Health and Human Development Programs

Improving Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention with Early Detection

Challenge: Despite the importance of early detection of breast and cervical cancer, many women do not receive recommended screenings such as mammography and pap smears. This is particularly true for women who do not receive routine health care. While a physician's recommendation is often the most critical factor in directing women to get these tests, physicians often lack the comfort level and training needed to counsel women of different ages and backgrounds about the importance of preventive care and early detection.

Strategy: To address this need, HHD developed a continuing medical education program, Building Partnerships for Breast and Cervical Cancer Risk Management, to help primary care providers develop the knowledge, skills and practice strategies necessary to motivate medically under-served women to be screened. The flexible, five-module curriculum is designed to combine clinical information, communication skill-building, and practical tools for developing office management strategies to improve screening rates.

Result: Field-tested with 40 providers, the program strengthened providers' awareness, knowledge, and skills about cancer risk education and management. Building Partnerships is currently being used by state and local health departments across the United States as part of their professional education efforts.