The Credu Association introduces innovative solutions to overcome barriers that prevent women in Romania from undergoing vital breast cancer screening. Among these solutions are the use of health promoters, increasing the number of patient navigators, and launching training courses to ensure community support and continuous education.

Barriers to Accessing Breast Cancer Screenings:

• Costs: 65.8% of respondents mentioned cost as a major obstacle in accessing breast health services.
• Fear: 25.2% of participants said that fear discourages them from undergoing breast examinations.
• Lack of time: 23.3% of women identified lack of time as an obstacle to scheduling screenings.
• Lack of information: 21.8% of respondents stated they do not have enough information about the necessary procedures.
• Embarrassment: 12.8% of participants mentioned embarrassment as a barrier to discussing breast health issues.
• More pressing issues: 10.9% of respondents indicated that other health or financial problems take priority.
• Lack of education: 10% of participants mentioned that a lack of breast health education prevents them from giving it the necessary attention.

Solutions proposed by the Credu Association:

Health Promoters: The Credu Association has developed the “Health Promoters and Prevention” program, which involves identifying people within the community willing to become health promoters in their families and communities. These promoters will disseminate information about the importance of consulting a doctor and undergoing breast examinations, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and community support in promoting breast health. Credu Association will also launch training courses to equip these health promoters, ensuring they are well-prepared to assist their communities.

Patient Navigators: To facilitate access to medical services and support patients in navigating the healthcare system, the Credu Association advocates for increasing the number of patient navigators. Navigators are essential for providing necessary support and information, particularly in the oncology field. These professionals are trained to help patients prioritize their health and overcome barriers related to time constraints and fear of screening.

Health Ambassadors: The Credu Association proposes creating health ambassadors among nurses and students interested in health, such as those studying “Health Communication” at communication faculties. These ambassadors will play a crucial role in disseminating information and educating communities about the importance of breast cancer screening, helping to reduce fear and embarrassment through effective communication and empathy.

The campaign spot and images illustrating the statistics are available here: YouTube link

Campaign Launch: “Have you had your breast screenings this year?”

In response to the identified barriers, the Credu Association has launched the national awareness campaign, “Have you had your breast screenings this year?” to inform and educate women about the importance of regular breast health screenings.

“Breast cancer is a major public health issue, and early detection through regular screenings can save lives. We are committed to overcoming barriers through education and awareness, using innovative solutions like health promoters and patient navigators. We will also launch training courses for health promoters to increase the positive impact on communities. We urge all women to take breast health seriously and undergo regular screenings,” says Oana Voicu, President of the Credu Association.

Details are available here: Facebook link

The Importance of Education and Community Support

Another crucial aspect is the role of nurses in improving the health of breast cancer survivors. According to a recent study, primary care nurses are well-positioned to contribute to improving the health of these women【Torabi, 2023】.

The Credu Association’s report highlights the importance of overcoming barriers that prevent women from participating in breast cancer screening programs. By implementing proposed solutions, such as training health promoters and increasing the number of patient navigators, adherence to screening and survival rates can be significantly improved. Continuous education, community support, and the active involvement of health professionals are essential for the success of these initiatives.

For more information about the campaign and available resources, please visit www.investigatii-san.ro.

About the Credu Association:

The Credu Association is dedicated to improving public health through education and advocacy. The organization focuses on raising awareness of vital health issues and promoting preventive measures to enhance the well-being of the community.