Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women and while breast cancer rates have been decreasing steadily since 1989, the decline has slowed slightly in recent years disproportionately impacting communities of color.
Variations in breast cancer can be seen in racial and ethnic groups. For example, Asian, Pacific Islander and white women are more likely to be diagnosed with localized breast cancer. Asian and Pacific Islander women have the lowest death rate from breast cancer. Black women have the highest death rate from breast cancer and this is true at every age.
One way that Alameda Health System (AHS) is working to close variations in outcomes is through the Black Patient Care Initiative. This committee is comprised of AHS staff, community members and patients.
“Being a breast cancer survivor and a community advocate, I know first-hand the importance of being screened early,” said Jackie Mungo, chief executive officer and founder of the Healing Institute Global Network and Black Patient Care Initiative member. “My cancer was detected at a young age, so I always encourage women to be aware of their bodies and get screened.”
Mungo who is featured in the Getting Screened for Life campaign added, “I am honored to be part of this effort and the Healing Institute Global Network is excited to help promote screening and early detection.”
According to Dr. Swift, the committee collaborated with the multi-disciplinary AHS Quality Incentive Pool program’s mammogram work group and Public Affairs and Community Engagement to develop a marketing campaign that celebrates the Black identity and reframes cancer screening as an act of self-love and a gateway to a healthier and fuller life.
“Thanks to a grant from Pfizer and the American Cancer Society, we were able to partner with our community to co-design interventions to increase rates of cancer screening and to address the variations in outcomes,” said Dr. U. Mini B. Swift, vice president of population health.
“The Getting Screened for Life campaign is set to roll out this month via posters, flyers and brochures in our clinics and wellness centers and we’re working with community partners to get them out to local health fairs and events,” said Dr. Swift.
Dr. Swift encourages everyone to view cancer screening as a regular part of your self-care routine. Details on how to access Getting Screened for Life posters, flyers and brochures will be shared on the AHS intranet.