FACS (Females Against Cancer Series) promote healthy bodies and healthy communities

The USC-Claflin Center for Excellence facilitates partnerships that work toward eliminating the health disparities that exist in rural, African-American communities, particularly among Orangeburg County, South Carolina residents. 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 in SC and higher in rural SC. The Center, Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5, and the Orangeburg community developed an educational program entitled Females Against Cancer Series. The 7-part series consisted of interactive sessions for District middle and high school African-American girls and their mothers. Approximately 25 mother/daughter dyads participated in 4-hour sessions on Saturdays in 2010. The series highlighted topics such as HPV and its related cancers, STIs, healthy relationships, and decision-making and communication skills. Pre- and post-evaluations were administered to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to session topics. Quantitative and qualitative responses were summarized, coded and analyzed.

Results demonstrated an increase in knowledge about HPV, and its comorbidities/coinfections and an improvement in communication between mothers and daughters. Participants also discussed the role of technology in communication. Daughters indicated feeling empowered to not engage in unhealthy relationships; mothers indicated that they were able to continue conversations initiated in the sessions with their daughters. When equipped with the necessary tools, parents and daughters can communicate more openly about making informed decisions regarding HPV vaccination, as well as additional protective behaviors that prevent cervical cancer.