Development and implementation of the Intergenerational Cancer Prevention project through breastfeeding among African American women

Abstract

Background: Black women are diagnosed with late-stage breast and ovarian cancer at higher rates than White women, possibly contributing to their increased risk for mortality related to these cancers. Breastfeeding (BF) is a modifiable risk factor associated with a decreased risk for these cancers Social stigma, lack of support from the healthcare community, and a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits of BF have contributed to low rates of BF and initiation among Black women, thus increasing their breast and ovarian cancer risk.

Methods: A qualitative needs assessment (n=20 African American women, >18, pregnant or within one year postpartum) was conducted and confirmed a lack of knowledge of the cancer risk reduction conferred by BF and a need for education and peer support. Results were used to create a culturally competent BF education during pregnancy and peer support intervention to 6 weeks postpartum. 8 mothers completed the pilot, and 10 control mothers completed a comparison survey.

Results: Pilot participants demonstrated improved knowledge regarding BF at 6 weeks postpartum, achieved 100% BF initiation, maintained breastfeeding to 6 weeks (100%), intended to BF to 12 months (80%), and reported increased self-efficacy regarding BF (83%).

Conclusions: This suggests that with education and support Black mothers may be empowered to increase BF initiation and duration, thus reducing breast and ovarian cancer risk. Future directions involve implementing the intervention on a larger scale. The workshop presentation will focus on the results of the needs assessment and initial pilot group results.

Keywords

Breastfeeding, Cancer Prevention, Peer Education, Women's Health

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Development and implementation of the Intergenerational Cancer Prevention project through breastfeeding among African American women

Background: Black women are diagnosed with late-stage breast and ovarian cancer at higher rates than White women, possibly contributing to their increased risk for mortality related to these cancers. Breastfeeding (BF) is a modifiable risk factor associated with a decreased risk for these cancers Social stigma, lack of support from the healthcare community, and a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits of BF have contributed to low rates of BF and initiation among Black women, thus increasing their breast and ovarian cancer risk.

Methods: A qualitative needs assessment (n=20 African American women, >18, pregnant or within one year postpartum) was conducted and confirmed a lack of knowledge of the cancer risk reduction conferred by BF and a need for education and peer support. Results were used to create a culturally competent BF education during pregnancy and peer support intervention to 6 weeks postpartum. 8 mothers completed the pilot, and 10 control mothers completed a comparison survey.

Results: Pilot participants demonstrated improved knowledge regarding BF at 6 weeks postpartum, achieved 100% BF initiation, maintained breastfeeding to 6 weeks (100%), intended to BF to 12 months (80%), and reported increased self-efficacy regarding BF (83%).

Conclusions: This suggests that with education and support Black mothers may be empowered to increase BF initiation and duration, thus reducing breast and ovarian cancer risk. Future directions involve implementing the intervention on a larger scale. The workshop presentation will focus on the results of the needs assessment and initial pilot group results.