The Current Situation of Breast Cancer in Australia - Case Study Example

Breast Cancer in Australia: A Health Promotion Program Student’s name Institutional affiliation Breast Cancer in Australia: A Health Promotion Program Introduction Health promotion refers to a multi-disciplinary approach which makes use of education and targeted interventions in encouraging behaviour and environment change to reduce health risks, optimize health and lower the burden of disease (Erickson, n.d). The development of a health promotion program requires critical thinking, use of best practices and the involvement of target groups in order to ensure program relevance and effectiveness. Breast cancer has been identified as a major contributor to cancer-related mortalities, and to the increased burden of disease in Australia. Despite efforts by the government to reduce the impact of the disease through screening and treatment of patients to prolong and improve their quality of life, research results have shown that there are disparities between various population groups in terms of cancer screening and prevalence. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are among the communities that are lagging behind in terms of timely cancer screening and early treatment. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current situation of breast cancer in Australia. The paper aims at determining areas that need to be addressed in order to reduce disease prevalence by proposing an appropriate health promotion program. This proposal will therefore highlight possible ways of promoting breast cancer risk reduction, early screening, and treatment. Breast Cancer in Australia Breast cancer is a type of cancer that results from an abnormal growth of the cells that form the lining of breast lobules and ducts, leading to the formation of a malignancy. According to the Cancer Council (2014), this is the most common type of cancer affecting Australian women, as it amounts for 28% of all cancers diagnosed in women. It is estimated that for every eight women, one will develop the condition by the age of 85. The condition has, however, been noted to occur more often in older women, with the highest rates being observed in women between the age of 40-69 years. In Australia, around 130 cases of male breast cancer are reported annually, which makes up for less that 1% of the total breast cancer diagnoses. Prevalence A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2012) stated that breast cancer was the most rampantly diagnosed malignancy in Australian women. According to the report, breast cancer made up 28% of all reported cancer cases in women, in 2008. That translated to an average of 37 new diagnoses daily. The reported noted that 69% of the new diagnoses consisted of women between the ages of 40-69. The rate of new breast cancer diagnosis had increased tremendously over the years. For example, in 1982, 5,310 cases were reported, a figure that rose to 13, 567 by 2008. This represents a more than double increase within a period of 16 years. Despite this, the report noted that survival rates had increased within the same duration from 72% between 1982-1987, to 89% between 2006 and 2010 as a result of improved screening and treatment. However, the report noted that some sub-groups within the Australian population continued to experience lower breast cancer survival rates; notably, females living in remote areas as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. The survival rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was 69%, while that of non-Aboriginal women was 83% (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012, p. 45). In 2008, there were over 57,300 women living with breast cancer in Australia, who had been diagnosed within the preceeding 5 years (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012, p. 59). Burden of Disease Breast cancer comes second to lung cancer in terms of cancer related deaths and is the sixth largest contibuter to the female burden of disease in Australia (AIHW, 2014). It is estimated that the disease is responsible for the loss of 40,800 years of healthy life. The disease is, therefore, highly significant, and methods of reducing its impact need to be developed. Basing on statistics from 2003, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare projected that in 2012, breast cancer would be responsible for more than 61 thousand disability adjusted life years (DALYs) in females and 140 DALYs in males. That is, healthy life lost as a result of breast cancer. About 67% of that would be as a result of premature mortality. Among all cancers, breast cancer was projected to contribute about 46% of the total healthy years lost to disability and 19% of the total cancer-related mortality (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012, p. 68). Between 2004 and 2005, an estimated $331 million was spent by female breast cancer patients, while an estimated % 8 million was spent by male breast cancer patients in Australia. These expenses were in form of hospital charges, purchase of prescribed pharmaceauticals and cancer screening costs. Breast Cancer Campaign There exists little information regarding breast new cancer in women within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations where breast cancer in Australia is generally seen to be a ‘white woman’s disease’ (Carrick et al., 2010). The existence of this misconception among both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations exists despite the fact that breast cancer is the most prevalent form of malignancy among women in this population (Nancarrow, Nehill, Giles, & Zorbas, n.d). About 60 new breast cancer cases are reported among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women annually. This rate is similar or slightly lower than that of annual new breast cancer cases among non-Aboriginal women. However, studies conducted between 2009 and 2010 also showed lower rates of participation in early breast cancer detection programs by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, compared to non-Aboriginal women. During that duration, 55% of non-Aboriginal women participated in mammography cancer screening compared to 39% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Considering that the burden of breast cancer in Australia is high, encouraging more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to engage in early cancer screening would help reduce cases of late diagnosis. This would, in turn, increase life expectancy and improve the quality of life of newly diagnosed patients, hence reduce the burden of disease due to disability adjusted life years and premature death. From the above, it is evident that; The larger population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is yet to embrace breast cancer screening There is an information gap on breast cancer as pertains to risk factors and prevalence Improving primary and secondary preventative measures among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women could help mitigate the impact of breast cancer in Australia Strategy Target Group The campaign will target Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged between 35-70 years. As earlier stated, 69% of the new diagnoses consist of women between the ages of 40-69. Therefore, the campaign needs to target this age group in order to increase participation in breast cancer screening and early diagnosis. Level of Intervention This campaign will focus on primary prevention whereby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women will be sensitized on breast cancer risk factors so as to reduce their likelihood of developing this type of cancer. As stated earlier, breast cancer in Australia is generally seen to be a ‘white woman’s disease’ (Carrick et al., 2010). This campaign will focus on eliminating this notion, by sensitizing the target population on the adverse impact of the disease on the population and the factors that make the group susceptible to breast cancer. In addition, the campaign will encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to take up secondary prevention measures (cancer screening) as a way of reducing the risk of developing breast cancer, and reducing its progression for those who are already affected. Needs Assessment A needs assessment study will be carried out to determine the reasons why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are reluctant to go for cancer screening. The information will be collected through questionnaires. Koo, Kwok, White, D'Abrew, & Roydhouse, (2012) and Varquez, Ayendez, Perez, Almodovar, & Calderon (2002) noted that some of the factors that influence breast cancer screening are accessibility to test facilities, cultural norms, social status and the level of education on cancer screening. Goal The goal of the breast cancer campaign will be to increase the awareness on breast cancer risk factors and the need for screening among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Objectives To determine the reasons why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are reluctant to go for cancer screening. To conduct workshops where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged between 35-70 years will be taught on breast cancer risk factors. To screen 50, 000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women for breast cancer by partnering with relevant medical authorities. To increase the cancer screening rate from the current 39% to 50% among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the next one year. Implementation The topic ‘Healthy breasts for longer, healthier lives’ should be considered for this campaign. To implement the program, a committee of medical professionals, influential personalities of Aboriginal origin, representatives of government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders will be formed. The committee will be tasked with implementing and evaluating the program. Population Level Mass media advertisements targeting the Aboriginal community should be created and aired through television and radio to promote the campaign. Geo-targeted website advertisements should also be used. Community Level Campaign merchandise like branded clothing and accessories carrying the campaign slogan should also be acquired and distributed to members of the Aboriginal community. These should be accompanied by brochures and booklets containing detailed information on breast cancer and screening. Influential personalities from the Aboriginal community and government officials should be used to mobilize people to participate in the campaign through taking part in cancer screening, door to door campaigns, discussions initiated on television and radio and through the social media. Workshops and conferences at the community level where incentives for participation e.g. certification etc are given, should be organized to educate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women on breast cancer risk factors and the need for screening. Resource persons, especially persons from the Aboriginal community who are living with breast cancer and those that have been screened, should be used as guest speakers so as to eradicate the notion that breast cancer is a ‘white woman’s disease’. Relevant government agencies should liaise with medical facilities to avail free breast cancer screening services to women from these communities. A method of identifying those that are tested should be determined. Evaluation The campaign implementation committee should carry out regular evaluation to determine the impact of the campaign. Evaluation of the plan during the formative stage should be done so as to determine ways of improving the campaign, possible challenges, as well as ways of overcoming them (New Zealand Ministry of Health, 2003). During the campaign, feedback data should be collected from the community through observation and surveys. The committee should use this data to analyze the campaign’s progress and to determine whether modifications are needed. Data should be collected at the end of the program to determine whether the set objectives and goals were met. The collected data should be used to give recommendations for future health promotion programs. Conclusion Breast cancer has become a global epidemic, with more people dying yearly. Being responsible for the loss of 40,800 years of healthy life, breast cancer is a highly significant disease, and methods of reducing its impact need to be developed. Lack of proper information regarding the disease, especially on risk factors, as well as on the benefits of screening have played an important role in increasing the disease’s burden. This is especially true in communities like the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, as well as other populations living in remote areas of Australia. Breast cancer requires regular monitoring, and this causes financial strain for patients, families and the society in general. Lengthy treatment for breast cancer disrupts productivity in the workplace as well as earnings, and this is a major concern for the individuals and the broader society. However, with intervention strategies like the use of health promotion programs, the impact and prevalence of the disease can be minimized through increased screening and risk reduction (Jacobsen & Jacobsen, 2011). References AIHW. (2014). Australia's health 2014: The 14th biennial health report of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2012). Breast cancer in Australia: An overview. Australia Institute of Health and Welfare. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cancer Council. (2014). Understanding breast cancer: A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends. Woolloomooloo: Cancer Council Australia. Carrick, S., Paul, C., Plant, A., & Redman, S. (2010). Breast cancer and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. National Breast Cancer Centre, Kings Cross, NSW. Erickson, J. C. (n.d). Health matters: What is health promotion. Retrieved April 28, 2015, from https://www.prevent.org/data/files/initiatives/johnerickson.pdf Jacobsen, G. D., & Jacobsen, K. H. (2011). Health awareness campaigns and diagnosis rates: Evidence from national breast cancer awareness month. Journal of Health Economics , 30, 55-61. Koo, K. F., Kwok, C., White, K., D'Abrew, N., & Roydhouse, J. K. (2012). Strategies for Piloting a Breast Health Promotion Program in the Chinese-Australian Population. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention , 9, 1- 7. Nancarrow, H., Nehill, C., Giles, C., & Zorbas, H. (n.d). Breast cancer: Knowledge and skills to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. 11th National Rural Health Conference (pp. 1-3). Sydney: National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre. New Zealand Ministry of Health. (2003). A guide to developing health promotion programmes in primary health care settings. Wellington : Ministry of Health. Varquez, O. M., Ayendez, S. M., Perez, E. S., Almodovar, H. V., & Calderon, Y. A. (2002). Breast cancer health promotion model for older Puerto Rican women: Results of a pilot program (Vol. 17). San Juan: Oxford University Press. Read More