Breast cancer screening in an adult literacy program.

OBJECTIVES

Individuals with limited literacy have low rates of cancer screening and more advanced cancer when cancer is detected. We implemented breast cancer screening at an adult literacy center to see if students would participate and determine the rate of abnormalities detected.

METHODS

The Anchorage Literacy Project (ALP), in collaboration with Providence Cancer Center (PCC), offered breast cancer screening, including mammograms, on site at ALP to all 40 female ALP students aged > or =40. Prior to screening, PCC and ALP staff provided education to students about breast cancer screening and mammograms, and information about the Alaska Breast and Cervical Health Check program that would pay for treatment if cancer was detected.

RESULTS

Twenty-one women underwent screening. Three (14%) had significant abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer screening can be provided on site in adult literacy programs. The rate of abnormalities detected through such screening may be higher than the rate in the general population.