SBIR-STTR Award

We plan to develop ethnically sensitive Video Breast Cancer Prevention Kits to promote self monitored breast cancer screening practices of older African American and Caucasian women. This method was chosen because television is an ideal medium for reaching elders who are isolated in urban or rural settings. Older women do not utilize breast cancer screening practices at recommended frequencies desPite age increases in breast cancer incidence and mortality. Currently no video materials exist that specifically address this group' s breast health needs. By targeting the high risk population with home and community based self monitoring programs, this project is expected to have long term health promotion benefits. Kits will contain the following: a project designed breast self examination instructional videotape, print support materials including poster for mirrored practice and BSE proficiency self scoring cards, miniature breast lump models, clinical examination and mammogram reminder systems, and purchase incentives of food/hosiery coupons. Phase I will appraise existing materials and pilot test the feaslbility of self monitored video programs with a representative sample of older women. New materials will be designed considering ethnicity, age appropriate cognitive and sensory motor needs, and coexisting disabling conditions.Commercial ApplicationsVideo kits will be marketed nationally to older women through mail order and direct sales in homes, retirement communities, senior centers, & elderly housing facilities. Marketing will also target health providers, community and religious groups and pharmacies. Lay & professional journals/newsletters will be saturated with advertisement. Promotional materials will be distributed at appropriate trade shows.National Cancer Institute (NCI)

The goal of this project is to further development and clinical validation of high impact ethnically sensitive video breast health kits to promote self-monitored breast cancer screening practices of women over 60 years. Interactive African-American and caucasian kits have been completed. A Latina kit will be designed. Multisite field-testing in five geographically distinct rural and urban areas will demonstrate the effectiveness of the product in recruiting older women to mammograms, teaching proficient breast self examination and enhancing knowledge about breast cancer risks and early detection. The feasibility of broadcasting the video over public/cable television to determine its impact on home viewers will be piloted. As consumers become more proactive in monitoring their own health, the increased availability of home VCRs and the demand for interactive health promotion television programming is driving the market for high-quality instructional videos. Commercialization will target insurers interested in early detection to reduce the cost burden of advanced disease and providers using home television instruction as a cost- effective alternative to one-on-one patient teaching. Breast health kits as innovative channels for information of dissemination to high risk populations are expected to promote health by decreasing mortality and morbidity from breast cancer.Proposed commercial application:Prospective subcontractors including insurance companies, HMOs and managed care groups have indicated interest. CDC Breast Cancer Initiative sites, NCI Cancer Centers and CCOPs have purchased kits and are potential markets. Primary care providers and health promotion video distributors offer another major avenue for commercialization. Marketing through large retail companies and as promotionals for pharmaceutical companies is also being explored.Thesaurus termsbreast neoplasm, breast self examination, human old age (65+), neoplasm /cancer education, videotape /videodisc African American, Hispanic American, cancer risk, caucasian American, early diagnosis, interactive multimedia, language, mammography, managed care, optical communication, television clinical research, female, human subject, women's healthNational Cancer Institute (NCI)