Family Breast Cancer Education: A Model for African American Women

Authors

Frankie D. Powell, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Edwin D. Bell, Winston-Salem State University
Jamilla Shepperson, Winston-Salem State University
Thomas Coaxum, Guilford College

Keywords

African Americans; Breast – Cancer; Breast cancer; Families – Health and hygiene; Health education; Medical history taking; Southern women

Disciplines

Community-Based Learning | Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Oncology | Public Health | Public Health Education and Promotion

Abstract

The purpose of this study, funded by the American Cancer Society, was to increase knowledge and understanding, i.e., the willingness and ability to discuss, of breast cancer in southern minority women and their families. A family model of health education guided the research questions. (a) To what extent will an action research intervention increase knowledge about the causes and treatment of breast cancer in minority women? (b) To what extent will an action research intervention increase willingness to talk with family members? The t-test analysis of a 67-item, self- administered survey indicated significant increases in knowledge of cancer and in their willingness to talk with family members about breast cancer. In addition, they reported increases in comfort level about discussing breast cancer as well as willingness to talk with others about their own (possible) positive diagnosis. We infer that increased comfort level and willingness to talk with others has a relationship to increased awareness of breast cancer.

Recommended Citation

Powell, Frankie D.; Bell, Edwin D.; Shepperson, Jamilla; and Coaxum, Thomas (2008) "Family Breast Cancer Education: A Model for African American Women," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 2: Iss. 2, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol2/iss2/2