Using epidemiologic data in community comprehensive cancer control and capacity and needs assessment efforts


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

4024.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 8:30 AM

Abstract #114479

Using epidemiologic data in community comprehensive cancer control and capacity and needs assessment efforts

Jung Yee Kim, MPH¹, Margaret L. Knight, RN, MEd², Daniel M. Rosenblum, PhD¹, Judith B. Klotz, DrPH³, and Stanley H. Weiss, MD⁴. (1) Preventive Medicine & Community Health, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 30 Bergen Street, ADMC 16, Suite 1614, Newark, NJ 07107-3000, 973-972-4623, kimjy@umdnj.edu, (2) Division of Epidemiology, Environmental & Occupational Health, Office of Cancer Control and Prevention, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, P.O. Box 369, 3635 Quakerbridge Road, Trenton, NJ 08625-0369, (3) UMDNJ-School of Public Health, 30 Bergen Street, ADMC 16, Suite 1614, Newark, NJ 07107-3000, (4) Epidemiology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 30 Bergen St, Bldg 16, Suite ADMC 1614, Newark, NJ 07107-3000

As part of implementing the NJ Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan in 2003-2005, health planners from community-level organizations were recruited to assess the cancer resource capacity and needs in each county.

These assessments included standardized evaluations of population demographics; surveys of health care providers/facilities, community and faith-based organizations that provide cancer screening, education, treatment, palliation, and support services; and analysis of cancer incidence and mortality rates, and distribution of disease stage at diagnosis to identify health disparities within the county and compared to the state. Based on these data, county and state priorities were recommended for implementation by countywide cancer coalitions developed with this assessment.

To conduct a comprehensive assessment, analyses of the county's cancer epidemiologic data were needed. The types and sources of data used will be reviewed and pitfalls examined. Approaches to analyzing incidence and mortality rates and staging data will also be described. Many health planners were recruited due to knowledge and interest in their communities. However, lack of familiarity with the use and interpretation of epidemiologic data was common. Several types of errors, with suggestions for avoiding these in future planning efforts, will be discussed.

In conclusion, the level of public support, funding, and policy decisions influence the ability of a community (city, county, region, or state) to improve cancer outcomes. The critical components of this process are accurate, up-to-date assessment of community resources, and identification of the community's specific cancer needs. Appropriate use and interpretation of epidemiologic data are critical to successful implementation at local/state levels.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the presentation, the audience will be able to

1. Identify major resources available to assist with conducting cancer capacity and needs assessment
2. Describe common errors in interpreting epidemiologic data
3. Recognize the importance of recruiting personnel with the appropriate background and experience for various stages of a community- and evidence-based assessment.
4. Understand the importance of developing new long-term partners by building upon the existing community health infrastructure and amplifying professionals’ knowledge of epidemiologic concepts

Keywords: Community-Based Public Health, Cancer Prevention

Related Web page: www.umdnj.edu/evalcweb/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation

Epidemiologic Methods

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA