Cancer prevention education in developing countries: toward a model for nurse educators

The National Cancer Institute, United States of America, funded a series of continuing education courses in cancer prevention between 1986 and 1994 for nurses from developing countries. The purpose of this program was to stimulate interest and facilitate an increase in the participants' knowledge of primary and secondary cancer prevention. The long-term objectives were to increase the number of nurses, internationally, prepared to engage in the prevention and the early detection of cancer in their countries, to expand the international cancer nursing network, and to have these nurses ultimately play a role in reducing the incidence of cancer in developing countries. More than 50 nations were represented. Participants were chosen for their demonstrated ability to influence nursing education and practice in their country. They completed a demographic data sheet, an attitude inventory, a program evaluation and pre- and postconference activities surveys. Before and after attending the conference, participants were asked to identify anticipated problems and obstacles to their goal achievement. These problems included a lack of screening facilities and a lack of primary prevention services. Although numerous differences existed in their education, experience, and personal attributes, the participants voiced common problems with cancer prevention programs. Results from the postconference survey showed a substantial increase in cancer-related activities conducted by the participants. Activities included an increase in cancer content in nursing education programs, an increase in public and professional presentations on cancer prevention, and improvement in the delivery of cancer care.