HPV education on college campuses
Dana-Farber's Blum Van regularly visits underserved communities throughout Massachusetts, stopping at schools, businesses, places of worship, health fairs, and DFCI-sponsored events to spread the word about cancer prevention and early detection.
Now, Sarah Feldman, MD, MPH, is overseeing a new program for the van, distributing information to women at risk for cervical cancer about the human papillomavirus and the importance of having regular Pap tests. So far, the traveling classroom has visited Boston College and the University of Maine. Trips to other colleges and universities are planned for 2007.
"Our talk covers what an abnormal test means, and what action needs to take place to seek follow-up care," explains Dr. Feldman.
One room inside the van can hold 15 people and is equipped with a VCR/DVD, a 25-inch flat screen TV, and a projector screen. A smaller, private room can be used for interviews, conversations, or physical exams. A third room offers visitors Internet access.
"We are targeting sexually active populations because there is a lot of confusion and a lack of accurate information about HPV and cervical cancer," says Susan DeCristofaro, RN, MS, OCN.
As director of Patient Family Education, she adds, "There are barriers to getting out information about HPV. The van offers an easy, inviting space to learn about an intimate and serious topic."
The Blum Van team provides residents of Boston neighborhoods and surrounding communities with up-to-date, comprehensive cancer information, and screenings for prostate, skin, and other cancers. They can also hear healthcare professionals speak on various cancer-prevention topics in an informal, comfortable atmosphere, and can receive screenings as well as learn about donating bone marrow or stem cells. For more information on the van, call 617-632-5819.
