Talking Cancer, Saving Lives: Breast Cancer Awareness Training for Health Professionals in Hong Kong

Abstract

A two-day training program aimed at promoting breast cancer awareness and utilization of breast cancer screening in Hong Kong was presented to a group of breast cancer survivors and mid-level health and social services professionals ( n = 75). Using a training of trainer model, six modules were presented covering biological, psycho-social, sexual, and quality of life issues relating to breast cancer. Self-administered pre-test, post-test, and follow-up measures were used to determine participants' knowledge about breast cancer related issues and their self-perceived competence to discuss these issues professionally. The participant demographic profile was primarily female, mostly married with mean age of 38. Most of the participants attributed the causes of breast cancer to genetic, lifestyle risk, and environmental risk factors (over 60%). Their attitude, on average, was most positive regarding the difference between a support group and psychoeducational support group ( M > 8 on a 0–10 scale). Their knowledge, on average, was lowest regarding familiarity with the types and uses of alternative medicine in Hong Kong ( M < 5 on a 0–10 scale). Paired t-tests comparing pre-test to the first post-test indicated a statistically significant increase in composite scores of competence, cause recognition, and suggested frequency of breast self-exam. This training proved to be a culturally competent approach that facilitates health care providers' service provision to breast cancer survivors in Hong Kong.