Tracking the dissemination of a culturally targeted brochure to promote awareness of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer among Black women.
Courtney Lynam Scherr, Linda Bomboka, Alison Nelson and 2 others
PMID 27866793WHAT IT FOUND
A culturally targeted hereditary breast and ovarian cancer brochure was distributed 23,756 times; 219 respondents reported it useful and likely to discuss family cancer history with a provider.
No comparison group tested genetic counseling uptake.
Key findings
01Between January 2009 and November 2013, 23,756 brochures were distributed, and dissemination began in Florida and spread to 28 states.
02Among 219 postcard respondents, 69.9% said the booklet was very useful, and 74.0% said they were very likely to discuss personal or family cancer history with a healthcare provider.
03Of 44 relevant open comments, 61.4% found the brochure informative, and 25% said it was the first time they saw hereditary breast and ovarian cancer information targeted to them.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Only 219 postcards were returned after 23,756 brochures were distributed, so the survey reflects self-selected recipients rather than all recipients. There was no control condition or comparison with no brochure, so the study cannot show that the brochure caused any change. Responses were self-reported intentions to share or discuss family history, not verified behaviour. The postcard had limited questions and did not collect education, insurance coverage, or marital status. Passive dissemination was the only mechanism, so the true reach of the brochure is unknown. The paper reports 28 states in the results and 29 states in the discussion, so geographic spread is not consistent.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the favourable postcard responses as proof that the brochure made Black women seek genetic counseling. There was no comparison group, and only 219 people returned postcards after 23,756 brochures were distributed, so the responses came from a self-selected group.