The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #69373

Xania Robinson, MA, Department of Health and Human Services, County of Marin, 20 North San Pedro, Suite 2002, San Rafael, CA 94903 and Kathy Koblick, Breast Cancer Research Coordinator, Marin County DHHS Epidemiology Program, 20 N. San Pedro Rd., Ste. 2002, San Rafael, CA 94903, 415-507-2578, kkoblick@co.marin.ca.us.

Marin County, California, has the highest rate of breast cancer in California and some of the highest rates in the US. From 1995-1999, white non-Hispanic women living in Marin County were diagnosed with malignant breast cancer at an average rate of 198.5 new cases per 100,000 women per year, compared with 155 cases per 100,000 in the Bay Area as a whole and 143.5 cases per 100,000 in Urban California as a whole. (Northern California Cancer Center). In response to the high incidence rates, Marin health care providers and advocates united, in 1999, to coordinate services. That collaboration has evolved into the Breast Cancer Coordinating Council of Marin County. A coordinating collaborative of 20 local organizations that advocates and educates to ensure accessible, affordable, culturally appropriate, quality breast health care exists equally for all Marin residents. Without coordination, individuals and groups were unaware of the wealth of services that existed in the community to detect breast cancer earlier, expand treatment options and improve outcomes. Results: Ongoing coordination results in less duplication, more efficiency and less competition for limited resources. Bimonthly meetings ensure regular networking and identification of emerging breast cancer/ breast health community needs. Low-cost mammograms are now available at the three hospitals in Marin. Outreach and public education about breast cancer and breast health resources are promoted through educational presentations, an annual reception and participation in town meetings and fairs. Innovative strategies are promoting working relationships between community-based organizations, local government, and care providers.

Learning Objectives:

• i) Be more informed about the breadth of organizations working to coordinate breast cancer services in Marin.
• ii) Have a better understanding of how the Council functions and the innovative strategies devised for promoting working relationships between community-based organizations, local government and care providers
• iii) Leave with a list of the resources and services available in Marin County. (eg: low-cost mammograms, no cost mammograms, breast self-examination courses, support groups, calendar of events and recommendations for reducing one’s risk of developing breast cancer)

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Community Collaboration

Related Web page: www.co.marin.ca.us/breastcancer/resources.cfm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.