Video Breast Cancer Prevention Kits for Older Women

We plan to develop ethnically sensitive Video Breast Cancer Prevention Kits to promoteself-monitored breast cancer screening practices of older African-American and Caucasian women. Thismethod was chosen because television is an ideal medium for reaching elders who are isolated in urbanor rural settings. Older women do not utilize breast cancer screening practices at recommendedfrequencies despite age increases in breast cancer incidence and mortality. Currently no video materialsexist that specifically address this group's breast health needs. By targeting the high risk populationwith home and community-based self-monitoring programs, this project is expected to have long-termhealth promotion benefits. Kits will contain the following: a project-designed breast self-examinationinstructional videotape, print support materials including poster for mirrored practice and BSE proficiencyself-scoring cards, miniature breast lump models, clinical examination and mammogram remindersystems, and purchase incentives of food/hosiery coupons. Phase I will appraise existing materials andpilot-test the feasIbility of self-monitored video programs with a representative sample of older women.New materials will be designed considering ethnicity, age-appropriate cognitive and sensory-motor needs,and coexisting disabling conditions.