education. Despite their low involvement in breast cancer health promotion, the majority of pharmacists were interested in educating patients about breast cancer. However, low breast cancer knowledge and other barriers can prevent actualizing this role. Further work should focus on providing these pharmacists with breast cancer continuous education and overcoming all stated barriers.

Cancer prevention and health promotion for people with intellectual disabilities: an exploratory study of staff knowledge

As people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are living longer, their chances of developing cancer also increases. However, recognising the early signs and symptoms of cancer in a population with cognitive impairment and communication difficulties poses difficulties for both family carers and professional care staff. Engagement in health promotion and cancer prevention activities is also a challenge; yet, people with ID have an equal right to these important public services as other members of the population. The aim of this study was to examine how care staff engaged in cancer prevention and health promotion activities on behalf of people with ID. This was an exploratory descriptive study using a postal survey design employing a questionnaire. Fifteen residential facilities for adults with ID were targeted within one geographic region of the UK. In total, 40 residential staff completed a questionnaire about their knowledge of the risk and protective factors of stomach, breast, cervical and testicular cancer. Staff then completed questionnaires regarding 90 adults with ID, recording details about body mass index (BMI), lifestyle choices (i.e. smoking, dietary intake), Helicobacter pylori testing, family history of cancer and staff's health promotion and cancer prevention activities with these individuals. The women with ID were reported to have significantly higher BMIs than the men with ID and only two people with ID had been tested for the H. pylori infection: potential risk factors for developing breast and stomach cancer, respectively. The majority of the staff reported that they did not receive training in cancer prevention. Likewise, the majority of the staff reported that they were unaware of the family histories of the people with ID in their care. Reports varied with how staff engaged with people with ID regarding stomach, breast, cervical and testicular cancer health promotion activities and cancer screening opportunities. Findings of this study show that health promotion and cancer prevention activities for people with ID may be less than optimal. The importance of staff training in order to raise knowledge and awareness is highlighted. Educating both staff and people with ID about the early signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of a healthy lifestyle as a protective factor may help lead to more informed healthier lifestyle choices and lower cancer risk and morbidity.

Breast cancer health promotion in Qatar: a survey of community pharmacists’ interests and needs

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Qatar. Despite the sustained efforts to increase breast cancer public awareness via campaigns and public screening programmes, breast cancer screening rate remains low. The involvement of community pharmacists in the communication and distribution of breast cancer screening information should have a significant positive impact. The objectives of this study were to determine the degree of community pharmacists' involvement in breast cancer health promotion activities in Qatar, to explore their attitudes towards the involvement in breast cancer health promotion, to assess their breast cancer knowledge, to gauge their interest in receiving breast cancer continuous education and to list their perceived barriers for including breast cancer health promotion activities into their daily practice. Community pharmacies in Qatar. The study objectives were addressed in a cross-sectional survey of all community pharmacists in Qatar. The extent of community pharmacists' involvement in breast cancer health promotion activities, the community pharmacists' interest and comfort in providing breast cancer health promotion, their breast cancer knowledge, their interest in receiving breast cancer continuous education, their attitudes and beliefs towards breast cancer health promotion and their perceived barriers for integrating breast cancer heath promotion activities into their daily practice. Over a 12-week period, we collected 195 surveys (60% response rate). Eighty-eight percent indicated that they never invited healthcare professionals to provide breast cancer education in the pharmacy, 78% said that they never distributed breast cancer educational materials, and 58% reported that they never counseled patients about breast cancer. Nevertheless, more than 60% were highly interested in being engaged in breast cancer health promotion activities. In addition, 87% believed that discussing breast cancer awareness with female patients in the pharmacy was beneficial to patients. Yet pharmacists perceived many barriers for integrating breast cancer health promotion into their daily practice including lack of educational materials (79%) and lack of public recognition (61%). Moreover, their breast cancer knowledge mean score was 63% with 77% expressing a high interest in receiving breast cancer continuous education. Despite their low involvement in breast cancer health promotion, the majority of pharmacists were interested in educating patients about breast cancer. However, low breast cancer knowledge and other barriers can prevent actualizing this role. Further work should focus on providing these pharmacists with breast cancer continuous education and overcoming all stated barriers.

Breast cancer health promotion model for older Puerto Rican women: results of a pilot programme.

This article focuses on the development of a health promotion model programme for elderly Puerto Rican women intended to minimize barriers for early detection of breast cancer and to increase women's compliance with recommended guidelines. The programme was designed based on the findings of a national sample to assess knowledge, beliefs and practices of breast cancer early detection in Puerto Rican elderly women and their perceptions of barriers associated with non-compliance. It involves the combination of educational and environmental support for actions and conditions conducive to health behaviour and consists of the following components: (i) a culture- and cohort-sensitive health education programme for elderly women on breast cancer screening and assertive strategies for client-physician relationship; (ii) training for primary-care providers on current guidelines and barriers affecting compliance among older women in Puerto Rico; and (iii) coordination of necessary support services to facilitate access to clinical breast exams and mammograms. Programme implementation considers appropriate theories for health promotion and education in the older population. Evaluation measured progress in the plan implementation by assessing immediate products and long-term impact of the programme. Results of the pilot programme revealed a slight increase in knowledge and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in beliefs after the health education sessions. Interventions in breast cancer early detection practices showed significant changes (p < 0.05) for mammogram and clinical breast examination. Different strategies must be combined to increase older women's compliance with breast cancer screening. Health system and access barriers to preventive care must be addressed.

Planning a breast cancer health promotion

Planning a breast cancer health promotion