Why Seattle, Washington?
More than 4,000 Washington women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 770 will die of the disease this year. Gaps in access to information, screening, quality care, and research contribute to breast cancer deaths in Washington and lead to higher death rates in some groups of women. Seattle was the fourteenth stop on a nationwide campaign to rally communities to Close the Gaps that make breast cancer deadlier for poor women and women of color.
Did You Know?
Washington State has the highest incidence of breast cancer in the U.S. Nevertheless, more than 20 percent of women age 50 and older have not had a mammogram in the past two years.
Did You Know?
Low-income women have lower screening rates and are 41 percent more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. Thus, they are three times more likely to die from breast cancer, according to studies from the Institute of Medicine.
Public Policy Challenge
The Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program (WBCHP) provides early detection services, including mammograms, for uninsured and underinsured women who meet low-income requirements. However, limited funding allows the program to screen only 37 percent of the approximately 46,420 women eligible in Washington. The Puget Sound Komen Community Challenge brought together policymakers, healthcare experts, community leaders, and survivors to call for improving public policies regarding breast cancer.
The Events
On November 8, 2007, former First Lady of Washington Mona Locke hosted more than 100 Washington residents, breast cancer survivors and their families, and government officials at Town Hall Seattle. An expert panel discussed contemporary issues related to breast cancer. Mary Selecky, Washington State Secretary of Health, spoke about her role as a health care leader. Dr. Chris Li, a breast cancer researcher and member of the board for the Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, addressed the research findings regarding disparities in breast cancer detection and treatment. Dr. Hannah Linden of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance's Patient Navigation Program described this groundbreaking culturally sensitive program and explained why many women of color are hesitant to seek screening and treatment from our health care system.
Outcome and Next Steps
In addition, Komen on the Go™, a mobile education tour featuring an interactive learning center, stopped at both the University of Washington and Seattle University. Visitors to the exhibit could share a memory or pledge personal support in the fight against breast cancer by way of an eight-foot "Graffiti wall."
Because every woman deserves the same chance to beat breast cancer regardless of how much she earns, the color of her skin, or if she has health insurance, the Washington affiliates now are working on a petition calling on the legislature to increase funding for the WBCHP in the 2009 budget. If you want to help, contact your legislators and ask them to please Close the Gaps that make breast cancer deadlier for some women.
