The researchers concluded that information about colorectal procedures needs to be presented to patients in a culturally sensitive manner. This information could be applied equally well to other culturally diverse populations even though the population sample is relatively small. This research also helps the nursing practice by suggesting new avenues for education and patient care delivery in the future. This research article would benefit from additional or lengthier analysis of the literature to support the conclusions drawn from the researcher, based mostly on the small sample size used in the survey. Colon cancer screening among older caregivers - Article 3

This article discusses colorectal cancers among older women. The purpose of the study is to describe participation in cancer screening among older women whose mean age is 65 years who are primary caregivers for a family member or spouse in an attempt to investigate what if any relationship exists between care giving burdens and health participation. The results of the study suggest that caregiver burden alone did not significantly impact an older patients likelihood to participate in cancer screening. More of an impact were women's perceptions of survival should they fall victim to colon cancer. The researchers directly ask research questions aimed at uncovering the number of people participating in colorectal cancer screening, the personal characteristics of caregivers and the impact care giving burden may have on cancer screening participation.

To accomplish these goals the researchers utilized an exploratory descriptive study design based on a larger study investigating the effectiveness of care giving on cancer screening participation. The sample size includes 91 women, with participants selected based on their age, self-defined caregiver...

Purposive sampling was utilized and in this case the sample size is adequate to make some generalizations to the population at large. The information gathered from this study can only be applied to older women and those that are caregivers, though it may be generalized to include understanding patient's reluctance to undergo screening for cancers other than colorectal cancer. The researchers use an improved instrument, the modified behavioral risk factor survey to calculate results.
The study is quantitative in nature, using descriptive statistics including frequencies and means analysis to provide valid results. This logical and scientifically grounded approach allows greater validity and enables the researchers to generalize their results to a potentially larger population. This study can be applied to nursing practice in many ways. For one the research points out that nurses may mean the difference between life and death when they promote screening and early detection. Patient education is a high concern.

The more education patients have based on this study, the more likely they are to undergo early screening methods that may ultimately save their life or improve their chances for survival. This study is limited however in that it focuses only on early screening and early detection of colon cancer in women.

References

Bush, S. (2003). "Elderly African-American women's knowledge and belief about colorectal cancer." Tucker Publications, Inc.

Frank, D., Swedmark, J. & Grubbs, L. (2004, July - Aug). "Colon cancer screening in African-American women." ABNF Journal, 15(4): 67.

Sarna, L., Chang, B.L. (1999-Aug). "Colon cancer screening among older women

Caregivers."

Colorectal Cancer