Breast Aware: A Train the Trainer Program for Nurses in Africa
The ISNCC Breast Aware Train-the-Trainer program for nurses in Africa was shortlisted for the Vanessa Moss prize at the Global Cancer Control: Bridging boundaries conference at the Royal College of Physicians London UK in November. This was presented by Vera Samba, project nurse representative from Cameroon.
The ISNCC Breast Aware project aims to design and deliver training on early diagnosis of breast cancer including health awareness messages and clinical breast examinations in Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. These aims are being accomplished in the following ways:
- Holding focus groups in each country to develop content that addresses the specific needs, barriers and available resources for their country.
- Facilitate design changes needed for each country to ensure materials are culturally sensitive.
- Develop high quality educational materials for training other nurses including a trainer’s guide.
- Provide mentorship to nurse leads in each country to deliver training events.
This project seeks to contribute directly to the development of nurse leaders and strengthen their capacity to improve breast cancer control across all facets of the healthcare system. Participants of the program will use their skills, knowledge and acquired resources to train other nurses in their local communities to improve understanding of prevention, early detection, screening, and supportive care for women at risk of breast cancer in resource poor countries.
