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[PA-9] The Process of Making Getting Connected: African Americans Living Beyond Breast CancerPatricia K Bradley, PhD, RN, CS, (Marjorie Scharf, MPH, RD), Villanova University College of Nursing, Villanova, PA
Authors: Patricia Bradley, Marjorie Scharf, and Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Problem: African-American women (AAW) have been identified as a high-risk group for both an increased mortality rate and presentation for treatment at a later stage of disease.
Methods: A consumer-based, qualitative process utilizing focus groups was used to create an easy-to-read, educational book entitled Getting Connected. African Americans Living Beyond Breast Cancer. A community advisory committee gave input to the design of a needs assessment survey, recruitment of focus group participants and implementation of the project.
Results: Living positively beyond breast cancer is possible for AAW through the use of spirituality, developing and maintaining positive connections and reaching out to others. An educational workshop for health care providers from various settings has been developed to accompany the Getting Connected book. Using the book as the centerpiece, this interactive workshop assists providers in cancer control outreach to minority women in a culturally relevant, literacy appropriate manner.
Conclusion: Not all AAW perceive breast cancer as an automatic death sentence. Positive coping to a breast cancer diagnosis is possible. The primary goal of Getting Connected is to promote informed decision-making, while providing support, encouragement and inspiration to AAW as they go through diagnosis, treatment and begin living beyond breast cancer.
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Date: July 10-12, 2002
Location: Hilton Hotel & Towers, Washington, DC
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health / Office of Public Health and Science
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