Click on the concurrent session title below to view all of the abstracts for that session. Plenary session information is provided in the online schedule’s session description, and poster presentation abstracts are provided elsewhere.
Session 3A: Cancer Education to Benefit Children, Adolescents & Young Adults
Friday, 23 October 2015, 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM, Salon D
3A-1
3A-1 – Results from a long-standing R25E pre-doctoral internship program
Suzanne Gronemeyer, James Marmion
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
Abstract: Background: The R25E (5R25CA023944) Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) Program http://www.stjude.org/poe at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a summer research internship for pre-doctoral students in the biomedical sciences. Description: Students learn about our program via web searches, university faculty, prior program participants, St. Jude informational booths at numerous US science conferences and at the major under-represented minority (URM) science student meetings, recruiting visits to universities, and our employees. In early October and again in mid-November, the PI emails a brief program announcement to over 2,500 US university faculty and cancer researchers. We require US citizenship or permanent residency status, college sophomore standing or above, an overall GPA of at least 3.4, and a math and science GPA of at least 3.4. Applicants must have prior biomedical research experience at the time they apply, and at least one letter of recommendation must be from a research mentor. Results: Each year, ~500 students apply for our program. The 2015 placement rate was 11% (56 of 506 applicants), and the class average undergraduate GPA was 3.85. Of the 286 participants in 2011-2015, 64 (22.4 %) were URM, and 157 (54.9%) were females. To date, 1997-2014 program participants are co-authors on more than 300 peer-reviewed St. Jude publications. Discussion: Of the 922 POE alumni who have now finished their academic degree work, 795 (86.2%) hold a doctorate, including 177 (80.8%) of the 219 URM in the cohort. In addition to hundreds of physicians, alumni include 40 PhDs, 17 MD/PhDs, and 2 PharmD/PhDs. Twenty-two recent participants are currently in a PhD program, and 15 are in an MD/PhD program. Alumni include pediatric oncologists, 17 medical oncologists, 26 surgical, radiation, gynecological or urological oncologists, and 9 medical physicists. Alumni consistently report the POE program has had a profound, positive impact on their career. Relation to Theme: The St. Jude Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) Program gives students a high quality, contemporary cancer-related research experience, introduces them to the latest pediatric cancer research and treatment approaches, and encourages them to pursue a cancer-related career. Learning Objectives: The participant shall be able to identify components of and results from a successful R25E summer research internship program. References: 1. Daniel CL, Brooks MC, Waterbor JW. Approaches for longitudinally tracking graduates of NCI funded short-term cancer research training programs. J Cancer Educ. 2011 Mar;26(1):58-63. 2. Franco I, Bailey LO, Bakos AD, Springfield SA. The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE): a model for training underserved scientists in cancer research. J Cancer Educ. 2011 Mar;26(1):92-6.
3A-2
3A-2: A small population with a big need: planning how to meet the information needs of families living with childhood cancer
Tracy Torchetti
Canadian Cancer Society, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Abstract: Childhood cancer accounts for less than 1% of all new cancer cases in Canada. Although this represents a small percentage of new cancer cases, a cancer diagnosis has a significant impact on these children and their families. The Canadian Cancer Society conducted market research to better understand the information needs of these families. The purpose of the research is to examine the needs, behaviours and preferences of parents and caregivers and to test current information to help the Society determine what content to offer families and how best to deliver this information. Phase 5, on behalf of the Society, conducted a qualitative study using an online community. 26 participants (16 English and 10 French) completed all activities in the community over 2 weeks. Results show that while many information needs are specific to a given stage of a child’s cancer journey (diagnosis, treatment, living and coping with cancer, after cancer treatment and advanced cancer), several topics emerged across all 5 stages. Parents prefer information in print, and they are somewhat distrustful of online information. Parents’ greatest need is information about mental health issues and cancer for the whole family and how to find help when they need it. Parents also need information on other support services and programs, particularly financial assistance. Families are not getting all the information they need when they need it most and want to receive good quality print information from their healthcare team at the time of diagnosis. After the healthcare team, families identified a comprehensive print guide and a website to be the most critical resources for parents of children living with cancer. Relation to Theme: Families living with childhood cancer have unique needs. Their numbers are relatively small compared with adults living with cancer, and their informational needs throughout the cancer journey reflect changing priorities and abilities to access information and support. Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to identify families’ highest priority information needs at all stages of a child’s cancer journey – diagnosis, treatment, living and coping with cancer, after cancer treatment and advanced cancer. References: 1. Research to Support Families Living with Childhood Cancer Final Report. Phase 5, for the Canadian Cancer Society. March 2015 2. Knowledge Synthesis: Best practices and future trends in cancer information provision. Robyn Sachs and Jennifer Dotchin, for the Canadian Cancer Society. November 2013. 3. Canadian Cancer Society’s Advisory Committee on Cancer Statistics. (2014). Canadian Cancer Statistics 2014. Toronto, ON: Canadian Cancer Society.
3A-3
3A-3: The schools hidden potential to improve cancer prevention on adolescents
Ana Barros1, Luis Moreira2, Helena Santos3, Nuno Ribeiro1, Luis Carvalho1, Filipe Santos-Silva1
1IPATIMUP, Porto, Portugal, 2Health School of Vila Nova de Gaia – Piaget Institute, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, 3Faculty of Economics of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Abstract: Background/Purpose: Half of the cancer related deaths are the outcome of unhealthy behavioral options that could potentially be changed. Adolescents are elective targets to promote such behavioral changes towards cancer prevention due to their behavior plasticity and social networking potential. The schools are thus privileged places to improve cancer literacy of the communities due to the informal sociability context. Education is the stepping-stone for sustainable behavioral changes, through knowledge and cultural awareness. In this research we evaluated student’s cancer literacy before and after an education intervention in order to determine the effect of the implementation of cancer prevention campaigns promoted by teachers in schools. Methods: A survey was applied before (pre-test) and after (post-test) teachers cancer education campaigns to a sample of 950 middle/high school students in order to determine the levels of literacy regarding six topics: cervical, breast, skin and colorectal cancer, cancer prevention and cancer risk factors. The survey addressed the dimensions of self-perceptions and knowledge about cancer and its prevention. Results: Globally, the results obtained showed a statistical significant increase of cancer literacy among the students after the implementation of the cancer prevention campaigns. A detailed analysis also revealed different levels of cancer literacy between the different topics, with the lowest level for colorectal cancer and highest level for breast cancer. Discussion: So far, the results obtained demonstrated that early and tailored interventions, targeted for specific populations, in this case adolescents are effective and suggests that adolescents hold enormous potential to improve their cancer literacy levels and consequently reduce the cancer burden of future generations. Bearing in mind that most cancer prevention campaigns in the Western World disregarded adolescents’ population, we suggest that improving cancer prevention education strategies for this target holds an enormous potential in terms of reducing cancer burden of future generations. Relation to Theme: Cancer prevention campaigns have a limited impact on populations’ cancer literacy, so our work was to develop and test an innovative approach enhancing the schools role on cancer education. Delivering cancer prevention campaigns through teachers, focused on specific target groups (adolescents). This successful strategy brought together health professionals and schools. Learning Objectives: The participant shall be able to: 1. Identify that cancer prevention awareness promoted in a school context, is a more effective way to educate youngsters and to disseminate knowledge to local communities. 2. Identify that adolescents are elective targets of cancer prevention campaigns regarding the increase of cancer literacy. References: 1. Barros A, Moreira L, Santos H, Ribeiro N, Carvalho L, et al. (2014) “Cancer – Educate to Prevent” – High-School Teachers, the New Promoters of Cancer Prevention Education Campaigns. PLoS ONE 9(5): e96672. 2. Diviani N, Schulz PJ (2011) What should laypersons know about cancer? Towards an operational definition of cancer literacy. Patient Educ Couns, 85:487-492. 3. Colditz GA, Wei EK (2012) Preventability of cancer: the relative contributions of biologic and social and physical environmental determinants of cancer mortality. Annu Rev Publ Health, 33:137–56. 4. Mayer AB, Smith BJ, McDermott RJ (2011) Health Education: Always Approved but Still Not Always on Schools’ Radar. Am J Health Educ, 42(6):349-359.
3A-4
3A-4: A novel strategy to equip health care providers serving young breast cancer patients
Lori Flowers, Michelle Esser, Jean, Rowe, Stacy Lewis
Young Survival Coalition, New York, NY, USA
Abstract: Background: Young Survival Coalition (YSC) strives to educate the medical community about YSC and breast cancer in young women (YW). Generally, healthcare providers (HCPs) do not understand the unique issues of YW with breast cancer, or know how they can utilize YSC resources to help. Educating each HCP individually would be time-consuming and inefficient. Description: In an effort to reach HCPs who care for newly diagnosed YW, YSC created and evaluated a Healthcare Provider Educational Program (HPEP). HPEPs are held in a central geographic area and local HCPs are invited to attend. CEU-accredited for nurses and social workers, HPEPs present information on breast cancer in YW, resources, and available support services. Speakers include YSC staff, a local young breast cancer survivor to share her story, and an HCP to speak in-depth on a topic pertinent to young breast cancer patients such as fertility preservation. Evaluation: YSC has held six HPEPs with over 105 attendees. Evaluations received from all HPEPs have been overwhelmingly positive. Ninety-seven percent of attendees agreed or strongly agreed that the HPEP “increased my knowledge of breast cancer in YW,” and agreed or strongly agreed that it “increased my knowledge of the unique challenges and needs YW with breast cancer face.” Ninety-eight percent agreed or strongly agreed that it “increased [their] knowledge of YSC” and their “willingness to refer new patients to YSC.” YSC will continue to provide HPEPs and an on-line version of this program is in development. Usefulness: HPEPs are an innovative and effective method of educating HCPs on the uniqueness of breast cancer in YW and directing them to resources like those at YSC. In a period of a couple hours, approximately 18 HCPs were reached on average at each event. HPEPs could be replicated and adapted to different cancer types, patient and provider populations. Relation to Theme: This abstract describes the Healthcare Provider Educational Program (HPEP), a novel and efficient strategy to educate medical providers about the issues confronted by young women diagnosed with breast cancer, an underserved. Learning Objectives: 1. The participant shall be able to describe 3 unique issues faced by young women with breast cancer. 2. The participant shall be able to identify 2 benefits of utilizing an in-person educational program that brings medical professionals to one central location. References: 1.) American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2013-2014. 2.) Anders CK, Hsu DS, Broadwater G, et al. Young age at diagnosis correlates with worse prognosis and defines a subset of breast cancers with shared patterns of gene expression. J Clin Oncol. 2008; 26(20): 3324-3330. 3.) Bloom JR, Stewart SL, Oakley-Girvan I, Banks PJ, Shema S. Quality of life of younger breast cancer survivors: persistence of problems and sense of well-being. PsychoOncology. 2012; 21(6):655-665.
3A-5
3A-5: Cancer fertility preservation and hope for everyone! Achieving optimal patient care and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) standards easily: Program expansion and update
Maria Grabwoski, Stephanie Clayton
University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
Abstract: Background/Purpose: Innovation. Cancer Survivorship is a wonderful reality. A growing number of patients have the opportunity to experience their hopes and dreams, which often include family building. Sadly, many patients don’t receive timely information about fertility preservation (FP), leading to disillusionment and mistrust. Fortunately FP is now recognized as an important quality metric nationally. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2006 Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) guidelines state Infertility risks [should be] discussed prior to chemotherapy with patients of reproductive age (QOPI, 2006). However, national compliance remains low at 6%. At our institution, a survey of patient records pre implementation found less than 5% included documented discussion of FP. Providers can ensure awareness, informed consent, referral and patient self-advocacy. We are developing a comprehensive program to provide FP awareness, education, and meaningful treatment options throughout the reproductive life span. The comprehensive FP program is implemented at an NCI-Designated Cancer Center and follows ASCO QOPI guidelines. It’s designed to reach all adult oncology patients as well as providers at time of initial patient encounters. A streamlined Electronic Medical Record (EMR) tool populates for all cancer patients of child-bearing age. The EMR offers immediate referral option to campus Reproductive Endocrinology clinic, with appointment commitment and intervention within 72 hours. Patient education and phone resource is available regarding FP. Reduced pricing for cancer patients is provided. Early referrals are essential. The focus has been on program development, implementation, and tracking of performance metrics. Our program increases provider ease and mandates compliance to address FP using streamlined systems. Utilization of the EMR supports simple quantitative analysis for future research, including studies to identify barriers to compliance. Additional work is required to ensure our Spanish speaking community is equally aware to self-advocate. A comprehensive approach to FP supports our patient’s hopes, dreams and trust in us. Relation to Theme: This Abstract reflects innovative programming that ensures optimal patient care is offered and provided to all medically appropriate patients including those with financial barriers. This comprehensive streamlined approach encompasses patient and provider education, tools including EMR to identify, educate, and refer to committed fertility preservation provider in timely manner. Learning Objectives: 1. The participant shall be able to identify steps required to implement a streamlined comprehensive Fertility Preservation (FP) program to ensure all fertile cancer patients are provided options and timely referral to maximize fertility from point of diagnosis through survivorship. 2. The participant shall gain exposure to key tools to address adherence to FP standards in the outpatient setting. 3. The participant shall be able to identify innovative best practice programming components to replicate in their environments. References: 1. Bower B, Quinn, G. Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients: Ethical Considerations. Reproductive Health and Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults, Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology Volume 732, 2012, pp 187-196. 2. Penrose, R, Beatty, L, Mattiske, J, Koczwara, B. The Psychosocial Impact of Cancer-Related Infertility on Women. CJON 2013, 17(2), 188-193 DOI: 10.1188/13.CJON.188-193. 3. The Quality Oncology Practice Initiative. http://www.qopi.asco.org/. http://qopi.asco.org/index.html.