According to the American Cancer Society (2021), one in three people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. In 2021, the American Cancer Society predicts an estimated 1,898,160 new cancer cases and 608,570 cancer deaths. This equates to 5,200 news cases and 1,670 deaths daily. The CDC (2021) reports that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States (2021). The 2021 estimates for Kentucky, which has the highest mortality rate in the United States, include 30,270 new cases and 10,090 deaths (American Cancer Society, 2021). Each year, cancer affects millions of people in Kentucky and beyond--as a patient, caregiver, family member, or friend. 

There is a growing need for educational programs that support individuals who are impacted by cancer in a variety of ways. As a result of this, the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension Program developed Kick Kentucky Cancer (KKC). Programs like KKC are important because they can create opportunities for better health and well-being. Education can help ease anxiety, debunk myths, provide feelings of control and lead to quality care. The overall goal of KKC is to provide practical information regarding the management of cancer treatment and recovery for all.  

Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf led the KKC project. She collaborated with colleagues from the UK Markey Cancer Center (Kate Lewis, MS, RD, LD) and FCS Extension faculty/specialists (Drs Amy Kostelic (adult development and aging), Kerri Ashurst (mental health) and Natalie Jones (physical health and activity). The KKC curriculum includes five lessons that focus on (1) Understanding the Basics of Cancer; (2) Managing Nutrition During Cancer; (3) Taking Care of Mental Health During Cancer; (4) Interacting with Someone Living with Cancer; and (5) Caring for Someone with Cancer. Each lesson included a facilitator guide, PowerPoint presentation plus script, discussion questions/activities, marketing materials, sign-in sheet, post lesson and follow-up evaluations, success story template, and a peer-reviewed extension publication. The overall program also included a program guide and marketing materials.

With IRB approval and agent consent, 20 FCS agents participated in a two-hour virtual pilot training in December 2020. The training highlighted the program objectives, timeline, recruitment strategies, individual lessons, evaluation protocol, and support resources. 

During the pilot period, seven (7) of the 20 FCS Agents were able to recruit and deliver the program--from lesson to post-lesson evaluation, to 74 participants across 16 Kentucky counties. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all lessons were presented online via Zoom. The majority of participants were White (98%) women (n = 65) who ranged in age from 19-85+ years. Of these participants, 100% reported that the program lessons (1) met expectations; (2) were informative; (3) were worth their time and effort; and (4) increased understanding about asking questions related to cancer to health care providers. 

One hundred percent of the participants reported increased understanding, awareness, and intentions in 18 out of the 19 lesson objectives. Fifty-six (56) of the participants listed 1-3 things that they plan TO DO because of the lessons. Examples include: “Build a support system for when the time comes that I may need the help either as a caregiver or the one being cared for.”  “Visit and watch a movie with a friend who is battling cancer.” “Pay closer attention to food choices and preparation.” “…reach out to others so I do not feel so isolated.” “…I plan to be more determined in performing monthly breast checks.”   

Lastly, 16 of the 20 FCS Agents participated in a 91-minute online focus group in June 2020 at the conclusion of the program pilot. The consensus was to keep the program despite recruitment challenges during Spring 2021. Agents provided positive feedback and helpful suggestions for strengthening the program. Examples include providing additional resources and educational pieces for participants, suggested timelines for keeping participants engaged, providing incentives, offering the program in-person or in a hybrid format, and turning the lesson content into videos that can be available as individuals need the information. In summary, agents reported that “The program materials were excellent and easy to present. Obviously, many of us have experienced incidences of cancer either personally or with family members and that was very helpful for delivery.” 

As a result of the KKC pilot, modifications will be made to the curriculum materials in response to agent feedback. In time, this new program will be rolled out across the state to all FCS Agents for use and relevant local and statewide partners in the fight against cancer will be informed about the new resources UK FCS Extension can provide within the community. 

References:

American Cancer Society. (2021). Cancer statistics. Retrieved June 16, 2021 from https://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org/#!/

CDC. (2021). Leading causes of death: Data for the U.S. Retrieved June 16, 2021 from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm