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Biomedical subjects

M E Cooley

Publications and source records attributed to M E Cooley.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Lung cancer in African Americans. A call for action.

PURPOSE: The authors present information about current trends in the incidence, risk factors, types, presentation, and treatment for lung cancer common to all Americans and highlight factors that are unique to African Americans. Barriers to effective care and strategies for implementing culturally competent programs for lung cancer are outlined. OVERVIEW: Disparity in the incidence and mortality rates of cancer between African Americans and white Americans has been increasing at an alarming rate since 1950. For African-American men and women, lung cancer accounted for the largest increase in the incidence of cancer between 1988 and 1992: African-American men experienced an increase of 170%, and African-American women had a dramatic increase of 464%. Lung cancer is by far the most common cause of cancer death in this population, accounting for 32% of the mortality rate in men and 20% in women. Unfortunately, lung cancer in African Americans has received little attention, and culturally competent programs are needed urgently to promote lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment in this population. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare providers' lack of knowledge about cultural influences on care is a barrier to providing adequate healthcare to individuals of different ethnic groups. Knowledge about cultural differences, respect for individual opinions about health and illness, and ability to negotiate differences are essential qualities for health professionals who serve culturally diverse populations. Because of the morbidity and mortality rates associated with lung cancer in the African-American population, prevention, early detection, and treatment programs are needed urgently. However, for these programs to succeed, the multidisciplinary cancer care team (nurses, physicians, social workers, psychologists, health educators, clergy) must provide information and care in culturally appropriate ways. Partnerships with family, extended kin networks, and religious and community leaders are essential. Finally, to minimize morbidity and maximize quality of life during the illness trajectory, comprehensive education and supportive care services are needed for those who have been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Black or African American↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cultural assessment of black American men treated for prostate cancer: clinical case studies.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe aspects of culturally competent care. Two case studies of black American men who received treatment for prostate cancer are presented to illustrate the use of the explanatory model of illness as a guide for conducting a cultural assessment. DATA SOURCES: Published articles, abstracts, and books; case studies developed from interviews of black American men who received treatment for prostate cancer. DATA SYNTHESIS: The explanatory model of illness provides a vehicle for healthcare providers to examine the cultural values and health beliefs of the individual seeking professional healthcare. Knowledge about cultural values and beliefs is essential in order to provide culturally competent care. Beliefs about health and illness, use of a lay referral system, use of folk treatments, and the importance of family, community, and spiritual support are some of the cultural concepts that must be considered. CONCLUSIONS: Culture exerts an important influence on the illness experience of individuals seeking health care. However, culture has not received the same attention as biopsychosocial factors in nursing care. Given the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of the U.S. population, cultural competence must assume a more central role in healthcare delivery. Knowledge and mutual respect for cultural differences are necessary for culturally competent care to become a reality in a changing healthcare environment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses need to increase their awareness of cultural variations and include them in the patient's plan of care.

Black or African American↗