Breast Smart at HiTOPS

HiTOPS recently completed Breast Smart, a pilot study funded by The Central and South Jersey Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Sandra Zordan-Friedman, Director of The J. Seward Johnson Sr. Center for Adolescent Health at HiTOPS, led the project. By the end of the April 2010, 335 clients had participated.

HiTOPS partnered with the local Komen affiliate to effect a meaningful reduction in the percentage of late stage diagnoses of breast cancer. HiTOPS targeted adolescent girls with outreach, vouchers for a free clinical breast exam, education and screening. By reaching out to this medically underserved population and providing focused breast cancer related health education and screening, HiTOPS empowered young women to be informed and persistent advocates for their own health - now and throughout their lives.

After answering questions such as, “How often should one conduct a self breast exam?” and “At what age should one begin getting a breast exam by a health care provider?” clients received a one-on-one review and were taught how to do a self breast exam. They were then asked to complete the same set of questions on a post-survey. The study demonstrated an initial lack of knowledge in the total adolescent population around the topics of screening guidelines for self breast exams, provider breast exams, mammography, and knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer. However, after speaking with a clinician and being taught how to perform a self breast exam, 77% clients agreed that as a result of their session, they were more likely to tell their friends and family what they had learned, and were more aware of the importance of breast health.

“It means so much to us that Komen supports the concept of helping younger women learn to develop good breast health habits, AND they recognize HiTOPS’ unique ability to provide the service,” notes HiTOPS Executive Director, Elizabeth M. Casparian, PhD.

Breast Smart was conducted in both English and Spanish. Findings will comprise preliminary data for the establishment of a promising practices guide for adolescents and breast health; guidelines that do not currently exist.

Parents a Priority

HiTOPS has always maintained and supported the philosophy that parents can and should be the primary sexuality educators of their own children. Research suggests that when parents have clear communication with their children about sexual health issues and values, children are more likely to postpone sexual involvement and seek adult help when making important health decisions.

While adolescents have legal rights to confidential care in NJ and they receive it at HiTOPS Health Center, the clinical staff at HiTOPS believe that it is in the best interest of youth and families to encourage young people to talk with their parents about important health issues. HiTOPS will assist their teenaged clients in talking with parents about any health issue that they are facing (unplanned pregnancy, becoming sexually active, eating disorders, depression, substance use, etc).

HiTOPS supports parents by providing educational programs on a wide variety of topics including talking with young children about sex, helping your child cope with bullying, raising teens self-esteem, supporting positive body image, and many others. HiTOPS staff also regularly answer parents' questions in phone conversations, emails, and during information sessions and HiTOPS programs. To find more topics visit our website www.hitops.org. To schedule a workshop, contact Elizabeth Walters, Director of Educational Programs, at 609-683-5155 ext. 218 or email elizabeth@hitops.org.