Introduction
Breast cancer is a serious public health threat. Several steps must be taken to reduce its negative consequences. The only method of struggle is early diagnosis, which not everyone can afford. The initiative proposes to establish a day of free testing. Anyone can test themselves and identify the disease at an early stage. Subsequently, it is suggested to make such days regular, ensuring that the unprotected population is assessed.
Conceptual Model
The theoretical basis is crucial in developing programs that promote population health. An environmentally friendly intervention model is proposed, as it is one of the most comprehensive. The theory uses individual factors that shape human behavior (RHIH, 2018). Interpersonal factors include providing social support (RHIH, 2018). Community factors will reinforce healthy behavior, creating a new norm (US DHHS, 2002). Public policy will support the operation of the disease prevention initiative.
The ecological model was chosen because it addresses all factors when planning an initiative. The model fully integrates key components, providing a comprehensive picture of public health factors. Healthy People 2020 emphasizes the importance of the ecological model, highlighting its complexity (CDC, 2019). The initiative will be based on creating the right health care paradigms in a particular community.
Screening Purpose
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. For 270,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, there are only 2,600 men with the same disease. The National Cancer Institute reports that nearly 13 percent of women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime (2018). The risk of developing breast cancer is associated with sex and age and does not depend on race.
Target Population
Since the risk of developing breast cancer depends on sex and increases with age, it is proposed to select a target population of women over 50. According to the USPSTF, preventive screening should target the population at risk, as there is a risk of over-screening (2016). The rationale for screenings is statistics, female predominance, and high lifetime risks of development. It is proposed that the initiative be based on Monroe Clinic. Selecting a category of women over 50 is necessary using the center’s databases. During the day, screening at least 50 women from the target group will be possible.
The Need for the Initiative
The need for a screening day occurs due to the lack of public awareness. Since about 13 percent of women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, the benefits of early diagnosis need to be communicated. Many women do not conduct regular diagnostics because they lack the financial means. That is why the proposed initiative is based on the free provision of the service.
Setting
The initiative is proposed to be implemented at the Monroe Clinic on Sunday, October 2nd. Enough time must be allowed for those who wish to come during the day or after work. Therefore, the screening will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. An advertising campaign targeting the clinic’s patients, as well as a study of the client base for email promotion, is proposed.
Screening Activity
The primary screening method proposed is mammography, which is the most effective because it allows early diagnosis of the disease. Screening is a reliable tool to prevent death from breast cancer (USPSTF, 2016). Mammography reveals the presence or absence of the disease and helps determine its stage. When conducting a study, it is essential to respect personal confidentiality and consider ethical implications while maintaining participant anonymity (Edelman, 2018).
The first goal of the ongoing research is to educate the population. After the procedure, medical professionals are asked to justify the need for regular screening for breast cancer with statistical data. The second goal is to prevent negative consequences directly. Patients with suspected cancer will be referred for an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis. Ultimately, screening aims to promote healthy behaviors that should be adopted in society.
Cost
- Testing instrument costs – $0
- Staff costs – $4,000
- Simple supply costs – $0
- Promotion – $1,000
- Attendee cost – $0
Using clinic equipment reduces estimated costs; however, providing a decent salary for at least 10 nurses is necessary. Compensation for overtime work or providing nurses with two shifts is essential. In addition, significant costs are planned to ensure the public is informed about the screening day. Printing posters, viewing the client base, and paying the advertising mailing list administrator are necessary.
Summary
The proposed initiative is essential for the community, as it reduces the risks of negative consequences of breast cancer when diagnosed at an early stage. On October 2nd, Monroe Clinic will offer free breast cancer screenings, including mammograms, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is proposed to reduce the cost of organizing screening using clinic equipment. If the initial implementation is successful, it is suggested that the free breast cancer screening day be made a regular event.
Conclusion
Regular screening for breast cancer in women over 50 will help identify the disease in its early stages. The free screening day initiative aims to promote the importance of regular screenings. Since the study is free, it will allow vulnerable populations to be screened. In the long term, it is planned to repeat such days, which will have a positive impact on the general health of the population.
References
CDC. (2019). Healthy People 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.
Edelman, C. L. (2018). Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span. United Kingdom: Elsevier.
National Cancer Institute. (2018). Female Breast Cancer – Cancer Stat Facts. SEER. Web.
Rural Health Information Hub. (2018). Health promotion and disease prevention theories and models. Web.
US Department of Health and Human Services. (2002). Physical Activity Evaluation Handbook. CDC. Web.
United States Preventive Services Taskforce (2016). Breast Cancer Screening. Web.