Oral

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths in women. Cancer prevention and control efforts along with trends in incidence and mortality will be presented in this oral session. The panelists will examine the impact of demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and family history on breast cancer incidence and mortality as well as modifying factors, such as serious mental illness or enrollment in public insurance programs. Given disparities in breast cancer mortality in minority women, especially in younger women, policies congruent with the scientific evidence and community-driven will be discussed as a method to prevent increased disparities. Geographic variation in breast cancer incidence and environmental chemical exposures will also be explored with attention to the potential impact of pollution control policy on breast cancer in the United States.

Session Objectives: 1. Assess the social justice implications of environmental chemical exposures in low-income communities and breast cancer disparities. 2. Discuss how modifying factors impact the role of family history or lifestyle behaviors on breast cancer prevention and control efforts in vulnerable populations. 3. Describe how culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions impact breast cancer mortality rates in racial and ethnic minority groups.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)