Empowering Underserved Populations Through Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

Barriers and Enablers to Cancer Prevention, Screening and Early Detection Among Travellers in Ireland: Healthcare Professionals Perspectives

OBJECTIVES

Travellers, a minority ethnic group in Ireland, experience higher-than-expected cancer-specific mortality. This codesigned research study explored the perceptions of community-based primary healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding the barriers and enablers for Travellers in the context of cancer prevention and early detection behaviors (ie, screening participation, and timely reporting of cancer symptoms).

METHODS

Semistructured phone/Zoom interviews were conducted with 15 community-based HCPs. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

A total of 4 key themes were generated. (1) Poverty and exclusion: the corrosive impact of the social determinants of health (SDoH); (2) Health system barriers include health services access challenges, cultural insensitivity and discrimination; (3) Certain individual and/or cultural barriers impact cancer prevention and early detection behaviors; (4) National and local level strategies are warranted for improved cancer prevention and early detection behaviors among Travellers. A whole-of-government approach is required to address these barriers while working in partnership with Traveller organizations.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses must engage in cultural sensitivity training to enhance their understanding of the barriers and enablers to cancer prevention and early detection behaviors among minority ethnic groups. Nurses can advocate for and engage in actions to address these barriers at a national, local and individual level.

Experiences of a Digital Behavior Change Intervention to Prevent Weight Gain and Promote Risk-Reducing Health Behaviors for Women Aged 18 to 35 Years at Increased Risk of Breast Cancer: Qualitative Interview Study

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Adult weight gain and modifiable health behaviors, including smoking, alcohol intake, and lack of physical activity, are well-known risk factors. Most weight gain in women occurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Digital interventions have the potential to address logistical challenges that arise in reaching women in this age range. We designed a digital intervention targeting weight gain prevention and other modifiable health behaviors for young women at increased risk of breast cancer. Women aged 18 to 35 years were recruited to this single-arm intervention study over 2 months to test the acceptability and usability of the intervention, which comprised a group welcome event held via videoconferencing, app, and private Facebook group.

OBJECTIVE

This nested qualitative substudy explored women's views and experiences of being part of the digital health intervention to inform future intervention development for a feasibility study.

METHODS

A total of 20 women aged 23 to 35 years who were at increased risk of breast cancer were interviewed via telephone within 1 month after completing the intervention, between February 2023 and March 2023. The women were asked about their experiences of the digital intervention and the extent to which it may have influenced their health behaviors. Data were analyzed thematically and organized using the framework approach.

RESULTS

The interviews lasted for a median of 37 (IQR 30-46) minutes. Overall, the women perceived the digital health intervention comprising education, tracking, and support to be acceptable for weight gain prevention. In total, 4 themes were generated. A "missed opportunity" in breast cancer prevention services encompasses the lack of services that currently exist for young women at increased risk of breast cancer. The pros and cons of being part of a community encompasses the divergent views that the women had regarding engaging with other women at increased risk. The importance of an interactive app focuses on features that the women would want from the app to promote engagement with the intervention. The different wants and needs of different age groups highlights that an intervention such as this one would need to be customizable to suit the needs of women at different life stages.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an unmet need in prevention services for young women aged 18 to 35 years at increased risk of breast cancer. The women perceived the app to be an acceptable intervention for weight gain prevention but emphasized that the intervention would need to be customizable to meet the needs of different age groups within the group of women aged 18 to 35 years. The digital intervention could be a scalable behavior change strategy for UK family history clinics.

Racial disparities in breast cancer risk factors and risk management

Racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes are well described across the spectrum of screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Breast cancer mortality is markedly elevated for Non-Hispanic Black women compared with other racial and ethnic groups, with multifactorial causes. Here, we aim to reduce this burden by identifying disparities in breast cancer risk factors, risk assessment, and risk management before breast cancer is diagnosed. We describe a reproductive profile and modifiable risk factors specific to the development of triple-negative breast cancer. We also propose that screening strategies should be both risk- and race-based, given the prevalence of early-onset triple-negative breast cancer in young Black women. We emphasize the importance of early risk assessment and identification of patients at hereditary and familial risk and discuss indications for a high-risk referral. We discuss the subtleties following genetic testing and highlight "uncertain" genetic testing results and risk estimation challenges in women who test negative. We trace aspects of the obesity epidemic in the Black community to infant feeding patterns and emphasize healthy eating and activity. Finally, we discuss building an environment of trust to foster adherence to recommendations, follow-up care, and participation in clinical trials. Addressing relevant social determinants of health; educating patients and clinicians on factors impacting disparities in outcomes; and encouraging participation in targeted, culturally sensitive research are essential to best serve all communities.

REPRESENT recommendations: improving inclusion and trust in cancer early detection research

Detecting cancer early is essential to improving cancer outcomes. Minoritized groups remain underrepresented in early detection cancer research, which means that findings and interventions are not generalisable across the population, thus exacerbating disparities in cancer outcomes. In light of these challenges, this paper sets out twelve recommendations to build relations of trust and include minoritized groups in ED cancer research. The Recommendations were formulated by a range of stakeholders at the 2022 REPRESENT consensus-building workshop and are based on empirical data, including a systematic literature review and two ethnographic case studies in the US and the UK. The recommendations focus on: Long-term relationships that build trust; Sharing available resources; Inclusive and accessible communication; Harnessing community expertise; Unique risks and benefits; Compensation and support; Representative samples; Demographic data; Post-research support; Sharing results; Research training; Diversifying research teams. For each recommendation, the paper outlines the rationale, specifications for how different stakeholders may implement it, and advice for best practices. Instead of isolated recruitment, public involvement and engagement activities, the recommendations here aim to advance mutually beneficial and trusting relationships between researchers and research participants embedded in ED cancer research institutions.

"I don't know what I'm feeling for": young women's beliefs about breast cancer risk and experiences of breast awareness

BACKGROUND

Younger women are often diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Beliefs about risk are instrumental in motivating many health protective behaviours, but there may be confusion around which behaviour is appropriate to detect breast cancer earlier. Breast awareness, defined as an understanding of how the breasts look and feel so changes can be identified early, is widely recommended. In contrast, breast self-examination involves palpation using a specified method. We aimed to investigate young women's beliefs about their risk and experiences of breast awareness.

METHODS

Thirty-seven women aged 30-39 years residing in a North West region of England with no family or personal history of breast cancer participated in seven focus groups (n = 29) and eight individual interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes were generated. "Future me's problem" describes why women perceive breast cancer as an older woman's disease. Uncertainty regarding checking behaviours highlights how confusion about self-checking behaviour advice has resulted in women infrequently performing breast checks. Campaigns as a missed opportunity highlights the potential negative effects of current breast cancer fundraising campaigns and the perceived absence of educational campaigning about breast cancer for this demographic.

CONCLUSIONS

Young women expressed low perceived susceptibility to developing breast cancer in the near future. Women did not know what breast self-checking behaviours they should be performing and expressed a lack of confidence in how to perform a breast check appropriately due to limited knowledge about what to look and feel for. Consequently, women reported disengagement with breast awareness. Defining and clearly communicating the best strategy for breast awareness and establishing whether it is beneficial or not are essential next steps.

Culture of prevention and early disease detection of cancer in Russia

This study analyzed the early cancer detection in Russia. Using data from the Russian Ministry of Health from 2005 to 2016, this study aims to evaluate relationships between the number of patients diagnosed with I-II stage of cancer with the number of preventive visits, screening tests, and expedited access to specialists. The results of de-trending time-series model indicate that the number of specialists in outpatient facilities and the number of patients' preventive visits positively affect the number of patients diagnosed with cancer for the first time and the number of patients diagnosed with I-II degree cancer. The Russian Federation's experience suggests that early detection of cancer can be achieved by increasing the number of early cancer screening facilities, providing free screening, and moderating geographical and time constraints that prevent people of different geographic and socio-economic backgrounds from being screened. Another strategy includes dispelling myths associated with cancer screening, fostering outreach and patient education, and assuring availability and timely referrals to specialists and laboratory work.

Reflections of Homeless Women and Women with Mental Health Challenges on Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Decisions: Power, Trust, and Communication with Care Providers

This study conducted in Toronto, Canada, explored the perceptions of women living in homeless shelters and women with severe mental health challenges about the factors influencing their decision-making processes regarding breast and cervical cancer screening. Twenty-six in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted. The objectives of this research were (i) to provide new insights about women's decision-making processes, (ii) to describe the barriers to and facilitators for breast and cervical cancer screening, and (iii) to offer recommendations for future outreach, education, and screening initiatives developed specifically for under/never-screened marginalized women living in urban centers. This exploratory study utilized thematic analysis to broaden our understanding about women's decision-making processes. A constructed ontology was used in an attempt to understand and describe participants' constructed realities. The epistemological framework was subjective and reflected co-created knowledge. The approach was hegemonic, values-based, and context-specific. The aim of the analysis was to focus on meanings and actions with a broader view to identify the interplay between participants' narratives and social structures, medical praxis, and policy implications. Results from 26 qualitative interviews conducted in 2013-2014 provided insights on both positive and negative prior cancer screening experiences, the role of power and trust in women's decision-making, and areas for improvement in health care provider/patient interactions. Outcomes of this investigation contribute to the future development of appropriately designed intervention programs for marginalized women, as well as for sensitivity training for health care providers. Tailored and effective health promotion strategies leading to life-long cancer screening behaviors among marginalized women may improve clinical outcomes, decrease treatment costs, and save lives.

Disparities in Cancer Screening Practices among Minority and Underrepresented Populations

OBJECTIVES

To review current evidence about cancer screening challenges that lead to cancer health disparities in minority populations.

DATA SOURCES

Research reports, published journal articles, web sites, and clinical practice observations.

CONCLUSION

There are significant disparities that exist in cancer screening practices among racial and ethnic minority and underrepresented populations, resulting in disproportionately higher cancer mortality rates in these populations.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses are positioned to lead in educating, promoting, and bringing awareness to cancer screening recommendationsand current cancer prevention guidelines for at-risk individuals, and help them to implement these guidelines to reduce incidence and mortality.

Predictors of Online Cancer Prevention Information Seeking Among Patients and Caregivers Across the Digital Divide: A Cross-Sectional, Correlational Study

Background

The digital divide is a recognized public health problem caused by social determinants that exacerbate health disparities. Despite the “tectonic shift” in how most of the public obtains cancer information, underserved communities are at increased risk of being digitally marginalized. However, research that examines factors underlying eHealth information seeking in diverse health contexts is lacking.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to explore preferences and use of eHealth cancer prevention information (CPI) among patients and caregivers attending a minority-serving oncology clinic using the comprehensive model of information seeking as a theoretical framework. Specifically, the study examined the role of social determinants and prevention orientation in differences in preference and use of the Internet for CPI seeking among this diverse sample.

Methods

Survey methodology was used to identify social determinants and behavioral factors, including prevention orientation as correlates and predictors of respondents’ (n=252) preferences and use of eHealth for CPI seeking.

Results

Less than half (112/252, 44.4%) of respondents said that if faced with the need to seek CPI, they would seek this information online. In the final logistic regression model, education, ethnicity, age, and prevention orientation made significant contributions to the model (P<.05). Specifically, for each year increase in age, participants were 3% less likely to use the Internet for CPI seeking (P=.011). Compared to college graduates, respondents who did not complete high school were 11.75 times less likely to cite the Internet as a CPI carrier (P<.001) and those with a high school education were 3 times (2.99, P=.015) less likely. In addition, the odds that a Spanish speaker would cite the Internet as a CPI carrier were one-fifth (22%) of non-Hispanic whites (P=.032) and about one-quarter (26%) of English-speaking Latinos (P=.036). Finally, with each one point increase on the prevention orientation scale, respondents were 1.83 times less likely to cite online CPI seeking (P=.05).

Conclusions

Social determinants to health have profound influence on eHealth CPI seeking. Providers and policy makers should focus on meeting patients and family members’ CPI needs following diagnosis and increase eHealth accessibility and availability of evidence-based CPI to diverse populations. Future research is needed to unravel further differences in eHealth CPI seeking, including those among Native Americans that emerged as an additional digitally underserved racial/ethnic group. Finally, additional factors underlying these differences should be explored to better tailor CPI eHealth information to diverse communities’ information needs.

The Yo me cuido® Program: Addressing Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Among Hispanic Women

Breast cancer is less likely to be diagnosed at the earliest stage in Hispanic/Latino (Hispanic) women compared to non-Hispanic White women, even after accounting for differences in age, socioeconomic status, and method of detection. Moffitt Cancer Center created a comprehensive health education program called Yo me cuido (®) (YMC) to address and reduce breast cancer disparities among Spanish- and English-speaking Hispanic women by providing breast cancer and healthy lifestyles awareness and education, and promoting breast cancer screenings, reminders, and referrals for women 40 years and older. The purpose of this paper is to showcase the innovative approaches and methods to cancer prevention and early detection of the YMC program, and to promote it as an effective tool for improving outcomes in community health education, outreach, and engagement activities with Hispanic populations. Key components of the program include educational workshops, mammogram referrals, and a multimedia campaign. The YMC program is unique because of its approaches in reaching the Hispanic population, such as delivering the program with compassionate services to empower participants to live a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, direct follow-up for mammography screenings is provided by program staff. From 2011 to 2013, YMC has educated 2,226 women and 165 men through 93 workshops. About 684 (52 %) women ages 40 and older have had a screening mammogram within their first year of participating in the program. The YMC program is an innovative cancer education and outreach program that has demonstrated a positive impact on the lives of the Hispanic community in the Tampa Bay region.

Nurturing Advocacy Inclusion to Bring Health Equity in Breast Cancer among African American Women

This paper will present the multiple roles and the impact of cancer advocates. The emerging literature provides evidence for the consideration and integration of African American BC survivors as advocates in practice, policy and research relevant to cancer prevention and control. We present a practical outline for organizational assessment for the inclusion of advocates in these arenas. This assessment can be conducted by all levels of partners, including community advocacy and scientific organizations.