Background
Breast cancer is the most widespread cancer diagnosed in women and one of the top 10 causes of death in American women. While a great deal of research is aimed at treatments for breast cancer, it is also important to focus on how current resources are distributed to best meet the needs of women with breast cancer. Determining how to increase access to care, improve equity in caring for underserved populations and address the needs of individual communities can help to promote improved outcomes for breast cancer patients.
Goal
The goal of this project is a collaboration between Aurora Health Care and the Milwaukee Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to complete a community profile describing the state of breast cancer across eight southeastern Wisconsin counties. This community profile will be used to help Komen Milwaukee Affiliate leadership set funding priorities for future community health grants and strategic initiatives for the Affiliate.
Objectives
- Analyze and supplement data describing breast cancer in the eight county affiliate area
- Create and conduct surveys with physicians or clinic staff in the eight county region to determine current breast health educational initiatives
- Conduct community focus groups and key informant interviews to further explore disparities in breast cancer incidence or treatment
Population
This project will be implemented in eight counties in southeastern Wisconsin. These counties are Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha. Over 100 providers will be surveyed and 25 community members will participate in interviews/focus groups. These surveys and interviews will help the Komen Milwaukee Affiliate understand why women are not getting screened for breast cancer and/or following through with prescribed treatment regimens after there has been a diagnosis.
Timeline
August 2008 – March 2009
Funding Source
This study is being funded through the generous support of Aurora Health Care.
Local Staff Members
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
- Sally Sheperdson
- Jennifer Frahm
Center for Urban Population Health
- Jessica Bergstrom, MPH
- Naoyo Mori, PhD
- Melissa Lemke
- Paula Tran
