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Adaptation of an Evidence-Based Intervention for Appalachian Women: New STEPS (Strength Through Education, Physical fitness and Support) for Breast Health

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Abstract

Appalachia is characterized by a high prevalence of individual-level risks for breast cancer, including physical inactivity and postmenopausal obesity. The availability of local, evidence-based programs to improve physical fitness is limited. We adapted an evidence-based intervention, StrongWomen, to improve physical fitness and increase breast cancer knowledge among women 40 years and older in Appalachian Pennsylvania. Utilizing a multi-site, community-based design, we tested the adapted 12-week, supervised program—New STEPS (Strength Through Education, Physical fitness and Support)—among 139 women. The completion rate was 67.6 %. Pre/post scores improved for each of six fitness assessments (P < 0.01). We found differences in overall fitness by study site (P < 0.001), but no differences by age (P = 0.13) or by previous breast cancer diagnosis (P = 0.73). New STEPS is an adapted, evidence-based program that can improve physical fitness and breast cancer awareness among women in Appalachian Pennsylvania. New STEPS may help fill a void in local fitness programs for Appalachian women at risk for breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Appalachia Community Cancer Network (5 U01 CA 114622 and 5 U54 CA 153604), Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Northern Appalachia Cancer Network, and Community Sciences and Health Outcomes Core, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 600 Centerview Drive, Suite 2200 Mail Code A210, Hershey, PA, 17033-0855, USA

    Nancy R. Gallant, Marcyann M. Bencivenga, Fabian Camacho & Eugene J. Lengerich

  2. Penn State Extension, University Park, PA, USA

    Marilyn Corbin, Nancy Wiker & Andrea Bressler

  3. Penn State Hershey Breast Center, Hershey, PA, USA

    Michelle Farnan

  4. Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA

    Fabian Camacho & Eugene J. Lengerich

  5. Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, COM, Hershey, PA, USA

    Nancy R. Gallant

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  1. Nancy R. Gallant
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  2. Marilyn Corbin
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  3. Marcyann M. Bencivenga
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  4. Michelle Farnan
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  5. Nancy Wiker
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  6. Andrea Bressler
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  7. Fabian Camacho
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  8. Eugene J. Lengerich
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Correspondence to Nancy R. Gallant.

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Gallant, N.R., Corbin, M., Bencivenga, M.M. et al. Adaptation of an Evidence-Based Intervention for Appalachian Women: New STEPS (Strength Through Education, Physical fitness and Support) for Breast Health. J Canc Educ 28, 275–281 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-012-0445-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-012-0445-x

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