Breast Cancer

A Resource Guide for Minority Women

2

About This Guide

3

Risk Factors

4

Statistics

6

Mammograms

8

Federal Programs

14

National Programs

21

State Programs

23

Community Programs

28

Resources

31

References

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of Public Health and Science

Office of Minority Health

This is a special issue of

Closing the Gap, a

newsletter of the

Office of Minority Health,

U.S. Department of

Health and Human

Services.

May 2005
2 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

The Office of Minority Health Resource Center (OMHRC) has compiled the following Resource Guide for

those interested in breast cancer resources. The lists of organizations, documents, programs and other resources are relevant to persons with breast cancer, students, health care professionals and researchers.

 While OMHRC has taken great care in the preparation of this publication, it is not to be used as a substitute for the

expertise of a qualified health care professional. It is the responsibility of the reader to review the materials to determine

their appropriateness for the intended audience. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by the OMHRC, the Office of

Minority Health, the Office of Public Health and Science, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Organizations included in this listing should be contacted directly to determine the cost and availability of materials.

About This Guide
Risk Factors

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 3

Aging

The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. The approximate

chances of a woman developing invasive

breast cancer in her lifetime are 1 in 257

for women ages 30 to 39; 1 in 67 for

women ages 40 to 49; 1 in 36 for women

ages 50 to 59; 1 in 28 for women ages 60

to 69 and 1 in 24 for women ages 70 to

80.

Family history of breast cancer

The risk of breast cancer is higher among

women whose close blood relatives have

this disease—mother, aunt, sister or grandmother. Having one first-degree relative

(mother, sister or daughter) with breast

cancer approximately doubles a woman’s

risk, and having two first-degree relatives

increases her risk 5-fold. Anywhere from

20 to 30 percent of women with breast

cancer have a family member with this

disease.

Gender

Being a woman is the main risk factor for

developing breast cancer—about 100

times more common than breast cancer

in men.

Genetic risk factors

Mutations in certain genes, such as those

in the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and

BRCA2, increase some women’s risk.

Menstrual periods

Women who started menstruating before

the age of 12 or who went through menopause after age 55 have a slightly higher

risk of breast cancer.

Personal history of breast cancer

A woman with cancer in one breast has a

3- to 4-fold increased risk of developing a

new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. This is different from a recurrence (return) of the

first cancer.

Arisk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease, with different risk factors for different diseases. Some risk factors,

like someone’s race or gender, can’t be changed. Other risk factors are behavioral choices, such as smoking, diet and physical activity. In

 some cases, there may not be any risk factors associated with getting sick. The risk of breast cancer is not the same for all women but

here are some factors that may contribute to a woman’s chance of developing the disease.

Source: National Cancer Institute/American Cancer Society

Unchangeable Risk Factors

Alcohol

Alcohol use is linked to a slightly increased

risk of developing breast cancer. Compared with nondrinkers, women who

consume one alcoholic drink a day have a

very small increase in risk, and those who

have 2 to 5 drinks daily have about 1.5

times the risk of women who drink no

alcohol.

Hormone replacement therapy

Long-term use of hormone replacement

therapy (HRT) after menopause, particularly estrogens and progesterone combined, increase the risk of breast cancer.

Breastfeeding

Some studies suggest that breastfeeding

may slightly lower breast cancer risk, especially if breastfeeding is continued for

1.5 to 2 years. Other studies found no

impact on breast cancer risk.

Smoking

To date, no studies have definitively linked

cigarette smoking to breast cancer, however, smoking affects overall health and

increased the risk for many other cancers,

as well as heart disease.

Previous breast radiation

Women who, as children or young adults,

have had radiation therapy to the chest

area as treatment for another cancer (such

as Hodgkin’s disease or non-Hodgkin’s

lymphoma) have a significantly increased

risk for breast cancer.

Race

White women are slightly more likely to

develop breast cancer than African American women. But African American

women are more likely to die of this cancer because their cancers are often diagnosed later and at an advanced stage when

they are harder to treat and cure. There is

also some question about whether African American women have more aggressive tumors. Asian, Hispanic and Native

American women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.

Lifestyle-related Risk Factors

Not having children

Women who have had no children or who

had their first child after age 30 have a

slightly higher breast cancer risk.

Obesity and high-fat diets

There are various factors involved with

breast cancer and diet—age when weight

gain occurred, excess fat in the waist or

hips, type of diet and intake of saturated

vs. polysaturated fats. While researchers

have found differing results, it is agreed

that a healthy diet and physical activity

will help lower the risk of other diseases

such as heart disease, high blood pressure

and diabetes.
Statistics

4 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

— insufficient data, * American Indian or Alaska Native, ** Asian American or Pacific Islander. Source: Death rates for malignant neoplasm

of breast for females, according to race, Hispanic origin and age: United States, 2002. Health, United States 2004.

Breast Cancer Death Rates by Age, Race, Hispanic Origin

African Americans

◆ African American women

have the highest breast cancer death rate among minority women—34.0 per

100,000 population.1

◆ African American women,

ages 35-44, have a breast

cancer death rate more than

twice the rate of White

women in the same age

group—22.0 deaths per

100,000 compared to 10.7

deaths per 100,000, respectively.2

◆ African American females

experience higher death rates

from breast cancer than any

other racial or ethnic group,

even though Whites experience higher incidence rates.3

◆ African Americans are approximately 34 percent more

likely to die of cancer than

are Whites and more than

two times more likely to die

of cancer than are Asians or

Pacific Islanders, American

Indians and Hispanics.4

◆ The five-year survival rate for

breast cancer among African

American women is 75 percent compared to 89 percent

among White women.5

◆ African American females

have the highest age-adjusted

breast cancer incidence rates

among minority groups—a

rate of 111.9 new cases per

100,000.6

Hispanics

◆ Hispanic/Latina women have

a breast cancer death rate of

15.5 per 100,000—third

highest behind African

American and White

women.17

◆ Hispanic/Latina women have

a breast cancer incidence rate

of 94.7 per 100,000—third

among minority women.18

◆ Women of Mexican, South

and Central American, and

Puerto Rican descent are 20

percent to 260 percent more

likely to be diagnosed with

late-stage breast cancer when

compared to non-Hispanic

women.19

◆ Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and

the leading cause of cancer

death among Hispanic

American/Latina women.20

Sources: See Reference page

Asian Americans or

Pacific Islanders

◆ Asian American or Pacific Islander women have lower

breast cancer mortality

rates—12.8 per 100,000—

than White, Hispanic, African American, and American

Indian or Alaska Native

women. 12

◆ Breast cancer is the leading

cause of death among Filipino women.13

◆ The most common cancer

among Native Hawaiian

women is breast cancer, with

an age-adjusted rate just below that for White women.14

◆ Only 56 percent of Asian

women, 40 years and older,

report having a mammogram

within a 2-year period.15

◆ Asian and Pacific Islander females have the second highest age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rate among minority groups—a rate of 97.8

new cases per 100,000.16

American Indians or

Alaska Natives

◆ Among women of other racial and ethnic populations,

American Indians or Alaska

Native women have the second lowest breast cancer

death rate—13.8 per

100,000 population.7

◆ Forty-nine percent of American Indian or Alaska Native

only women (age adjusted,

aged 40 years and over) report receiving a mammogram

within a 2-year period.8

◆ American Indian or Alaska

Native females have the lowest age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rates among

minority groups—a rate of

49.5 new cases per

100,000.9

◆ Breast cancer is the second

leading cause of cancer death

for American Indians or

Alaska Native women.10

◆ For all cancers combined and

various site-specific cancers,

the five-year cancer survival

rate for American Indian

women is significantly lower

than that for White

women.11

Age

35–44 years

45–54 years

55–64 years

65–74 years

75–84 years

85 years and over

AI/AN*

—

18.7

28.5

48.7

—

—

A/PI**

6.8

21.3

33.1

38.3

48.7

69.3

Hispanic

7.8

21.6

33.5

48.7

73.1

105.3

White

10.7

29.4

55.0

84.6

126.5

192.6

Black

22.0

49.8

76.6

101.1

145.0

209.1
Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 5 5
Mammogram Information

6 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a test that is done to look for any abnormalities,

or problems, with a woman’s breasts. The test uses a special x-ray

machine to take pictures of both breasts. The results are recorded on

film that your health care provider can examine.

Mammograms look for breast lumps and changes in breast tissue

that may develop into problems over time. They can find small lumps

or growths that a health care provider or woman can’t feel when doing

a physical breast exam.

Breast lumps or growths can be benign (not cancer) or malignant

(cancer). If a lump is found, a health care provider will order a biopsy,

a test where a small amount of tissue is taken from the lump and area

around the lump.

The tissue is sent to a lab to look for cancer or changes that may

mean cancer is likely to develop. Finding breast cancer early means

that a woman has a better chance of surviving the disease. There are

also more choices for treatment when breast cancer is found early.

Who should get a mammogram?

Women over 40 should get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.

Women who have had breast cancer or breast problems, or with a

family history of breast cancer may need to start having mammograms

at a younger age or more often.

Talk to your health care provider about how often you should

get a mammogram. Be aware that mammograms don’t take the place

of getting breast exams from a health care provider and examining

your own breasts.

If you find a lump or see changes in your breast, talk to your

health care provider right away no matter what your age. Your health

care provider may order a mammogram for you to get a better look at

your breast changes.

Where can someone get a safe mammogram?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for

regulating the quality of all mammograms.

 The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) helps ensure that mammography is safe and reliable and that consumers receive uniformly high-quality services from facilities throughout the

United States.

Be sure to get a mammogram from a facility certified by the FDA.

These places must meet high standards for their x-ray machines and

staff.

 Check out the FDA’s Web site on the Internet at http://

www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/certified.html for a list of FDAcertified mammography facilities. Some of these facilities also offer

digital mammograms.

Additional Information

 American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) to

find out about any low-cost or free mammography programs in

your area.

 Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which is

funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Call

888-842-6355 (select option 7).

 National Cancer Institute’s toll free number 800-422-6237 for

information on no-cost or low-cost mammograms.

 YWCA’s ENCOREplus Program for access to low-cost or free

mammograms. Call 1-800-95E-PLUS (1-800-953-7587) or your

local YWCA.

 Your health care provider, local medical clinic, or local or state health

department can tell you where to get no-cost or low-cost

mammograms.

Source: Mammography Today: Questions and Answers for Patients on Being Informed Consumers

http://www.fda.gov/CDRH/MAMMOGRAPHY/mmwebbro/mambrochure.html

The ABC’s of Mammography
Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 7 7

NonHispanic WhiteNonHispanic Black Hispanic

American Indian/

Alaskan Native

Asian/

Pacific Islander

Alabama 75.6 81.9 65.5 72.4 — 76.5

Alaska 71.6 — 72.8 74.5 69 71.9

Arizona 77.8 89.2 72 56.5 — 76.1

Arkansas 70.2 68.6 64.8 64.7 — 69.9

California 76.9 77 74.1 — 64.1 75

Colorado 73.7 — 64.4 76.8 72.2 72.2

Connecticut 83.2 77.8 84.8 90.8 — 83

Delaware 83.7 90 81.8 — 82.5 84.4

District of Columbia 79.6 83.2 — — — 81.1

Florida 75.4 78 75.1 65.4 84.5 76

Georgia 75.4 76.3 73.9 — 73.1 75.5

Hawaii 75.9 79 71.6 72.5 74.3 74.6

Idaho 63.7 65.3 73.9 — 53.3 64

Illinois 75.1 77.1 73.1 54.2 — 74.5

Indiana 72.6 75.3 81.1 — — 72.9

Iowa 75.2 94.1 79.8 — 78.8 75.3

Kansas 73.9 86.3 68.8 — 62.8 74.1

Kentucky 74.7 89.2 63 90.3 63.2 75.2

Louisiana 74.9 74.4 73.2 79.1 — 74.5

Maine 79.4 — — 62.4 79 79.2

Maryland 81.3 81.3 81.1 85.7 — 80.8

Massachusetts 82.6 84.6 86.4 — 60.6 82.7

Michigan 79 77.1 — 70.9 82.9 78.6

Minnesota 75.7 75.7 63.9 70.2 68 75.3

Mississippi 68.8 63.8 72.8 — — 67

Missouri 73.3 83 64.1 39.7 71.4 73.6

Montana 71.4 — 69.9 68.5 93.3 71.2

Nebraska 74.6 89.6 67.2 67.4 70.3 74.7

Nevada 72.4 78.7 71.2 — — 72

New Hampshire 80.2 79.5 81.1 — — 80.2

New Jersey 76.5 76.1 79 85.7 70.6 76.4

New Mexico 71.7 — 67.8 66 — 69.9

New York 79.1 81.6 80.2 70.1 — 79.2

North Carolina 79 79.9 76.7 80.4 — 78.8

North Dakota 75.1 74.2 85.7 — — 74.7

Ohio 75.3 80.8 78.3 91.6 83.3 75.9

Oklahoma 67.4 68.2 62.2 72.3 61.1 67.6

Oregon 73.2 75.4 72.8 — 73.3 72.7

Pennsylvania 76.4 77.2 78.7 87.6 86.2 76.5

Rhode Island 84.2 80 80.7 — 90.9 83.7

South Carolina 74.9 75.7 80.4 61.9 63.2 74.9

South Dakota 74.6 — 76.4 65.1 66.7 74.3

Tennessee 75.9 73.5 83 — 66.9 75.5

Texas 69.7 71.7 60.4 64.8 53.5 67

Utah 69.3 78.2 73.2 69.1 76.5 69.3

Vermont 76.2 62.8 — — 93.6 75.8

Virginia 74.6 76.3 73.7 — — 74.3

Washington 73.8 65.8 79.9 65.4 71.1 73.3

West Virginia 73.5 78.3 — 88.8 61.7 73.5

Wisconsin 77.7 81.7 84.8 — — 77.7

Wyoming 67.2 76 57.2 — 39.5 66.4

Puerto Rico 75.9 — 70.4 — — 70.3

State State Total

Note: — signifies unreliable data

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. Healthy Women: State Trends in Health and Mortality.

Mammogram Status among Women 40 Years and Older by State, Race and Hispanic Origin, and Age, 1997-2002

Go to http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/healthywomen.htm for more information.

Percent of Women 40 Years and Older Who Reported

Receiving a Mammogram in the Past Two Years (2000-2002).
Federal Agencies and Programs

8 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

John M. Eisenberg Building

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, MD 20850

301-427-1364

http://www.ahrq.gov

AHRQ is the lead agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, improve

patient safety, decrease medical errors and broaden access to essential

services.

AHRQ sponsors and conducts research that provides evidencebased information on health care outcomes, quality, cost, use and

access. The information helps health care decision makers—patients

and clinicians, health system leaders and policymakers—make more

informed decisions and improve the quality of health care services.

 Screening for Breast Cancer

http://www.ahcpr.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/breastcancer

AHRQ oversees the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF),

an independent panel of experts in primary care and prevention

that systematically review the evidence of effectiveness and develops recommendations for clinical preventive services.

The Task Force published breast cancer screening recommendations, in 1989 and 1996, that both endorsed mammography for

women over age 50. In 2002, the Task Force updated their previous policies and now recommends screening mammography, with

or without clinical breast examination, every one to two years for

women ages 40 and over.

There are several agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that have programs targeting all aspects

of breast cancer, including education, mammography, outreach, prevention, research and treatment. Below are descriptions of just

a few. For more information on current or upcoming federal breast cancer programs, contact the Office of Minority Health

Resource Center at 800-444-6472.

Web Site Offers Breast Cancer Information for

Older Women

NIHSeniorHealth.gov, the Web site for older adults developed

by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Library

of Medicine (NLM), makes aging-related health information easily

accessible for family members and friends seeking reliable, easy to

understand online health information.

For breast cancer information helpful to older women, go to

http://nihseniorhealth.gov/breastcancer/toc.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

1600 Clifton Road, N.E.

Atlanta, GA 30333

800-311-3435

404-639-3534

http://www.cdc.gov

CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the

health and safety of people at home and abroad, provides credible

information to enhance health decisions and promotes health through

strong partnerships. The CDC serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental

health, and health promotion and education activities designed to

improve the health of the people of the United States.

 Division of Cancer Prevention and Control

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention

 and Health Promotion

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

4770 Buford Highway, N.E.

Mailstop K-64

Atlanta, GA 30341-3717

888-842-6355

770-488-4751

770-488-4760 Fax

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer

The Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC) conducts, supports and promotes efforts to prevent cancer and to

increase early detection of cancer. DCPC works with its partners—

including states, tribes/tribal organizations, territorial health agencies, other federal agencies, voluntary and professional organizations, academia and businesses—to carry out the following activities: monitoring, conducting research and evaluation, building

capacity and partnerships, education and training and information services.

 Health Disparities: Minority Cancer Awareness

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/minorityawareness/index.htm

DCPC works to eliminate barriers to screening and early detection of cancer among minorities; implementing community-based education programs targeting minorities; tracking

cancer rates among minority populations; and conducting,

supporting, and encouraging research including and targeting

minority populations.
9

Federal Agencies and Programs

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 9

 National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection

Program (NBCCEDP)

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/index.htm

NBCCEDP builds the infrastructure for breast and cervical

cancer early detection by supporting public and provider education, quality assurance, surveillance and evaluation activities

critical to achieving maximum utilization of the screening,

diagnostic and case management services. The program provides:

 Free mammograms as well as breast and cervical cancer screening services to women who are low income and to racial/

ethnic minorities;

 Appropriate referrals, and when necessary, appropriate diagnostic follow-up, case management and assurances for

medical treatment;

 Public information and education to increase the use of

screening services;

 Education to health professionals to improve the screening

process;

 Mechanisms to monitor the quality of the screening process;

 Appropriate surveillance and epidemiological systems; and

 Linkages with key partnerships.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

7500 Security Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21244-1850

877-267-2323

http://www.cms.hhs.gov

CMS is the federal agency that runs Medicare, Medicaid and the

State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)—three national

health care programs that benefit over 80 million Americans.

 Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment (BCCPTA)

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/bccpt/default.asp?

This CMS Web site provides information on state Medicaid programs that provide medical services to eligible women diagnosed

with breast or cervical cancer. The site also provides Web links to

other federal sites that offer materials of interest to various audiences regarding the prevention and treatment of breast and cervical cancer.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville, MD 20857-0001

888-463-6332

http://www.fda.gov

FDA is the federal agency responsible for ensuring the safety of

the nation’s blood supply; cosmetics; drug manufacturing standards;

food labeling; safety of all food products (except meat and poultry);

tracking reports of device malfunctioning and serious adverse reactions; radiation safety performance standards for microwave ovens,

television receivers, diagnostic x-ray equipment, cabinet x-ray systems

(such as baggage x-rays at airports); and accrediting and inspecting

mammography facilities.

 Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

http://www.fda.gov/cder

While the evaluation of new drugs is the best known responsibility

of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER),

the center also promotes the public health by regulating the manufacture, labeling and advertising of drug products. CDER provides information on newly approved prescription drugs, clinical

trials, as well as fact sheets on Tamoxifen, Faslodex and other breast

cancer related drugs.

 CDER’s Approved Oncology Drugs

http://www.fda.gov/cder/cancer/approved.htm

This site contains information about approved cancer therapies,

product labels, approval summaries, what drugs are approved for

what diseases and considerations for making decisions about therapies. The site also includes advice on how to obtain access to

unapproved drugs via clinical trials. A Web link to FDA Oncology

Tools—http://www.fda.gov/cder/cancer/index.htm— is also available for searching different diseases, drugs, clinical trials and more.

 FDA Mammography Program

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/index.html

The FDA’s Mammography Program within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health is designed to inform mammography facility personnel, inspectors and other interested individuals

about the implementation of the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA). MQSA ensures that all women have

access to safe and reliable mammography and that consumers receive uniformly high-quality services from facilities throughout

the United States. Provides consumer information on where to

find an FDA-accredited mammography facility as well as what the

consumer needs to know about mammograms and breast health.
Federal Agencies and Programs

10 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

 The Office of Special Health Issues (OSHI)

Cancer Liaison Program

http://www.fda.gov/oashi/cancer/cancer.html

The staff in this office work closely with cancer patients and cancer

patient advocacy programs, listening to their concerns and educating them about the FDA drug approval process, cancer clinical

trials and access to investigational therapies. OSHI also runs the

Cancer Drug Development Patient Consultant Program which

incorporates the perspective of cancer patient advocates into the

drug development process allowing them an opportunity to participate in the FDA drug review regulatory process. Cancer-related publications, new releases and clinical trials are also offered.

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

5600 Fishers Lane, Room 14-45

Rockville, MD 20857

301-443-3376

888-ASK-HRSA

http://www.hrsa.gov

HRSA’s mission is to improve and expand access to quality health

care for all. HRSA’s key program areas include HIV/AIDS services, the

Ryan White CARE Act, primary health care, maternal and child health,

health professions, special programs and rural health policy.

 Community Health Center (CHC) Program

http://bphc.hrsa.gov/chc/chcmain.asp

This program, run through HRSA’s Bureau of Primary Health

Care, provides primary and preventive care, including

mammography and clinical breast exams, in underserved areas of

the country. A large number of users are underserved women. 

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

9000 Rockville Pike

Bethesda, MD 20892

301-496-4000

http://www.nih.gov

Comprised of 27 separate components, mainly Institutes and

Centers, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are one of the world’s

foremost biomedical research centers, and the federal focal point for

biomedical research in the United States.

NIH conducts research in its own laboratories; supports the research of non-federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad;

helps in the training of research investigators; and fosters communication of medical information.

 National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Building 31, Room 10A03

31 Center Drive, MSC 2580

Bethesda, MD 20892-2580

800-4-CANCER

http://cancer.gov

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the nation’s primary agency

for conducting and coordinating federally-sponsored research on

the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. NCI has established a cancer control effort that emphasizes smoking prevention

and cessation, dietary modification to prevent cancer, early detection of cancer through effective screening and widespread application of the latest achievements in treatment research. Several of the

services NCI offers include:

 Cancer.gov

NCI Public Inquiries Office

Suite 3036A

6116 Executive Blvd., MSC8322

Bethesda, MD 20892-8322

800-4-CANCER

http://cancer.gov

The Cancer.gov Web site is a free gateway to reliable information about cancer for patients, health professionals, and people

at risk for cancer. The site offers prepackaged pages on specific

types of cancer with information on prevention, detection,

treatment, statistics, coping and clinical trials. Cancer.gov also

provides fact sheets, clinical trial information, the Cancer Genetics Services Directory of professionals who provide cancer genetics risk assessment, counseling and related services, as well as

an expanded list of links to other, non-NCI cancer Web sites.
11

Federal Agencies and Programs

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 11

 Cancer Information Service

Building 31, Room 10A-16

9000 Rockville Pike

Bethesda, MD 20892

800-4-CANCER

http://cis.nci.nih.gov

The Cancer Information Service (CIS), a national information

and education network, is the source for the latest, most accurate cancer information for patients, their families, the general

public and health professionals. Consumer materials, in both

Spanish and English, are available on the causes of cancer,

cancer prevention, the immune system and research progress

on various types of cancer. Patient education materials are available on the many different types of cancer, cancer treatment

and cancer diagnosis. The CIS also responds to calls in English

and Spanish.

 Cancer Information Service of Hawaii

UH Cancer Research Center of Hawaii

1236 Lauhala St.

Honolulu, HI 96813

808-586-5853

808-586-3009 Fax

http://cancer.gov

The Cancer Information Service of Hawaii (CIS), located at the

University of Hawaii Cancer Research Center, serves the people

of Hawaii and U.S. Territories in the Pacific. The CIS Hawaii

office works with national, regional and state agencies and

organizations in building their capacity to deliver cancer control messages to Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Island populations, and can provide information on Hawaii-specific cancer data and statistics, cancer prevention and detection, current

treatments and new research studies

 Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities

National Cancer Institute

6116 Executive Blvd.

Suite 602, MSC 8341

Rockville, MD 20852

301-496-8589

301-435-9225 Fax

http://crchd.nci.nih.gov

The Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (NRCHD)

is responsible for directing and coordinating an NCI-wide

plan to address disparity issues. The center directs the implementation of and supports initiatives that advance understanding of the causes of health disparities and develops and integrates effective interventions to reduce or eliminate these disparities. In an effort to reduce cancer health disparities,

NRCHD aims to close the gap between research discovery and

delivery of care to cancer patients; unite, lead, coordinate and

foster innovation in research-based efforts to reduce health

disparities; and identify and remove barriers that limit or prevent access to cancer care. Funds are used to further research

into causes of cancer health disparities; define and monitor

disparities; develop and implement new policy, community

and clinical interventions, and evaluate their impact; and expand minority participation, both as investigators and as patients, in health disparities research and clinical trials.

 Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences

National Cancer Institute

6130 Executive Blvd.

Executive Plaza North

Rockville, MD 20852

301-594-6776

301-594-6787 Fax

http://cancercontrol.cancer.gov

The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences

(DCCPS) aims to reduce risk, incidence, and deaths from cancer as well as enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors.

The division conducts and supports an integrated program of

the highest quality genetic, epidemiologic, behavioral, social,

applied, and surveillance cancer research. DCCPS-funded research aims to understand the causes and distribution of cancer in populations, support the development and implementation of effective interventions, and monitor and explain cancer trends in all segments of the population. DCCPS also offers surveillance reports, monographs and other resources on

cancer, trends in health, research findings and more.
Federal Agencies and Programs

12 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

 statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov

http://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov

The State Cancer Profiles Web site targets health planners,

policy makers, and cancer information providers who need

quick and easy access to descriptive cancer statistics in order to

prioritize investments in cancer control. Epidemiologists may

find this site useful for exploring cancer statistics to identify

research opportunities. The “Links” section provides alternative resources for cancer and health statistics. In particular,

“Finding Cancer Statistics” provides an introduction to cancer

statistics and a guide to resources (http://surveillance.cancer.gov/

statistics).

 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

P. O. Box 12233

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

919-541-3345

http://www.niehs.nih.gov

The mission of the National Institute of Environmental Health

Sciences (NIEHS) is to reduce the burden of human illness and

dysfunction from environmental causes through multidisciplinary

biomedical research programs, prevention and intervention efforts,

and communication strategies that encompass training, education,

technology transfer and community outreach.

 Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers

http://www.bcerc.org

The Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers

(BCERC) study the impact of prenatal-to-adult environmental exposures that may predispose a woman to breast cancer.

Functioning as a consortium of basic scientists, epidemiologists, research translational units and community advocates

within and across centers, BCERC investigates environmental

agents that may influence breast cancer development in adulthood. The overall goals of the BCERC are to develop public

health messages designed to educate young girls and women

who are at high risk of breast cancer about the role(s) of specific

environmental stressors in breast cancer and how to reduce

exposures to those stressors. These public health messages will

be based on the integration of the basic biological, toxicological and epidemiologic data.

 National Library of Medicine

8600 Rockville Pike

Bethesda, MD 20894

888-FIND-NLM

http://www.nlm.nih.gov

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is the world’s largest

biomedical library that explores the uses of computer and communication technologies to improve the organization and use of biomedical information. NLM also supports a national network of

local and regional medical libraries and educates users about available sources of information so they can conduct their own research

on medical topics.

 MEDLINEplus

http://medlineplus.gov

MEDLINEplus has extensive information from the National

Institutes of Health and other trusted sources on over 600

diseases and conditions. There are also lists of hospitals and

physicians, a medical encyclopedia and a medical dictionary,

health information in Spanish, extensive information on prescription and nonprescription drugs, health information from

the media and links to thousands of clinical trials.

Cancer in Women of Color Monograph

This monograph—a collaboration between the National

Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Cancer Institute (NCI)

and the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH)—

serves as a comprehensive source of data on cancer in nine

populations of women of color: African Americans, Mexican

Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, Asian Americans,

Native Hawaiians, American Samoans, American Indians and

Alaska Natives.

To download the report or for ordering information, go to

http://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/womenofcolor/index.html.
13

Federal Agencies and Programs

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 13

MEDLINEplus Cancer Links

Alternative Therapy

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/canceralternativetherapy.html

Breast Cancer

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/breastcancer.html

Cancer

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cancer.html

Cancer Chemotherapy

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cancerchemotherapy.html

Living with Cancer

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cancerlivingwithcancer.html

Mammography

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mammography.html

MEDLINEplus Minority Health Links

African American Health

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/africanamericanhealth.html

Asian and Pacific Islander Health

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/asianamericanhealth.html

American Indian and Alaska Native Health

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/nativeamericanhealth.html

Hispanic Health

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hispanicamericanhealth.html

Office on Women’s Health (OWH)

200 Independence Ave., S.W.

Room 712E

Washington, DC 20201

202-690-7650

http://www.4woman.gov/owh

The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) in the Department of

Health and Human Services (HHS) is the government’s champion

and focal point for women’s health issues, and works to address inequities in research, health care services and education that have historically placed the health of women at risk.

OWH coordinates women’s health efforts in HHS to eliminate

disparities in health status and supports culturally sensitive educational programs that encourage women to take personal responsibility

for their own health and wellness.

 National Centers of Excellence in Women’s Health

200 Independence Ave., S.W.

Room 712E

Washington, DC 20201

202-690-7650

http://www.4woman.gov/COE

The National Centers of Excellence in Women's Health (CoEs)

serve as demonstration models for the nation to provide innovative, comprehensive, multidisciplinary and integrated health care

systems for women. The CoEs provide for the specials needs of

women, including the underserved and minorities, by uniting

women’s health research, medical training, clinical care, public health

education, community outreach and the promotion of women in

academic medicine around a common mission—improve the health

status of diverse women across the life span.

 The Virtual Resource Center

http://www.4woman.gov/COE/programs/index.cfm

This online site contains descriptions of programs, activities,

seminars, and community collaborations developed by the

CoEs and Community Centers of Excellence, that includes a

wide variety of breast cancer-related programs.

 National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC)

8550 Arlington Blvd., Suite 300

Fairfax, VA 22031

800-994-WOMAN

703-560-6598 Fax

http://www.4woman.gov

The National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC)

provides health information to help advance women’s health research, services, and public and health professional education.

Provides information on breast cancer in minority women, breast

self-examination, mammography, as well as other health topics

and Spanish-language materials.
National Organizations/Programs

14 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

African American Breast Cancer Alliance

P. O. Box 8981

Minneapolis, MN 55408

612-825-3675 or 612-925-2772

http://www.geocities.com/aabcainc

The African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) was founded

by African American women who have experienced breast cancer.

AABCA is a member-supported advocacy group for women with

breast cancer, their families and the African American community.

AABCA has formed coalitions with a variety of groups working toward increasing the survival rates of women affected by breast cancer.

AABCA’s efforts extend beyond Minnesota to include regional and

national networks. Some activities include coalition building, co-sponsorship of a major local cultural health fair, and participation in numerous community events and focus groups.

American Cancer Society

1599 Clifton Road, N.E.

Atlanta, GA 30329

800-227-2345

http://www.cancer.org

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nationwide communitybased voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer

as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and

diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

ACS’ prevention programs focus on tobacco control, sun protection,

diet and nutrition, comprehensive school health education, early detection and treatment. A variety of service and rehabilitation programs

are available to patients and their families. Through its advocacy program, ACS educates policymakers about cancer and how it affects the

individuals and families they represent. ACS has developed prevention, detection and service-related education materials including pamphlets, posters, handbooks and audiovisuals that are ethnically sensitive. In addition, Spanish-language and Asian-language materials have

been prepared on topics such as smoking, prostate cancer, breast selfexamination, breast cancer and skin cancer.

American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

444 East Algonquin Road

Arlington Heights, IL 60005

888-475-2784

http://www.plasticsurgery.org

The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPS)

is composed of board-certified plastic surgeons who perform cosmetic

and reconstructive surgery. Their goal is to advance quality care to

plastic surgery patients through training, ethics, physician practice

and research in plastic surgery. ASPS publishes brochures and provides public education about plastic surgery on the Web site. The site

also offers information about breast cancer, breast reconstruction and

a list of links to other online breast cancer support organizations.

Asian American Pacific Islander Cancer Survivors

Capacity Building Project

c/o Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum

450 Sutter St., Suite 600

San Francisco, CA 94108

415-954-9988

415-954-9999 Fax

http://www.apiahf.org/programs/ncsn/index.htm

The AAPI Cancer Survivors Capacity Building Project serves the AAPI

cancer survivor population through the facilitation of a network of

cancer support groups and coordination of resources. The project

coordinates communications between existing AAPI cancer support

groups and AAPI cancer programs, hosts strategy exchanges, shares

best practices, facilitates support group forums and advocates for research within the AAPI cancer survivor community.

In addition, the project collaborates with local, state and national

organizations to reach and involve those working with AAPI communities. The project provides capacity building assistance to organizations interested in developing and strengthening support services for

AAPI cancer survivors.

Below are descriptions of just a few of the many national organizations in the United States that provide breast cancer-related information—education, mammograms, outreach, prevention, research and treatment. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by the Office of

Minority Health Resource Center, the Office of Minority Health, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more

information on national programs near you, contact the Office of Minority Health Resource Center at 800-444-6472.
National Organizations/Programs

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 15

Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness,

Research and Training

University of California, Davis

Cancer Center/EPM

4501 X St., Suite 3011

Sacramento, CA 95817

916-734-5105

http://www.aancart.org

The Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and

Training (AANCART) is a cooperative agreement between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the University of California, Davis.

It is a national cancer awareness research and training infrastructure

intended to address Asian American concerns. AANCART seeks to

build partnerships to increase cancer awareness, to promote greater

accrual of Asian Americans in clinical studies, to increase training opportunities for Asian Americans and to develop pilot programs in four

targeted regions: Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Seattle.

Avon Breast Cancer Crusade

Avon Foundation

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

212-282-5000

http://www.avoncompany.com/women/avoncrusade/index.html

The Avon Foundation supports programs for breast cancer and other

vital women’s health issues in 50 countries around the world. The

Foundation’s Avon Breast Cancer Crusade is to benefit all women

through research, clinical care, support services, education and early

detection, but there is special emphasis on reaching medically

underserved women, including low-income, elderly and minority

women, and women without adequate health insurance.

Black Women’s Health Imperative

600 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.

Suite 310

Washington, DC 20003

202-543-4000

202-543-9743 Fax

http://www.blackwomenshealth.org

The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) is a health education,

research, advocacy and leadership development institution that promotes optimum health for African American women across the life

span—physically, mentally and spiritually. BWHI seeks to develop

and communicate highly effective and beneficial health information,

products and programs to African American women.

Cancer and Careers.org

c/o Cosmetic Executive Women, Inc.

21 East 40th St.

Suite 1700

New York, NY 10016

212-685-5955

http://www.cancerandcareers.org

Cancer and Careers is a web-based resource for working women with

cancer, their employers, coworkers and caregivers offering articles, news,

charts, checklists, tips and a community of experts, patients and

survivors. The site is sponsored by Cosmetic Executive Women, Inc.,

a non-profit trade organization of approximately 2,500 executives in

the beauty, cosmetics, fragrance and related industries.

CancerCare

275 Seventh Ave.

New York, NY 10001

800-813-HOPE

212-712-8080

http://www.cancercare.org

CancerCare is a national non-profit agency offering help to cancer

patients and their loved ones. The agency assists with the emotional,

social, and financial burdens of cancer through a toll-free counseling

line, teleconference programs, office-based services, health materials

and the Internet. All services are provided free of charge and are available

to people of all ages, with all types of cancer, at any stage of the disease.
National Organizations/Programs

16 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation

1600 Duke St., Suite 500

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-836-4412

703-836-4413 Fax

http://www.preventcancer.org

The Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation is a national, nonprofit health foundation whose mission is the prevention and early

detection of cancer through scientific research and education. The

foundation focuses its energies and resources on those cancers—including lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, cervical, skin, oral and testicular—that can be prevented through lifestyle changes or detection

and treatment in their early stages.

The Celebrating Life Foundation

P. O. Box 224076

Dallas, TX 75222-4076

800-207-0992

http://www.celebratinglife.org/home

The Celebrating Life Foundation promotes breast cancer awareness

specifically targeting African American women and women of color.

The primary purpose is the promotion of charitable endeavors that

encourage the advancement of knowledge and awareness of breast

cancer risk and prevention in the African American community and

for women of color.

Circle of Life

For more information, contact your local American Cancer Society or

the national office at 800-ACS-2345.

http://www.cancer.org

The Circle of Life program trains women in Native American and

Alaska Native areas to contact friends about the importance of having

regular mammograms. The program guidelines were developed to

respect the values of native communities, and in particular, to gain the

support of tribal leaders for every phase. The name of the educational

program denotes the belief that “all women should be able to complete the full circle of their lives.” The program includes a training kit

with guides, information and a video.

ENCOREplus® Breast and Cervical Cancer Program of the YWCA

Contact EncorePlus at 800-95E-PLUS or contact your local YWCA

for programs and resources in your area.

http://www.ywca.org

The ENCOREplus®Breast and Cervical Cancer Program of the

YWCA is a community-based program designed for women in need

of early detection education and breast and cervical cancer screening

and support services. It also provides women under treatment and

recovering from breast cancer with a unique, combined peer group

support and exercise program. The ENCOREplus® program is designed to eliminate inequalities in health care experienced by many

women by removing barriers to access and promoting effective community-based outreach, education, referral to clinical services and support systems. The program includes community outreach and breast

health education; referral to low or no-cost breast and cervical screening; resources; information and advocacy; peer group support; and

exercise for women under treatment and recovering from breast cancer.

Intercultural Cancer Council

6655 Travis

Suite 322

Houston, TX 77030-1312

713-798-4617

713-798-6222

http://iccnetwork.org

The Intercultural Cancer Council (ICC) promotes policies, programs,

partnerships and research to eliminate the unequal burden of cancer

among racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations in the United States and its associated territories.

American Breast Cancer Fund

http://www.abcf.org/

National Breast Cancer Foundation

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org

National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization

http://www.nhpco.org

OncoLink

http://www.oncolink.org/types

SusanLoveMD

http://www.susanlovemd.com

Young Survival Coalition

www.youngsurvival.org

Additional National Organizations Additional National Organizations
National Organizations/Programs

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 17

Look Good...Feel Better

c/o CTFA Foundation

1101 17th St., N.W.

Washington, DC 20036

800-395-LOOK

202-331-1770

http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org

Look Good...Feel Better (LGFB) is a free, non-medical, brand-neutral, national public service program founded in 1989 and supported

by corporate donors to help women offset appearance-related changes

from cancer treatment. There are now three versions:

Look Good...Feel Better

Group programs and other services for women in English in all 50

states and the District of Columbia. (International LGFB programs

are also offered by its sister organizations).

Luzca Bien...Siéntase Mejor

Bilingual group programs (English and Spanish) for Hispanic women

in 14 locations: Albuquerque, N.M.; Brownsville, Texas; Chicago;

Dallas; Denver; Houston; Los Angeles; Miami; New York City; Phoenix; San Antonio; San Diego; San Francisco and Washington, DC.

Spanish-language materials are available nationwide upon request.

Look Good...Feel Better for Teens

Group programs for teen girls and guys in 13 cities—Boston; Columbus, Ohio; Denver; Durham, N.C.; Houston; Memphis; New Haven; New York City; Palo Alto, Calif.; Philadelphia; Rochester, Minn.;

Tampa and Washington, DC—plus the 2bMe Web site with online

demos and more.

The Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer

1707 L St., N.W.

Suite 230

Washington, DC 20036

202-332-5536

202-332-0662 Fax

http://www.mautnerproject.org

The Mautner Project coordinates individualized peer and family assistance programs that provide emotional and practical support; operates support groups, a resource center and outreach and education

programs for lesbians and health care providers; provides referrals to

lesbian-friendly health care professionals and other services; and advocates for breast cancer issues that affect lesbians and non-lesbians alike.

The Spirit Health Education Circle (SHE-Circle) Program—targeting African American lesbian women—provides comprehensive cancer education that addresses all aspects of prevention, including behavioral risk factors and screening in a setting that encourages cancer

prevention as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The Mayors’ Campaign Against Breast Cancer

U.S. Conference of Mayors

1620 Eye St., N.W.

3rd Floor

Washington, DC 20006

202-293-7330

202-293-2352 Fax

http://www.usmayors.org/cancer

The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) addresses the public

health problem of breast cancer through the Mayors' Campaign Against

Breast Cancer, and focuses on raising awareness and encouraging

women to take advantage of mammography. The Campaign emphasizes outreach to women who are at greatest risk—those who are over

fifty, low-income, uninsured or underinsured and members of racial/

ethnic minorities. Mayors exchange information and take advantage

of each other’s experience in promoting breast cancer awareness. Each

October these Mayors join their colleagues across the country to observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an event that USCM

has promoted for more than a decade.

Men Against Breast Cancer

P. O. Box 150

Adamstown, MD 21710-0150

866-547-MABC

301-874-8657 Fax

http://www.menagainstbreastcancer.org

Men Against Breast Cancer (MABC) is a national non-profit organization established to target and mobilize men in the fight against

breast cancer. MABC recognizes that breast cancer affects the entire

family and emphasizes the important role of the husband or partner

in caring for the breast cancer patient. MABC works with breast

cancer patients and their husbands and partners, and with doctors

and other medical staff to educate them on the role they play in the

woman’s treatment and recovery. The Partners in Survival Program

teaches skills to male partners of cancer survivors that will improve

their ability to care for and support their partners. This program

targets African American, American Indian and Hispanic women and

their partners.
National Organizations/Programs

18 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

National Asian Women’s Health Organization (NAWHO)

 One Embarcadero Center

Suite 500

San Francisco, CA 94111

415-773-2838

415-773-2872 Fax

http://www.nawho.org

The National Asian Women’s Health Organization (NAWHO) is a

non-profit, community-based health advocacy organization committed to improving the health status of Asian women and girls.

Communicating Across Boundaries: the Asian American Women's Breast

and Cervical Cancer Program seeks to eliminate the threat of these

diseases in Asian American communities nationwide by increasing

provider awareness of and responsiveness to the health needs of Asian

American women. The program's centerpiece is a training for health

care professionals entitled “Communicating Across Boundaries: A Cultural Competency Training on Breast and Cervical Cancers in Asian

American Women.” It is designed to build provider knowledge and

skills to better serve Asian American women for early detection screening. It creates an indispensable forum for providers to understand the

unique health barriers that exist for Asian American women, and

teaches proven strategies for overcoming such challenges.

NAWHO has established a national toll-free information and referral

number to provide Asian American women with breast and cervical

cancer information in English and four Asian languages: Laotian,

Korean, Vietnamese and Cantonese.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

P. O. Box 15437

Wilmington, DE 19850-5437

877-88-NBCAM

http://www.nbcam.org

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) campaign

celebrates more than 18 years of educating women about breast cancer, especially the importance of detecting the disease in its earliest

stages through screening mammography, clinical breast examination,

and for women 20 years of age and older, breast self-examination.

NBCAM’s Web site, a year round resource for information about

breast cancer, offers a number of educational documents, pamphlets,

posters and other breast-cancer related materials.

NBCAM is comprised of more than 15 national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies

working in partnership to raise awareness and provide access to screening services.

National Breast Cancer Coalition

1101 17th St., N.W.

Suite 1300

Washington, DC 20036

800-622-2838

202-265-6854 Fax

http://www.stopbreastcancer.org

The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) is a breast cancer

advocacy group, with more than 600 member organizations and

70,000 individual members and supporters. Committed to ending

breast cancer, NBCC and its sister organization, the National Breast

Cancer Coalition Fund, work to educate and train individuals to be

effective activists and to influence the public policies that affect breast

cancer research and treatment. NBCC has initiatives in the international realm, clinical trials, the environment, research and quality care.

Other programs include the Aspen Project (annual breast cancer thinktank meetings at the Aspen Institute in Aspen, Colo.), and Project

LEAD® (a science training course designed to help breast cancer

activists influence research and public policy processes).

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)

1010 Wayne Ave.

Suite 770

Silver Spring, MD 20910

877-NCCS-YES

301-650-9127

http://www.canceradvocacy.org

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) identifies and

addresses issues that affect the quality of life for cancer survivors. It

offers information, advocacy, conferences, publications, a speakers’

bureau and technical assistance for individuals who want to start selfhelp groups. NCCS serves as a clearinghouse for credible information

about survivorship, empowers cancer survivors through its publications and programs, convenes other national cancer-related organizations and advocates for policy issues that affect survivors’ quality of life.

National Indian Women's Health Resource Center

 228 S. Muskogee Ave.

Tahlequah, OK 74464

918-456-6094

918-456-8128 Fax

http://www.niwhrc.org

National Indian Women's Health Resource Center (NIWHRC) is a

national Indian women's health network that promotes advocacy,

education, policy, development, appropriate research and encouragement of healthy lifestyle behaviors within cultural class. NIWHRC

provides technical assistance to the CDC-funded National Breast and

Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program tribal programs and to the

state health agencies with a significant Indian population in their

state. The outcome is to increase the number of American Indian/

Alaska Native women being screened for breast and cervical cancer.
National Organizations/Programs

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 19

National Women’s Health Network

514 10th St., N.W.

Suite 400

Washington, DC 20004

202-628-7814

202-347-1168 Fax

http://www.womenshealthnetwork.org

The National Women’s Health Network advocates for national policies that protect and promote all women’s health and to provide evidence-based, independent information to assist women in making

fully informed health decisions. The network’s advocacy covers a

wide spectrum of topics in women’s health, including breast cancer,

reproductive health, access to quality health care services, menopause,

safety of drugs and devices for women and many other issues.

Native American Cancer Research

3022 South Nova Road

Pine, CO 80470-7830

303-838-9359

303-838-7629 Fax

http://natamcancer.org

Native American Cancer Research (NACR) is a Native-owned and

operated non-profit whose goal is to reduce Native American cancer

incidence and mortality, and to increase survival from cancer among

Native Americans. To accomplish this goal, NACR implements cancer

primary prevention, secondary prevention, risk reduction, screening

(early detection), education, training, research, diagnoses, control, treatment, support, quality of life and/or studies of cancer among Native

Americans. NACR projects and studies are primarily supported by

federal agencies and national organizations.

Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center

Native American Community Board

P. O. Box 572

Lake Andes, SD 57356

605-487-7072

605-487-7964 Fax

http://www.nativeshop.org/nawherc.html

The Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center

offers health education information and activities. The Resource Center provides a facility in which women can organize around issues of

concern and social change. Education and information on the following subjects are provided: fetal alcohol syndrome; family planning;

AIDS awareness; sexually transmitted diseases; nutrition; child development; domestic violence and self help. The resource center publishes brochures and posters on AIDS and breast cancer.

Native C.I.R.C.L.E

Charlton 6, Room 282

200 First St., S.W.

Rochester, MN 55905

877-372-1617

507-538-0504 Fax

http://mayoresearch.mayo.edu/mayo/research/cancercenter/native.cfm

The American Indian/Alaska Native Cancer Information Resource

Center and Learning Exchange (Native C.I.R.C.L.E.) exists to stimulate, develop, maintain and disseminate culturally appropriate cancer

information materials to health care professionals and lay people involved in the education, care and treatment of American Indians and

Alaska Natives.

People Living With Cancer

American Society of Clinical Oncology

1900 Duke St.

Suite 200

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-797-1914

703-299-1044 Fax

http://www.plwc.org

People Living With Cancer, the patient information Web site of the

American Society of Clinical Oncology, provides oncologist-approved

information on more than 50 types of cancer and their treatments,

clinical trials, coping, and side effects. Additional resources include a

Find an Oncologist database, live chats, message boards, a drug database and links to patient support organizations. Information in Spanish is also available. The site is designed to help people with cancer

make informed health care decisions.

Reach to Recovery Program

Contact your local American Cancer Society (ACS) or contact the

national ACS for information at 800-227-2345.

http://www.cancer.org.

The Reach to Recovery Program is a volunteer visitation program.

Volunteers are trained to give support and up-to-date information,

including literature for spouses, children, friends, and other loved

ones. Volunteers can also, when appropriate, provide breast cancer

patients with a temporary breast form and information on types of

permanent prostheses, as well as lists of where those items are available

within a patient’s community.

Looking for information? Looking for information?

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • 800-444-6472 • www.omhrc.gov
National Organizations/Programs

20 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

Redes En Acción

Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Research Center

Baylor College of Medicine

8207 Callaghan Road

Suite 110

San Antonio, TX 78230

210-348-0255

210-348-0554 Fax

http://redesenaccion.org

Redes En Acción: The National Hispanic/Latino Cancer Network is a

National Cancer Institute-funded initiative to combat cancer among

Latinos. A multifaceted approach to cancer prevention and control,

Redes En Acción is building a nationwide network of communitybased organizations, research institutions, government health agencies and the public. Core activities include promoting training and

research opportunities for Latino students and researchers, generating

research projects on key Latino cancer issues, and supporting cancer

awareness activities within the Latino community.

Regional Network Center (RNC) staff around the country have raised

awareness of the program and its objectives, particularly in the area of

Latino cancer education, at more than 350 regional and local community events. These events included health fairs, children’s anti-smoking campaigns, breast cancer awareness efforts, and participation at

neighborhood health centers and school events. In addition, RNC

staff have given informal talks and presentations, typically in smallgroup sessions with children, parents and other interested audiences.

Salud En Acción:

National Hispanic/Latino Health Communication Research

Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Research Center

Baylor College of Medicine

8207 Callaghan Road

Suite 110

San Antonio, TX 78230

210-348-0255

210-348-0554 Fax

http://saludenaccion.org

Salud En Acción: National Health Communication Research has extensive expertise in the fields of public health promotion, health research, health communication and community networking with regard to working with the Hispanic/Latino community. Through coalition building, collaborative partnerships with national, regional and

local research organizations, as well as its national network connections.

Salud En Acción addresses the health disparities and issues of concern

for the Hispanic/Latino population. Areas of focus include breast

cancer projects, community-based multi-risk-factor cancer control studies, genetics education, clinical trials recruitment and tobacco prevention and control.

Sisters Network

8787 Woodway Drive

Suite 4206

Houston, TX 77063

713-781-0255

713-780-8998 Fax

http://www.sistersnetworkinc.org

Sisters Network is a national African American breast cancer survivors

support group. The organization was established in 1994 by several

African American breast cancer survivors. The Network provides emotional and psychological support, resources for medical research, community cancer education and awareness programs, a speakers bureau

and a national newsletter.

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Occidental Tower

5005 LBJ Freeway

Suite 370

Dallas, TX 75244

800-462-9273

http://www.komen.org

The Susan G. Komen Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy

Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, who died from breast

cancer. The Foundation has become a national organization with a

network of volunteers working throughout 32 states and the District

of Columbia, fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening

disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.

The foundation distributes Hispanic breast health videos and fact

sheets on Hispanic Women and Breast Cancer and African American

Women and Breast Cancer.

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization

212 West Van Buren, 5th Floor

Chicago, IL 60607-3908

800-221-2141 National Hotline

800-986-9505 Latino Breast Cancer Hotline

312-986-8228 Chicago Area Hotline 24 hours

http://www.y-me.org

Founded in 1978, Y-ME is a non-profit consumer-oriented organization that provides information, referrals, and emotional support to

individuals concerned about or diagnosed with breast cancer. Its national toll-free hotline is operated by trained staff and volunteers who

have experienced breast cancer. Y-ME promotes breast cancer awareness through educational workshops and its bimonthly, award-winning newsletter, Y-ME HOTLINE. A wig and prosthesis bank is

available for those in need. A twelve-minute video describing the YME program is also available.
State Programs

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 21

Alabama

877-252-3324

Alaska

800-478-2221

American Samoa

011-684-633-2135

Arizona

888-257-8502

Arkansas

877-670-2273

California

800-511-2300

Colorado

866-692-2600

Connecticut

860-509-7804

Delaware

888-459-2943

District of Columbia

888-833-9474

Florida

800-451-2229

Georgia

404-657-6611

Guam

850-245-4455

Hawaii

808-692-7481

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program builds the infrastructure for breast and cervical cancer early detection

by supporting public and provider education, quality assurance, surveillance and evaluation activities critical to achieving maximum

utilization of the screening, diagnostic and case management services.

To find out where free or low-cost mammograms and Pap smear tests are available, contact your state/local breast and cervical cancer program

by using the information below or calling toll-free 1-888-842-6355, select option 7.

For more information on the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, go to http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/

index.htm. For additional contact numbers, go to http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp.

Idaho

800-926-2588

Illinois

888-522-1282

Indiana

800-433-0746

Iowa

800-369-2229

Kansas

877-277-1368

Kentucky

502-564-2154

Louisiana

888-599-1073

Maine

800-350-5180

Maryland

800-477-9774

Massachusetts

877-414-4447

Michigan

800-922-MAMM

Minnesota

888-643-2584

Mississippi

800-721-7222

Missouri

573-522-2845

Montana

888-803-9343

Nebraska

800-532-2227

Nevada

888-463-8942

New Hampshire

800-852-3345, ext. 4931

New Jersey

800-328-3838

New Mexico

877-852-2585

New York

800-227-5753

North Carolina

919-715-0111

North Dakota

800-449-6636

Northern Mariana Islands

011-670-234-1184

Ohio

614-466-2144

Oklahoma

888-550-5585

Oregon

503-731-4273

Pennsylvania

800-215-7494
State Programs

22 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

Arctic Slope Native Association Limited

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

800-478-6606, Ext. 270

Cherokee Nation

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

918-458-4491

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

605-964-8917

Hopi Tribe

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

928-734-3283

Kaw Nation of Oklahoma

Kaw Women's Health Program

580-362-1039

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

601-389-6326

Native American Rehabilitation Association of

the Northwest, Inc.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

503-236–9875

Puerto Rico

787-274-3300

Republic of Palau

011-680-488-4612

Rhode Island

401-222-4324

South Carolina

800-227-2345

South Dakota

800-738-2301

Tennessee

877-969-6636

Texas

800-452-1955

Utah

800-717-1811

Vermont

800-508-2222

Virginia

866-EWL-4YOU

Washington

888-438-2247

West Virginia

800-642-8522

Wisconsin

608-261-8311

Wyoming

800-264-1296

Navajo Nation

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

928-871-6923

Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

334-368-8630

South East Alaska Regional Health Consortium

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

907-966-8710

South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

360-426-3990

Southcentral Foundation

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

907-729-2194

Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Consortium

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

907-543-6300

One initiative of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)

is to directly fund American Indian/Alaska Native organizations that can establish comprehensive screening programs to improve outreach to American Indian/Alaska Native women.

For more information on the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, go to

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/index.htm. For additional contact numbers, go to http://

apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp.

To find out where NBCCEDP offers free or low-cost mammograms and Pap smear tests for American Indian/Alaska Native women, contact the tribal organizations below.

Established in 1991, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection

Program is currently implemented in all 50 states, 4 U.S. territories, the District of Columbia, and 13 American Indian/Alaska Native organizations. To

date, it has:

 Screened 1.9 million women;

 Provided 4.6 million screening examinations; and

 Diagnosed approximately 17,009 breast cancers, 61,474 precancerous

cervical lesions and 1,157 cervical cancers.

Did you know?
23

Community Programs

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 23

Asian American Cancer Support Network

P. O. Box 2919

Sunnyvale, CA 94087

408-735-7890

http://www.aacsn.org

The Asian American Cancer Support Network (AACSN) is a San

Francisco Bay Area-based community resource network serving Asian

Americans affected by cancer through non-medical, social supportive

programs and fundraising. AACSN provides complimentary care

baskets to newly diagnosed patients, hosts educational workshops for

cancer patients and their caregivers, networks with other cancer organizations and offers Asian-language materials. AACSN supports breast

cancer patients/survivors, as well as those with other types of cancer.

Barrio Comprehensive Family Health Care Center, Inc.

1102 Barclay

San Antonio, TX 78207

210-434-2368

210-434-0402 Fax

http://www.barriocomp.org

Barrio Comprehensive Family Health Care Center, Inc., (BCFHCC)

is a non-profit, federally qualified health care clinic serving the San

Antonio community. BCFHCC provides primary health care in

areas of the city that have been clearly designated as medically

underserved—the majority of the residents in this service area are

Hispanic and African American.

The Center, comprised of five service delivery sites, provides a comprehensive array of services to area residents—health education, dental, mental health counseling, nutrition education, general and family

care, pediatrics, internal medicine and women’s health. Breast and

cervical cancer screenings are also available.

Breast Cancer Resource Center YWCA Princeton

59 Paul Robeson Place

Princeton, NJ 08540

866-497-3507 NJ only

609-497-2100

609-497-2126 Breast Cancer Helpline

609-497-2127 Fax

http://www.bcrcnj.org

The Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) is a non-profit program

of the YWCA Princeton. BCRC is dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness in the community, and to providing information and

support to women and families affected by breast cancer. The center

promotes the importance of early detection by providing breast cancer awareness talks to community organizations, schools, corporations,

churches, women’s groups and by participating in health fairs/exhibitions and coordinating an annual breast health seminar.

BCRC provides current, reliable, easy-to-understand information on

all aspects of breast cancer and survivorship through a resource library,

a breast cancer helpline, a guest speaker series, a newsletter and a Web

site. Emotional and physical support is provided in the form of support groups, a woman-to-woman telephone network, wellness programs and a prosthesis and wig bank. Financial support to offset

breast cancer treatment-related costs may be available to uninsured

and underinsured women through the Special Needs Project. All

BCRC programs and services are provided free of charge.

Below are descriptions of just a few of the many community-based organizations in the United States that provide breast cancer-related

information—education, mammograms, outreach, prevention, research and treatment. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by the

Office of Minority Health Resource Center, the Office of Minority Health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For

more information on national programs near you, contact the Office of Minority Health Resource Center at 800-444-6472.
Community Programs

24 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

Breast Cancer Resource Committee

2005 Belmont Road, N.W.

Suite A

Washington, DC 20009

202-463-8040

202-463-8015 Fax

http://www.bcresource.org

The Breast Cancer Resource Committee (BCRC) is a non-profit organization located in Washington, DC , dedicated to reducing the incidence and mortality from breast cancer among African American

women, particularly those women who have little or no access to

adequate health care and treatment.

In addition to the Rise, Sister, RiseTM Support Group and SASSi (Sisters Accessing Skills for Survival and Intervention), BCRC also employs the following strategies to help prevent breast cancer in the

African American community:

 Advocate mammography screening for African American women

aged 35 and older;

 Promote and reinforce early detection and treatment of breast cancer through local, national and international outreach;

 Increase the participation of African American women in early

detection and screening for breast cancer;

 Establish support groups for African American women who are

survivors of breast cancer;

 Provide peer counselors to African American women;

 Encourage major organizations to develop programs to educate all

women about breast cancer; and

 Promote the BCRC’s involvement in alerting the African American community about breast cancer.

Cancer Prevention and Control

National Conference of State Legislatures

444 North Capitol St., N.W.

Suite 515

Washington, DC 20001

202-624-5400

202-737-1069 Fax

http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/cancerweb.htm

This Web page provides current information on statistics, legislation,

research, programming and other policies affecting cancer prevention

and control. Find up-to-date information on state actions, including

funding and amendments to Medicaid plans, as well as a comprehensive chart of all introduced legislation relating to breast and cervical

cancer.

Circle of Friends: Women Telling Women About Breast and

Cervical Cancer

National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.,

1220 L St., N.W.

Suite 800

Washington, DC 20005

202-637-8400

202-347-0895 Fax

http://www.ncba-aged.org

Circle of Friends, a Breast and Cervical Cancer Health Education

Intervention for Mature African American Women, is a communitybased breast and cervical cancer education and screening program

model for mature African American women. Program activities include culturally appropriate traditional and non-traditional approaches

to encourage older African American women to recognize risk factors

and the need for participation in early detection and screening activities. Program materials include a start-up kit, brochures, video tapes,

place mats and bookmarks.

Colorado Women’s Cancer Control Initiative

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

PSD-CWCCI-A5

4300 Cherry Creek Drive South

Denver, CO 80246-1530

866-692-2600 CO only

303-692-2600

303-782-0095 Fax

http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/pp/cwcci/cwccihom.asp

The Colorado Women’s Cancer Control Initiative (CWCCI) is a program administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health

and Environment. It is part of the National Breast and Cervical

Cancer Early Detection Program funded through the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention. The goal of the program is to reduce

breast and cervical cancer mortality through the promotion of compliance with routine screening guidelines and timely, state-of-the-art

diagnostic evaluation and treatment of screen-detected abnormalities.

The CWCCI provides breast and cervical cancer screening

(mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap tests and pelvic exams) and

selected diagnostic services at 120 sites through cooperative efforts of

46 providers. These exams are provided free of charge to uninsured or

underinsured, low income women 40-64 years of age, with emphasis

on women age 50 to 64. Special priority is placed upon screening

women of color, women with disabilities, lesbians and hard to reach

urban and rural women. The program conducts public education

and outreach activities to recruit eligible women into screening, as well

as providing up to date breast and cervical cancer information to

health care professionals.
25

Community Programs

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 25

Every Woman Counts!

3950 Industrial Blvd.

Suite 600

West Sacramento, CA 95691

800-511-2300 CA only

916-556-3344

916-446-0427 Fax

http://www.healthedcouncil.org/cdp.html

Every Woman Counts! provides free breast examinations and

mammograms to women 40 years of age and older with moderate

incomes, little or no health insurance in the California counties of

Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba.

Hawaii Department of Health

Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program

601 Kamokila Blvd.

Room 344

Kapolei, HI 96707

808-692-7481

808-692-7478 Fax

http://www.hawaii.gov/health/family-child-health/chronic-disease/

chronic-disease/cancer/index.html

The Hawaii Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) provides no-cost breast and cervical screening

services to women ages 50 to 64, who are low income and have no or

insufficient health insurance, particularly Native Hawaiian and Filipino women. The program activities include increasing participation

in breast and cervical cancer screening activities, establishing appropriate referrals and follow-up services for all women screened in the

program, and reducing the risk of developing breast and cervical cancer by implementing effective public and professional education programs.

Howard University Cancer Center

2041 Georgia Ave., N.W.

Washington, DC 20060

202-806-7697

http://www.med.howard.edu/hucc

The Low-Cost Mammogram and Breast Examination Program early

detection program is offered periodically to offset cost barriers to breast

cancer screening. Eligibility criteria for participation in this program

are to be at least thirty-five years of age, have a low income and no

health insurance. Services provided include a low-cost mammogram

and breast examination. Women are also provided with educational

materials. Language interpretation is available for Spanish-speaking

participants.

`Imi Hale

894 Queen St.

Honolulu, HI 96813

866-600-HALE

808-597-6558

http://www.imihale.org

The `Imi Hale project seeks to launch culturally-appropriate research

activities aimed at all aspects of Native Hawaiian cancer issues. Activities include Malama Pu‘uwai, a breast care program that supports

Native Hawaiian women diagnosed with breast cancer; a series of

booklets based on 12 Native Hawaiian breast cancer survivors’ own

stories; a bead necklace kit, created as a three-dimensional tool to

increase early breast and cervical cancer detection by Native Hawaiian

women; the Ka Lokahi Wahine program that helps physicians to communicate better with Native Hawaiian women; and breast exam

shower cards that incorporate local images and language with traditional methods of communication.

Kettering Breast Evaluation Center

580 Lincoln Park Blvd.

Suite 200

Kettering, OH 45429

937-299-0099

937-299-0558 Fax

937-299-0099 ext. 718 Funding information

http://www.ketthealth.com/wcs/BEC_main.cfm

Through the “Walk for Women’s Wellness” fund, the Kettering Breast

Evaluation Center offers free mammograms, ultrasounds and prostheses to qualifying patients. Educational seminars on breast selfexamination are also available.
Community Programs

26 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

La Maestra Community Health Centers

4185 Fairmount Ave.

San Diego, CA 92105

619-584-1612

619-281-6738 Fax

http://www.lamaestra.org

La Maestra offers several programs that motivate Latino and minority

refugee populations to participate in breast cancer health education,

screening, Pap smear and mammogram services. All day clinics are

done quarterly in collaboration with the Y-ME program.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer

10 East Athens Ave.

Suite 204

Ardmore, PA 19003

610-645-4567

610-645-4573 Fax

http://www.lbbc.org

Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) is a non-profit educational

organization committed to empowering all women affected by breast

cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life. Programs

include semiannual large scale educational conferences, outreach to

medically underserved women, the Paul A. Seidman Library and Resource Center, Young Survivors support and networking group, the

Survivors’ Helpline and a Web site. These resources combine to help

women and families affected by breast cancer take an active role in

their ongoing recovery from the disease regardless of educational background, social support or financial resources. LBBC also offers a

consumer-focused booklet specifically designed for African American

women affected by breast cancer as well as a bilingual resource guide

for Latina women.

Native American Breast Cancer Survivor’s Network

Native American Cancer Initiatives, Inc.

3022 S. Nova Road

Pine, CO 804707830

303-838-9359

303-838-7629 Fax

http://natamcancer.org/index.html

The Native American Breast Cancer Survivor’s Network is a project

designed to improve the survival from breast cancer and quality of life

after being diagnosed with breast cancer for both the patient and her

loved ones. The project addresses support issues for Native Americans

who are dealing with breast cancer in the family. Examples of support

include, but are not limited to: telephone support system, breast cancer

patient printed and video support materials, breast cancer information

and support materials for family members, diagnostic treatment information, copies of medical records and a database to learn more about

how breast cancer is affecting Native American communities.

Nueva Vida

Support Group for Latin Women with Cancer

2000 P St., N.W.

Suite 740

Washington, DC 20036

202-223-9100

202- 223-9600 Fax

http://www.nueva-vida.org

The mission of Nueva Vida is to inform, support and empower Latinas

whose lives are affected by cancer, and to advocate for and facilitate

the timely access of state of the art cancer care, including screening,

diagnosis, treatment and care for all Latinas.

Founded by a group of Latina breast cancer survivors and health care

professionals, Nueva Vida provides culturally sensitive cancer support

services for Latinas in the Washington, DC , metropolitan area through

its survivorship and support access programs and serves as the voice of

Latinas with cancer nationally through its advocacy efforts. Individual and peer-to-peer counseling assists not only those who have

been recently diagnosed with cancer but also Latinas who have

transitioned into the “survivorship” phase of the disease.

The Access Support Program provides individualized assistance to Latinas

in need of access to health care resources for breast and cervical cancer

screening, detection, treatment and care.

The Survivorship Access Program addresses the long term implications

of cancer through individual and group support activities. The support groups meet weekly, addressing issues as varied as total health care

while undergoing cancer treatments, spirituality, or creating the emotional support within the family of the cancer patient.

Office of Native Cancer Survivorship

13790 Davis

Anchorage, AK 99516

800-315-8848

907-333-2071

http://www.oncs.org

The goal of the Office of Native Cancer Survivorship (ONCS) is to

improve delivery and quality of cancer care and survivor support for

American Indians and Alaska Natives. ONCS partners with local,

regional and national organizations to help ease the burden of any

cancer diagnosis and improve overall quality of care. These services

may include transportation and escort travel, medical care coverage,

financial assistance, end of life care and caregiver support. Specialized

support and materials relevant to individual patient needs as well as

working with survivors to initiate programs are also provided.
27

Community Programs

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 27

Project WISH-Women Into Staying Healthy

825 North Capitol St., N.E.

3rd Floor

Washington, DC 20002

888-833-9474

202-442-5900

202-442-4825 Fax

http://www.dchealth.dc.gov/services/administration_offices/phsa/

bccedp/faqs.shtm

Project WISH-Women Into Staying Healthy is the screening component of the DC Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection program.

Through this free program, eligible women with limited insurance or

no health insurance, or limited income or financial resources are provided with annual Pap tests, pelvic exams and clinical breast exams.

Women age 40 and over are also provided with free mammograms. A

similar component is outreach and recruitment. Project WISH undertakes intensive outreach in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Shelters and health fairs are visited every three months.

SHARE: Self Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer

1501 Broadway

Suite 1720

New York, NY 10036

866-891-2392

212-869-3431 Fax

http://www.sharecancersupport.org

SHARE: Self Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer, founded

in 1976, provides self help support services free of charge at the time

of diagnosis, during treatment and for the weeks, months, and years

of post treatment for women with breast or ovarian cancer and their

families and friends. The purpose of SHARE is to help women cope

with ovarian and breast cancer and to help women make informed

medical decisions. SHAREAWALK is the program’s annual special

event. SHARE also has information in Spanish—click on the

LatinaSHARE button on the homepage.

Southeast Asian Health Program

Family Health and Social Service Center

26 Queen St.

Worcester, MA 01610

508-860-7700

508-860-7792 Fax

http://www.fhcw.org/seap.htm

Southeast Asian Health Program is a community-based health promotion and disease prevention program for the Southeast Asians.

Program goals are to educate the community on the importance of

preventive care and early detection, particularly on the topics of tuberculosis, hepatitis B, smoking-related illnesses, breast cancer and

cervical cancer. The program also assists people with finding health

care and referrals for early detection screening.

Witness ProjectTM

Arkansas Cancer Research Center

4301 West Markham

Slot 629A

Little Rock, AR 72205

800-942-8267

501-686-5669

501-666-0088 fax

http://www.acrc.uams.edu/patients/witness_project/default.asp

The Witness Project is an educational and outreach program of the

Arkansas Cancer Research Center’s Cancer Education Department. It

is a culturally competent, community-based, breast and cervical cancer education and outreach program, through which cancer survivors

and lay health advisors increase awareness, knowledge, access to screening and early detection in the African American population in an

effort to reduce mortality and morbidity from cancer. Currently available in more than 20 states, the program can be replicated through

local churches and community centers.

Women’s Health Outreach Program of the Onondaga County

Health Department

421 Montgomery St.

9th Floor

Syracuse, NY 13202

315-435-3653

315-435-2835 Fax

http://www.ongov.net/Health/community.html#who

Women’s Health Outreach is a preventive health program providing

education, screenings, referrals and follow-up for women who are

unserved or underserved by regular medical care. This program serves

as an entry point into health care for women and offers no cost and

low cost physical exams, mammograms and Pap smears to women,

generally 40 years of age and older.
Resources

28 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

Internet Tutorials

MEDLINEplus Internet tutorials are interactive health education

resources from the Patient Education Institute. Using animated graphics, each tutorial explains a procedure or condition in easy-to-read

language and online audio.

Breast Cancer

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/

breastcancer.html

Breast Lump Biopsy

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/

breastlumpsbiopsy.html

Breast Cancer Surgery

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/

breastcancersurgery.html

How to Prevent Cancer - Early Screening

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/

howtopreventcancerearlyscreening.html

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s

Breast Self Examination

http://www.komen.org/bse

This multimedia interactive tool from the Susan G. Komen Foundation demonstrates BSE (breast self-examination) and provides stepby-step instruction in BSE using real women, animation and voiceover audio clips. Clips feature the importance of breast self examinations, what breast changes to look for, how to exam augmented, large

or small breasts, as well as self examination for those women who have

had mastectomies. This tool allows women to learn this important self

test in the privacy of their own home and features different women

performing routine BSEs in the mirror so there is an online instructor

to follow. The viewer has the option to hear the audio in English or

Spanish. The topics include: Early Detection, Information about BSE,

Looking as Part of BSE, Feeling as Part of BSE, Variations of BSE,

Conclusion as well as an interactive self-test. This is an ideal resource

for breast cancer presentations and health fairs.

Professional Journals

Breast Cancer Research

http://breast-cancer-research.com

Breast Cancer Research is a multidisciplinary journal that offers the

latest research, commentaries on current issues, recent research findings and clinical applications; in-depth reviews, including multi-author thematic reviews coordinated by leading authorities in the field;

peer-reviewed biological and translational research with open access

for all readers; and up-to-date reports of international meetings, books

and recently published papers.

CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians

http://caonline.amcancersoc.org

This peer-reviewed journal provides primary care physicians; medical,

surgical, and radiation oncologists; nurses; other health care and public health professionals; and students in various health care fields with

up-to-date information on all aspects of cancer diagnosis, prevention,

early detection, treatment of all forms, palliation, advocacy issues,

quality-of-life topics and more.

CANCER

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PUB/content/PUB_3_1_Cancer.asp

This journal integrates scientific information from worldwide sources

for all oncologic specialties. Topics covered include, but are not limited

to biologic response modifiers (such as growth factors, interferons,

interleukins, lymphotoxins), clinical observations, chemotherapy, clinical trials, detection, epidemiology, ethical issues, etiology, genetics and

cytogenetics, imaging, immunology and immunotherapy, oncogenes,

pathology and clinicopathologic correlations, prevention, psychosocial studies, radiation therapy, screening, staging and surgical therapy.

Journal of the American Medical Association

http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/collection/breast_cancer

The Breast Cancer collection publishes reports, research, articles and

original findings related to breast cancer—mortality, incidence, treatment, mammography, detection and more.

Highlighted below are just a few sources of breast cancer materials for health care professionals, consumers or researchers. Because

resources are routinely updated, sold out, and online links change, it is advisable to contact the organizations in this listing directly to

determine availability and cost. It is the responsibility of the reader to review the materials to determine their appropriateness for the

intended audience. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by the Office of Minority Health Resource Center, the Office of Minority Health,

or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Resources

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 29

Journal of the National Cancer Institute

http://www.jncicancerspectrum.oupjournals.org

This journal publishes peer-reviewed original research from around

the world and is internationally acclaimed as the source for the most

up-to-date news and information from the rapidly changing fields of

cancer research and treatment.

New England Journal of Medicine

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/collection/breast_cancer

The Breast Cancer collection covers topics such as BRCA,

mammograms, tamoxifen, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, and includes research articles, case reports, reviews and editorial commentary.

Publications

A Woman’s Guide to Breast Care

http://www.y-me.org/scripts/order_publications.php

Available from Y-ME in both English and Spanish. Information for

women about mammography, breast self exams and clinical exams.

Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2003-2004

http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT CAFF2003BrFPWSecured.pdf

American Cancer Society’s publication provides estimates of new breast

cancer cases and deaths for 2003, as well as information on factors that

influence survival, known risk factors for the disease, prevention details, early detection and treatment methods and research currently

being conducted on breast cancer.

Breast Health Resource Guide

http://www.avoncompany.com/women/avoncrusade/bccguide.pdf

http://www.avoncompany.com/women/avoncrusade/bccguide_

espanol.pdf

This free download, from the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, is available in both English and Spanish.

Cancer Facts & Figures for African-Americans 2005-2006

http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/CAFF2005AAv4

PWSecured.pdf

American Cancer Society’s publication estimates the number of new

cancer cases and deaths for 2005 for African Americans and provides

the most recent statistics on cancer incidence, mortality and five-year

relative survival. Also includes sections on cancer risk factors such as

tobacco use, physical activity and the use of cancer screening examinations.

Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanic/Latinos 2003-2005

http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/CAFF2003HispPW

Secured.pdf

American Cancer Society’s publication summarizes recent information on cancer occurrence and cancer screening in the Hispanic/Latino

population, estimating the number of new cancer cases and deaths for

2003. Includes sections on use of cancer screening examinations, and

cancer risk factors such as tobacco use and low physical activity. Available in Spanish from http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/

862301.pdf

Do It for Yourself. Do It for Family.

http://nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/breasthealth

Developed by the National Cancer Institute and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, this brochure informs women about the

benefits of mammography and encourages women in their forties and

older to get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. These brochures are

written in Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog and English.

Every Woman’s Guide to Breast Cancer

http://www.y-me.org/resource_library/every_womans_guide.pdf

Y-ME’s guide gives ‘every’ woman helpful insight to everyday problems encountered when facing breast cancer.

Get on the Path to Breast Cancer

http://natamcancer.org/page129.html

One in a series of online health curricula, the Get on the Path to Breast

Cancer curriculum from Native American Cancer Research offers a

breast cancer health curriculum that has been tested and validated

with Native American communities.

“Just for You”self-help kits

http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org

These self-help kits from Look Good...Feel Better (LGFB) are available in English or Spanish and include a 30-minute video and a

booklet on make-over tips. The kits are offered free to patients who

cannot locally access LGFB. Call 800-395-LOOK to request a kit.

The Living and Working with Cancer Workbook

http://www.cancerandcareers.org

This booklet from cancerandcareers.org contains medical history charts,

insurance logs, questions to ask doctors and tips on combining work

and treatment. Also available in Spanish.

MAMM.com - Women Cancer and Community

http://www.mamm.com/

MAMM is a consumer publication for women living with breast and

reproductive cancers. Information is available not only for the patient, but for their families and health care providers as well.
Resources

30 Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women • Office of Minority Health Resource Center

Mammograms...Not Just Once, But For a Lifetime

https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/ncipubs/details.asp?pid=72

From the National Cancer Institute, this series of easy-to-read pamphlets, bookmarks and posters define mammography, tells who needs

this important examination, and describes the procedure.

Nuestras Historias: Mujeres Hispanas Sobreviviendo el Cáncer del

Seno (Our Stories: Hispanic Women Surviving Breast Cancer)

http://www.redesenaccion.org/Historias/default.htm

Through the stories of the women, this book from Redes En Acción:

National Hispanic/Latino Cancer Network relates the influence of the

Hispanic/Latino culture on the breast cancer experience and on the

coping skills used by many of the Latina women in battling the disease.

Pathways to a Healthy Life

http://mayoresearch.mayo.edu/mayo/research/cancercenter/

breastbroch.cfm

Available from the Native C.I.R.C.L.E. this brochure was developed

to provide American Indian women with information on breast cancer, early detection, treatment and how to communicate with patients

What You Need To Know AboutTM Breast Cancer

http://cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/breast

This National Cancer Institute booklet has important information

about breast cancer, including possible causes, screening, symptoms,

diagnosis, treatment and recovery. It also has information to help

women with breast cancer cope with the disease.

Research Tools

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool

http://bcra.nci.nih.gov/brc

This tool was developed by scientists at the National Cancer Institute

and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP)

to assist health care providers in discussing breast cancer risk and

tamoxifen with their female patients. The tool allows one to project a

woman's individual estimate of breast cancer risk over a 5-year period

of time and over her lifetime. It also compares the woman's risk calculation with the average risk for a woman of the same age. Information

about the risks and benefits of taking tamoxifen are included.

Cancer Control PLANET

http://cancercontrolplanet.cancer.gov

Cancer Control PLANET contains Web-based tools for health educators and health practitioners. The PLANET (Plan, Link, Act, Network with Evidence-based Tools) portal brings together new evidencebased tools that can help communities to better understand and address their cancer burden.

Cancer Mortality Maps & Graphs

http://www3.cancer.gov/atlasplus

Interactive mortality charts and graphs, including rates by cancer,

five-year rates over time and rates by state. Statistics: Trends of mortality rates for the time period 1950-1994.

Fast Stats

http://seer.cancer.gov/faststats

Links to tables, charts, and graphs of cancer statistics for all major

cancer sites by age, sex, race and geographic area. Statistics include

incidence, mortality, prevalence and the probability of developing or

dying from cancer.

PDQ (Physician Data Query)

http://cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq

PDQ (Physician Data Query) is NCI’s comprehensive cancer database. It contains peer-reviewed summaries on cancer treatment, screening, prevention, genetics, supportive care and complementary and

alternative medicine; a registry of approximately 2,000 open and

13,000 closed cancer clinical trials from around the world; and directories of physicians, professionals who provide genetics services and

organizations that provide cancer care.

SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2002

http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2002

The SEER Cancer Statistics Review (CSR), a report of the most recent

cancer incidence, mortality, survival, prevalence and lifetime risk statistics, is published annually by the Cancer Statistics Branch of the

National Cancer Institute. Search for pages in the CSR by specifying

statistic type, cancer site and race/ethnicity then view individual pages

or merge pages into one custom-built PDF. Statistics include incidence, mortality, survival, prevalence and lifetime risk statistics for the

time period 1975-2002.

State Cancer Profiles

http://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov

Interactive graphics and maps provide quick and easy access to cancer

statistics at the national, state and county level. Statistics are displayed

by geographic region, race/ethnicity, cancer site, age and sex.

Statistics: Incidence and mortality by geographic region.
References

Office of Minority Health Resource Center • Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women 31

1. National Center for Health Statistics. Death rates for malignant

neoplasm of breast for females, according to race, Hispanic origin, and age: United States, 2002. Health, United States, 2004.

Available from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/

hus04trend.pdf#040.

2. Ibid.

3. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Health Disparities, 2003.

Available from http://www.nci.nih.gov/newscenter/

healthdisparities.

4 . HealthyPeople 2010. Cancer, Volume 1, Objective 3. 2001. Available from http://www.healthypeople.gov/document/html/volume1/03cancer.htm.

5. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures for African

Americans 2005-2006. Available from http://www.cancer.org/

downloads/STT/CAFF2005AAv4PWSecured.pdf.

6. National Center for Health Statistics. Age-adjusted cancer incidence rates for selected cancer sites, according to sex, race, and

Hispanic origin: Selected geographic areas , 2001 Health, United

States, 2004. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/

hus/hus04trend.pdf#053.

7. National Center for Health Statistics. Death rates for malignant

neoplasm of breast for females, according to race, Hispanic origin, and age: United States, 2002. Health, United States, 2004.

Available from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/

hus04trend.pdf#040.

8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Wonder

Healthy People 2010. Available from http://wonder.cdc.gov/

DATA2010.

9. National Center for Health Statistics. Age-adjusted cancer incidence rates for selected cancer sites, according to sex, race, and

Hispanic origin: Selected geographic areas , 2001 Health, United

States, 2004. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/

hus/hus04trend.pdf#053.

10. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2005. Available from http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/

CAFF2005f4PWSecured.pdf.

11. Glanz, K. Cancer in Women of Color Monograph. 2003. Available

from http://dccps.nci.nih.gov/womenofcolor/index.html.

12. National Center for Health Statistics. Death rates for malignant

neoplasm of breast for females, according to race, Hispanic origin, and age: United States, 2002. Health, United States, 2004.

Available from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/

hus04trend.pdf#040.

13. Office on Women’s Health. National Women’s Health Information Center. Health Problems in Asian American/Pacific Islander

and Native Hawaiian Women: Breast Cancer. 2005. Available

from http://www.4woman.gov/minority/asianbc.cfm.

14. Glanz, K. Cancer in Women of Color Monograph. 2003. Available

from http://dccps.nci.nih.gov/womenofcolor/index.html.

15. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Wonder Healthy

People 2010. Available from http://wonder.cdc.gov/DATA2010.

16. National Center for Health Statistics. Age-adjusted cancer incidence rates for selected cancer sites, according to sex, race, and

Hispanic origin: Selected geographic areas, 2001 Health, United

States, 2004. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/

hus/hus04trend.pdf#053.

17. National Center for Health Statistics. Death rates for malignant

neoplasm of breast for females, according to race, Hispanic origin, and age: United States, 2002. Health, United States, 2004.

Available from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/

hus04trend.pdf#040

18 . National Center for Health Statistics. Age-adjusted cancer incidence rates for selected cancer sites, according to sex, race, and

Hispanic origin: Selected geographic areas , 2001 Health, United

States, 2004. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/

hus/hus04trend.pdf#053.

19. Office on Women’s Health. National Women’s Health Information Center. Health Problems in Hispanic American/Latina

Women: Breast Cancer. 2005. Available from http://

www.4woman.gov/minority/habc.cfm

20. Ibid.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of Public Health and Science

Office of Minority Health