ABSTRACT
This study presents the reflections on the role and impact that Dr. Richard F. Bakemeier has had and continues to have on the field of cancer education, the training of medical students, and the careers of cancer educators.
Subject(s)
Education, Medical, Undergraduate , Medical Oncology/education , Periodicals as Topic , Education, Medical, Undergraduate/history , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , Humans , Leadership , Medical Oncology/history , Mentors , Neoplasms/therapy , Patient Education as Topic/history , Patient Education as Topic/organization & administrationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: For health educators, the controversy surrounding routine prostate cancer screening provides curriculum development and delivery challenges. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a community-based prostate health awareness program. METHODS: Using a pretest-posttest design, participants were recruited from community-based organizations to assess the effectiveness of the program in the areas of knowledge gain, short-term intentions, and changing prostate health behaviors. RESULTS: Many of the participants reported having been tested for prostate cancer, yet there was a lower than expected pretest knowledge base. There were significant increases in knowledge on the posttest and some impact on short-term intentions and behavior. DISCUSSION: A community-based prostate health awareness program prior to the patient-physician encounter can assist health-care professionals in the education process and give men the tools to make an informed decision.
Subject(s)
Health Education/methods , Health Promotion/methods , Program Evaluation/methods , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adult , Aged , Awareness , Decision Making , Health Behavior , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Mass Screening/methods , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Throughout the 1990's tobacco use has continued to expand in the developing world, and patterns of use have begun to shift in developed countries. During this same period, our knowledge of effective tobacco cessation methods has dramatically increased. In this paper, we review global trends in tobacco use, and current strategies for tobacco cessation. Evolving work in genetics, pharmacology, counseling, cessation aides, training, systems approaches, and regulation all have the potential to deliver more effective interventions to more tobacco users. Reducing the worldwide tobacco burden will require complementary efforts to reduce initiation and promote cessation. Until effective tobacco cessation methods are widely disseminated and readily available, the tobacco death toll will continue to rise.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms/prevention & control , Smoking Cessation/methods , Smoking/trends , Cause of Death , Cross-Sectional Studies , Forecasting , Humans , Neoplasms/mortality , Smoking/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , United StatesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Medical organizations are divided on the issue of screening for prostate cancer, yet there is agreement that men should be educated about prostate health. Shared decision making involves patients and practitioners in this process, yet some men need preparatory education prior to the physician encounter. This study assessed the effectiveness of a community prostate health awareness program, focusing on men at risk for prostate cancer. METHODS: Participants were given a pretest and a posttest to assess knowledge gains and impact on short-term intentions to address their prostate health. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in knowledge. Short-term intentions increased for those participants meeting the inclusion criteria. DISCUSSION: Community outreach programs remain an excellent vehicle to educate the public and complement the efforts of health care providers.
