Nursing and Education faculty complete
study on teaching breast cancer screening

Jan. 3, 2005 -- Six ASU faculty from the College of Nursing and Health Professions and one faculty member from the College of Education recently completed a major research study on Teaching Breast Cancer Screening to African-American Women in the Arkansas Mississippi River Delta.  

The research team consisted of the following Assistant Professors of Nursing: Cathy P. Hall, MSN, RN, OCN,  Paige D. Wimberley, MSN, RN; Judith T. Pfriemer, MSN, RN; and Annette S. Stacy, MSN, RN, AOCN. Additional members included Evelyn M. Hubbard, MSE, RT, Assistant Professor of Radiological Science; Jacquelyn D. Gilbert, BS, PT, MPH, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy; and John D. Hall, Ph.D., LP, SPS, NCSP, Associate Professor of Psychology & Counseling.

The research study was supported by a grant from the Arkansas Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and from funding from the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Arkansas State University.

African-American women are more likely to die of breast cancer than are women from any other racial or ethnic group. The American Cancer Society (2003) reports a mortality rate among African-American women that is 30% higher than the rate for white women.  Research indicated that African-American women are less likely to be diagnosed with early breast cancer and are more likely to have regional or distant spread.

Breast cancer screening such as breast self-examination and mammography offers the greatest hope of reducing mortality and enhancing the outcome for this group of women. Unfortunately, this type of screening is very much under-used, among older women. African-American women in Arkansas and in the Mississippi Delta Region are of particular concern due to poverty and inadequate health care. Additionally, Arkansas ranks 45^th in Medicare biennial mammography rates. The lowest mammography rates are in the Delta.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of a multifaceted, culturally-sensitive breast cancer education program with African-American women in the Arkansas Mississippi River Delta.  Primary content for the program was developed from materials obtained from the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

A major goal of the study was to help African-American women in the above region to become more knowledgeable about breast cancer and early detection.  The research team found that African-American women who received the multifaceted, culturally-sensitive breast cancer education program appeared to be more knowledgeable about breast cancer than women who were in a control group who did not receive the program. Increased knowledge has been associated with an increased use of breast cancer screening.

Additionally, African-American women who received the program compared to those who did not receive the program appeared to have more adaptive beliefs associated with breast self examination and mammography.  Specifically, they appeared to have a better understanding of their risk or susceptibility associated with developing breast cancer. Women who do not perceive themselves as susceptible to developing the disease may not engage in regular screening practices.  Additionally, participants in the program also appeared to be more confident in performing breast self examination. Women who are more confident in their ability to perform breast self examination are more inclined to continue this recommended practice.

The research study was unique in that the program was delivered by the faculty in the College of Nursing and Health Professions and African-American students enrolled in degree programs within the College.  The students included: Jennifer M. Hubbard-Davis, Brenda C. Sanders, Kelli L. Williams-Steele, Cindy L. Long, Tamara M. Futrell, Willie Mae Starks, and Natasha N. Montgomery. Janet A. Harp, a graduate nursing student, Jeremy D. Christian, a graduate student enrolled in the Psychology & Counseling program, and Dr. Craig H. Jones, Professor of Psychology & Counseling, also assisted with the study.  The primary setting for the program was African-American churches located in five counties within the Northeast Arkansas Mississippi River Delta.

The study has been accepted for publication in Oncology Nursing Forum (ONF), a major international journal of nursing. The article should appear in the July 2005 issue of ONF. A similar study is currently being planned for the Fall of 2005 involving Hispanic women who reside in the Northeast Arkansas Mississippi River Delta.

Fore more details, contact Cathy P. Hall, RN, MSN, OCN, Assistant Professor of Nursing  in the Department of Nursing, 972-3074 or chall@astate.edu.