Staten Island Breast Cancer Research Initiative: Breast cancer in the elderly female in New York City, a comparison of age-specific mortality rates and environmental factors between the five boroughs

Staten Island, NY (SI) is downwind from the largest petrochemical industry in the world, Brookfield (EPA Superfund site) and, for over 50 years harbored the largest open dump, Fresh Kills Landfill. Women 65 and older are vulnerable to the devastating effects of breast cancer in terms of mortality, prevention and treatment. New York City (NYC) is home to over half a million female residents in this increasing age category. Using breast cancer incidence and mortality data from New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) respectively, it has been determined that SI has among the highest female breast cancer age-adjusted incidence and the highest age-adjusted mortality rate in NYC. Researchers at the Center for Environmental Science examined age-specific breast cancer mortality rates in women age 65 and older across the five NYC boroughs. Preliminary analysis using paired t-tests demonstrated: age-specific (65+) breast cancer mortality rates were significantly higher on SI when compared to the other four NYC boroughs. (SI to Bronx t = 5.69, p<0.002; SI to Brooklyn t = 5.90, p<0.002; SI to Queens t = 9.88, p<0.000; SI to Manhattan t = 3.43, p<0.019). All breast data and environmental contamination sites were mapped using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In order to address the breast health concerns of this growing population of females age 65 and older, health educators worked to improve awareness and education in numerous community platforms throughout the local region. Evaluations were used to measure learning objectives, improve content material, and to assess delivery methods of breast health presentations. In an effort to affect outcomes surrounding breast cancer in the older female community, we have utilized a combination of both epidemiologic studies targeting women 65 and older, as well as an extensive community-based educational program.