 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Kathy Koblick, MPH, Department of Epidemiology, Marin County Department of Health & Human Services, 20 North San Pedro Road, suite 2002, San Rafael, CA 94903, (415) 507-2578, kkoblick@co.marin.ca.us
Marin County has some of the highest breast cancer incidence rates in the US. Descriptive and etiologic studies have been proposed; based on community feedback and departmental objectives, the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (MCDHHS) identified three priority questions: Why are breast cancer incidence rates higher in Marin than in any other county in the US? Does a woman in Marin face a higher personal risk for developing breast cancer? What information/data systems need to be developed to track this issue? In order to avoid duplicating research efforts and to implement only those studies that would have the most impact on understanding the problem, the MCDHHS convened a National Breast Cancer Research Advisory Committee in September 2002 to capitalize on the collective experience of other researchers. The multidisciplinary Committee comprises nationally renowned and recognized experts with 30+ years of experience in science and research working together to design a research agenda for Marin County. This was a unique and innovative process for a county health department. This process can be duplicated in other communities and counties across the nation for health conditions of local concern. Specific outcomes included: a research agenda for a county health department designed by leading experts in the field; ongoing advisory relationships with national scientists regarding revenue generation; research design and further data analysis; and political attention through the involvement of federal political figures in the planning process.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Research Agenda, Breast Cancer
Related Web page: www.co.marin.ca.us/breastcancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.