Join us for the next monthly OGHE Global Health Forum on Monday, March 24 from 12-1 pm in Roper Hall (Room 4302) OR online on zoom (https://zoom.us/j/3111814366?omn=97728086196).
RSVP by 12 noon on Thursday, March 20, for a boxed lunch – if joining the in person event.
Selena An, MD, MSPH, MA: Breast Cancer Care Experience in a Low-Resource Setting: Perspectives from Malawi
Abstract: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the burden of breast cancer is rising. In addition, women in LMICs often present with more advanced disease and have poorer outcomes compared to their counterparts in high-income countries. To understand reasons underlying the difference in outcomes, we sought to understand the experience of breast cancer patients in seeking and receiving care in Malawi. We found that patient health knowledge and social support were associated with seeking care, and that shorter distance to cancer care center and social support were associated with timely diagnosis of breast cancer. In measuring patient-reported outcomes, we found that quality of life improved in some domains after breast cancer treatment. These initial findings suggest potential future interventions that could ultimately improve breast cancer outcomes in Malawi.
Bio: Dr. Selena An is a general surgery resident at the University of North Carolina. Her research focuses on cancer outcomes and disparities. Previously, she was an NCI global oncology fellow and an NIH-Fogarty global health fellow studying breast cancer care in Malawi. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the Duke School of Medicine, Master of Science in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, and Master of Arts in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. She aspires to contribute to the advancement of cancer care in low-resource settings in the U.S. and globally.
We will also host it live on zoom if you cannot attend in person (no need to RSVP for zoom attendance – just join at the time of the event)- https://zoom.us/j/3111814366