CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation recently granted $75,000 to Susan G. Komen Charlotte to study community-level gaps and opportunities in breast cancer care delivery. The two-year study, funded in part by Novant Health, has a long-term goal to reduce breast cancer mortality by addressing disparities and health inequities in underserved communities.
“We are proud to partner with Susan G. Komen on its mission to ensure the best breast health care reaches every individual in North Carolina,” said Ann Caulkins, senior vice president of Novant Health and president of Novant Health Foundations. “This partnership naturally ties into the work we’re already doing at Novant Health to increase mammography screenings in populations where we have identified a health equity gap, specifically in Asian and Latina-Hispanic women. We know that by focusing on closing the gap, we can improve health equity for all.”
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death among women in North Carolina, where new breast cancer cases and deaths are among the highest in the country. African American women diagnosed with breast cancer are 40% more likely to die than white women and are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, with more aggressive forms of the disease. Latina-Hispanic women are also disproportionately affected by the disease and are more likely to be diagnosed with larger, more difficult-to-treat tumors.
“Where you live should not determine your outcome with a breast cancer diagnosis,” said Sarah Bailey, senior director, community health from Komen Charlotte. “Minority patients are less likely to have health insurance, access to transportation and regular checkups, all of which makes them more likely to get diagnosed at a later stage when breast cancer is tougher to treat. With this study, we hope to identify barriers to quality and timely care so that we can increase access and improve outcomes through breast cancer navigation.”
Founded in 1982, Susan G. Komen’s mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. With help from numerous community partners, Komen’s cancer study is a significant step in supporting the national organization’s ultimate “Bold Goal” of a 50% reduction of breast cancer deaths by 2026. Results of the initiative will provide North Carolina’s Komen affiliates with the framework to develop and implement an adaptable model of care to address demographic and geographic differences across the state and move forward with statewide implementation of care models and best practices identified from the statewide study.
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