Introduction: The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in April 2020, screening tests for breast cancer decreased by 87% and 84% for cervical cancer, compared to the averages of the previous 5-year for the same month. In response to this finding, the Puerto Rico Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Program (PR-BCCPEDP), in collaboration with the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP), implemented an educational intervention of breast and cervical cancer in the northeast region of the island. The intervention aimed to reinforce knowledge in the early detection of breast and cervical cancer, increase screening tests, and reach out to women without health insurance who may qualify for the Program. Methodology: Since 2017, the PR-BCCPEDP agreed with the CEP to implement educational interventions for breast and cervical cancer in 4 of CEP's regions throughout the island. From February to May 2021, seven CEP Family and Consumer Educators (EFC) carried out 8 educational activities with 182 participants in the island's northeast region. We collected age, town of residence, level of education, health insurance, breast and cervical cancer screening history, and the reasons for not having performed screening tests according to the recommended guidelines. The educational activities were performed virtually through an educational PowerPoint and face-to-face using flip charts. The topics included breast and cervical cancer statistics, risk factors, symptoms, early detection guidelines, myths and facts, and barriers to not having screening tests. Participants that didn't have the screening tests according to the recommended guidelines had follow-up calls. Results: A total of 182 women participated in the intervention, with an average age of 47 years;most participants had a high school degree (42%), and 59% had the government's health plan. Regarding screening tests, 35.1% reported that they had not had a mammogram in the last two years, 73.4% authorized to be contacted after the intervention. Similarly, Pap tests, 30.7% reported that they had not had a Pap test in the last three years, of which 87.5% authorized to be contacted. Of the participants who had not had a mammogram (35.1%) or Pap test (30.7%), the main reason was the COVID-19 Pandemic (22.9% and 21.8%, respectively). Regarding the participants referred to the PR-BCCPEDP, 3.6% of the women without health insurance were referred to the Program and of these, 50% were recruited. Conclusion: Despite security, restrictions from the Pandemic, collaborations with community-based programs helped to reach a greater number of women to provide education and awareness about breast and cervical cancer. In terms of breast and cervical cancer screening, more than a third of the participants had not had their mammogram or Pap done due to the Pandemic. Women were recruited for the Program;however, additional efforts are necessary in order to reach a higher number of uninsured women.
Increasing breast and cervical cancer knowledge during COVID-19 pandemic in collaboration with Cooperative Extension Program