Date of Award

Summer 8-11-2011

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Dr. Sheryl M. Strasser

Abstract

Screening for breast and cervical cancers can reduce morbidity and mortality through early detection, yet many women are not getting regular lifesaving screenings as recommended. 2 The National Breast and Cervical Detection Program (NBCCEDP) was established in 1990 in order to provide low-income, uninsured, and underserved women access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Georgia’s participation in the NBCCEDP led to the development of The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), which provides cancer screening to women 40 to 64 years of age who are uninsured and/or underinsured and at or below 200% poverty level.

Deaths from breast and cervical cancers could be avoided if screening rates increased among women at risk. In order to better eliminate barriers to screening, Georgia’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program uses client navigators to communicate with minority populations. The purpose of my thesis study was to assess the effectiveness of the Client Navigator Program utilized to enhance breast and cervical cancer screening rates for women throughout Georgia. Evaluation findings demonstrated that personal characteristics of Client Navigators, internal characteristics of the program itself, resources provided by the program, and program partnerships were the areas of greatest program strength. Funding was repeatedly listed as the greatest program threat. Findings from this study provide insights for how the overall program can be improved in the future, and thus, improving health outcomes for women who are at greatest risk of breast and cervical cancer throughout the state.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/2113417

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