268386 Cancer Survivors in New Mexico, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2009-2010

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Laura Tomedi, PhD, MPH , New Mexico Department of Health, CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellow, Albuquerque, NM
Susan Baum, MD, MPH , New Mexico Department of Health, Chronic Disease Prevention & Control Bureau, Albuquerque, NM
Recent evidence suggests that health behaviors and preventive health care practices among cancer survivors vary by state. The objective of our study was to describe the demographics, co-morbidities, and health behaviors of adult cancer survivors in New Mexico using data from the 2009 and 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We also identified differences in these factors between cancer survivors and adults never diagnosed with cancer, as well as differences between various groups of cancer survivors. After excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, we found that cancer survivors in New Mexico were primarily female, non-Hispanic white, and over 55 years of age. Age-adjusted comparisons to adults who never had cancer showed that survivors were more likely to report having a disability, be in fair or poor health, be current smokers, and live in a household with an annual income less than $25,000. Survivors were also more likely to have ever been diagnosed with asthma, arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression and anxiety. Cancer survivors were more likely to have received a pneumococcal vaccine than those who never had cancer. Survivors of cancer (excluding colorectal cancer) were also more likely to be up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening. Among survivors who had completed treatment, breast cancer survivors were more likely than other cancer survivors to have received a summary of their treatment, to have received follow-up care instructions, and to have participated in a clinical trial. This information can be used to provide more tailored services for cancer survivors in New Mexico.

Learning Areas:
Epidemiology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the demographics, co-morbidities, and health behaviors of adult cancer survivors in New Mexico. 2. Explain co-morbidities and health behavior differences between cancer survivors and adults who have never had cancer in New Mexico. 3. Explain differences in treatment regimens and pain among various groups of cancer survivors in New Mexico.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am currently a CDC/CSTE Fellow placed in the Chronic Disease Prevention & Control Bureau at the New Mexico Department of Health. I have worked on multiple epidemiologic projects throughout the course of my Masters and Doctoral education and completed this project with the guidance of my mentor, Dr Baum.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.