The Bureau of Primary Health Care of the Health Resources and Services Administration is currently conducting a study to assess breast cancer outcomes in community health centers (CHCs). Specifically, the study is designed to assess female breast cancer stage at diagnosis, followup, and survival among women ages 40 and older who receive primary care services health centers and programs partially supported by this Federal agency. Because complete data on cancer outcomes may not be available in all centers, we designed a methodology that links health center records with state cancer registries to obtain specific breast cancer data for all women served by the CHCs in the targeted age group. Breast cancer outcomes data for a comparison group residing in census tract or zip code areas with similar community level socioeconomic indicators will also be linked with the cancer registries in each state for comparison on breast cancer stage and survival. We report on how the findings of a pilot study conducted in CHCs in Oregon have guided the study's implementation in additional states.
Learning Objectives: 1) Describe the methodology of a study designed to assess female breast cancer outcomes among community health center users; 2) Discuss early findings and methodologic considerations as they relate to this study; 3) Describe data sources that may be used to assess cancer outcomes among community health center users
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Outcomes Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Health Resources and Services Administration / Bureau of Primary Health Care
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: The authors are employees of the Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Primary Health Care, which partially supports the community health centers described in this session.