Primary Prevention Plan
Creators: name: University Of California Office Of The President
Publisher: name: University of California Office of the President
publisherIdentifier: https://ror.org/00dmfq477
publisherIdentifierScheme: ROR
Year: 2024

description: Non-technical overview of the research topic and relevance to breast cancer: This project aims to develop policies and public health interventions that promote primary prevention of breast cancer in California. In order to do this, we will convene an Advisory Committee of 15-20 key stakeholders, including state agency personnel, academics, public health, worker and environmental justice advocates. The Committee will facilitate the inclusion of a broad group of individuals to solicit insight and input from diverse perspectives. With this input, the Advisory Committee will conduct a balanced review of the factors impacting breast cancer risk and assess the needs and gaps related to breast cancer prevention activities in the state. Content areas to be considered include health inequity (e.g. the unequal burden of the disease) and environmental conditions/exposures beyond the individual’s control as well as the more common risks associated with the primary prevention of breast cancer, lifestyle choices and personal habits such as weight gain, alcohol and/or tobacco consumption, lack of physical activity. The project team will review the current science, engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders from key sectors and impacted communities in detailed discussions to develop the key elements of the California Breast Cancer Primary Prevention Plan, and prioritize actionable prevention strategies in these areas. 
 
 
 
 Research question(s) or central hypotheses: In order to develop a comprehensive breast cancer primary prevention plan, the team (including the Advisory Committee) will answer the following questions: 
 -What are gaps in existing cancer plans, including prevention factors in health inequity and the physical and social environment?-
 What increases the risk of breast cancer, according to the most current scientific literature?-
 What public health policies and interventions could reduce those risks, such promotion and facilitation of healthy lifestyle choices and reduction of toxic exposures in physical environments?-
 What additional strategies or policies could be implemented to reduce breast cancer risk in California?-
 How can these strategies or policies be implemented in California and be used as a model for cancer prevention plans in other states and at the national level?
 
 
 
 General methodology: The project will be completed in four phases (some overlap)
 -Phase 1 (February 2017-April 2018): Convene the Advisory Committee and a broader array of stakeholders. Presentations at these meetings and webinars will identify needs and gaps that can be addressed through recommended actions in the comprehensive Primary Prevention Plan.
 -Phase 2 (January-June 2018): Develop a plan based on the research from Phase 1, including prioritizing the objectives to identify the most impactful and feasible strategies or policies.
 - Phase 3 (June-October 2018): Write the primary prevention plan in the form of a report and gather feedback from the Advisory Committee through shared drafts and an in-person convening meeting.
 -Phase 4 (August-November 2018): Finalize the plan and create an actionable dissemination plan that involves Breast Cancer Fund and Advisory Committee outreach to stakeholders in key sectors and impacted communities, other advocacy organizations, researchers, state agencies and legislators.
 
 
 
 
 Innovative elements: While a number of states have “cancer plans,” they focus more on early detection, treatment and direct services rather than promoting primary prevention. Development of a comprehensive primary prevention plan is, in itself, innovative. Some general cancer plans reference lifestyle-oriented prevention, such as smoking cessation or exercise; however, inclusion of environmental exposures and health inequities will be truly unique. Development of a comprehensive breast cancer prevention plan for the state of California will be groundbreaking and has the potential to serve as a model for states around the country.
 
 
 
 Advocacy involvement and relevance to the human issues associated with breast cancer: A broad spectrum of advocates including environmental justice organizations will participate in the Advisory Committee and be solicited for input on the Breast Cancer Primary Prevention Plan to ensure it incorporates realistic and actionable strategies and policies. The process and resulting plan has the potential to reduce the risk of breast cancer in the state, which would greatly reduce the burden of breast cancer on individuals, families, and communities.