What's Best for Breast? An Annual Free Community Health Education Event.
OBJECTIVE: To establish a free community health event open to the public, featuring presentations and interactive information sessions aimed at educating the North Carolina Community on breast cancer risk, prevention, and treatment, while providing resources and support for survivors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: What's Best for Breast was initiated in 2017 as an annual event at Duke University Medical Center. In 2017, colleagues met to address the lack of community education and engagement by creating a free breast cancer-focused event. Speakers, advocates, and sponsors were recruited. Flyers were distributed through clinics, in local public areas, and online. Marketing was also done through local TV and radio in various years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the event transitioned to a virtual format (2020- 2022). Participant demographics were recorded, and post-event surveys were distributed/collected at the event. The event's format and topics were refined yearly based on feedback. A women's health research symposium was added in 2024. RESULTS: Registration increased from 112 participants in 2018 to 423 in 2024. In 2020, only 47 participants registered for the virtual event. • Participant Demographics: Participant age distribution broadened over time: in 2017, no attendees were over 70 years, compared to 15% in 2024. The majority shifted from ages 51-60 yrs (44% in 2017) to 61-70 yrs (28% in 2024). When the event was virtual (2020), the majority of attendees were <30 yrs (24%). The distribution of race and ethnicity has remained consistent for in-person events, but shifted during the pandemic: • 2017: African American (27%), Caucasian (63%), Hispanic (5%), Asian (5%). • 2020: African American (15%), Caucasian (76%), Hispanic (10%), Asian (12%). • 2024: African American (31%), Caucasian (52%), Hispanic (6%), Asian (6%). Participants with no personal breast cancer experience decreased - 2020: 42% vs. 2024: 9% • Event Engagement: In 2024, 89% of participants were first-time attendees. • Participant feedback: 89% of participants say the event motivated them to improve their breast care. 93% of participants would consider attending the event again. 98% of participants would recommend the event to others. CONCLUSION: "What's Best for Breast" has successfully engaged and educated the local community, as demonstrated by rising attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback. The event continues to fulfill its mission of raising awareness and providing support for breast cancer patients, survivors, and previvors.
