Attitudes and behaviors toward early breast cancer detection among African American women in a faith-based community

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States for women. In 2009, African American women accounted for approximately 19,540 of new diagnoses, with 11,000 of those diagnoses in women under the age of 40. African American women under age 40 are twice as likely as European American women of the same age to be diagnosed with breast cancer enhancing early detection efforts in this population is important to potentially save lives. This study asked what educational approach might enhance learning and improve attitudes and behaviors toward early detection breast cancer screening programs Using a quantitative, quasi-experimental method, information was presented to 46 African American women the 23 in the intervention group attended an educational forum in the churches, while the 23 women in the control group received reading material only. The health belief model guided the study of the interrelated variables related to screening programs, and the Champion Health Belief Model Scale was used to measure beliefs related to breast cancer screening. The mixed ANOVA analysis results showed that the educational forum increased the likelihood that participants would perform breast self examinations and seek mammograms compared to those who were given only reading material. The results of this study showed African American women were receptive to educational information and therefore could assist church health ministries in developing educational breast health seminars for all women ages 18 to 40 years in their church communities. Research should continue to focus on this population to prompt more efforts to develop breast health programs and potentially save lives through early detection.