A Survey Report of Methods to Promote Breast Cancer Education in African American Women

Breast cancer mortality rates have begun to decline in the U.S. among all ethnic/racial groups. However, older African American women continue to have high rates of mortality from breast cancer. Research suggests several reasons for this continued disparity including socioeconomic factors, cultural factors, beliefs, and barriers. Further, based on a survey conducted in the state of Georgia (2000), it was found that women had limited knowledge about resources located in their own communities related to mammography screening and other women's health resources. Therefore, the purpose of this poster is to describe the results of a recent survey that was conducted from years 2003-2008 related to promoting breast cancer education messages in urban African American women communities. The project targeted African American women living in zip codes designated as high mortality and morbidity related to breast cancer. Two research questions guided the study: 1) what are the mammography utilization rates in urban African American women? and 2) what are the techniques and educational materials that can be used to reach urban African American women with breast cancer education messages? While the research study is complete, data analysis has not been finalized. Preliminary findings from the study show that breast health messages are reaching urban African American women. However, barriers such as cost, knowledge of mammography sites, and lack of health insurance continue to keep women from participating in cancer screenings.