REACH 2010 ABSTRACT Purpose: To implement a multifaceted intervention program to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in breast and cervical cancer by creating, with the community, a culturally-competent system which promotes screening, education, prevention, and access to care for Black women in Boston, Massachusetts.
Problem Statement: Although Boston's Black women have a lower incidence of breast and cervical cancer, than that of White women, their mortality rate is much higher. The age-adjusted cervical cancer mortality rate for Black women (1995-1997) was 6.4; while the rate for White women was only 2.2. Breast cancer mortality age-adjusted rates for these same years was 24/100,000 for Black women and 21/100,000 for White women. Among Black women between the ages of 35-44 breast cancer mortality rates were 4 times higher than the rate for White women (27.4/100,000 v. 7.7/100,000). The reasons for this are not clear, although it is believed that disparities in primary care delivery, institutional and provider bias, cultural beliefs, and differences in case management are contributing factors.
Statement of Methods: The CDC grant will support the implementation of a Community Action Plan over the next 4 years. Through the efforts of a broad-based coalition of partners we will: (1) address provider attitudes, beliefs and practices associated with breast and cervical cancer screening and disease management; (2) support case management services at 6 community sites; (3) support five community-based clusters of women of African descent; and (4) collect and analyze data and evaluate Phase II interventions.
See www.bphc.orgLearning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to identify community-based strategies to:1. Change and develop policies and procedures; 2. Increase the percentage of Black women who get annual mammograms and regular Pap smears; 3. Improve follow-up to screenings; 4. improve the infrastructure of health care systems; 5. Increase cultural competence of providers and availability of services; 6. Empower women to seek out, advocate for, and evaluate their own health care.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Boston Public Health Commission
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.