Written by Benita Robinson (American Cancer Society) and Gay Lynn Richards (Breast Cancer Education Association).
Despite the known efficacy of regular breast cancer screening cancer, significant disparities exist in breast cancer morbidity and mortality in the African American community. Breast cancer kills more African American women in Minnesota than any other population group and 50% present with late-stage disease. Breast cancer continues to be a leading cause of death in African American women age 35 to 45. The historic underutilization of breast screening by African American women coupled with the high mortality rate in Minnesota supported the need to work with community organizations to provide culturally tailored approaches to reduce barriers and increase the number of African American women screened for breast cancer.
In the African American community, the church and faith community is seen as a source of strength, fellowship, information, support, hope, and represents an extended family. Bringing health services directly to the known and trusted church location with the approval and encouragement of church leadership was a key element to encourage women congregants to participate.
The intervention proposed to bring mobile mammography services directly to the church location and reduce barriers by identifying and addressing them in the event design. Collaborating first with the STAIRSTEP Foundation to identify churches that would be appropriate for this intervention identified the role that the church health coordinators would provide to promote events, educate women on the benefit of regular screening, and facilitate registration and scheduling. Other partners included the American Cancer Society, mobile mammography services- Park Nicollet Mammo-a-go-go, the Minnesota Department of Health Sage Screening Program (Sage) and a health system Provider to coordinate further breast services of participants.
Each event was unique and often incorporated additional services including educational presentations on topics such as colorectal cancer with colorectal screening kits available for distribution; blood pressure and glucose screening; and other valuable health information. Promotional materials – flyers advertising the screening event, or bulletin inserts – were rigorously reviewed by the partners to assure that messaging and pictures were culturally appropriate. Refreshments and small prize drawings added fun and enjoyment.
In year 1 of the Sisters Standing up to Breast Cancer, 140 women were screened in 7 church- based screening events. The partnerships with churches have been a solid foundation for further collaboration with STAIRSTEP on other health-themed activities, special women’s events and/or community-wide opportunities. As the project grew, churches in the West African community joined. Many of the churches now host an annual screening event and women eagerly anticipate the event as their screening opportunity.
Sisters Standing up to Breast Cancer is in its’ 5th year. They have consistently hosted 10-12 screening events annually with over 500 women screened. 2018 looks to be another great year of partnership to bring these life-saving services directly to the church community, reduce financial and structural barriers, and increase the number of African American women screened.
For more information contact:
Benita Robinson, American Cancer Society benita.robinson@cancer.org
Gay Lynn Richards, Breast Cancer Education Association richardsran1@outlook.com
