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

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology Nursing
• International Health

Background:

• The National Cancer Institute (USA) funded cancer prevention continuing education for nurses from developing countries (1986-1994).
• The program aimed to enhance knowledge and stimulate interest in primary and secondary cancer prevention.
• Long-term goals included expanding the international cancer nursing network and reducing cancer incidence in developing countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of continuing education on nurses' knowledge and activities in cancer prevention.
• To identify challenges faced by nurses in implementing cancer prevention programs in their home countries.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the program in preparing nurses for cancer prevention and early detection.

Main Methods:

• Nurses from over 50 nations, selected for their influence on nursing education and practice, participated.
• Data collection included demographic sheets, attitude inventories, program evaluations, and pre/post-conference surveys.
• Participants identified anticipated problems and obstacles to goal achievement, such as lack of screening facilities and primary prevention services.

Main Results:

• Post-conference surveys indicated a substantial increase in cancer-related activities undertaken by participants.
• These activities included enhanced cancer content in nursing education programs.
• Participants increased public and professional presentations on cancer prevention and improved cancer care delivery.

Conclusions:

• The continuing education program successfully increased nurses' engagement in cancer prevention and early detection activities.
• Despite common challenges, nurses demonstrated a significant increase in implementing cancer prevention strategies.
• The program contributed to building an international cancer nursing network and empowering nurses to reduce cancer incidence.