Theater as a tool to educate African Americans about breast cancer

Background. The current study examines the effectiveness of theater in educating African American women about breast cancer. Methods. Four hundred and forty-eight participants viewed a play entitled Stealing Clouds. Employing a retrospective/pre-post test design and paired sample t tests, researchers assessed the effectiveness of theater in increasing participants' knowledge about breast cancer and likelihood of participating in efforts to address and reduce breast cancer disparities. Results. Results indicated that the play succeeded in increasing knowledge and awareness about breast cancer and intentions to improve health related behaviors. Conclusions. Findings suggest that theater may be an effective tool in educating African Americans about breast cancer.