From gray to pink: Educating senior breast cancer survivors and those at risk

Breast cancer education programs while abundant tend to focus on young and middle age women. However, the median age of breast cancer diagnosis is 61 years of age. As the senior breast cancer survivor and at-risk population grow, the need for breast cancer education is critical. This pilot was designed to educate seniors about breast cancer topics including screening and diagnosis; genetic testing; surgery, reconstruction, occupational and physical therapy; and nutrition-related prevention and survival. The intent was to improve senior confidence and knowledge regarding these issues so they could improve their health and well-being and share what they learned with family and friends. Two senior centers in Northwest Ohio agreed to host the four educational workshops during June and July 2012, respectively. Senior breast cancer survivors (age 60 and older), their family and friends, and at-risk women attended. Knowledge and confidence were assessed using pre- and post-surveys and the Student's paired t-test compared mean pre- and post-test knowledge and confidence scores. There were statistically significant differences between pre- and post-test knowledge and confidence for the screening and diagnosis, and nutrition workshops, (p=0.05), and knowledge for the surgery and therapy workshop (p=0.03). Senior breast cancer education is much needed. The knowledge and confidence gained can be shared and provide an ever-growing network of people who can educate and help each other improve their quality of life. This program will be combined with direct services including mammography and ultrasound, genetic testing, and mobile meal delivery to provide a rich spectrum of care.