Background and Context:Cervical and Breast Cancer are the main incidences in Honduran Women. Access to cancer education and early detection is insufficient and mortality rates high. The Liga Contra el Cancer(LCC) an NGO through its National Program for Prevention and Education in Health and Cancer "PESCA"sums efforts to increase the scope of cancer early detection for this two cancers. Lack of economic and human resources is a main concern. The team of Cervical pathologist, oncologist,cytopathologist, and psychologist put this project together since october 2010 with support of LCC.
Aim:The purpose of the project was to demonstrate that medical students can deliver quality cancer care when properly trained and improve access of Honduran women to Cervical and Breast cancer education and screening. This strategy will build their strong awareness and participation in local and national cancer programs and enhance these activities in their future primary care practice .
Strategy/Tactics:The team invited Students from third year of medical school and up, to a 3 step program: 1 Cervical and Breast Cancer education, 2.Cervical Cytology sampling techniques and interpretation, 3. Participation in the scheduled campaigns of PESCA first as observer and then as a provider
Programme/Policy Process: Volunteers were trained in Logistic set up of campaigns, interaction with community leaders and media personnel, on site set up, public management and messages on risk factors and early detection with cervical cytology and breast self examination.
Outcomes/What was learned:Data was collected about performance during education to women, patient acceptance and quality of the cervical sample taken. We demonstrate that medical students after 2 months of training were able to take quality cervical cytologies and counsel women who assist to detection campaigns scheduled by PESCA. In countries with medical schools can use the students as valuable tools to fight against cervical and breast cancer.