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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Charlotte Jones-Burton, MD, MPH¹, Claudia Baquet, MD, MPH¹, Barbara Gill McLean¹, and Cheryle L. Short, BSN, RN². (1) Center for Health Disparities Research, Outreach and Training, University of Maryland-School of Medicine, NIH Export Center, NCMHD, 401 Redwood, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-706-1026, charjone@comcast.net, (2) Eastern Shore Oncology, 509 Idlewild Avenue, Easton, MD 21601

Introduction: Nationally, and in the state of Maryland, African Americans have higher age-adjusted cancer mortality rates than whites for a number of major cancers, including female breast cancer. Disparities exist in mammography follow-up rates, by race, ethnicity, and geography. This parallels those in female breast cancer mortality rates. Methods: The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) has spearheaded a comprehensive strategy to address health disparities in breast cancer. This strategy involves an intensive and integrated program of research and evidence-based, culturally, appropriate outreach and training that fosters discovery, intervention and delivery in community settings. Results: Through a leveraging strategy, UMSOM has secured significant funding for its initiative. The Maryland legislature has supported the creation of an Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, requiring, by law, the development of a statewide plan to reduce health disparities, and deliberated on the passage of a health disparities policy report card. Through several collaborative efforts with community partners, UMSOM has developed a cancer policy plan (The Maryland Regional Community Network Program) that aims to produce evidence –based data that will positively impact policy makers, increased cancer clinical trial participation by 30% in a rural area, disseminated information about state mandated benefits for cancer screening, and developed a program to guide high risk women through breast cancer screening with cultural competence. Conclusion: The findings of these programs support the continuation of targeted, health disparity intervention programs and policies.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the racial/ethnic disparities that exist nationally and in the state of Maryland in female breast cancer;
• Describe the role of health policy in addressing female breast cancer health disparities through a statewide effort; and
• Identify Maryland’s comprehensive strategy for addressing female breast cancer disparities.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation