Helena Deseure
Doctoral fellow – Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UGent
Nurse and Health promotor
Principal investigators: prof. Sara Willems (PhD) and prof. Katrien Vanthomme (PhD)
Research focus
Breast cancer remains a major public health concern. Despite the implementation of biennial, population-based screening programs, substantial inequalities persist in participation among eligible women. These disparities are shaped by social determinants – such as as socioeconomic position, migration background, educational level, and cultural factors – which continue to influence health behaviours and access to preventive services. Addressing these inequities requires strategies that are equity-oriented, community-embedded, and sensitive to contextual realities.
Within this context, the CHWxBC project, in which I am actively involved as a doctoral researcher, harnesses the potential of community health workers (CHWs) to bridge gaps in breast cancer screening participation. Positioned at the interface of healthcare and community life, CHWs function as trusted intermediaries who facilitate dialogue, provide tailored information, lower practical and psychosocial barriers to participation, and support women in navigating screening services.
Beyond the objective of increasing participation, the project emphasizes the promotion of health literacy and informed decision-making as fundamental components of equitable prevention. CHWs are trained to empower women with the knowledge and skills necessary to make autonomous and well-informed choices regarding participation in breast cancer screening.
My doctoral research contributes to understanding how such community-based approaches can mitigate structural inequities in preventive healthcare. By integrating CHWs into the breast cancer screening pathway, the CHWxBC project aims not only to enhance participation and access but also to strengthen empowerment, agency, and trust among women who are often least reached by conventional public health interventions.
Biography
- Msc in Health Promotion
Contact & links
- Lab address: Campus UZ Gent, entrance 42, 6K3, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care
- Equity in Primary Healthcare Unit
- Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases Unit
- Helena Deseure is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks