67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania

Authors:

Diane Donahue (Presenter)
Pennsylvania Department of Health

Pat Halpin-Murphy, PA Breast Cancer Coalition
Jennifer Pennsinger, PA Breast Cancer Coalition

Public Health Statement: Over 140,000 women and their families live with breast cancer in the Pennsylvania. Early detection through mammograms and clinical exams provide the best way to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is more successful.

Purpose: This exhibit encourages women to learn about and practice early detection through mammograms and annual clinical exams. It provides a message of courage, hope and dignity from women who have battled breast cancer.

Methods/Approach: Pennsylvania Department of Health partners with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition to produce a 21-panel display featuring photos and stories of breast cancer survivors. This evidence based intervention is displayed at 6 locations each year with sites including hospitals, shopping centers, airports, libraries and colleges. It showcases over 100 women, including at least one woman from every county in Pennsylvania and serves as a reminder of the emotional and physical toll breast cancer takes on women and families.

Results: Since 1994, the exhibit has been in 140 communities and reached millions of Pennsylvanians through extensive media coverage. Last year over 15,000 viewed the exhibit. Attendees reported that 39% will make lifestyle changes to reduce breast cancer risk, 29% will schedule a mammogram for themselves, 26% will talk to a family or friend about scheduling a mammogram and 21% will talk to their doctor about their risk.

Conclusions/Implications: This exhibit is a unique and very successful method of providing education, outreach and motivation to engage in preventive services that can be replicated by other organizations.