A partnership to share the FACS: The Females Against Cancer Series

The USC-Claflin Center for Excellence facilitates partnerships that work toward eliminating health disparities in rural areas and among minorities, particularly among African-Americans in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. South Carolina ranks 14th in the nation both in cervical cancer incidence and mortality; the rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are disproportionately higher in African-American women, and higher in rural SC. The partnership between the Center, Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5, and the Orangeburg community combined resources and optimized each entity's strengths and ability to collectively address health disparities from a preventive perspective in Orangeburg County. The Females Against Cancer Series (FACS) was a 7-part educational program consisting of interactive sessions for OCSD 5 middle and high school girls and their mothers. Mother/daughter dyads participated in 4-hour sessions on Saturdays in 2010. Community partners and volunteers facilitated FACS activities/demonstrations. Highlighted topics included as HPV and its related cancers, STIs, the law and technology in communication, healthy relationships, and decision-making/communication skills. Pre- and post-evaluations were administered to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to HPV/cervical cancer; responses were summarized, coded and analyzed. Some of the themes included an increase in knowledge about HPV, and its comorbidities/co-infections and improved communication between mothers and daughters, as well as with girls and with peers. Parents and daughters can communicate more openly about making informed decisions regarding HPV vaccination and other protective behaviors that prevent cervical cancer. Participants suggested additional community organizations and volunteers that should be considered for partnership for future FACS activities.