More than a Conversation: the Power of Bringing Scientists and the Community Together to Change Perceptions About Cancer. J Cancer Educ 2019 Jun;34(3):571-576
Date
03/07/2018Pubmed ID
29508231DOI
10.1007/s13187-018-1343-7Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85045135507 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 1 CitationAbstract
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 40% of annual deaths are due to preventable, modifiable risk factors (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2014). Evidence in the literature suggests that increased knowledge and engagement is a critical step in preventing disease and improving health behaviors (Health Promotion International 15(3):259-267, 2000; Risk Manag Healthc Policy 3:61-72, 2010; Urology 61(2):308-313, 2003). Educational seminars, titled Conversations with Scientists, are offered twice per year by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment with the goal of helping community members, patients, and families inform themselves and others about science and health. In the first series, Cancer: Past, Present, and Future, the goals of increasing (1) knowledge, (2) intent to improve health behaviors, and (3) intent to disseminate information to friends and family were evaluated. Additionally, focus groups and interviews were conducted with speakers and audience members to explore strengths of the existing program format and opportunities to improve. The World Health Organization estimates that between 30 and 50% of all cancer cases are preventable, and has called for efforts to raise public awareness of cancer risks (World Health Organization 2017). Findings indicate that the existing seminar format achieved its intended goals, and provided additional value that can be leveraged to improve health outcomes for participants and their families.
Author List
Olson J, Svoboda-Newman S, Gardner-Volle K, McNally M, Fabian E, Maurana CAuthors
Cheryl A. Maurana PhD Interim Provost, SVP Str Acad Ptnrshp, Dir, Prof in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of WisconsinJessica Olson PhD Director, Associate Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Aged
Communication
Feedback
Female
Focus Groups
Health Education
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasms
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult