Abstract A12: Cancer communication in African American churches

Conclusion: Cancer was a frequent topic for disease-focused messages in African-American churches. In addition, three of the five most frequent disease topics matched the leading causes of death in the African-American community. The match was not as close in regards to leading causes of cancer death. Breast and prostate cancer information was frequently found; however, despite the high rates of mortality associated with lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and leukemia/lymphoma, information on these cancers was present much less frequently. No pancreatic cancer messages were found. Disease related information was seen that included smoking cessation and bone marrow donation information, but these messages did not explicitly speak about a connection to cancer. In addition, the frequency of cancer information and types of cancer covered ranged across the churches, with some having no messages. Overall, African-American churches appear interested and motivated to provide cancer information. However, efforts to help churches refine their provision of cancer information to best meet the needs of the community is needed if churches are to be used in efforts to reduce cancer health disparities.Citation Format: Brook E. Harmon, Elizabeth Chastain, Marci Chock, Michael Wirth, James R. Hebert. Cancer communication in African American churches. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (...
Source: Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Cancer Communications: Poster Presentations - Proffered Abstracts Source Type: research