In a newly released report, communities and populations of women most in need of breast health and breast cancer services are identified, with recommendations offered on how to help reduce the high death rates in Northeast Ohio. The 2011 Community Profile produced by Susan G. Komen for Cure Northeast Ohio Affiliate unveils new data related to its 22 county service area.

"The research that goes into this report helps us identify the geographic areas most in need of breast health services, areas where Komen funding can do the most good and have the most impact," says Sophie Sureau, Executive Director, of Komen Northeast Ohio. "An important first step is to understand the state of breast cancer in our own backyard, find where the burden of breast cancer is most severe and why."

The Community Profile report, issued every two years, determines Komen Northeast Ohio's strategic planning and grant-making efforts. The Community Profile strives to make sure local programs supported by Komen target the people and areas most in need.

The 2011 Komen Northeast Ohio Community Profile considers several factors in identifying high-risk communities, including:

- High percentage of females over the age of 40
- High percentage of non-white females
- High percentage of uninsured females ages 18-64
- High percentage of females age 40 and older with no mammogram in the past year
- High female breast cancer incidence rate
- High percentage of late-stage diagnosis (stages 2-3-4)
- High female breast cancer mortality rate

Of the 22 counties served by Komen Northeast Ohio, five are at the top of the list for concern due to their high rates in the categories above: Cuyahoga, Lorain, Mahoning, Richland, and the combination of Harrison/Jefferson/Belmont counties.

Most alarming, the Community Profile reports the state of Ohio ranks 4th in the nation in breast cancer mortality, with a rate of 27.87 per 100,000 individuals; Northeast Ohio's mortality rate, at 29.77 per 100,000 individuals, is also significantly higher than the national average of 23.61.

The Community Profile also includes an analysis of the communities in our region most in need of breast health services, down to the zip code level. For example, in Cuyahoga County communities and populations in greatest need are primarily located in the following zip codes: 44112, 44128, 44108, 44117 and 44120. Women residing in these zip codes have a greater need for breast health services, including easier access to mammography and other screening methods, easier access to health services for diagnosis and treatment, and easier access to education, prevention and support programs.

The data collected and reported in the Community Profile indicates that the populations least likely to get screening mammograms are under/uninsured, living in poverty, possess low literacy rates, and are minorities. The data shows a strong need for more culturally sensitive education and awareness programs. There is also a need for more and/or better provider education, so doctors, nurses and health facilities are more aware of recommended screening guidelines and financial assistance programs available to support screening, early diagnosis and treatment.

For example, many healthcare providers and community members are unaware of the statewide Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) offered to eligible women for breast and cervical cancer screenings. If a cancer is diagnosed through the BCCP, BCCP Medicaid covers the entire cost of treatment. A woman is eligible for the BCCP if she:

- Lives in a household with income less than 200% of the federal poverty level
- Has no health insurance
- Is 40 years of age or older to receive Pap tests, pelvic and breast exams
- Is 50 years of age or older to receive a mammogram

However, under the state's restrictive program requirements, BCCP Medicaid can only be granted if a woman's physician at diagnosis is a BCCP contracted provider -- many doctors and facilities in Ohio are not contracted with the BCCP. Expansion of the BCCP program is a priority for Komen Northeast Ohio, through advocacy initiatives (funding for the BCCP is provided at the federal level by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with elective supplemental funding provided by the state) and grant funding efforts.

Through Komen Northeast Ohio's fundraising efforts - including the well-known annual Race for the Cure - Komen is able to support many community-based organizations and efforts devoted to education, prevention, outreach, early diagnosis and research to improve treatment and help reduce mortality. Up to 75% of the funds raised locally are used to fund these programs while the remaining 25% is provided to Susan G. Komen's National Research & Grants program.

Source:
Susan G. Komen for the Cure®