141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

283597
Best practices for reducing breast cancer disparities

Monday, November 4, 2013

Adriana Reyes , Department of Sociology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Patricia Y. Miranda, PhD, MPH , Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
In 2012, cancer became the leading cause of death for Latinos, with breast cancer remaining the leading cause of cancer mortality among Latinas, who are more likely to be diagnosed with more aggressive, premenopausal breast cancers at later stages compared to non-Hispanic white women. Along with suggested decreases in clinical- and self-breast exams, revised guidelines – based on studies of predominantly non-Hispanic white women – delay screening by ten years; therefore we project an increase in breast cancer disparities, and ultimately mortality, that disproportionately affects Latinas. Eleven years of linked data from the National Health Interview Survey and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey show that rates of clinical breast exams start to decrease between 2007-2008, with mammography rates decreasing for Latinas in 2010. Before 2008, about 44% of breast cancers in women age 40-49 were detected by mammograms; however, with the implementation of the new screening guidelines these cases may not be detected as quickly, leading to a later stage diagnosis for some women. Factoring national rates of self-breast exam at less than 30%, and expected sensitivity and specificity of these methods of breast cancer screening, we project breast cancer mortality among Latinas is alarmingly expected to increase by as much as 10%. With most breast cancers cited as being discovered through self-exam or other incidental findings, considerations for best practices for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer among Latinas are revisited.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Public health or related public policy
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Explain how the new breast cancer screenings will disproportionately impact Latinas. List alternatives for best practices for the early detection of breast cancer among Latinas.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have worked on several papers in the area of cancer screening disparities and have rigorous training in demographic methods and population health. Among my interest in population health, health disparities disproportionately affecting Latinos is of particular interest.
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.