Objectives: To improve breast cancer early detection in Côte d'Ivoire, we designed, implemented, and evaluated the Breast Health Program educational curriculum (BHP EC) for primary healthcare providers (PCPs). Methods: In-depth interviews to identify breast cancer early detection strategies were conducted with key stakeholders, audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, analyzed via hybrid analysis, and used to design the BHP EC. The program was implemented as a one-day educational session for PCPs, who completed pre- and post-session surveys. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Interviews were conducted with 18 participants: 7 (39%) physicians, 5 (28%) medical students, 4 (22%) nurses and midwives, 2 (11%) cancer survivors. Barriers to early detection included: limited breast cancer awareness (50%), lack of patient follow-up/support after primary care presentation (50%), financial barriers (39%), lack of coordination in diagnosis and treatment (22%), no mammography or biopsy capacity within public healthcare (11%). BHP EC topics included: breast cancer/benign breast disease management, patient communication/support, clinical breast exam (CBE), financial navigation. 36 PCPs from 5 healthcare centers attended the BHP EC: 75% were female; the mean age was 41.3 years (SD 7.2); 9 (28%) physicians, 6 (17%) nurses, 18 (50%) midwives, 3 (8%) medical students. At baseline, 18 (50%) PCPs felt qualified to evaluate patients with breast complaints compared with 32 (89%) post session (p = 0.003). 15 (42%) felt qualified to help patients overcome barriers to diagnosis at baseline compared with 31 (86%) after BHP EC (p = 0.006). There were no differences in CBE confidence (27 (75%) vs. 32 (89%)) or patient referral for diagnostic workup (29 (81%) vs. 34 (94%)) pre- and post-BHP EC (p > 0.05). Conclusions: BHP EC resulted in improved breast cancer early detection knowledge and confidence. Future work includes program expansion and evaluation of the impact on time to diagnosis.

Objectives: To improve breast cancer early detection in Côte d'Ivoire, we designed, implemented, and evaluated the Breast Health Program educational curriculum (BHP EC) for primary healthcare providers (PCPs). Methods: In-depth interviews to identify breast cancer early detection strategies were conducted with key stakeholders, audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, analyzed via hybrid analysis, and used to design the BHP EC. The program was implemented as a one-day educational session for PCPs, who completed pre- and post-session surveys. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Interviews were conducted with 18 participants: 7 (39%) physicians, 5 (28%) medical students, 4 (22%) nurses and midwives, 2 (11%) cancer survivors. Barriers to early detection included: limited breast cancer awareness (50%), lack of patient follow-up/support after primary care presentation (50%), financial barriers (39%), lack of coordination in diagnosis and treatment (22%), no mammography or biopsy capacity within public healthcare (11%). BHP EC topics included: breast cancer/benign breast disease management, patient communication/support, clinical breast exam (CBE), financial navigation. 36 PCPs from 5 healthcare centers attended the BHP EC: 75% were female; the mean age was 41.3 years (SD 7.2); 9 (28%) physicians, 6 (17%) nurses, 18 (50%) midwives, 3 (8%) medical students. At baseline, 18 (50%) PCPs felt qualified to evaluate patients with breast complaints compared with 32 (89%) post session (p = 0.003). 15 (42%) felt qualified to help patients overcome barriers to diagnosis at baseline compared with 31 (86%) after BHP EC (p = 0.006). There were no differences in CBE confidence (27 (75%) vs. 32 (89%)) or patient referral for diagnostic workup (29 (81%) vs. 34 (94%)) pre- and post-BHP EC (p > 0.05). Conclusions: BHP EC resulted in improved breast cancer early detection knowledge and confidence. Future work includes program expansion and evaluation of the impact on time to diagnosis.