The Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Project is one of several cancer programs funded by The Alabama Department of Public Health (January 2003 to June 2004) and offered through Extension's Urban Affairs unit. This project targets women ages 40-64 within six northern Alabama counties (Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Madison, Marion, and Morgan). Outreach educators in these counties have partnered with radio, television and print media, Food Stamp offices, human resource and county health departments, the American Cancer Society, churches, department/grocery stores, area housing authorities, area city banks, utilities departments, and other community agencies to recruit women and spread the word about this project.
Thousands of women are diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer each year. In their publication titled Cancer Facts & Figures 2003, the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 3,000 women will be diagnosed yearly with breast and cervical cancer in Alabama and more than 600 will die from cancer. Early detection is the best defense. Early cancer detection also means "better survival and more treatment options."
The general goals of the project are to educate women about cancer disease, i.e., creating an awareness and understanding of the disease and how to be proactive in preventing and/or reducing risk factors associated with the development of cancer. Self-care strategies and skills are demonstrated for positive health practice, while informing women of available resources and early detection and treatment options. During the first six months, for example, urban Extension educated 3,000 women through seminars, lunch and learn presentations, workshops, and direct contact to encourage them to undergo clinical breast exams, pap smears, and mammograms.
The Alabama Department of Public Health currently provides free screenings for women ages 40 and older, those with or without insurance, and women who meet the income guidelines for the grant. As of January 2004, direct contacts totaled 6,384, and 368 women qualified to receive special services.
The program continues to be featured at local churches and plants and among civic/senior citizen groups, expos, schools, and other health and aging coalitions. The program has been successful in detecting cancer in its early stages and continues to receive favorable feedback from local politicians and community leaders, allied health agencies, churches, and the news media.
Contact Dr. Donnie Cook at (256) 372-4983 for more information about the North Alabama Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Project.