Laura Marlow

Laura Marlow catches up with friends from multiple stages of her life.

Background Cancer screening saves lives, yet Muslim women participate less often, missing early diagnosis benefits. Faith-based communications, building on community assets, provide a culturally acceptable strategy to address barriers. We co-designed a faith-based intervention with Muslim women, underpinned by the Integrated Screening Action Model and including peer-led discussions, GP-led education on screening, testimonials from Muslim women, and Islamic perspectives on breast, colorectal, and cervical screening. Methods In 2024, as part of a feasibility trial, we co-delivered the intervention 16 times, face-to-face or online, with 169 Muslim women in Glasgow and North-East England. Women were not up to date with at least one screening programme. A mixed-methods design evaluated the intervention: questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitudes, and screening intention at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-and 12-month follow-up. Acceptability and perceived impact were qualitatively explored, and thematically analysed using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Results Ages ranged from 25-74 (median 46), with 76% of South Asian ethnicity. Mean cancer knowledge (range 0–14) more than doubled from pre-intervention to 12-month follow-up (from 3.2 to 7.4;mean change = +4.2; 95% CI 3.6–4.8; t = 13.50). Some barriers changed (e.g. risk perception), although others did not (e.g. worry about male providers). Despite attrition, the percentage of women intending to engage in screening increased significantly from pre-intervention to 12-month follow-up for breast (55% to 92%, 95% CI= 22-52, n=36), cervical (43% to 83%, 95% CI= 29-51, n=84), and colorectal (35% to 85%, 95% CI = 28-72, n=18). Qualitative interview participants (n=36) found the intervention acceptable, valuing the Islamic perspective, GP input, and its relevance to Muslim women’s needs. Conclusion Findings suggest the intervention is effective in improving knowledge and behavioural intent. Faith- based approaches may be particularly valuable when delivered participatorily with the communities they aim to support. A larger-scale, randomised evaluation is needed to assess impact more robustly.

During the Valentine’s Day ceremony, the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet flown by Lt. Kent M. Kiepe and inscribed with his name was dedicated in his memory. The jet joins several other planes as part of the flight deck display on the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier-turned-museum.

Jionni Moonier, 12, of Festus and Ariana Pruett, 10, of Pevely auditioned in January and were accepted into the troupe, a performance group that serves as goodwill ambassadors across the St. Louis area and performs at public and private events.

Taking part in the groundbreaking ceremony Monday at Ameren’s Big Hollow Energy Center from left are Dennis Gannon, county executive; Rachelle Lengermann, president of Plocher Construction; Kyle Smith of McCarthy

Ameren held an official groundbreaking ceremony Monday for its Big Hollow Energy Center project in southern Jefferson County. About 50 people, including Ameren officials and employees, local government and school

Paige Cuddihee, a recent graduate of St. Pius X High School, is headed to college in the fall. But before she takes that step, the 18-year-old Herculaneum native will take part one last time in an activity that holds significant meaning to her and her family.

Marilyn Parr issues the final library card of her 44-year career to Crystal City Mayor Mike Osher.

Marilyn Parr, second from left, in the garden that was named for her during a July 30 ceremony at the Crystal City Public Library. Also shown are library board members,

About 75 people attended a July 30 ceremony at the Crystal City Public Library honoring the retirement of longtime library worker Marilyn Parr. A sign reading “Marilyn’s Garden” was unveiled, dedicating the flower garden at the front of the library building in her name.