Our Community Need

Our Community Need: Findings & Recommendations from the 2008/2009 Community Profile

Every two years the Northeastern Pennsylvania Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® conducts a Community Profile of its 17 county service area to identify current resources and needs related to breast health and breast cancer. These findings guide the work of the Affiliate and help to establish priorities for improving health, making effective grants and evaluating the impact of public health programs and policies. Below are findings and key recommendations from the 2008/2009 Community Profile Report.

• Recent health statistics show the number of new female breast cancer cases within the service area population is lower than state and national rates. The rate at which women are dying from breast cancer is equal to the state rate but higher than the national rate. Within the service area, Wayne and Clinton counties were found to have the highest breast cancer mortality rates. 
• Breast health programs and services are limited. Many counties have only one mammography or treatment facility in their community and others have none. Counties with limited or no facilities are in rural areas. This geographic barrier makes access to life-saving programs and services a challenge and results in lower screening rates; contributing to later stage of diagnosis.
• Personal factors affect service utilization. Some women believe they will not get breast cancer and/or do not seek preventative screening because they fear it is painful. Many women who do get screened do not receive their results, fearing they may be diagnosed with cancer. Lack of insurance, transportation and not knowing where to go for breast health services were also cited as major barriers to service utilization.    

Based upon findings of the 2008/2009 Community Profile, the NEPA Affiliate has identified five Key Priorities and 10 Recommended Action Items to improve breast health in the service area:

Priorities

1. Address gaps and barriers to service
2. Improve access and utilization of services
3. Develop partnerships and expand grant programs
4. Implement audience specific health education programs
5. Support appropriate health policy and advocacy efforts

Action Items

1. Develop education programs to increase awareness among women of all age groups in NEPA
2. Encourage the practice of self breast examinations, annual clinical exams and mammography (as appropriate). Breast Self Exams are a part of Komen’s Breast Self-Awareness Messages.
3. Distribute pamphlets containing self examination techniques as well as contact information for the nearest provider of breast health services
4. Increase the number of service providers in the counties
5. Encourage providers to change their timing of free clinics and adjust their hours of operation for working women and single moms (weekends or evenings)
6. Implement professional education programs for nurses and physicians to encourage compliance with screening protocols and to overcome barriers
7. Implement breast cancer awareness campaigns throughout the year (include education, screening information and printed material that addresses screening)
8. Collaborate with other stakeholders and build partnerships within the service area
9. Partner with faith leaders of minority populations to increase awareness in respective communities
   Identify and assist special/neglected populations such as women in nursing homes and prisons where mammograms are not encouraged

Learn more about breast health in your community. Use the link below to view the Community Profile.
Click Here to Download the Full Community Profile Report (PDF)