Abstract C21: [Advocate Abstract:] Addressing Breast Cancer Disparities in North Central Alabama
Authors: Brown Thelma P. 
Published: March 2017

“The mission of Susan G. Komen is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality of care for all and energizing science the find the cures. In keeping with the mission, the North Central Alabama Affiliate is committed to the underserved population in our service area. The Komen North Central Alabama service area includes thirty-eight of sixty-seven counties in Alabama, geographically comprising more than half of the state, with approximately 2/3 of the total population of Alabama. The Komen North Central Alabama community profile is an assessment of breast cancer needs in local communities. The community profile identifies populations most at risk for dying from breast cancer, identify the needs and gaps in health systems, identify community asses, and better understand what people know, think and do about breast cancer. The community profile is the foundation for strategic planning and informs priorities for mission and non-mission work. By focusing on these priorities, Komen North Central Alabama can ensure that resources and programs reach the individuals most impacted by breast cancer. The data from the community profile highlighted the disparities that exist within the service area, which includes the some of the most populated, highest income counties, as well as some of the least populated, lowest income counties, both rural and urban. Of particular note, are five counties of Alabama, which are part of a region known as the Black Belt. These counties have the highest percentage of families with income below the poverty level, the highest percentage of women age 40 and up who have not had a mammogram in the past twelve months and the highest percentage of late stage diagnosis (stages III and IV). Additionally, Greene County also has a mortality rate nearly twice as high as that of other counties in the area. These counties have the highest percentage of African American residents. These counties also have the lowest literacy rates in the area. Also of interest is that in Jefferson County, an urban area, 1/3 of women diagnosed with breast cancer will die of the disease. In order to better understand the disparities, a health systems analysis of the target communities was conducted. This included data and asset mapping of service providers and key organizations. Information regarding the number of women eligible for the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and then number of women accessing the program was assessed. Access to care, community assets and key informants findings were also included. A common thread across all areas of the analysis of the underserved is the lack of funding or finances for adequate breast services. To address the findings of the community profile, the following priorities have been identified. • Reduce the rates of breast cancer death and late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer by addressing transportation issues. • Reduce the rates of breast cancer death and late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer by addressing cultural barriers. • Reduce the rates of breast cancer death and late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer by building and strengthening partnerships. • Reduce the rates of breast cancer death and late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer by expanding education and awareness outreach. “

Citation Format: Thelma P. Brown. [Advocate Abstract:] Addressing Breast Cancer Disparities in North Central Alabama. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr C21.