Cancer detection activities coordinated by nursing students in community health

This article describes ongoing cancer screening in a low-income and ethnically diverse community (primarily Southeast Asian and Hispanic). These services are part of the comprehensive care provided in a district nursing community health clinical. Screening services occur within the refugee community and include mammograms, individualized breast self-exam (BSE) teaching, home follow-up on the BSE teaching, and assistance obtaining any additional screening or treatment, if necessary. Except for technician activities, students plan, implement, and evaluate all services. The first event was in spring 1995, the second in summer 1995, and the third in fall 1995. Thus far, 85 women have received services. Cambodian and Laotian women show the lowest level of knowledge and experience related to breast cancer detection. This article provides some of the first data on cancer screening for low-income Cambodian and Laotian women in the United States. The article also shows how ongoing cancer screening and prevention services can be provided to populations that have not been successfully reached through usual means, e.g., referral by nurse practitioner, physician, and electronic or print media. Specific means of overcoming barriers to screening, prevention, and learning are described in detail.