Promotion of breast and cervical cancer screening -- can we do better?

As public health workers, we encourage the update of screening tests that reduce mortality and morbidity. As proponents of evidence-based practice, we acknowledge the evidence showing that some screening tests are less effective than we hoped. Public health education efforts, including some undertaken by commercial entities, have created a climate of unrealistic fear (of the likelihood of developing cancer) and unrealistic hope (of the effectiveness of screening). As we work to create equality across racial and ethnic groups in cancer screening, treatment and outcomes, we're challenged by persisting disparities. The speaker will highlight current controversies and challenges in cancer screening, with special attention to women of color, immigrants and low-income women, and will articulate a vision of breast and cervical cancer screening that is evidence-based, reduces disparities, improves outcomes and enables women to make informed decisions about their health.