Nutrition and cancer: educating the public through a health fair

Minnesota has a high incidence of dietary-associated cancer, including colorectal, breast, and prostate. To increase public awareness of cancer risks and health benefits of dietary behaviors, the Metro Minnesota Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) participated in a public education health fair. Supported by a Special Project Funding Grant from the ONS, 42 chapter members assisted more than 700 Metro area residents at seven locations to assess and improve their diet according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines. To evaluate the effectiveness of the project, a postcard survey was sent to 200 (29%) names randomly drawn from raffle entries. Seventy-five surveys were returned (38%). Ninety-five percent found the assessment helpful in evaluating their diet, and 80% made dietary changes in the two weeks following the health fair. Results indicate that nurses should continue to educate the public about the relationship between diet and cancer. Recommendations for further consideration include assessment of long-term effects of the health fair education format and provision of a brochure about ONS. Benefits included community education and ONS member participation in a chapter activity.