There is a significant issue in society today regarding the lack of knowledge about and positive regard attributed to women’s bodies, but more specifically female genitalia. This is detrimental to women in that it causes us to see ourselves in a negative light, or to overly sexualize certain aspects of ourselves, which may lead to severe psychological damage (American Psychological Association Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls, 2010). The 1970’s Women’s Health Movement presented a way for women to get to know their own bodies in a way that was private from society in order to make their own judgments free from the pressures and input of the larger public: vaginal self-examinations. This study proposed a modified exam, a genital self-exam, as a way to counteract the negative attitudes projected on women’s genitals by giving women a chance to examine and decide for themselves. Participants were encouraged to practice mindfulness, a mental state achieved through focusing one’s awareness on the present moment while calmly accepting one’s feelings, during the exam as accounts of the 1970’s vaginal exams suggest a mindfulness-like attitude was also adopted during exams. This was done by randomly assigning participants to either complete a self-exam or to not and then measuring genital self-image and satisfaction, sexual body esteem, and mindfulness. The results were largely non-significant, save a few interesting minor findings. However, there is evidence to suggest a biased sample; recommendations for further research in this area are suggested.

Underutilization of screening mammography by Latinas continues unabated and may contribute to disparities in disease-free survival and mortality. Objective. Comparison of two discussion group-centered educational interventions at enhancing breast cancer knowledge, breast self-exams (BSE), and screening mammography. Methods. Pre-test post-test study design. Two cohorts of 200 Latinas each participated in survey screening and discussion groups at baseline. One cohort also viewed an animated video and had BSE training. Breast cancer knowledge, self-reported BSE and mammography history were measured at baseline and three months post-intervention. Results. Breast cancer knowledge scores were good for both groups at baseline, and significantly increased at three month follow-up for both groups (p<.05) but no significant difference was observed between groups at baseline or post-intervention. Conclusion. Community-based discussion groups are a cost-effective method for improving breast cancer knowledge and promoting screening behaviors.

No description available.

Context: Collegiate male athletes have a higher risk of testicular cancer due to their age group, an increased risk of testicular contusions, and a lack of secondary prevention education. As the athletic training profession increases emphasis on evidence-based practice, it is important for athletic trainers to understand testicular cancer and testicular-self examination as it is outlined within their scope of practice. A general understanding of testicular cancer and the prevention techniques will be important for athletic trainers to promote awareness and health behavior practices. Objective: To examine the athletic trainers' actual knowledge, concern, perceived responsibility, training, feeling of embarrassment, and professional/personal practices. Design: Cross sectional survey. Participants: 249 randomly selected athletic trainers employed in collegiate settings. 65.6% of the respondents reported being between the ages of 21 and 35 years old. Intervention: Actual knowledge, concerned, perceived responsibility, trained, embarrassed, and personal and professional practice behavior scores served as dependent variables. Main Outcome Measures: A Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between participants' actual knowledge, perceived responsibility, and concerned scores. Two one-way MANOVAs were conducted to determine if there was a difference in actual knowledge, perceived responsibility, and concerned scores that was dependent upon participants' age and gender. Results: Athletic trainers in collegiate settings had a fairly high actual knowledge of testicular cancer (X=7.62[plus or minus]1.42 out of 10). Athletic trainers reported that they should be concerned about testicular cancer in male athletes (X=7.26[plus or minus].167 out of 10). Athletic trainers had a low feeling of responsibility suggested by their reported score (X=3.93[plus or minus]0.18 out of 10). A weak correlation (r(169)=.199, P[less than].009) was found between the actual knowledge and perceived responsibility scores, and between the actual knowledge and concerned scores (r(169)=.285, P[less than]<.001). A medium to strong correlation (r(169)=.486, P[less than].001) was found between the concerned and perceived responsibility scores. Athletic trainers reported a decreased feeling of training about testicular cancer and testicular selfexamination (X=2.28[plus or minus]2.10 out of 10). Also, athletic trainers reported (X=2.71[plus or minus]2.42 out of 10) that they were not embarrassed to discuss testicular cancer. Athletic trainers reported performing either a testicular self-exam or breast-self examination on themselves (X=76%). Conclusions: College athletic trainers have a low feeling of embarrassment, adequate knowledge, and a high feeling of concern regarding testicular cancer, but report a low feeling of perceived responsibility and training.